Grew up in New Jersey, and began studying yoga after moving to New York City in 1993. Prior to that he had been an avid runner and cyclist in Philadelphia. He was the president of the Bicycle Club of Philadelphia, an organization with over 1,000 members at that time, & led bike tours through the Cape of Massachusetts, Martha's Vineyard, Maryland, Vermont, Maine, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He also is an avid sailor when the opportunity arises.
Tom is the primary teacher at Yogasanas Budapest, which opened in 2004 (right after Tom came back from his first 3 months of study with Pattabhi Jois, Sharath Rangaswamy & Saraswati in Mysore, India). Yogasanas was the first studio of it's kind in Budapest. The purpose of opening was to bring dynamic yoga at a professional level in English to Budapest. Classes offered: Ashtanga, Vinyasa Krama, and Beginners classes. More info: www.yogasanasbudapest.com
Tom continues his interest and passion for running, biking, and sailing, but thinks the important lessons are learned by bringing harmony and balance into your life with yoga.
1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
Came to Budapest in 1997, moved here in 2003, and opened Yogasanas Budapest, in 2004.
2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
Spend as much time in Mysore, India as I can get away with.
3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
How amazing the transportation system is. And the architecture! Incredible.
4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend--what must they absolutely see and do?
Would say the Fine Arts Museum, any of the city vegetable markets to see"real" Hungarians shop, a walk over the Chain Bridge and a trip to Yogasanas Budapest, for a yoga class.
5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Potato Paprikás. (replace the chicken with potatoes. It's easy!)
6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Hungarian Mineral Water.
7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
Köszönöm
8. What do you miss the most from home?
At this time of year, I miss winter trips to Miami!
9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
None.
10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
Budapest Ticket Controller.
11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Bodrum, Turkey
12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
Hvar, Croatia
13 What was your favorite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
Favorite bands: The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Elton John & The Grateful Dead. Favorite film: Summer of 42. Favorite hobby: restoring old radios & furniture.
14. What can't you resist?
Yoga Retreats/Workshops.
15. Red wine or white?
Red.
16. Book or movie?
Both.
17. Morning person or night person?
Morning.
18. Dog person or cat person?
Both.
19. Buda side or Pest side?
Pest. Especially the 8th district, between the Körúts.
20. What would you say is your personal motto?
"Yoga happens in the 'doing' Sri Pattabhi Jois