Chain Bridge | Photo by Jennise Marton
Jennise Marton, an artist, had been living in Budapest for many years. Now she has moved to Singapore and this is our interview with her:
Z&Z: What's special about Budapest to you?
Jennise: Budapest is special to me because of it's history, culture and diversity. It's quirky and difficult, but if you are willing to try, you will always find something that surprises you and makes it worth it.
Z&Z: What was your first impression of Budapest?
Jennise: I arrived in Budapest in 1992, and my first impression was complete shock. Typical american girl, I had no clue what to expect. There were no shopping malls or large grocery stores or any conveniences that I had always taken for granted. Even something as insignificant as carbonated beverages were scarce. But the city was alive with budding entrepreneurs, and it was an extremely exciting time to be here. I've had the privilege of watching and being a part of Budapest growth and change in the last 18 years - the positive and the negative - and it never ceases to amaze me how much has been accomplished in such little time.
Z&Z: Budapest vs Singapore?
Jennise: Budapest is special to me because of it's history, culture and diversity. It's quirky and difficult, but if you are willing to try, you will always find something that surprises you and makes it worth it.
Z&Z: What was your first impression of Budapest?
Jennise: I arrived in Budapest in 1992, and my first impression was complete shock. Typical american girl, I had no clue what to expect. There were no shopping malls or large grocery stores or any conveniences that I had always taken for granted. Even something as insignificant as carbonated beverages were scarce. But the city was alive with budding entrepreneurs, and it was an extremely exciting time to be here. I've had the privilege of watching and being a part of Budapest growth and change in the last 18 years - the positive and the negative - and it never ceases to amaze me how much has been accomplished in such little time.
Z&Z: Budapest vs Singapore?
Jennise: Comparing Budapest with Singapore is like comparing my trusty bicycle with a Maserati. Singapore has glam, style, and it is wealthy, clean, weather is always warm and food is abundant and a feast to all senses. Singapore has been described as 'Zurich, with better weather'. Things run very well in Singapore. Budapest, on the other hand, has dealt with the struggle of an old world beauty that was ripped up at the roots and nearly destroyed by communism, getting their feet wet with the idea of democracy followed by corruption and an infinite struggle to survive in a modern world - all in the last 20 years. It takes centuries for other countries to have accomplished what Hungary has gone through in 2 decades, all while still maintaining a sense of dignity. The people are proud, difficult, and complicated.... and in that sense, very much like myself. The food is very much like the people, as it takes many ingredients and is flavorful but not very good for you in large quantities. ;) All in all, despite my U.S. citizenship and many travels and relocations to other countries, I still call Budapest my 'home'. People who visit here either fall in love with it and stay or run away screaming. There is no in between.
Z&Z: If you are appointed as the mayor of Budapest?
Jennise: If appointed mayor to Budapest, I'd do what any other official does... keep my head low and pray for re-election. :D
Z&Z: If you are appointed as the mayor of Budapest?
Jennise: If appointed mayor to Budapest, I'd do what any other official does... keep my head low and pray for re-election. :D
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