Mark was born in Dublin in June 1975. Having studied Manufacturing Engineering in Ireland and Scotland he worked for a contact lens manufacturer before moving to Hungary in 2000 to help establish a production facility with an American Multinational.
After 3 years and successfully establishing the facility he set up a small business working with apartment investment and renovation in Budapest. From here Mark joined ORS in 2004 where he is now a business development manager for ORS Project Management in the CEE Region.
Mark speaks Hungarian and during his spare time enjoys playing football, travelling and dining out.
1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
I came to Hungary in September 2000 with a job opportunity from Ireland. Initially I had to check a map to determine exactly where Hungary was in Europe but once I arrived I liked it and decided to stay and try it for a while. I told myself I would try 2 years. I?m still here!
2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
No. Hungary was my first expat experience.
3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
I was surprised at how developed and beautiful Budapest was. I was also surprised about the more relaxed pace of life for such a large city.
4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend--what must they absolutely see and do?
There is so much to do in Budapest I think a weekend isn?t enough. The best way to see Budapest is to walk it. I recommend this to most of my visitors and they are normally happily tired at the end of the weekend. The Széchényi baths are a definite place to visit especially in the winter time. I also recommend the Terror museum for those interested in History.
5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
I would say it is Paprikás Csirke or even the very simple Krumplis Tészta. I also like a good bowl of Gulyás in the winter time.
6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Túró Rudi
7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
Jó étvágyat.
8. What do you miss the most from home?
The beach and the chat in the Irish bars.
9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Travel photographer
10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
Traffic policeman in Budapest
11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Slovenia, Lake Bohinj
12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
Sydney Australia
13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
Band: Michael Jackson, Film: Star Wars, Hobby: Football on the streets
14. What can't you resist?
Beer
15. Red wine or white?
Either
16. Book or movie?
Movie
17. Morning person or night person?
Morning
18. Dog person or cat person?
Dog person
19. Buda side or Pest side?
Buda. Always lived there.
20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Everything happens for a reason. Have faith.