Austin – Michele Aubry, How To Live Your Life in Harmony (Czech Republic)

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1. Please introduce yourself.

My name is Michele Aubry (Michele Ubryova) and I was born and raised in Prague, the Czech Republic. My mom and I moved to Austin in August of 2000 for her now ex husband. The rest of our family still lives in the Czech Republic.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice here in Austin, TX and I have a son, Maxx, who is 3 years old.

2. When/where did you move to USA – how did you choose those cities/career?

cities/career? We moved when I was 16 years old straight to Austin where I finished high school and then I moved to Santa Barbara, CA to start college. I moved back to Austin a year later and have been here ever since. I finished school at UT of Austin.

3. What did your family do and where are they now?

Now? My mom worked as a paralegal in Prague. In Austin she has worked for Saks Fifth Avenue and now Neiman Marcus since they opened their doors at the Domain.

4. What is important to you in life – money, freedom, food, family, hobbies, friends, travel — Why? Since you are more multicultural in my opinion you may have more varied likes/dislikes.

I grew up traveling all over Europe and I see how much those experiences taught me and enriched me. I was raised eating healthy food and spending time with friends. A deep friendship is something that I value highly, especially because it has been harder to find here. I see money as a means to security and something that I would like to have enough of for traveling purposes, so I can continue adding on new experiences.

My hobbies are fitness and food. I love to try new food and I very much enjoy cooking various types of cuisine!

5. Do you try to go back to Europe every year? The language and the culture are different than in TX for sure. What is home for you outside US, What do you miss the most – and the least?

I used to go back to Prague at least one a year but ever since I had my son, I went only once. Traveling with a toddler alone is not on my list of desired things to do. I miss seeing my family more often but nowadays, skype and Facebook make it easier to talk, see each other and share. I still speak Czech at home with my mom and my son.

We don’t miss the food much but we do miss walking around, we miss the architecture and ease of public transportation. One thing we don’t miss a bit is the jealousy and negativity that is now obvious to us – but was not when we lived there.

6.Workwise – how do you see Europeans being different from Americans – also culturally, what stands out in your chosen profession? You studied psychology. I lived 17 years in Manhattan. I recall thinking there how many people were super neurotic. I have been to dates where the guy tells you if you do have a therapist or have had some type of psychotherapy/analysis you have a problem! I prefer talking about my problems with friends and family though I am sure there are times we all could use a therapist (major changes in life, drama, illness, loss of job, death).

First of all, psychoanalysis is a type of an approach to therapy and is quite outdated nowadays. Psychotherapy however, is something that has bad stigma in Europe and it makes me quite sad. Most people don’t understand the difference between the roles of a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist, or a therapy. Truly, I think that we all can use talk
therapy as some point in our life, whether it is to resolve unfinished business or to make a positive change that will help us reach goals and feel happy.

Therapy is not for CRAZY people, those are referred to a Psychiatrist who is also a medical doctor.

Note by Kaisa: I have a friend – Dr. Byron Wilkenfeld, who is a psychiatrist here in Austin – a brilliant man, a very interesting topic to discuss the use of meds in the USA with him.

7. When you think about life in Europe (the CR) vs USA before you moved to the USA – did you have misconceptions that turned out to be wrong?

I saw on TV as a teenager. I moved from Prague to Austin. It was a culture shock and a huge surprise. I have also never seen so many homeless people and that was very shocking because people always spoke of USA as the country of the rich.

8. Is there something with the American culture or customs that you think Czechs you learn from – and vice-versa?

I think Czechs could learn from Americans to be more optimistic and more friendly towards strangers. Also, philantrophy is something that I would like to see more people in the CR do. What I would like for the US people to learn from Czechs is to work to live life, not to live to work mentality.

9. What is your favorite food/s and drink?

Sushi and wine. I could have that every day.

10. How is the European/Czech (your country’s) community in Austin vs. USA? Who do you think are the Czechs the average American may know?

The Czech community here in Austin is actually quite large. I started a Czechoslovakian group on FB few years ago and at our last Easter get together, there were around 60 Czechs I would say. Many of us have blended in this culture and enjoy this place for what it is. Many go back to the CR on regular basis to see families but I think that except our accent, we aren’t so different from the locals. Maybe, we are quite a bit more direct with others;-)

11. What would you like anyone know and appreciate about your country? (food, music, culture, people, history….)

I personally don’t care for Czech food but I have adopted the gluten free dairy free diet for personal beliefs. However, I do think our pastry is outstanding. The architecture and the way the country preserved that over all the years is admirable.

We Czechs make very loyal and trustworthy friends, I believe.

12. Would you ever return to live there full-time?

No, I would not, but my mom is also here with me so that makes my decision much easier. I lived there for 16 years but I have been here for 14 years now, so I have had time to build relationships here.

13. Could you share with us what are your plans for the future? What is it in life that makes you happy or content – that means different stuff for all of us.

In the very near future, I would like to continue growing my private practice and present on the topic of happiness and success. Throughout my journey of coming here in my teens, my marriage and divorce, my motherhood, I have found myself in the study of happiness and what drives us and makes us more resilient. I would truly enjoy reaching a larger audience
to share my knowledge and personal experience. And as a mom, I would like to focus on being the best I can be to help him achieve his full potential and help my son Maxx grow into a warm hearted, respectful man.

Connect with Misa (Michelle):
micheleaubry.com/
Misa at Facebook

Orange County – Jul 25

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Join EuroCircle with some fellow European friends at the Wine Bar, on Friday 25th at 6pm.
No cover.

We look forward to seeing you at the wine gallery!

Patrick Charriou

New York – March 18 2014

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Purchase and Sale of Residential and Investment Properties in Manhattan: looking at the current state of the market, the intricacies of the Manhattan real estate process and what you need to know even before considering a purchase or sale with an emphasis on subtleties for foreign nationals, but residents and US Citizens will also be covered.

A Manhattan Real Estate Attorney will be present. Refreshments will be served.

If there is a specific topic you would like to discuss, please send questions in advance to victoria@halstead.com

This is not an industry event. If you’re a licensed real estate professional, please do not RSVP.

PAYMENTS:
Send a check $35 payable to EuroCircle to:
Alexandra Spirer, 5 Tudor City Place apt 1315, NY NY 10017

Or send $36 ($1 fee) via PayPal to newyork@eurocircle.com

ABOUT THE ORGANIZER:
Victoria Vinokur is a Licensed Real Estate Broker with Halstead Property, LLC in Manhattan. Deemed as a reputable real estate resource, she has been profiled in the Wall Street Journal and quoted in The New York Times. She is the author of the quarterly Manhattan Market Update ‘The Real Estate Times’. Victoria works with clients who are motivated and value quality service, dedication and thorough knowledge of the Manhattan Real Estate Market, inventory and trends. She has been affiliated with EuroCircle since its inception in 1999 and has enjoyed seeing its growth to a global network it is today.

Austin – July 23 2014

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La V happy hour (ends 6:30pm) features discounted cocktails and wine (by the glass and bottle) as well as an assortment of small bites all priced $7 and under.

In addition to happy hour they also still serve our full dinner menu during that time. PLEASE TRY TO GET THERE BY 7 PM – SPACE IS LIMITED.
If anyone in our group wanted to order an appetizer or small plate off our dinner menu they would be able to do so at the regular price. Those dishes include simply a spectacular cheese selections as well as their famous chicken liver pate. The wine bar is a fun, convivial space designed to encourage tasting and conversation. Adjacent to the Wine Bar is La V’s front patio which can also be utilized if some of you choose to sit outdoors.

If our group grows beyond a smaller group, La V’s team will do what they can to accommodate accordingly. July is usually our smallest, more intimate events due to many Europeans going home!
La V will also offer complimentary valet for EuroCircle guests.

Note: LA V opens at 5:00 PM and runs Happy Hour in the Wine Bar until 6:30 PM on regular basis.
Next to us is another Blue Lounge and in the back their more formal “dining” room – and a special wine room reserved for wine events. La V’s sommelier is a lovely European lady, Vilma.
For me La V is one of the nicest looking restaurants in Austin, a cool mix of modern and classic fine dining. I took Gary there for his b-day in May, had steak frites which I liked. Their desserts were great – and the wine list is excellent.

New York – Jul 22 2014

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Join us for the annual fun European summertime rooftop party with multiple European groups (Italian, Swedes, Finnish, Bulgarian etc)!!

NO COVER with online RSVP by 4 pm on July 22!

The drink special will be $10 Absolut drinks all night. Food is available for purchase.

Attire: Dress to impress

Hosts: 
Arctic Circle – Finns of NYC – Harriet Kulmala & Nina Kulmala –
The Bulgarian Women’s Club – Boriana Pavlova
International Swede – Thomas Noe

Danes in NYC – Anders Krog, Dennis Schindler-Thomsen, Hannah Holt and Lars Eeg
New York Italians – Archina DAgostino
UomoModerno Magazine – Francesco Di Maio

Join us – and bring a friend/s who have never met us!!

Best,

Alexandra  & EuroCircle NY TEAM

New York – Alexandra Spirer, Making Friends Around the World!

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EuroCircle Founder feels it’s time for the members to know more about the team leaders due to many requests from the members, so let’s start in New York City where EuroCircle had its first event in January 1999 (15 years + ago).

1. Please introduce yourself

My name is Alexandra Spirer. I have been living in Manhattan since 2002 (Larchmont and Boca Raton, FL are my other two home cities).
My family is spread out all over the country. My dad Gary lives in Austin, TX. My mom Karen will be moving from White Plains, NY to Florida in the fall. My younger sister Danielle lives in Westchester with her husband David.

2. What struggles have you faced in your life and how have you overcome them?

Growing up I suffered from a severe learning disability. I couldn’t understand abstract ideas well. My junior high school recommended that I enter a special education school rather than my high school. I didn’t like the idea at all. I asked my dad to study with me. I discovered ways to understand abstract ideas and the world that had been shut off from me suddenly came alive.

It was very frustrating learning how to connect the dots. I found relief in traveling to different countries and making friends that I have kept in touch with over the years. I have traveled to 40 countries and my goal is to join the 100 Traveler’s Country Club. I will add two more countries this fall when I travel on EuroCircle’s 4th Annual Trip to India with a stop in Dubai before.

In 2005, I was also diagnosed with Thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s) which is an auto-immune disease. I have struggled with my weight for many years partly due to it. It is a constant struggle but one I am determined to beat.

3. How have your learning disabilities and struggles affected your business career?

My learning disabilities had made me very shy, self-conscious. We started a family food business and it was very traumatic for me to present myself at trade shows and in supermarkets giving out samples. I had to learn how to communicate by looking people in their eyes and listening carefully to what they were saying. I found many times I would be distracted because of my learning disability.

I have always helped others learn better since it has been a challenge for me my entire life. After our family food business, we created two businesses that focus on learning and education. We have designed accelerated ways for people to learn; test what they have learned and implement what they have learned all in real – time.

It is very rewarding to see people who have struggled as I have learn about business and life in ways they never thought possible.

4. What was the inspiration behind these educational companies that you are involved in?

My father devoted years to perfecting the learning models that had helped me get through high school and become a top student in college. As I said, it became my passion to help others learn and comprehend faster. For anybody that is interested, we offer courses, coaching and mentoring to entrepreneurs, creative types and local businesses using our learning models to accelerate what they need to know to succeed.

We have a best-selling Crowdfunding/money raising book on Amazon Crowdfunding: The Next Big Thing (it has been #1 and #2 best seller in Crowdfunding for months now).

Our other company DILOGR, an interactive real-time educational marketing, training and analytics company that is integrated with IBM, Oracle/Eloqua, Salesforce, Infusionsoft and other CRMs.

5. How did you get involved with EuroCircle? Any other thoughts you’d like to share with us?

I have been a EuroCircle member since 2008. I have been the New York Organizer since 2011 (with the help of Sherry Kumar who ran it for a while from Philly after the EC Founder moved to Austin). You can check out the latest events at our website or in our group on Facebook: EuroCircle New York.
EuroCircle charges no fees for individual membership, all its expenses are paid by its founder – and we all are volunteers.

I would love to find trustworthy “country/goodwill ambassadors” or “point people”, members that are interested in representing their countries – be the face for their country, write stories, interviews, videographers/photographers to cover our events, take photos/videos for the website. All of that would help greatly. I am sure the other city leaders feel the same. I would also love to have an entire team of cool, social and reliable members that are interested in being hosts at our events and help us to arrange events. I have loved meeting so many people from different groups and countries (Arctic Circle Finns in NYC, Italians in NYC, GermansinNYC, Danes in NYC, Intl Swede, Fwd.us, welcome.us etc) and making many wonderful European friends. We have loved featuring other European groups/leaders at the site. It has been very rewarding and a great learning experience for someone who loves travelling like I do.

If you interested in becoming involved – in ANY role in EuroCircle, LISTEN {YES, it is me talking. Thanks DilogR!} to this short clip by me and E-mail me!

6. Traveling – most Americans don’t travel much outside the USA – how about you as it sounds you have a personal interest in Europe?

I have been to 40 countries so far with the goal of making the 100 Country Club (and yes it is a real club). I will get to 42 countries later this fall when I travel to Dubai and then India on our 4th Annual EuroCircle Trip at the beginning of November ! I have been to far out places like Tibet and last year Laos after the EuroCircle trip to Vietnam and Cambodia.
In college I was fortunate to spend my spring semester of my Junior year living and working in London. I got to do a lot of traveling from Greece to Czechoslovakia.

7. What is your favorite food?

Mexican food – I love a good guacamole, taco or burrito. Every year I look for a new Mexican place for my birthday dinner! I am a big foodie and love to check out the latest restaurants with friends and try new cuisines. (I probably should prefer Italian food since my mom’s heritage is Italian.)

8. When you aren’t working what do you like to do for fun?

New York City has so much to offer. I love to explore new parts of the city with friends. I love museums, The Botanical Gardens or checking out the latest Broadway musical or play.
I go to the movies whenever I can. On my list to still check out is to finally go to the Highline and explore the cool places along it.

9. Any childhood memory that makes you smile?

When my younger sister Danielle was born I woke up screaming “mommy, mommy” and then went right back to sleep not knowing that an hour away my mom was giving birth to my sister Danielle at that exact time. My mom has called me psychic ever since.

10. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

That’s a difficult question. I loved London and would move back there in a heartbeat.
I loved being able to be at the theater in under 20 minutes and on the weekends take Britrail to places like Hartfield where the Winnie the Pooh stories were created by A.L. Milne. There is the real 500 acre woods.
I hope in the near future that I get to explore more of Europe and England.

I love Europe in general, the culture, the people and seeing so many amazing sites have made it a place that I would love to live one day. One my best friends from high school lives in Switzerland. Her heritage is partly from Montenegro so I have visited her family a few times there as well – gorgeous.

11. Anything else you would like people to know about you?

I like to cook and love trying new recipes whenever I get the chance. My mom is a master chef.
I am an avid photographer and love taking pictures wherever I go. I also love spending time with family and friends whenever I can. I LOVE traveling – I always say I would like my job to have something to do with traveling.

12. If I were able to grant you any wish – what would it be?

I would love to be able to travel more and see more of the world. I wish I had more time to spend with friends that are in different parts of the world.

Thanks Alex for sharing some of more personal memories and experiences with all of us.

Connect with Alexandra:
Email Me
Alex at EuroCircle forums
My job – DilogR.com
www.linkedin.com/in/alexandraspirer
www.facebook.com/alexandraspirer
www.twitter.com/eurocirclenyc
I mentioned I work for DILOGR, which has this interactive real-time technology that enables the users to make any photos, images, slide presentations and videos interactive. What it means is for example add audio, text, URL, etc to photos (Hover over the photo below and see what happens if you click on hotspots). With videos the users can add survey questions, call-to-actions, integrate with CRMs, add text links, collect analytics and more. All in one platform.

New York – Jul 13 2014

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Join EuroCircle at this beautiful midtown lounge while we watch the World Cup Finals on large screens/tvs.
Which team are you rooting for? Bring your friends, family for a fun afternoon of soccer!

There is a full bar and food is available for purchase from Serafina restaurant.

We look forward to seeing you on July 13th!

Your Host: Frank Breuer, Germany

About the World Cup:

The FIFA World Cup™ is the biggest single-event sporting competition in the world and is contested by the senior men’s national teams from the 208 Member Associations of FIFA.

The competition has been played every four years since the inaugural tournament in 1930, except in 1942 and 1946 when it was not held because of the Second World War.

It fulfils FIFA’s objectives to touch the world, develop the game, and build a better future through a variety of ways.

San Francisco – Virginie Suos, Parisian Flair with Prélude

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1. Please introduce yourself.

My name is Virginie Suos. I am from Paris, France and currently live in San Francisco, California. I’ve worked on several startups within the fashion industry and am now about to launch a clothing line on Kickstarter..
Prélude Kickstarter campaign

Comment: If you do not about crowdfunding/money raising online – Kickstarter, Indiegogo, Rockethub – go and read Gary’s interview at EuroCircle – you can get his book for a special EuroCircle price with extra bonuses.

2. Tell us about your upcoming line:

Prélude is about Women’s sleepwear + loungewear made from 100% all-natural, organic cotton. Inspired by classic French cuts and handcrafted in California. We combine timeless fashion + classic elegance to create easy, everyday pieces that are safe and delicate on even the most sensitive skin.

3. How and why was the company founded: Why?

To revolutionize the fashion industry! Nowadays, most companies are manufacturing their clothing in sweatshops overseas and using poor quality, synthetic fibers that are detrimental to our well-being and toxic to the environment. The clothing is then marked up 8x in fast retail. Prélude is about going against the status quo and abiding by healthier ethics.

4. When and why did you move to the USA

I moved to the USA about 10 years ago now. My parents immigrated to France from Cambodia in their early twenties; they’ve lived in several countries, experienced different cultures and always wished that we do the same. They firmly believe that California is the land of opportunities so my brothers and I moved here to study abroad. We spent our first couple of years in rural Modesto prior to transferring to the University of California in Berkeley.

5. What do you do after work, what interests you

Besides brainstorming and daydreaming all day, I enjoy taking fitness / yoga classes and surrounding myself with athletes + artists. I love attending art shows and classical performances. I get so much inspiration from the crazy ones who pursue their passion.

6. What is your favorite food:

I grew up eating a lot of my mom’s home-cooked French + Chinese meals! I love trying different local restaurants; Japanese + Thai foods are on top of my list, but French food is still my favorite as I find it more balanced and nutritious. More importantly, I’ve learned to seek more organic, fresh ingredients.

7. Tell me about your family, where are they now?

My dear parents are looking for a place to retire! I think they would be happy in the bay area, maybe in Marin county. I also have an older brother who’s in Los Angeles, and my younger brother is here with me in San Francisco.

8. Do you try to go back, what do you miss the most?

Sadly, I haven’t been back to Paris in over 5 years. My parents have been visiting a lot so I haven’t felt an urge to go back. I do get nostalgic at times though; I miss my French grandmother and aunt a lot. I also miss hanging out at Parisian cafés and parks with friends, and spending my summer in Southern France.

9. How do you see the French being different from Americans?

I see more similarities than differences. The lifestyle is quite the same; although French people tend to spend a lot more time traveling and enjoying the good things in life! I like French expats; the French people I meet here in SF because they tend to be more ambitious, more open-minded and more positive-minded than the typical French.

10. Would you ever return to live in France full-time?

At this point, I’m not sure. If my Kickstarter campaign does well, I’d like to keep on expanding the clothing collection/company and live in more than just one place! The world has plenty of beautiful places so I wouldn’t want to limit myself to just Europe or the USA.

11. Are there any other relevant and even not so relevant information you’d like to share?

I love interacting with different cultures! I’ve had roommates from all over the world. And l love my bitcoins! Not just for the libertarian ideas, but for the concept of global currency.

Connect with Virginie Suos:
Virginie at Facebook
Prélude Kickstarter campaign

Houston: July 09

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Relax and savor the aromas of Sicily, Roma and Tuscany, as you select from the array of specialties at La Griglia.

Join us at La Griglia, one of Houston’s hot spots on July 9 for a special wine testing while chatting with great international group of people. Come dine al fresco or simply enjoy a cocktail and conversation on the patio with soft seating and fire pits to set the mood.

Please don’t forget to RSVP and invite your friends too. See you all soon.

EC Houston Team
Shahla, Mary Beth, Juliana and Venere

 

Travel Impressions – Alana George on Cambodia & Vietnam, 2013

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Traveler bio: Born and raised in Brooklyn, Alana first joined EurCcircle while she worked in Philly in 2006. With her high voltage smile, she quickly became everyone’s favorite at EuroCircle events.

In 2013, Alana packed her bags and embarked on an epic journey across the globe, and met her fellow EuroCircle travelers in Cambodia. Here is her story:

1. Unlike most of our members, you haven’t traveled much outside the USA. What possessed you choose Eurocircle Travels to Cambodia & Vietnam, as one of your first adventures abroad?

I rarely do what is expected. I was raised like many African-Americans in one of the lowest income areas in New York City. However, my parents come from Jamaica and Bangor, Maine. They taught me to dream big and I could go anywhere my heart desired. Cambodia and Vietnam like me, are diverse and full of life. It just made sense.

2. Prior to joining us in Siem Reap, Cambodia, you took a little side-trip to Singapore all by yourself. What did you think of Singapore?

Singapore was absolutely amazing. It is very clean and people were super friendly. My favorite experience was probably the fish pedicure. I know there are many places in the world that has these, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself at the one that was in the mall below the Singapore Flyer.

By the way, I won $400 at the Sands Casino – paid for my Singapore trip.
I went to Malaysia for a day as well. It was a great side trip, and I met an Indian family from Australia. They took me around the area with all of the lovely sites.

3. During the trip, you seemed to have a permanent smile tattooed on your face, and you quickly became everyone’s favorite. How do you deal with all the different personalities of a travel group, and manage to have a stress-free trip?

What’s interesting, is before anything, I want to have a great time. The number one rule I say while travelling is “When in Rome, do as the Romans do!”
Why not, we only live once and the more we open up to new people, places, and things, the more enriched our lives will become. Didn’t hurt to have an awesome travel buddy…

4. If you could prepare a novice traveler for south-east Asia, what advice would your give him/her?

Beware, you will have a great time as long as you have an open heart and mind. People are just super welcoming. If you like laying on the beach and not partaking in history and culture, then where we went in South-East Asia isn’t for you. However, if you like to be adventurous, then GO FOR IT!

5. If you could re-live one day of EuroCircle Travels to Cambodia and Vietnam, what day would that be?

Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Such an amazing temple and the history behind it, with over 1 million people once living there is remarkable. Then the place we had our lunch, the little girl who kept peeking around the corner. She was so lovely. I go back to that day often.

6. India (Nov 2014) is probably the most exotic trip I have planned so far for EuroCircle. This will be the ultimate test of what members can endure in terms of being faced with extremes all at once. On one hand you will witness the most extreme poverty on earth, and 15 minutes later, you’ll be standing in the middle of a gem-encrusted palace. What are you doing to prepare?

We saw similar extremes in Cambodia, and I was surprised that I managed not to struggle with the disparity. I know I can’t save people on an individual level. I plan to prepare mentally through prayer and meditation while identifying organizations working in India to raise people out of poverty.

Now the gems encrusted palaces, well, that is right up my alley. But I will be honest I have a script prepared for the elephant handlers, if they are abusive, well let’s just say I will be vocal.

Alana at Facebook
Alana at EuroCircle

EuroCircle Travels is an annual program, that takes our members on a global adventure. So far, we have explored the silk markets of Istanbul, trekked to the top of Machu Pichu, raced tuk-tuks in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and sailed down Halong Bay for an unforgettable experience. If you would like more information about our upcoming trip to India, please E-mail Me ASAP!

As a perk for all Eurocircle travelers, we have condensed .pdf travel guides. They are easy to read on your mobile device, and best of all, they are FREE for all Eurocircle members. To obtain a copy, let me know your destination, and your e-mail address, and I will forward a copy to you. (E-mail Me Your Request with all details)

Looking forward to traveling with you,

Sherry Kumar
E-mail Sherry