Barcelona – Jamie Legum

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Tell us about yourself – who are you and what would be the short story of your life?

My name is Jamie, and I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. I am a Southern Belle at heart, but have been living away from Atlanta for almost 25 years visiting regularly twice a year. I have a Masters Degree in TEFL and have been teaching for 20 years in Spain. In addition to that, I am also in the Matchmaking arena. I am always on the lookout for connecting people, having new experiences and opportunities, especially ones that can bridge the USA with Spain.

People always ask me what brought me to Spain, the reason is that the very day I finished graduate school in New York, there was a recruiting session for a language training job in Barcelona. The year was 1990, 2 years before the Barcelona Olympics and the position was teaching English to public officials, like the police force, body guards, etc. in preparation for the 1992 Olympics. I applied, got the job and started my profession as en EFL” profesora de ingles.” I taught for 2 years, but went back to New York City before the Olympics, missing all the excitement that even to this day, people still talk about. Funnily enough, the Olympics just after that one was in Atlanta-my hometown, and I missed that one too! After working a couple of years in New York, I decided to go back to Barcelona, and I have been there ever since.

Tell us something how life is different in Barcelona compared to the USA. Work/entrepreneur/unemployed/home environment/customs…what’s different.

Living in Spain is completely different than living in Atlanta or in the US in general. I would say the key differences in everyday life for me are the timetable and the customer service. In Spain, we eat lunch starting anywhere from 1:30-2:00 and finish around 4:00. Lunches are sacred, and rushing through this mid-day meal is almost criminal-like! Dinners are much later than in the USA, starting around 9:00 or 10:00 and sometimes we can see bewildered tourists hovering around restaurants at 6:00 or 7:00 wondering a) why a top-rated trip advisor restaurant is closed and b) why there isn’t a soul yet.

The days are long in Spain and the nights even longer. There is truly more life to be lived.

Customer service is totally different as well. As an American, it is maddening to try and be “right.” Let’s say you have a gripe to make with the electric company, the customer must pay for the call which is rather expensive. Once you complain, there is no apology, no consoling, but rather a lecture! Customers are not inherently right as they are in the US. Shopping is the same way. If you are dissatisfied with a purchased item and want to return it, you’d better have the patience of a saint! You must explain and demonstrate why you are unhappy, which is nerve wracking at times. I tell my friends how I can return an item with no receipt months after a purchase with a credit or even cash and they are in disbelief since in Spain it is practically unheard of to get one’s money back and if you are lucky–a store credit that can expire too soon!

What challenges did you face when you first moved to Barcelona and how did you resolve them?

When I first moved to Spain, there were definitely major challenges like having moved to a bilingual/bi-cultural area and picking up not only Spanish, but Catalan as well, dealing with all of the highly sensitive issues related to using one language or another. A double whammy when moving to a country with language battles is something to be reckoned with, but after time, you get all sides to the story, the situation and learn to be diplomatic and perceptive, make friends on both sides of the field.

Did you experience ‘culture shock’ in Spain? How different is it from your USA?

Of course there were all sorts of culture shock incidents when I first arrived, like being an extremely punctual American. I remember when I first arrived in Barcelona, I was invited to a friend of a friend’s child’s birthday party. They had told me to be there around 1:00, so thinking I was being very polite I arrived just on time. When I got there at 1:00 sharp, I was shocked that not only was I the very first to arrive, that nothing had been prepared yet. I was embarrassed and wanted to come back later but the house was very far from the city center and they “invited” me to help them set up the decorations, cook, prepare and the other guests finally arrived at about 4:00 or 5:00 “after lunch.” I have never arrived on time ever since!!

How has your life as an expat influenced your personal and work life?

Being an EFL professional, I work with Spaniards every single day. I have the pleasure and opportunity to teach them not only English, but American culture too. Every day is a day to do with cross-cultural issues and lessons. I learn from them and they learn from me. A pure intercultural exchange that I value with each class and every student.

6.What have you learned from being an expat? Positive/negative (WHY?)

What has been interesting as an ex-pat is that you leave your country to take a break, to escape the ins and outs of daily life in your original country but really abroad, you are constantly representing your country and being associated with it. In my case, in many situations as the token American, I am frequently being asked questions about life in America, to compare and contrast, so ironically, the place you are trying to disconnect from is the very place that you wear like a crown on your head every day.

Have you done anything since moving to Spain that you never would have expected?

I never expected to raise my child in Spain. I am the mother of a 16 year old and I have had a tough time balancing my American expectations and values with the given ones in Spain. For example, many teenagers in Spain stay out until the wee hours in the morning without a blink of an eye from their parents. It’s very difficult letting go of my more conservative instincts thereby telling my son to be home at 12:00 when all the other kids don’t go back until 3:00, 4:00, 5:00 maybe 6:00 in the morning.

What’s the best food discovery you’ve made as an expat?

Being a major foodie I am absolutely blessed to be living in a country like Spain. To this day, I am simply amazed at the fact that practically each neighborhood has its own fresh food market that is a wonder in terms of quality, price and value. The markets are the heartbeat of the surrounding restaurants. There are so many fusion cuisines that are up and coming and Spain is on the frontier of creation. My very favorite way to eat is a tasting menu whereby a chef designs and prepares little taster plates based on the freshest products of the local markets. We went to a restaurant the other day where there is no written menu, the chef/owner comes out and doesn’t ask anything, in fact, he tells you what there is. Perhaps for some of the courses he will give you option A or B, if you are lucky; otherwise, no say, just obey. I love the fact that I don’t need my glasses to read the menu. It’s a very exciting way to eat!

What was the biggest misconception you had about Spain when you moved there? (good/bad)

I had always imagined that the Spanish were extremely open and friendly warm and hospitable people. However, when I first arrived, I was shocked at how reserved and unwelcoming people were in general. Where I live in Spain, the local government had to actually put out a publicity campaign to remind locals to smile and be friendly to tourists due to the fact that they were bringing lots of income into the local economy. On the other hand, when I go back to the USA, people seem overly friendly at times, and since I am not used to strangers talking to me, I feel a bit taken back at times. I must say that when one is fortunate to be friends with a Spaniard/Catalan it is 100% and usually for life!

What do you miss from USA?

Having said what I did about Americans being over friendly at times, I do miss the simple chatting while waiting in line at the supermarket, the smiles and joking between strangers and the daily “howya doing” -it helps with cheering up one’s day! I miss the fact that shops are opened all hours all day whereas in Spain, shops close lunch time and on Sundays. It’s very limiting on the one hand, but on the other, the fact that practically all businesses are closed on Sundays forces you to relax, take the day off, and head for the beach, a walk in the park, a hike, or just sit on a sunny terrace enjoying the peaceful day.

What’s the best thing and worst thing that has happened to you as an expat? (what really annoys you and what do you really love)

Something that I admire in Spain that I don’t see in the USA is the integration of ages at any given place/ event. For example, if you just look around at an outdoor cafe in the city center, you can see generations of people sitting side by side. Teenagers sitting next to young couples in their twenties sitting next to two mothers with infants, sitting next to a group of middle aged women sitting next to elderly folks. It is harmonious and all ages seem to be respected with no apparent discrimination. Everybody enjoying the sun, the food, the drink—life.

What is best about the area where you live…any other cities you would like to live in??

Barcelona is undoubtedly one of the best cities in the world to live in. We have the sea, the mountains, some of the most interesting and beautiful architecture in the world, incredible design, urban innovation, fabulous restaurants, museums, unstoppable nightlife, zillions of neighborhoods to be explored just to start with..The climate is enviable, very mild in the spring and fall, somewhat chilly in the winter, and slightly hot in the summer-but no extremes, no natural disasters to worry about, unlike in the south of the USA–tornadoes, hurricanes, ice storms, and an out-of-the blue snowstorm.

When people come to visit Barcelona, they see the Gaudi sights, the modernist routes, the gothic quarter, and all of the other major landmarks, but there are layers upon layers of treasures to be found. There is no other city that compares with Barcelona, at least, I can’t think of one.

Connect with Jamie Legum at Facebook

Chicago – Kirk R Miller

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EuroCircle “Member of the Month” is back! This month meet polyglot KR Miller, who has been with us since our inception! Many thanks to Kirk for participating and for his years of ‘cocktailing’ with us!

Where are you from originally?

Green Bay, WI USA

How long have you been a EC member?

Since 2000!

What line of work are you in?

Enterprise IT and telecommunications sales.

What languages do you speak?

French, Portuguese, Spanish and English.

Favorite European destination and why?

Barcelona! When you find a good tapas place, sangria, the staff gets to know you, you speak fluent Spanish and the sun!!!

What’s your favorite hangout in Chicago?

The Lakefront.

Travel plans for the summer?

Cape Cod and St. Petersburg Russia.

Favorite EC venue so far?

Vertigo Sky Lounge at the Dana

Madonna or Lady Gaga?

Easy, Madonna. Reminds me of when I was young and I admire her staying power. Je suis desolé Gaga.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Kirk.I.am

New York – Sanja Bestic

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SCENE – A REHEARSAL STUDIO

SHERI
Hello Sanja

SANJA
Hello Sheri

SHERI
So, when did you first move to New York?

SANJA
I moved to New York in 2004, chasing a dream. I came here for school, for Bob Wilson’s school on Long Island, because he was one of my idols. And, I fell in love with New York and I just decided I wanted to live here.

SHERI
And what challenges did you face when you first moved here and how did you resolve them?

SANJA
Well, the whole immigrant life is very challenging. In order to make it big, you need to face a lot of difficult things. In order to stay in New York as an immigrant, first. Let’s say that I went through a lot, a lot of difficult things to stay here and it was worth it.

SHERI
What was your biggest challenge?

SANJA
To stay legally in this country so that I can go home whenever I can need to be home. So, Sheri, when did you move to NYC?

SHERI
Well, I’m a little bit of a cheat because I was born here, I moved here when I was born, but I left when I was four and I was raised in England and I moved back here in 1998.

SANJA
Why?

SHERI
Oh, this is going to make me sound so wet. Well, there were two reasons. One, I felt I had gotten as far as I could get in the UK. I had just played Kathleen Turner’s sister on the mainstage at Chichester and had come home to being a jobbing actor again, I had a car, I had a flat, I wasn’t attached, I wasn’t married, I didn’t have children and everyone had always been saying, oh, you’ve got a passport, you should go, you should go to New York, and I had done this job and had no other work so I though, ‘sod it, I am going to go to New York for six months’ and in the first few weeks I met the man who was going to be my future husband. And so that’s why I stayed. But, the other reason – I knew I was going to meet the man who was going to be my man. It’s the city of dreams, it’s the city where you chase your dream and sometimes your dreams come true.

SANJA
Yeah, I think, basically, always here dreams come true, it’s just how hard your wish. But, I wish my story was that romantic, like yours, mine was more career, career, career.

SHERI
Well, I wish mine was more like that, too, I wish I had been more focused on my career. But, then I may not have had my wonderful family, but, I think there were sacrifices I made to my career for my relationship. I think.

SANJA
Do you think that is the case in life, that you have to do that?

SHERI
That’s a great question. I think there are choices that you make, and it depends on what you want and how badly you want it. Obviously, I wanted the relationship more than the career.

SANJA
So, no regrets?

SHERI
That doesn’t mean no regrets. Did you experience culture shock in America?

SANJA
Living in New York city is more different than living in any other city in the world. I think this is different from living in America because New York isn’t American, New York is, is..

SHERI
An island off the coast of American-

SANJA
Yeah. So, it’s just a separate country, separate world, separate dimension, I guess, so it wasn’t much of a culture shock, I am always led by the sentence when you’re in Rome, live as the Romans do, so I am a New Yorker. So, did you experience any culture shock in this country?

SHERI
Well, it’s interesting because that’s kind of a hard question to answer because I would say everybody in the world is familiar with a version of New York City, through film, through pictures. It is maybe the most famous city in the world, I would imagine. So, in that sense it wasn’t a culture shock. The culture shock was, ‘oh, I’m really here. I’m really looking at the Empire State Building, I’m really here’ and the shock for me, coming from London, was how friendly and welcoming people were. I made friends really quickly, and I landed in a show in the first couple of weeks of being here and the way I got seen for that show was people recommending me to other people in the downtown scene, and I had an instant group of friends right away. Oh, and the other thing was people assumed I was really smart because of my accent whereas my accent had always been a negative thing, back home. So, that was a really nice culture shock.
Do you feel that being an ex-pat has influenced your career choices?

SANJA
Not necessarily. I think here it’s not important where you are coming from, what’s important is what you have. I know that my education and my experience in theatre and film is really good and long, so I have my tools and I know exactly what I’m going for, so I was ready. And, I’m always ready for the higher goal. I came here with a plan and I’ve accomplished a lot, probably fifty percent right now, which is a lot for the amount of time I’ve spent in New York, that I’m actually in New York, but I have fifty more to accomplish the higher goal that I have in the next five years, so I think I’m on a good track. And, being Serbian, I’m very proud of it, I’m very proud of where I’m from and what I’m bringing with me. I’m very patriotic. Identity is something very important and I’m never going to lose that, that’s for sure.

SHERI
Has your career here influenced your career at home?

SANJA
Definitely. Because, what they say, if you can make it here you can make it everywhere, so you’re more appreciated because you are fighting in this other country with tigers and wolves who are just as good as you, so it’s a matter of how you train to survive. Because this is a jackal that’s for sure.

SHERI
It’ll eat you up?

SANJA
Yeah. So, for you, same thing. So, do you think being an expat influenced your career?

SHERI
Yes and no. Yes, in the sense that I, as an actress, a lot of what I do is now dictated by the fact that I was raised in England. For example, I only go out for voice-overs which need an English accent even though my first accent was an American accent and I can switch very easily. That limitation is interesting. On the other hand, it has also given me an advantage. It has meant that I have a voice-over career, that I don’t think I would have had if I hadn’t been an ex-pat. And I think that’s the main thing. Other than that, I don’t think it’s made a difference like you said, I think it’s really about the work that you do here. It really is a city that can open up to you but you have to really fucking pound that door, you have to kick and it’s made of cast iron but you’ve got to keep on pounding. And, I don’t think it’s influenced my career at home.

SANJA
No?

SHERI
In a way, my career at home folded because I had a career over here. I think over there – and here – they think of it as either or. For a while I tried to do both but it became impossible. So, Sanja Bestic, what’s the biggest misconception you had about New York when you moved here.

SANJA
I don’t know. Everything was better than I expected, in a way. I fell in love with New York so I don’t see easily all the problems with New York, all the negative things. When some of my friends they come, and their expectations are probably higher and they see that it’s dirty and smelly and this and that. And I’m like, ‘of course, twenty million people goes round Manhattan in a day it has to be smelly’ but I don’t see that. I see some other beauty in the city and the architecture. I love the energy. I don’t know, maybe I’m really applying everything I saw in the movies to my vision in New York, so I don’t see negative things. I love everything about New York, every single beat, I love even arrogant New Yorkers, and I’m one of them right now. I have become one of them. I love the fact that people are so focused and so into careers, and that’s why we are here. We are here, all of us, different careers but all the same reason, our career. That’s why New York is not kid friendly, it’s why it’s not pets friendly, there is no time for big families. There are no houses with mailboxes and golden retrievers. You know, it’s just a city of dreams but some of other dreams, I guess. What about you? (1:44)What was your biggest misconception?

SHERI
My biggest misconception was that it was going to be really, really tough and that everyone’s really mean, and that everyone’s so focused on themselves that there’s no space for friendship and that was completely wrong. It’s the opposite. People are really open here. People are always working on themselves. I always say New York is the city of self-help and grooming. I find people are much more open that I ever expected, much friendlier. There’s an energy that makes you feel glad to be alive. Of course, not everyone feels that and there’s a bunch of people on Prozac, but I find there’s an openness, a willingness that is unique to this city. On the other hand, some of the worst customer service, ever. But that was my biggest misconception. Theatre companies I’ve worked with here have been friendlier and willing to work, just showing up willing to work.

SANJA
But maybe, as we’re talking about this, when I was, relationship-wise watching back home Sex & the city, first or second season, I thought it’s not possible that you can find a guy in New York City. And, yeah, now I know. It’s impossible.

SHERI
It’s possible. It is possible. Look at me, I did it.

SANJA
I just want to say that Sex & the City is a very good show in terms of sociology and psychology of New York City. A lot of very smart people worked on that show so what’s in the script is in life in New York City.

SHERI
What do you miss about Serbia?

SANJA
I made a lot of choices that are very connected to my career. And a lot of those choices were very selfish. The part that I miss about Serbia is friends and family that I left. I was lucky enough to have a lot of understanding on their side and support so they didn’t dismiss me from their lives, but I’m very aware of my focus and some kind of, like, selfishness and being very focused on my career. I did make new friends in New York, I made a love of friends which is more like a new family which is more like in theatre. But, definitely the sacrifice is big and I miss a lot and sometimes I miss my previous life in terms of all the real friends, and deep friendships that I have there, and my family, my parents. What about you, what do you miss about England?

SHERI
I think I miss the connection. There’s a familiarity and ease to do with family, to do with old friends. I miss not having to translate. I know that sounds crazy but English English is different from American English, and sometimes there’s a way of joking in England-

SANJA
Humor, yeah-

SHERI
That uses language in a way that is different from the way Americans use language, and it’s that different way of using language that I miss. And I realized when I went back there that I don’t have to translate, that it’s my first ‘language’ if that makes sense. There’s a whole bunch of stuff I miss. It’s hard to put into words, really. Family, friends. Oh, you know what else I miss? I miss onion bhajis.
What’s the best food discovery you have made as an expat?

SANJA
I am very picky with food. I don’t eat a lot. But definitely my biggest discovery is Thai food. I don’t like to explore more when it comes to food so Thai food is my biggest love in New York. Except for Italian food.

SHERI
Well, something I discovered – I’ve gotten used to it now – but the sheer amount of food here. It just feels like every store is either a food store or a clothing store-

SANJA
Yeah.

SHERI
Unless you are on the upper west side and then there are some children’s stuff thrown in there. I just remember thinking there is so much food here. And so many different kinds of food. I mean, the entire world is here. But, I grew up in London so I had a lot of those options anyway. Oh, but my best food discovery, and I’m going to sound crazy now, but my favourite food right now is raw, organic food. I feel so good when I eat it. When I eat it. I just love to eat that; I feel so clean when I eat it. I got into it when I chose to lose weight for a show last month and I loved it. Now, when I eat anything else, which I do a lot of, it feels cloying in comparison. Well, thank you, Sanja.

SANJA
Thank you, Sheri.

SHERI
And good luck with your show, Tesla, Sanja!

SANJA
And good luck with your show, Tesla , Sheri!

Austin – Adnan Khaleel

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I wanted to interview Adnan Khaleel, as he is probably by far one of the most helpful Austinites we have met – he’s always there when you need him. And he has been so crucial for EuroCircle Austin by inviting Europeans to join us, sharing local tips and so on.

Tell us about yourself – who are you and what would be the short story of your life?(where are you from, where did you study, how did you come to Austin etc)

Ny name is Adnan Khaleel. England is where I consider home. My dad had a job that required him to move around quite a bit, so growing up we lived in several different countries. I was born in the tiny island kingdom of Bahrain in the middle-east, and by the time I was 10, I had lived in at least a half dozen places in Asia and Africa. At that point my parents decided to end their kids’ nomadic lifestyle and enrolled us in schools in the UK. So travelling the globe was instilled early in us and is still something I like to do wherever I can.
I’ve been in the US for about a decade now. Initially it was to work on a temporary project in Austin, Texas right after my undergrad. I had no idea where Austin was or what it would be like but I did think it would be something like the Wild West with cowboys. I know, ignorant! After I got here, I liked it so much that I decided that I wanted to stay longer. At that point, I enrolled in college and I received an M.S. from Texas A&M and more recently, an MBA from Univ. of Texas. I currently do business development for a technology firm called Cray Supercomputers. It’s a pretty cool job. I get to travel a lot, meet really interesting customers and try to solve their data analytic problems.

What is THE thing about Austin captivates you the most?

Austin is a rare gem that you really have to experience by living here and it’s really hard to describe why it’s such a great place to tourists. It’s the way of life in Austin that makes it so special. It’s laidback, relaxed, friendly, lots of live music and outdoor activity and healthy living. Even though the rush hour traffic is bad, it’s bearable. There aren’t that many places to visit as far as tourist attractions go but that doesn’t mean there is a shortage of things to do: like the multitude of restaurants, food-carts, bars and pubs, running and kayaking on Town Lake, cycling through the various beautiful and scenic routes around the city. Austin is really known for its live music scene and you can always find a venue for that. It’s hard to keep track of the various events and activities that happen every day. Suffice it to say, we’re spoiled for choices for things to do. What I find especially interesting is that Austin is in the cusp of developing into this major city and we’re witnessing this transformation as it happens. That’s exciting.

Do you think living in Austin has in any way enhanced your work experience?

I know it would be unfair to compare Austin to a major international city like London or NY but what I do miss is the multicultural diversity that those other cities offer. Austin is definitely getting there, especially now with the F1 track. SXSW is also shaping out to be a very international affair in some senses. The UK Trade and Industry consortium held a very successful breakfast meeting at SXSW interactive and I’m sure this trend is going to continue to grow as more people become aware of how great of a place it is. It’s really nice to see Austin blossom in the time I’ve lived here and I think it’s moving in a very international direction that’s going to differentiate it from almost every other American city.

If someone asked you what I should NOT miss while in Austin, what would reply? And what I really SHOULD miss….

That could be a long list but some of the things are definitely the Night life downtown and the lakes (well they’re actually rivers but for some reason they call them lakes). South Congress is a very interesting place on first Thursday with lots of people walking around and exploring the various shops and restaurants. During summer, the bats at Town Lake are quite a sight and I think they’re best experienced in a boat rather than at Congress Bridge. I really like the UT campus and the UT Tower so no tour of Austin is complete with a visit to campus or the State Capitol in my opinion.

What do you do in Austin when you feel like you just want to chill out?

Austin is just perfect for that. There’s any number of places that offer a great view of the city where you can kick back and enjoy a margarita or a glass of champagne and have a beautiful evening with friends. The terrace bar at the Stephen F Austin Intercontinental is one of my favourites. I really like being near the water so places like Hula Hut, Abel’s on the Lake or Mozart coffee shop are where you’ll find me just hanging out quite often.

Anything truly memorable that has happened to you since you have lived in Austin?

I’ve met some amazing people and made plenty of really good friendships that I’ll always cherish, and as an adult that’s always hard to find. That really is a testament to type of individuals that Austin attracts. As for bad, I’m not quite sure if I could specify anything particular … I’ll just keep my fingers crossed on that one 

What really annoys you about Austin – or maybe nothing does?

I always forget how hot it can get during the summer and every year I relearn. Spring and Fall are so beautiful that you just forget the heat. The traffic isn’t too bad and most of the time one can avoid it if you’re organized and plan ahead. I really do wish however that Austin Bergstrom had more direct flights domestically and internationally. I travel quite a lot for work and flying through a major hub every time gets old rather quickly.

What do you miss most from your country…in addition to the family and friends?

My family and friends are obviously at the top of my list but I try to travel to Europe as frequently as I can. I do miss some of the cultural aspects that I’ve become so accustomed to, like an afternoon of cricket and tea, both of which are such revered English traditions. I do miss taking weekend trips to different countries around Europe and perhaps I’m most envious of my friends back home when they tell me of the various countries they will be visiting every month.

Do you have a favorite Austin/area restaurant? Why….what is the good and bad about restaurant culture in your opinion in Austin.

Austin has several up and coming restaurants and I’m always surprised to find new ones popping up all the time. One of my favourites is Wink. It’s a very cosy, intimate setting and the food is prepared with a lot of attention to detail and incorporates delicate flavours. The staff is also very attentive and friendly. Another one of my favs is Justine’s. It’s run by Frenchmen and has a very unique bohemian atmosphere, something like what one would expect to find tucked away in the bowels of Paris. They throw amazing themed parties which really set them apart. It’s a bit out of the way but it’s well worth it. When I’m there, I always forget I’m still in Austin.
Austin has a very vibrant food-cart scene which is great because there are all these creative chefs around and it’s easier to sample their fare without waiting for them to start a restaurant. I love sampling the various food carts all over downtown and south congress.
Austin is still growing up as a city and I think that culinary diversity is still lacking in some respects but with the influx of so many people from all over the country, it will be amazingly different and diverse in a few years.

Do you see there are benefits for someone from abroad to come to Austin for a few years?

Yes and No. In many respects Austin is a very safe place to start exploring the United States. You may not get the diversity that a larger city may offer but you don’t have any of the downsides of living in a big city either. Coming from Europe especially, the thing that most people notice is the lack of an efficient public transportation system. I’m especially drawn to cities that have great educational institutes and that is another benefit of being in Austin is the close tie it has with the University of Texas at Austin. It’s a distinguished world class institution, very diverse and open minded and in a large part, responsible for giving Austin its eclectic character.

What do you think about the cost of living in Europe vs Austin, TX – and the standard of life and life style?

I think it’s amazingly more affordable to live here compared to a lot of places in Europe, especially London. I always have a bit of a sticker shock when I’m back in Europe. In addition, the quality of life is quite high too. Austin really promotes a healthy lifestyle in that there are so many outdoor activities that one can avail off so easily. The jogging track is within walking distance of downtown. Within a 10 minute drive, you can be in serene bucolic settings with fields and cattle and these are great places to explore on a bicycle. There are several ranches even within the city where one can go horseback riding as well. It’s incredibly easy to keep physically active here since the city and its residents promote this sort of a lifestyle.

Anything else you feel you’d like to share with us about Austin or yourself?

I love it here but I still like the idea of being in Europe with my friends and family. When I first came to Austin, I wasn’t quite sure how long I wanted to stay, and close to a decade later, I’m still undecided. There aren’t very many places in America I would choose to live besides Austin and I don’t think I’d want to leave anytime soon either. Even if I did choose to move back, I’m sure I’ll always continue to come back and visit the wonderful friends I’ve made in this beautiful place.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/adnan.khaleel

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/adnan-khaleel/0/b53/ba9/

 

Houston – Anna Veselova from Russia

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Remember when you wake up in the morning and there is a slight memory of some fairy dream that fades away? I love that feeling and to catch the moment was always the biggest mystery for me.

I’m involved in photography as long as I remember, but I never really tried to express myself through taking pictures until I saw a lot of talented photographers on Flickr 5 years ago. Then 2 years ago it became really serious after I almost suddenly moved from Moscow to Houston. It wasn’t the easiest time for me and I wanted to show not what I saw through lens, but what I was searching for.

Everything what was behind the subject became my subject. At the same time I started self-photography (some make it as project 365). I ended up looking at the absolute chaos in pictures full of lights, blurry subjects and emotions. But I knew I caught my fading moment then.

Socrat dog came from another big dream. Like Nutcracker he has his own toy life full of adventures. Sometimes he shares his stories with me and I make these little fairy tales on my photographs.

I don’t really know who Socrat is (this dog of mystery even has a twitter!), but he does look like a dog and so I teach him some dog commands (just in case), also he’s pretty good in mathematics and geography. We really make a good team together and I would call it a perfect human and dog collaboration.

I now also involved in doing photography for Houston Cinema Arts Festival (HCAF). This is an absolutely amazing experience to me: I can do what I love the most and I have the opportunity to meet talented filmmakers, and actors who generously share their views and ideas with the audience.

Last year HCAF invited Robert Redford, and Christy Turlington and the year before it was Ethan Hawke with his new movies. The good news is that everybody can be the part of the festival just by subscribing to the newsletter http://cinemartsociety.org or simply become a member. This year’s dates of the festival are: November 6-13, and I’m so looking forward to be the part of the team again!

NOTE: this article is provided for us by the Houston team member Shahla Mohammad and Anna Veselova! Thank you ladies!

New York – Petrina, A Bit of Norway, Texas, New York and Australia

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I like mixing things up a bit so I asked Petrina as a brand-new member to be our member of the month. She is a real mix of everything which I think is typical in New York City. I have not met her in person given the fact that I now live in Austin, TX but maybe on May 15th when I visit NYC for one day really I get to meet her – and many of you as well.Everyone’s story is unique, let’s hear Petrina’s story.

Tell us about yourself – who are you and what would be the short story of your life?(where are you from, where did you study, how did you come to NYC etc)

My Name is Petrina Holoszyc. My background includes a little bit of everywhere I guess. My mother is Norwegian, but grew up in Texas and my father is first-generation American from New York with my grandparents being Polish Jewish. I was born in Houston, but I never actually lived there, as my mother was just visiting her parents when I was born. I lived in New York City until the end of elementary school and then moved to Norway for Junior High School and High School. In 2003 I moved to Australia and did my undergraduate degree at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, and then did my Master’s Degree at Monash University in Melbourne. I moved back to the US in 2009 and back to New York in 2010. And now I am here running www.nyfoodbox.com.

What is THE thing about New York City captivates you the most?

I think what sums up NYC the best for me, is a quote from my friend: “if you’re bored in New York, it’s your fault”. There are just so many options and things to do. I have lived here off and on for over 15 years, and the City still surprises me.

Do you think living in New York City has in any way enhanced your work experience?

I started my own food business. That is not something I think I would have done anywhere else. The opportunities you have here are very different than most places. The people you meet and the fact that so many others are also trying to start their own thing just leads to so many more opportunities. Also, no one moves here for the weather, which means there are a lot of very driven people here.

If someone asked you what I should NOT miss while in NYC, what would reply?

Walking around all the different neighborhood’s, especially in the older areas of lower Manhattan. Also, being a history nerd, I would say everyone should go to the Tenement Museum.

What do you do in New York City when you feel like you just want to chill out?

Find a nice chill bar and have a few beers with friends. Or when the weather is nice, walk along the water and sit down and read a book in the sun.

Anything truly memorable that has happened to you since you have lived in NYC?

There are all these food festivals in the summer, and Governors Island host’s one that is called Pig Fest. I took my dad a few years ago. It is just so amazing to be on this Island that has not changed at all since the 60’s and much of it since the turn of the century. Then turn around, beer in hand and look at the Manhattan skyline. Standing there with my dad, who is a born and breed New Yorker was just such an amazing feeling.

What really annoys you about NYC – or maybe nothing does?

Not so much annoys me, but I miss having private outdoor space… that is one thing that is hard to get in a city like this.

Do you have a favorite local restaurants and why?

I have so many places I love. Most of the restaurants I used to go to growing up are disappearing because of rent hikes. At the moment if I am craving Texas style BBQ I go to Hill Country. Old style Spanish I go to Spain or El Quixote. For French I love Buvette. For a great bagel with lox, Russ and Daughters. And Katz’s will also have a place in my heart, as I grew up going there with my Dad.

Do you see there are benefits for someone from abroad to come to NYC for a few years?

I think New York is a great place to find yourself and learn and experience new things. Though people should know that living in NYC has nothing to do with living in the rest of the US.

What do you think about the cost of living in other countries like Australia/Norway vs NYC and the standard of life and life style?

Because of the weak US dollar, Europe (read Scandinavia) and Australia are not really cheaper than New York. If you are coming with Norwegian Kr or Australian Dollars, New York is actually not bad price wise. In terms of standard of living… I do think 10 days a year is not enough vacation time. People work better and are more productive when they can have an actual break, and more than once a year. There is more of a work-life balance in Europe and Australia. Also having children here gets harder in terms of maternity leave. That said, I have no plans on leaving NYC anytime soon.

In your opinion what is the best time to visit NYC?

Spring and fall. Not too hot, not too cold… It’s the Goldilocks of seasons.

Anything else you feel you’d like to share with us about NYC or yourself?

I think what makes New York such a great place is that there is space for everyone, no matter your background or interest. My favorite thing to do on the weekends, now that the weather is better, is explore the different food areas of the boroughs. Chinese in Flushing, Greek in Astoria, Haitian in Flatbush, Indian in Jackson Heights etc. This is where I get a lot of the influence for my cooking and recipes for NYFoodBox.

Website: www.nyfoodbox.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NyFoodBox
Twitter: @nyfoodbox
Instagram: nyfoodbox

Atlanta – David Nienhuis

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Our April 2013 Atlanta member of the month is David Nienhuis – whom you all hopefully have met at our events in Atlanta.

Tell us about yourself- who are you and what would be the short story of your life?(where are you from, where did you study, how did you come to Atlanta etc)

I hold a Dutch passport and was born and raised in Europe (Germany, Luxemburg, Belgium) until the age of 15 – I then moved to the US with my family where I did my High School and University studies before moving to Paris for almost 5 years. I came to Atlanta to work for the 1996 Olympic Summer Games and have been here ever since.

What is THE thing about Atlanta captivates you the most?

Since moving to Atlanta, I have witnessed the many changs this city has gone through over the years. The international presence and influence of the many cultures and countries represented in this city is what keeps the Eurocircle Atlanta events fresh and exiting to coordinate every month.

Do you think living in Atlanta has in any way enhanced your work experience?

Yes – I was fortunate to be part of this city when it hosted the Olympic Summer Ganes. Since then, I have been working in the International Freight and Logistics Industry, which has allowed me to build and establish my career in Atlanta.

If someone asked you what I should NOT miss while in Atlanta, what would you reply?

Atlanta has so many things to offer but a ‘typical tourist must see’ would be the Coca Cola museum, Atlanta History Center, Fernbank Museum, Georgia Aquarium, Centennial Park…honestly, I wold just tell them to browse the internet and pick and chose their preference of things to do…

What do you do in Atlanta when you feel like you just want to chill out?

I enjoy riding my motorcycle (and bicycle) in the Atlanta suburbs or just sitting on a patio with friends somewhere in Brookhaven, The Highlands, Decatur or Midtown, depending on the the of atmosphere I’m in the mood for.

Anything truly memorable that has happened to you since you have lived in Atlanta?

I have lived in Atlanta now for the past 18 years (the longest I have ever lived anywhere at one time), so I have experienced a few memorable events and hope to have many more to come…

What really annoys you about Atlanta– or maybe nothing does?

A lot of people complain about the ever increasing traffic but having lived in other parts of the world, I think it is still manageable in comparison, especially if you know the back roads. I do wish the public transportation (especially MARTA) would be more destination friendly throughout the city. Other than that, there isn’t really anything that annoys me about Atlanta…except maybe the pollen season…

Do you have a favorite Atlanta restaurant?

One thing no one can take away from this city is its great selection and ever expanding choices of restaurants. I have several restaurants I frequent often and I especially enjoy authentic Chinese and Thai cuisine (thanks to my travels to these countries) as well as Indian cuisine. However, I also occasionally enjoy the ‘true southern foods’ that are offered in many of the Atlanta restaurants.

Do you see there are benefits for someone from abroad to come to Atlanta for a few years?

Absolutely – I came to Atlanta with intent to leave again after my job ended with the Summer Olympic Games. However, like so many other expats and internationals I have met throughout the years, once you live in this city, it is very easy to call Atlanta ‘Home’. The US (and Atlanta) are so different from Europe and other parts of the world that it can only be beneficial to live here and experience the many great things this city has to offer.

What do you think about the cost of living in Europe vs Atlanta – and the standard of life and life style?

Hands down…for the same money, you cannot beat the lifestyle and living standard that Atlanta has to offer compared to Europe and even many other US cities. Having lived abroad as well as a few other US cities, I know first hand that life is good in the ATL…

In your opinion what is the best time to visit Atlanta?

Early summer or in the Fall as the months of July and August typically get very hot and humid)

Houston – Deniz Kabuloglu

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Our April 2013 Houston member of the month is Deniz Kabuloglu – whom you all met at our last event in Houston.

Who are you?

I am a Mexican/Turkish multimedia artist living in Houston. Currently taking photographs of chimps for a show to help the Jane Goodall Institute, and on my spare time I promote my Tequila brand OneShot. I have a bathroom blog and am a lover of the moments between the moments. I am constantly trying to learn new things.

What does being an ‘artist’ mean to you?

Art is my way of existing. Bad art is art that isn’t made from the heart. I consider myself a creative person. I hate being type-cast. I am a woman, I am a human.

What do you create?

I create versions, visions of me. My feelings and opinions towards life and the world. Circumstances, moments..

What inspires you?

I am inspired by life, what goes on around me, the absurd, human relations, animals. Some of my favorite artists are Da Vinci, Hopper, Picasso, Basquiat, Baker, Caravaggio but I am also fascinated by people that have transformed each industry by following their dreams, like Jane Goodall or Diana Vreeland. And I also love the realness, rawness of problems, of bureaucracy, whenever I can I am re-reading a Kafka book. I believe the world is more malleable than you think, I also believe in magic moments that go unnoticed, and I stay there, mindful.

What is your favorite medium with which to work?

I would say whatever’s at hand. I think you have to play with what you’ve got.

I am constantly evolving in my medium. I never want to ’mold cakes‘. I love to challenge myself, to do what I haven’t tried and to never settle. And that reflects in each of the projects I have planned. There’s so much to do in the world, to just be interested in doing one thing would limit my life. I do it with purpose, I think each of us has a rent to pay for being given this gift, time. And we should all collaborate in our own way. I enjoy hearing other forms of thought and closing the gaps between this contrasting world we live in. As humans, we are capable of beautiful dreams and horrible nightmares, but we are not alone. And I am positive.

Which of your pieces says the most about you as an artist? Why?

I think each piece I have made is a universe in itself, full of detail, thought and some improvisation, but the character I created io, who lives in art and travels through life, encompasses a lot of what I am, I’ve done and want to do. It’s just full possibilities, as we all are. io is on a journey, we’ll see what comes next.

How does Mexico play a part in your work?

It is my roots, my history, my culture. It reflects on everything I do wherever I am

What do you hope to accomplish with your pieces?

If by doing what I love I am able to help raise awareness about the issues that I care about, just that alone would make the whole experience a great achievement to me.

What’s next?

I’m working on several different projects at the moment but although most of the time I am very busy, I’m also definitely a laid back lazy person and you can often find me just sitting with the ducks at the park. I love jokes and listening to music for every moment. My current main purpose is being dedicated to supporting endangered species of animals through my work.

What’s your advice for artists just starting out?

Don’t do anything for money, do what you love. Don’t let anyone tell you no. There is always another door. Persevere for what you really want.

You can learn more about me at www.kabuloglunonsense.com and about what I do at:
www.kabuloglunonsense.com,
www.kabuloglu.com/

Rome – Caron A. McConnon

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We love to feature some of the more interesting members in Rome. This month you meet Caron A. McConnon, she is American and Flavio who runs EuroCircle Rome warmly suggested her. Caron has had an interesting journey.

Tell us about yourself- who are you and what would be the short story of your life?

Proudly named after my mother, Caron A. McConnon Sr. I was born in Georgetown, Washington DC and raised in Alexandria, Virginia. I pursued a career in online marketing and business development, seminar and program planning at a Non-Profit organization for 13 years, while raising my daughter, Brittany. Brittany has blessed me with my granddaughter, Jayla, who is the apple of Nonna’s eye! My deep love of diversity and travel brought me to global places such as Morocco where I learned the customs and Moroccan Arabic in Casablanca.

After experiencing Morocco I knew that I was interested in living abroad and spent time in Italy where I fell in love with the Italian language (who doesn’t), lifestyle, fashion and their love and appreciation for family values. I returned several more times, visiting the eternal city of Rome where I now call home and moved here for good in 2007 (for love of course, what else….). The best part about my move here was having the ability to build my own home in one of the seven hills of Rome, in a little northern part of Rome called Riano.

What was your work experience after moving to Rome?

With a stellar resume in hand which showcased a multitude of wanted skills it wasn’t so tough to infiltrate into the job market in Rome. I started working at a small Marketing Firm called Mebius and then after one year there changed over to Venere.com (an Expedia Global Company) as a Marketing Director for their online Affiliate website program. I was then graced with an opportunity to teach Business English at UET, in Rome, within the European Tourism Masters Program. This afforded me a chance to touch many young student lives from all over Italy, who I can proudly say after graduating from my course are in my industry and doing well.

What is THE thing about Rome that captivates you the most?

Experiencing the ancient and modern-times in this eternal city each day is the thing that still amazes me! You have a mix of modern technology right beside some of the most ancient ruins in the world! The contrast of how things were and how they currently are today shows you just how far we have evolved. The extensive beauty surrounds one famous piazza after another in and around the historical center. They are still digging and I hope that it never stops! Everyone should go out and walk around to fully understand the gorgeous scenery and historical sites. Rome is breathtaking in so many aspects.

Do you think living in Rome has in any way enhanced your work experience?

Rome is the epicenter of Tourism and Travel. it has afforded me the ability to open my own company and assist in job creation for young and talented University graduates from all over Italy. We have City Directors that are given the space and responsibilities as a mini CEO of their regions. My career as well now has the international attention it was longing for! I relocated to Rome for love but I am extremely fortunate to have it all here in Bella Roma!

If someone asked you what they should NOT miss while in Rome, what would reply?

There are some hidden wonders that “regular” tourists may not know of because they are too busy looking and reading the Rick Steve’s travel guide book and Tom Hanks and Woody Allen missed shooting them for Hollywood. My “hidden secrets of Roman life” include dinner at Ciampini’s in the glass gazebo with the perfect view of St. Peters Basilica. Ciampini’s is an outdoor terrace Restaurant that sits at the top of the Spanish Steps. There you will find the most incredible wine and culinary surprises that the eternal city has to offer. Next, the view from the top of Castel Sant Angelo either first thing in the morning or right before closing time to catch the sunset beaming off of the Tiber River. For a healing and sobering experience everyone should see the newly renovated Cripta dei Cappuccini, Chiostro del Bramante and the fresco trompe l’oeil dome at the Chiesa di San Ignazio. As well, they have excavated the baths and opened the underground near Circus Maximus where previously slaves worked to heat the Roman water supply.

What do you do in Rome when you feel like you just want to chill out?

My favorite place to walk around and chill out is on Tiber Island in the summer time or in Trastevere which is also called the Jewish Ghetto. Rome also has many great parks to walk and take naps under beautiful pine trees, like at Villa Borghese. On the weekends there is nothing better than playing American Football in Villa Pamphili with friends and afterwards heading over to Mamas Ristorante for a pizza in the Northern part of Rome in a town called Labaro.

Anything truly memorable that has happened to you since you have lived in Rome?

Many things! I fell backwards into the Trevi Fountain while on vacation and after getting engaged on the Spanish Steps, I moved back here to stay! Had a fairytale wedding in Rome. My true Roman experience though has to have been learning the language and building a beautiful villa in Riano from the ground up.

Last but not least starting my own Travel Company and learning Italian laws….yes they do exist…just not for driving.

What really annoys you about Rome – or maybe nothing does?

There are the “normal” relocating difficulties when an Expat decides to make a move, however, what I worry about the most are the daily dangers of driving and parking in Rome. For many expatriates and visitors this beautiful city appears to be in almost a state of anarchy when driving on the roadways. The city cannot expand it’s public metro due to the old Rome being underground and each time they attempt to excavate the work is stopped (as it should be). Most of the time Rome is in gridlock and it is difficult to get across town. As well, the parking really gets to me…..as they will leave their cars parked with flashers on in the middle of the street (which already lacks space for normal traffic to pass). But, as they say…..when in Rome…do as the Romans do!

Kaisa: I have heard better be prepared the phones do not work, internet does not work, electricity does not work – just don’t lose it as a friend said…a new attitude??

Rome and Italy in general has a real lack of connection to the Internet and Phone services. Some places will have free wifi, but you must be on one of the Italian networks and have a SIM card from Italy in your phone to use that feature, which most travelers don’t have. Funny true stories about cell phone coverage or the lack of good connection is common dinner banter around here. At any given time your cell phone could ring, on the outter screen it states one of your contacts and when you answer, it’s another person calling to speak with his mother. Sometimes it’s funny and sometimes it’s annoying, again, just Rome. As well, calls drop off frequently and loss of service is also common throughout the mountains and in the Southern areas of the country. Internet is very costly, so most people have modem’s through telecom Italia at home , then there is also fastweb (which is not so fast unless you are plugged directly into a line) and both of the leading cell phone companies offer Internet as well. 4G is just starting to come over to Italy in places like Rome and Milan, but won’t work outside of these major areas.

Electricity, Italy buys their electricity on the open market mostly from France and they do not have any nuclear power plants due to the concern about radiation and cancer (while 99% of the country smokes a pack a day). So if the city or an area of Rome has over used it’s daily allowance of power, the electric company ENEL shuts your house / apt. or hotel down until the next day. Most hotels have backup generators to keep the AC going in the summer months. The scariest thing about the lack of electricity here is that there are multiple streets and highways that are without lights on them, adding to the already dangerous driving conditions. This is partly a fiscal issue with Rome as well.

Do you have a favorite Roman restaurant?

Yes. Mama’s in Labaro, Via Flaminia 2. It is owned by an American Entrepreneur, Lara Viscuso. She runs a truly friendly, affordable and welcoming place for couples and families to dine out. There is a beautiful patio for a night of dining under the stars. And the music is always easy listening. However, best to call for reservations (06 33614537). If you are staying in the center then my favorite place downtown is at the top of the Spanish Steps called Ciampini’s – Ask for Marco the owner and tell him that Caron McConnon sent you.

Do you see there are benefits for someone from abroad to come to Rome for a few years?

I feel that learning a second or third language is a major benefit for everyone. Rome has a multitude of free language groups to learn Italian which meet up at interesting places in the city center. As well, all of the cultural experiences you will encounter, meeting a widespread of diversified people from around the world is a major plus and learning how to cook the SLOW FOOD way can all be achieved in Rome!! However, I do feel that during this tough period of the last 2 years, the expansion of business growth from abroad has dwindled due to a shooty government and the Euro zone taking an economical bath. So seeking new opportunities within the Italian workplace or investing in their market right now is tough and to be honest not the best idea.

What do you think about the cost of living in the USA vs Rome – and the standard of life and life style?

The cost of living in the US is nothing compared to the cost of living in Rome or the EU in general. My fellow American’s have no idea how blessed they are, even in these very difficult and challenging economic times. The major purchases we make such as fuel, homes, food, electronics, energy and transportation are all considerably more expensive here in Italy. We purchase gas in liters, not gallons and in 2013 we have to hang our wet laundry outside on a rack to dry under the sun due to electricity costing so much (true story – I bought a dryer when I arrived here in 2007 and have never turned it on). The price of food, going to the cinema, dinner out and entertainment are all much more expensive here in Rome. The standard of life, well that could really swing both ways depending on the day in Rome. At times, you need the art and the beauty of this city to help you get past all of the local transportation strikes (that seem to always occur on Friday’s). Rome has only two real social classes, ones with money and the ones without. There really isn’t a middle class to speak of and their immigration policy is really an open door which makes the city sometimes a dangerous place filled with street beggars and folks selling knock off brands on the sidewalks (a bit like New York City at times with a lot less police on the streets).

In your opinion what is the best time to visit Rome?

The best time period to visit the eternal city is when the sunny weather starts, normally at the beginning of April. September and November are packed with festivals catering to the wine, cheese and olive oil tasting events. In the month of August Rome is much quieter and steamy hot, almost too much, as well most of the Romans head for the coast and it’s a ghost town.

Anything else you feel you’d like to share with us about Rome or yourself?

CMC World Travel & Tours are offered throughout Italy and around the world! We have two office locations to assist you with all of your travel needs and planning both in the US and in Rome, Italy.

We specialize in Family Vacation Planning, Villa Rentals, Large Groups and Religious Pilgrimages, Honeymoons, Destination Weddings and Cruise Shore Excursions at every port across the globe, including Asia, the Middle East and beyond! Our tours and shore excursions are smaller and led in a more personal group than the cruise ships.

Website: www.cmcworldtravel.com
Like and Follow us at Facebook: www.facebook.com/CMC.World.Travel
For Direct Bookings contact our Toll Free Reservation line at : (877) 671-3235

Philadelphia – Christine Pfister – Pentimenti Gallery

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We plan to feature some of the more interesting members in Philadelphia. This month you meet Christine Pfister, she is Swiss – and one of the most intriguing ladies in Philly.

Hi Christine, tell us a little about yourself

Christine Pfister,Co-Owner and Director at Pentimenti Gallery. Honorary Consul of Switzerland in Philadelphia.Member of the Executive Committee of the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia

Where are you from?

I was born in a wonderful, storybook like place, in Switzerland. My hometown was a more than 500 years old medieval town, nestled into a scenic setting, with snowy mountains on one side and a beautiful lake on the other. I grew into a teenager that longed to explore America, having been exposed again and again to the American dream on television, and life brought me to the United States.

How did you fund your business?

My husband, Tom, originally opened Pentimenti Gallery in 1992. In 1995 he asked me to take over and give it wings to fly. Here I am, after 18 years, enjoying the best time of my life in Philadelphia, between my relationship with the art, artists, collectors, friends and family.

How many hours do you work a week and how much is spent is your home office?

I work 40 hours a week at the gallery and on top countless hours from my home office after my children are in bed.

How would you rate your success?

It is not up to me to rate my success and to be frank I’m not concerned about it. What matters the most to me are the individuals I met. They are really what have made my work a rewarding journey for me.

What has been your biggest business struggle as an entrepreneur?

Time. It is perishable, it is irreplaceable and it cannot be saved.

What advice would you give to a new entrepreneur?

Never to think it is not possible. My husband opened Pentimenti Gallery in 1992 in the middle of a recession and after outliving several I had to be a believer!

How do you manage all of your personal and business activities?

My family is my priority. It is the reason why I get up in the morning and why I work hard. So I decided to follow this simple rule many years ago: concentrate on working when you are at work so that you can concentrate on your family when you are at home.

Have you had anything (opportunity, job, etc.) since moving from Switzerland that you never would have expected?

Yes, to be appointed Honorary Consul of Switzerland in Philadelphia in December 2011.
I merged into the world of the art, culture and commerce with great enthusiasm. My active professional life here as well as in Switzerland with the creation of several projects made me the perfect candidate

The honorary consul’s position differs from that of the ambassador or other full time diplomatic corps who work at embassies in career foreign service roles. While ambassadors generally serve in their assigned foreign country for 4 years, honorary consuls are there for a longer period of time. The role of the Honorary Consul is to help facilitate and expend the network of culture and economic between both countries, to assist Swiss and Americans in all fields of life and strengthen Swiss-American relations, friendship and common understanding.

Have you had much experience with EuroCircle?

I very much like the dynamism of the organization and Sherry Kumar is fantastic! I wish I could attend more events. But my favorite is the EuroCircle’s Power Cocktail at the Four Seasons every summer.

Website: www.pentimenti.com
pentimenti
christine pfister
145 north second street | philadelphia, pa 19106