Fraternity-Testvériség, 2008 (86. évfolyam, 1-3. szám)

2008-04-01 / 2. szám

but real close friends . They help me in other aspects of life, from finding financial advisors for investment purposes to solving everyday problems in terms of business decisions like incorporation advice. I feel as a family member rather than a “mere” policyholder.

Q: What impressions do you have when you visit the Home Office and attend its cultural programs?

A: The Kossuth House in itself is a very impressive place. In the historical downtown of D.C., it stands as a sign of longevity and trust. Seeing both U.S. and Hungarian flags fly from the building, crossing the lawn and entering the door is always one way of relaxation for me because it dampens the cultural shock I receive whenever I’m back in the U.S. after just arriving from Hungary. Imagine that after you travel from a far and “foreign” country, you walk straight into a familiar place, speak your native language and gain a sense of continuity in a “second little home.” The cultural programs serve the same reason for me: they help anchor my soul and get me back to everyday reality with more confidence.

Q: Why are you currently considering purchasing an annuity product with very favorable rates from HRFA?

A: Everything is changing around us. Economical instability is “in the air” and for me, as an investor, businessman, and father, I have to find ways to overcome insecurity and cope with unforseen problems. Everyone says the best advice is to diversify your portfolio and play it safe. HRFA’s products just fit perfectly into this scenario, and I see no reason not to opt for it.

Q: What do you recommend that HRFA do to increase the public’s awareness of its product line and value?

A: I think that HRFA should widen its presence on the Internet. Most of today’s young people use the web as a primary resource of information. Many think that if it’s not in “google,” it does not exist. You also need to put more emphasis on serving new immigrants, as HRFA could really help them to overcome their initial problems as it did for me. Later, these clients become loyal members, as I am. Since out-bidding and offering cheaper policies than large insurance companies on a purely economical basis is almost impossible, I would consider finding 2nd and 3rd generation Hungarian-Americans and

approach them on a more emotional basis, letting them know of the rich cultural life and great sense of community as well as good products that HRFA offers.

Q: As you know, I can’t get my husband to vacation anywhere but Hungary, so for years, I’ve been envious of your family vacations. Will you tell our readers about your favorite get-away places and your hobbies? The one food I’m most familiar with is your love of American steak houses, especially Ruth Chris’ because those thick-cut Fdets you can’t get in Hungary.

A: You’re right. Sometimes, that’s all I eat when I’m in the states. But one of my favorite free-time activities is scuba diving. I really enjoy diving in the warm tropical waters of the Maldives, where you feel as if you have stuck your head straight into a fish bowl. We usually spend 3 or 4 weeks there a year and thoroughly enjoy every moment of it. I recommend the Hilton Rangali, the only U.S.-based hotel in the Maldives, which is simply THE place to see before you die. It was recently voted the top hotel for vacationing families. Unfortunately, it is a fairly long trip for us so for weekend getaways, we usually go to the Mediterranean where diving is equally fun, though from a different vantage point: WW-I and WW-II wrecks make these deep and cold dives especially rewarding. Malta, Corsica, Sicily, and Croatia are also a few of our favorite places. If we have absolutely no idea where to go, we opt for a cruise. A week on the Four Seasons Explorer visiting dozens of small islands and reefs in the Indian Ocean is truly a remarkable experience.

I also enjoy building and flying radio-controlled airplanes, some of which I use for aerial photography. The lightest of these models are made of plastic foam and can be safely operated in our own backyard or in public parks. During the darkest of nights, I stargaze. I have a bigger telescope permanently set-up in our garden for “every-night” use and a small portable one which I often take to dark places to escape light pollution. Astronomy is one of those wonderful hobbies where one can almost physically sense both the insignificance and the greatness of our own existence, the void and vast universe, and the marvels of the human mind.

Fraternity - Testvériség - Summer 2008