Gabor and Gregory: two friends, two continents

In the summer of 1990, Gregory Pitchford was invited by the Rotary Club to travel to a foreign country as an exchange student. His assignment was to live for one month in Budapest, Hungary with the family of Laszlo Szelenyi.

The Szelenyi family lived in a high-rise apartment, like most locals, in Budapest, Hungary. Gabor Szelenyi, their son, was one year younger than Gregory. Gabor also had a younger sister. The grandmother lived in another apartment in the same building.

Laszlo, the father, was a well-known photographer. Gabor’s mom made delicious goulash. In elementary school, each student must select another language to learn. Gabor was the only one in his family who could speak English. Gregory stayed close to him.

While in Hungary, Gregory was able to tour the beautiful city, to visit historic spots (such as places where the Russians had previously controlled), the famous bridge that runs through the city, the Danube River and Hungary’s largest freshwater lake (Lake Balaton).

After a month, it was Gabor’s turn to come home with Gregory to Columbus for a month. After living in the crowded city, he really enjoyed being in the country. He even begged to mow the lawn, so that he could drive something. He ate his first hamburger-ever. He visited the Space Center, enjoyed fishing, and watched Gregory play in tennis matches.

At the end of the month, which was sponsored by the Rotary Club, he was determined to return to the United States. After a year of school, he returned to Columbus to live with the Pitchford family and attend his senior year here. Gabor played basketball and tennis and was well-liked by his classmates and appreciated by his teachers. He formed many friendships.

Gabor enjoyed visiting Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Galveston, and Colorado.

While in Columbus, Gabor grew 4 inches taller. His dad was so proud of him that he decided to take English lessons and learned to speak English while Gabor was living in Columbus.

Richard Heffley, mayor of Columbus at the time, awarded Gabor the keys to Columbus.

After returning home, Gabor married Virag (which means flower). He became a lawyer, his wife became a judge, and they had two sons. The boys enjoy seeing where their dad attended school and enjoying life in the country as their father did in the past. The family wants to say “hello” to his friends.