Every day more and more people move to Budapest from outside the country. Their cultures and stories are different but they have one thing in common: they see our city, and us totally differently. Evgeny, a fashion designer from Saint Petersburg told us what he thinks about Budapest.
WLB: When and how did you end up in Budapest?
Evgeny:
I have been here my whole conscious life except for constant traveling, since i live between 3 cities:
Paris, Sain Petersburg and Budapest. Moving here wasn’t really my choice, my family settled down here and it kind of made its huge anchor. Back then I did not have any idea or previewed expectation, maybe I only wished to see more of hardcore traditional moustaches, but I guess that would be my only disappointment.The general first impression was entirely positive,and still every time I am crossing the Erzsebet-bridge I am thinking "wow that's a view!"
WLB: Does Budapest inspire you in any way?
Evgeny:
Yes, it inspires me in a weird way, I cannot say that it inspires me creatively, it rather inspires me in a way that it simply doesn't distract me from important stuff with the fuzziness and fast-paced life the megapolis cities usually have. So it is easy for me to stay concentrated in Budapest. I feel safe and motivated.
WLB: What do you like the most about the city?
Evgeny:
My loft-studio in sweet XVI (16th district of Budapest), Some hideouts at Gellert Hill such as Philosophers' garden, Naphegy and Taban, also an alley in the Castle District overlooking the Buda side, I am more of a walking around kind of person; the city has a great architecture and is beautiful. It is a good city to live in and raise a family. It is relatively a cheap compared to other European capitals which is a very actual topic. The city is also well arranged and calm, it is more like a village where everyone knows everyone, so at times it seems pretty friendly and laid back.
WLB: What about the language?
Do you speak it?
Evgeny:
As a matter of fact I do, it was not hard to learn once you are in the language environment.
WLB: What is your favourite Hungarian word?
Evgeny:
My most commonly used words in Hungarian are “ZSÍR” unfortunately it’s an imported word since zsir as fat is same in most of the Slavic languages, and the metaphorical meaning of some kind of positive excess is also the same, as in the context of something of too much or something of too good. The original Hungarian word I use and joke about most frequently for both men and women is “ÖREGEM”, which states as my old fellow friend.
WLB: Does anything annoy you here? If you had superpowers, what would you change?
Evgeny:
Yeah, very bad public transportation infrastructure or to be precise: the lack of it, and too much irrelevant bla-bla. If I had superpowers I would change everything. But to be serious most probably develop a unique city statement, because most often it is a random imitation of global mainstream public requirements and not usually of the best quality. No personality, no individuality. As a result Budapest operates with imported culture and lifestyles, local culture exists on a very low level. It does not export anything, which I think it’s a pity.
Budapest has much to offer with proper management. Unfortunately today's state of the city is very disgraceful. There is no self-respecting city in the world which would allow such a scale of abandoned corners in its most dynamic downtown streets as we experience it in Budapest. It is a shame.
And above all there are too many cars that should and could be easily replaced by two-wheeled vehicles as it happens in any other western capitals, be it a motorcycle, a vespa or a bicycle.
WLB: What do you think about Hungarians?
Evgeny:
People are the same and problems are the same regardless race or nationality, I guess Hungarians are handling it in their best possible ways, it is a historic nation with amazing milestones, not pushy or aggressive when it comes to life, and very friendly, which is a good thing. But negative features are very present also, such as for instance people change their minds and opinions constantly so when it comes to real action Hungarians are very lazy, and their ambitions are skyrocketing compared to their actual efforts.
WLB: Where do you go to have fun?
Evgeny:
The parties are good, the girls are pretty here, but in my opinion this feature is not the finest of Budapest offerings. When I go out it usually happens with close friends and trustworthy environment, therefore its location does not really matter as long as the view is nice, and that is one of Budapest finest offerings.
WLB: Do you have a message for those who live in Budapest?
Evgeny:
Good luck guys, stay focused and engage with reality wisely!
