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The Hospitality Chair is responsible for the organisation and maintenance of the Club’s activities for new members. The Hospitality Chair coordinates new members registration with membership representative, hosts the newcomers coffees and other activities designed to make newcomers feel welcome and informed. The work also involves organizing day trips to the outside of Budapest to further acquaint new members with Hungary and its culture. |
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Have you heard of midlife crisis? Who is supposed to have it? … was my obvious question at the time, 9 years ago. Now I know that I caught the fashionable disease, when I packed my bags and came to Budapest. A recent divorce, a major operation, the sale of my business partnership, a son finished University looking for work experience, were all the contributing factors. Adventure brought me to Budapest where I was born but left 42 years ago. I was married to a New Zealander and lived in Auckland (NZ) where I became a Kiwi. Asia and the Pacific became my playground and Europe was only a business destination. I managed to rake up business with Hungary too, so yearly pop-ins kept me up to date. My Mother Irene (now 87) never left. Time has come, to catch up with her before it’s too late! So, when my son decided to work in a „different business climate” our obvious choice was Budapest. The „wild west” atmosphere of the mid nineties in Hungary was ideal for expats and proved to be very challenging. Our first year went so fast. I joined the IWC, so that I could play ladies tennis. Immediately met women in similar situation and my knowledge of Hungarian proved a help to them. As IWC offered much more than tennis, I took part in many activities and slowly I had friends tagging along as we went exploring. Thus led me into running tours and outings, acting as a guide, and bridging the gap. This way I met a cross section of expats and developed a passion for the country which I did not know much when I left it behind. The years went so fast and I decided to stay a little longer ... and today here I am hoping to help and fill the Hospitality chair. Time flies when you are in good company! June 2007 |
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You can contact Antonia by sending an e-mail to: |
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ANTONIA SCHWANNER |
