Interview 2: Tamás Fazekas, Former General Manager Buddha-Bar Hotel Budapest Klotild Palace

  • 22 Jul 2014 12:00 PM
Interview 2: Tamás Fazekas, Former General Manager Buddha-Bar Hotel Budapest Klotild Palace
1. What’s been happening at work and at home since your first Xpat Interview?

Click here to read his first interview

Work wise, since the beginning of my time here at Buddha-Bar Hotel we’ve managed to achieve our goals regarding local and international guests. I’m also happy to report we’re reaching our targets for high quality, as we’re one of the top three 5 star properties in Budapest.

Now in my second year here, independent feedback from our potentially harshest critics, the tour agencies, confirms we’ve succeeded in achieving the desired positive perception and reputation of this special property. I’m very proud of winning a bronze and two silver medals at the Master’s National Canoe Championship last week.

Personally I’m always trying to find the right balance between work + family + sports. Canoeing is almost an addiction for me, recently I participated in a master’s competition, taking part in events like that gives me so much energy, which I love to spend with my two boys.

2. On a scale of 1 to 10 how happy are you with your life in Hungary, and why?
Eight, since 10 is almost never achievable relatively speaking. After spending a few years abroad I realized a lot happened in Hungary, and the openness of people is something I appreciate, and I really like the local food here too.

3. What’s the best party you’ve been to while in Hungary, and why?
The birthday of my children! Also the Gr1d Club After Party to celebrate the Hungarian Grand Prix here in Buddha-Bar last year. Six drivers and 3 Hollywood stars joined the party with 500 people and we can’t wait to host this year’s party on the 27th July. That was one of those parties where you ask yourself, not when I can go home, but how long does the party last!

4. What’s your favourite drink?
Apple spritz is my non- alcoholic favourite at the moment. When the time is right I enjoy a good glass of red wine, and sometimes a cocktail is refreshing – for example one here at Buddha-Bar with ginger, coconut-vodka, chili, and basil is a spicy treat!

5. What hidden talents do you have?
I play guitar, both blues and rock. I took it out from storage recently, after a 6 year break, and I’m enjoying it a lot - I would not say I’m talented but I am diligent. and practice regularly.

6. What was the most interesting travel trip you have ever taken?
I enjoy all my trips and I always leave these places with the thought that I will return once

7. If you were given a wish that could come true, what would you ask for?
I’m really quite content happy in my present situation, so I could say I wish I was at the age of a child so as to have so many wishes as before.

8. What’s the last book you read, and movie you watched?
I watched ‘Elysium’ with Matt Damon on a plane recently, and I read a Scandinavian book called “The 100-years-old-man who climbed out of the window and disappeared”, it’s a great tale, one I highly recommend.

9. If someone wrote a biography about you, what would the title be?
The Persistant.

10. What is the perfect pizza toppings combination for you?
Salami , hot pepper / pepperoni, olives and artichoke, with a lot of cheese.

11. If you could trade places with any other person for a week, real or fictional, with whom would it be?
The captain of a big cruiseship

12. On a scale of 1 to 10 how unusual are you, and why?
Six or seven, because I don’t like a routine, and I’m always on the move, so before I get bored I try to do things ‘differently’, both in the hotel and in my personal life.

13. What’s the best website you’ve ever visited, and why?
www.XpatLoop.com ;)

14. Who do you admire the most, and why?
Pep Guardiola, the ex-coach of FC Barcelona. Or Alex Fergusson. Such a person can keep his team motivated, over so many years, at the top of their game; I think that’s really admirable. Of course they’re always under pressure yet they know how to treat people, how to recognise talent, and so always perform well.

15. What do you like best and least about living in Hungary?
Best is the summer and winter, the different seasons. What I like least is that there is a little too much complaining for my liking.

16. What has made the biggest impact on your life so far, and why?
I’m lucky to have had good mentors who had big impact on my professional life. I once participated in a Marathon running event, which taught me you can survive the toughest tests, you can make it using your mind, and that gives strength for life.

17. How did sport contribute to your professional life?
It helped me to find the right balance, to be sustainable and also taught me how important team work is.

18. Which is your favourite song?
Billy Joel: Piano Man

19. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose?
I feel European, so I would stay here.

20. In ten years from now what will you be doing?
Maybe in 20 years from now I really wouldn’t mind being a Canoe coach.

  • How does this interview make you feel?