Energetic, dynamic, well-prepared… and guests love her! Maybe that’s the reason why Eszter Talabér, the young guide of budapestUNDERGUIDE, has been voted the second best in “The Guide of Year” competition. Apropos of this had a chat with Eszter about her career in guiding.Journalist Szilvia Pasztor interviews Eszter Talabér about this prestigious award...
How long have you been a guide? How did you start?
I have been showing the city to others since I was in high school. It became even busier when my friends from several summer universities visited me, and of course it was my job to guide them. I can’t say that there was a certain point in my life when it started, it was somehow always in the air...
Which were the biggest difficulties you had to face in the beginning?
Difficulties... I hope it does not irritate anyone but I can hardly think of any difficulties as a beginner...
… and nowadays? What would you say is the biggest challenge in your work?
There are certain challenges in this work. Especially with the giant monster of organization, timing and special wishes. But all problems disappear at the top of Gellért hill with the beautiful view or in a warm, friendly café in the Jewsih district.
What motivates you in a work: the route or the group?
Motivation is the same: let our guests enjoy the spirit of a place by telling them interesting facts, nice stories and placing the whole in the intercultural mixture of our world.
And talking, ok, I admit, I love talking and this job is just a great possibility for that! :D
What is the difference working with budapestUNDERGUIDE from the other tourist firm you worked before?
Working with Underguide is the way I imagine a memorable visit somewhere. Guests are not forced to watch what the Small Tourist Guide books contains (even if it doesn’t really exist) but we ask our guests about their priorities and alter the program based on their wishes. It also means that we (have to) discover newer and newer places all the time - that is also a great way of motivation!
What is an ideal tourist like in your eyes?
Ideal tourist? Oh... great... everybody can be ideal if they get what they are interested in! But for sure being a bit open to new things might not be bad for any tour guide.
How important is it to you to have personal contact with group members?
Eye contact and personal comments during the walk are very important. Although tour guides like talking, we also like meeting people from all around the world. Between 2 sights it is just great to listen to guests talking about their own cities, and sharing a bit of their life with us. If I have longer trips, I try to memorize names to make the journey more personal. It creates a good atmosphere among guests as well.
What does your work mean to you?
My job means spending precious time with others, while we interact with each other to get a better understanding of the world around us. Guiding means real experience of real people to me. That is a great feeling.
When can you say after a tour: I am totally content?
If guests ask a lot of questions, because it shows their interest. Or simply when I see them smiling and walking away with turning their heads upwards to see the beauties of the city.
You are recognised by your colleagues and guests for your especially wide knowledge of lexical facts. How do you know so many stories, facts and secrets?
Well, I am happy if guests think that my knowledge is wide, but this is the way tour guides work: learning is a never ending process but it usually comes as fun when you like the place you want to show your guests!
What do you think, why are you such a popular guide?
Tricky question - would you be so kind as to ask them? And if it is possible, tell me afterwards! :)
What are your short term goals in your work?
I would like to continue my "Walking tours with children in Budapest" project, since I think we can show Budapest to young children with the proper tools. My dream is to make an interactive book through which families can get to know Budapest with their children in an entertaining way!
How much time do you have to travel in private? What kind of journeys or travel forms do you prefer? What is important for you in a trip?
Well... my last summer was mostly about art nouveau walks :) But wherever we travel I try to look at the places with a tourist guide's eyes because we can always learn something new. Our targets are various, mainly in Europe. As you can imagine I prefer the "travel on your own" holidays but we usually visit important sights with local guides. The way we like spending our holiday is the way I like treating guests: share information with me while I feel entertained!
Finally: what this prestigious award means for you?
About the voting: it came as a big-big surprise at the Christmas party when the Underguide team (Judit) announced that they want to nominate me. Being a tourist guide is not a typical "team job" but within Underguide I feel part of a great team with wonderful people. So when I realised that Judit was talking about me - the Budapest Bár story helped - I was really moved. During a very short time a lot of people sent emails with their votes as I got to know it later. That was the other great surprise - so going back to your previous question: it was a precious moment when I could feel that people like me voted for me. Let me use this possibility to Thank them All!'Eszter Talabér
Nice job, Eszti!
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