A member of the Panel Literature Association, she has collaborated on several publications including Panel Magazine and the anthology of short stories, If We’re Talking Budapest.

She is co-founder of HEXA, a project dedicated to connecting and sharing personal stories through poetry, including the podcast Just Below the Surface and the zine/performance project Pieces. 

In addition to continuing the ongoing events of the Budapest Poetry Collective, Alexa plans to teach art classes from September 2024, using her degree in Art Education and interest in interdisciplinary art to guide others through their personal creative journey.

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?

I arrived in September of 2019 to live with my now-husband, Duncan Robertson. But my love of Hungary first came from a study-abroad semester at the University of Pécs in 2012. I studied painting and found the place, people, and culture unique and they became dear to me. 

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?

Yes, I lived and taught for one year in Prague before moving to Budapest. 

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?

That it is a culture with produce markets like Lehel Piac and the Vásárcsarnok. We don’t see lively markets like this in the States. Also that people can be very direct. I wasn't used to it at first, but I've grown to appreciate and even prefer this to general interactions in America.

4. Friends are in Budapest for the weekend - what must they absolutely see and do? 

Climb up the busy steps of Gellért Hill around sunset to view Pest from above. Go to Lehel Piac or the Grand Market Hall on Saturday morning for a bustling, chaotic market scene. Get a fröccs at Kőleves kert (in the summer of course). Go to the National Gallery and then walk around the Castle District. Stroll on Bartók Béla út to find a nice terrace to occupy. Stop by Massolit Books & Café for coffee, cake, and books.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?

Rakott káposzta.

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?

Cheese

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?

Pitypang - dandelion. I think it's such a cute word!

8. What do you miss most from home? 

The fall festivals in New England, where I'm from.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?

I wish I had the mind for science. In another life I would have loved to pursue a career in the natural sciences--marine biology, geology, or astronomy. 

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?

First responder--fire, ambulance, police. I am no good in high-pressure life-or-death situations.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?

Istria, a beautiful peninsula in Croatia. 

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?

Someplace north--Iceland?

13. Apart from temptation what can't you resist?

Dessert after any meal.

14. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?

Choir. I love to sing, especially in groups.

15. Books or films?

Both? Both. Books for a more in-depth reality. Films for their compact, intense experience.

16. Morning person or night person?

Morning.

17. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?

Education. Everyone should have access to quality public education, especially early in life.  I would also love for Higher Education to be free or subsidized in my country so that more people can afford to pursue the degrees they want to better their lives.

18. Buda or Pest?

Pest

19. What would you say is your personal motto? 

Think for yourself.

Photo credit: Eszter Nagy