Xpat Interview: Sarah Norton

I was born and raised in Sydney and after studying Design I worked in Property Development for just shy of 10 years across the east coat of Australia. My role was that of Interior designer and project manager, mostly on large residential projects including the Sydney Olympic Village.

As a side creative outlet, I ran 'Fibre Trading' an importation business importing into Australia hand woven fabrics from South East Asia, mostly from Laos for 5 years. During this time I also exhibited photography, again as an extra creative outlet. During this time there as never enough travel time, but plenty had. I then found myself on an amazing journey designing and building luxury camps and lodges throughout Tanzania until Aug ?07 when I re-located to Budapest.


 Living in Africa effects you in so many amazing ways, mostly to see that the unimaginable can be made to work; a great reminder in life. Hungary has been on my radar for many years and when the opportunity to move here arose I packed and flew with few reservations. And now, thanks to the aid of technology I am designing and project managing a boutique hotel on sunny Zanzibar, Tanzania from wintery Budapest.  I am also now building my own Design and Project Management business here in Budapest: 'Fibre Designs' . With the growing sophistication of Budapest and surrounding areas there is a growing need for skilled designers, project management and events design. That?s what we specialize in.


1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
I arrived here in Budapest in Aug '07 following business opportunities, both in design and property development.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
I was recently living in Tanzania for 3 years, designing luxury camps and lodges. Years ago I did the typical Australian thing and was an ex-pat in Rome and London.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
The beauty of the Danube at night; the fabulous summer kert bars

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
Visit the Synagogue and the Bascilla, revel in the architecture of Andrassy ut, pop into the covered markets - any, throw in some museums and wander, especially around the old Jewish areas and lastly play chess floating around the Sz?chenyi baths at night.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Paprika Chicken

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Sweet chilly sauce and coconut milk in the cupboard

7.What is your favourite Hungarian word?
Köszönöm

8. What do you miss most from home?
Pub culture

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Theatre producer or a being a writer

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
Ticket inspector anywhere in the world, but esp. here or a tax accountant

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Prague

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
Morocco or Istanbul  or or or any number of places!

13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
Film: Star wars; Book: Atlas -  still is, Band: Culture Club - sad but true!

14. What can't you resist?
Temptation!

15. Red wine or white?
Either, anytime any place!

16. Book or movie?
Book

17. Morning person or night person?
Night? I recall being the other way round in younger years?.

18. Dog person or cat person?
Love ?em both. Don't have either right at the moment.

19. Buda or Pest side?
Buda for walks; Pest for fun.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
If you're committed to making it work, there?s always a way!