Greetings from Budapest (Hungary/Europe/Earth)

[tompens]

Hi there!

My name is Tom, I am 55 years old. I live in Budapest, but I was born in Transylvania (I am Hungarian). This is a long way from you, Hungary is a small country in the middle of Europe, Budapest is the capital and has a 'famous' leader, Viktor Orban, whom I had the pleasure to meet in person about pens and I received a pen as a gift from him. I gave him a calligraphic flex pen, but that is why he rarely uses it. Here is a report about it: https://tompens.com/en/1045-visit-to-orban-viktor

I have a website about pens and handwriting that I made myself. There is also an English version, but it is more modest (https://tompens.com/en/). I'm a photographer by profession, but I also have two university degrees (aesthetics and communication). 

I've been dealing with pens (mainly fountain pens) for almost 20 years, mainly old American pens like Sheaffer, Esterbrook, Parker, Waterman, Wahl. I know these quite well. I have inherited many pens from my father and I have also repaired many pens. More than a thousand. I like to say: Gravity is my friend because they bring me a lot of pens that have been dropped. Mostly I repair nibs, but there are more serious cases. Most recently, I had to reassemble a Wahl Eversharp nib that broke in two. It seemed hopeless, but I managed:
https://tompens.com/en/1166-ringed-eversharp-repair-of-a-broken-pen

Here, in Hungary, there is not as much culture of nibs and calligraphy as in the USA, because there was only 1 nib factory. Unfortunately, I have not been able to visit the USA in 55 years, but maybe one day. But then I will come back with a suitcase full of pens, because there is nothing better than American pens and nibs! Good for you that you live in a country where there are many good pens and nibs.

Sorry, I talked too much. I am glad to be among you, and sorry if I made a mistake in English.

Tom

[Erica McPhee]

Hello Tom!

Welcome to our humble home! I so enjoyed looking at your website and reading the article about your visit with the prime minister. Fascinating! Your son looks like a fine young man. What an incredible moment for father and son to share. Thank you for sharing it with us!

We are thrilled to have you joining us here at Flourish all the way from Hungary! You never have to apologize for sharing delightful conversation here. We look forward to learning more from you.

Warm Regards,
Erica

[tompens]

Hello Erica!

Thank you for your kind words. Unfortunately, here in Hungary, society is pretty much steeped in emotion, as in the USA, when it comes to politics. Brrrr. Therefore, this meeting with Viktor Orban could not be without consequences, but the 'earthquake' lasted only a few days. Once everything passes (panta rhei). They say that nothing is eternal. Maybe silence. And noise is the pause of silence.

Tom

[Bianca M]

Welcome, Tom!  What an amazing skill you have. And I second what Erica said about unneeded apologies.

[darrin1200]

That is a fabulous story for your son to carry with him.

That’s a great website. I always like to hear that someone is repairing and restoring the vintage pens. I can only hope that in 75 years, someone thinks enough of one of my pens to send it to a master such as yourself for restoration.