Archive for category: Interview

Many of our members have visited Vienna – and Mario Berruti lived there a while. I really wanted to have his experiences recorded – and later on I want to hear what he thinks about living in Boston which I find very different than Vienna. I never have gotten to know Boston well and would love to hear others’ experiences. In Mario’s case I am also interested in learning about his start-up CookRadar.

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

My name is Mario Berruti, I grew up in Turin, Italy, actually the first Italian capital: city of tradition, culture, sport, art, cars, chocolate, coffee and the city of the Holy Shroud.
I studied International Management at the University of Turin, worked for three years in an international accounting firm, and then I decided to move on and “discover” the World working and living in England, Ireland and Switzerland, before coming to Vienna.
It happened to be due to working reasons, that I moved around a lot, but, deeply I owe all to a desire of experiencing new cultures, meeting new people from all over the planet, discovering new cities like London, Dublin, Bern, and Vienna, with all the positive and emotional excitement: starting a new life, building a new network of friends, challenging myself out of my comfort zone, was not always easy: an act of adventure and courage that I am proud of having done, as it opened my view and way of thinking.
By the way, time flies and I have now moved to Boston, working on a start-up about peer-to-peer home-made food exchange, called CookRadar, “connecting people through home-made food”.

Do you think living in Vienna in any way enhanced your work and life experience?

I think living in Vienna helped me a lot in finding a perfect work and life balance.
The artistic and cultural program offered by the Opera, the Musikverein, the Albertina, the Museumquartier area, coupled with the long and warm seasons of Spring and Summer, enjoying time with friends at the “heuriger”, at the“Biergarten” in the Altes AKH, or biking in the Wachau and Neusiederlsee region, just made my time in Vienna an happy and memorable moment of my life.
I wasn’t able to appreciate my time so profoundly, hadn’t I found a group of close Viennese and International friends, Eurocircle being one of the most representative, who embraced me and introduced me to the real Vienna.
I am so grateful to have met many people who helped me a lot feeling at home, and with whom I shared part of my journey.

Anything truly memorable that happened to you while you lived in Vienna?

What about jogging around the park of the Schönbrunn Palace on Sundays, or enjoying the Spittelberg and Karlsplatz Christmas markets or enjoying the variety of food in the summer time at the Rathau? These are little memorable things I will be always bringing with me and looking back to with great pleasure!

What is THE thing about Vienna that captivates you the most vs. your home town in Italy?

Many, many things…

Above all, the international attitude and the elegance of Viennese people. We have to remember that Vienna was the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Its geographical location, exactly in the middle between the East and West, South and Central Europe, has shaped its culture and the way its people think: I have been captivated by the curiosity and the openness of the Viennese.
I loved, sometimes, when finishing late at work, passing by some of the famous Viennese cafes and being literally attracted by their warm and welcoming lights, and by the pleasure people inside were reading their books or chatting one with the other, no matter it was already late in the night!

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

The view over the city, the Danube and the vineyards from Kahlenberg.
Another place I love is the view from the “Gloriette”, in the Schönbrunn Palace park.

What did you do in Vienna when you felt like you just want to chill out vs. in Italy…??

In winter, definitely sipping “gluhwein” (mulled wine) while wandering around, through the Christmas markets with friends, as opposed to the hot chocolate experience in my home-town Turin.
In summer, simply discovering a new “heuriger” in the Grinzing area, as opposed to relaxing at the beach bar sipping ice-coffee!

What really annoyed you about Vienna – or maybe nothing does? Italy…

About Vienna: closing hours of supermarkets and shops (too early), and the sirens alarm once a year that wakes me up from my deep sleep!
Also about Vienna: the snobbishness of its cafes’ waiters, but this is attributable to a long tradition…
About Italy: bureaucracy, politicians, people who don’t pay taxes, but drive in “fast and suv” car, ideology, corruption.

Do you have a favorite Vienna restaurants/areas/places and why? What do you think about the typical Austrian/Viennese food and cuisine in general compared to Italian…what stands out for you?

I like the “Zum Schwarzen Adler” in Schonbrunner Strasse, especially their autumn menu and their own brewed beers. Typical traditional Viennese place I used to bring my parents when visiting me in Vienna.
“Wirtshaus Zum Leupold” for its Wiener Schnitzel and potatoes salad. It was my favorite place to eat dinner with my colleagues after long hours at work.
“Schweizerhaus” at Prater, in summer: perfect place to meet friends and enjoy their Schweinsstelze with a couple or more beers.
Viennese cuisine is robust, caloric and, in my view, gives special attention to sweet, cakes and desserts: i.e. Apfelstrudel , Topfenstrudel, Millirahmstrudel, Palatschinken, Kaiserschmarrn, Germknödel, Marillenknödel, Sachertorte Linzer torte, Esterhazy Torte, etc…
Well, Italian cuisine is mainly Mediterranean, based on vegetables, olive oil, tomatoes, herbs, fish: I don’t have difficulty to say that offers more variety.

What are you favorite Italian culinary experiences?? Wines, food…

There is an Italian culinary experience for each the occasion, (celebration, friends, skiing in the mountain, single night), weather, season and time available to prepare.
During this time of the year, winter, my favorite culinary experiences would be the valley and countryside dishes like “polenta e spezzatino” (stew), or “polenta with mixed cheeses” (gorgonzola, fontina, strachino, parmesan and butter), accompanied with Barbera wine from Monferrato and Langhe region. Another one, would be “Bagna cauda”, a warm dip eaten by dipping raw, boiled or roasted vegetables, especially cardoon,carrot,peppers,fennel, celery, cauliflower, artichokes, and onions.
I love these dishes because they are literally a culinary experience, suitable for cold weather and best enjoyed when mingled with the social aspect of dining, as the main big pan is placed in the middle of the table, perfect for communal sharing with friends: sharing is caring!

What do you miss most from Italy?

Family, friends, food, weather and the places I grew up.

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

Cost of living in Vienna is comparable to the cost of living in big Italian cities like Milan, Turin, Rome: it is still affordable when compared to big European capital like Paris, London.
It is generally known that Vienna is one of the best cities to live in, in terms of standard of life and life style. I can just confirm this result: it is reality. Lot of welfare spending for young couples, children, in terms of education, health care, social assistance.
Another good point is the transportation system in Vienna: reliable, efficient and effective covering every possible place in the city. Traffic, in Italy, is generally more chaotic.

What do you miss most from other countries or cities you have lived in before? Favorite city in Europe for you personally?

Vienna is my favorite: it has everything I can think of I need. Vienna has still a human pleasant dimension.

In your opinion what is the best time to visit Vienna and Italy?

I suggest visiting Vienna in spring: it is lovely and regenerating, enjoying Vienna’s parks in blooming season at Schönbrunn Palace park, and Stadtpark, for example.
Italy is worth to be visited, always!

Curious what is the biggest misconception/s you think people have about Vienna?

People are cold, not friendly and don’t speak English: this is the biggest misconception about Vienna. Most of the people know three languages!

If money is not an issue – how would you live your life and where?

Travelling around the world for the first part of the year, for second part, helping people in need.

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

The first, I love connecting with people and sharing experiences. The second: visit Vienna!

Connect with Mario and CookRadar:
CookRadar website: www.cookradar.com
Like CookRadar on Facebook: www.facebook.com/cookradar

 

I have always been interested in Colorado as I keep hearing about its majestic nature. In fact I have only been to the airport in Denver, never been to any of the cities. Unfortunately we have not had luck in finding a great leader/team for running EuroCircle Denver/Boulder yet. I met Ulla online and since architecture and interior design is a great interest for me – not to mention that a former NY team member Anu Arponen was an architect as well – I absolutely had to interview her.

Where are you originally from? Where are you living now – since when and where did you move from?

My name is Ulla Lange and I am originally from Finland. I live in Boulder, Colorado, 15 min walk from the downtown, so not in the suburbs, although in a residential, single family neighborhood. I have lived in Boulder since 1993 and I moved here from a small town called Waldwick, in New Jersey. Before that I lived in London, New York City, Phoenix, AZ, and Boulder Colorado, which was the first town I lived in after moving to the States.

Did you move with a spouse/children?

I did move with my (then) spouse and two children.

Why did you move; what do you do?

We moved, as we had gotten tired of the congested metro New York City area, the hectic life style and wanted to experience a more outdoors oriented lifestyle. Also our children had their cousins and one set of grandparents in the Boulder area.
Initially I moved from Finland to the US, as I got married.
I am a partner in an architecture firm – not a licensed architect, but have a degree in architecture and work mainly as an interior designer.

What do you enjoy most about Boulder/Denver, how’s the quality of life compared to Finland?

Absolutely, I like the fact that everything is close in Boulder and that I do not have to use my car every day, if I don’t want to. There are great bike paths in all parts of the city, good public transportation, easy walking distance to stores, etc. and a real downtown, unlike many other American towns.
It is an open minded, small city, where people are very health conscious and environmentally aware. It offers great opportunities for any kind of fitness and the weather is such that it is easy to spend lots of time outdoors. We typically have 300 days of sunshine every year. Boulder also has many good restaurants, a great farmers’ market and dozens of grocery stores that carry organic and locally produced produce. The university offers a variety of cultural events and continuing education opportunities.

Usually there are some negatives, what are the ones for Boulder/Denver? What do you miss most about home?

In Colorado I miss the proximity to any large bodies of water. The climate here is dry and there a very few, mainly man made lakes. I miss having a real autumn and spring – here seasons are much more blended together.
I would like Boulder to be a bit more international (and fashion conscious – although that sounds really petty and superficial).
I miss cultural events in my own language and my friends, whom I have known for decades. That has become more pronounced, as years go by.

Do you feel Boulder/Denver is safe right now? Are there any areas expats should avoid in your opinion?

Boulder feels very safe to me, although it is not crime free. I don’t think there are any areas I need to avoid.
Denver is a different story altogether.

How would you rate the public transport? What are the different options? Do you need to own a car? How would you rate the healthcare?

Very good for an American city. You do not have to own a car to live in Boulder. Healthcare is very good and there are many options for alternative treatments and practices, as well as conventional ones.

Food/Restaurants/Entertainment – any comments – or recommendations are always cool.

Good restaurants. Entertainment: some live theater and dance, many good concerts, small art shows. For entertainment, Denver has a lot more to offer.

Which are the best places/suburbs to live in the city as an expat?

Just about anywhere in Boulder. Close to downtown is nice, as one can walk to many amenities. But there are also large homes further from downtown and in the surrounding areas.

Do you go out a lot – hobbies?

Not so much these days, restaurants 3-4 times a month, movie theaters, some art shows and live performances.

How do you rate the standard of housing in the city (compared to Finland or other countries you know)?

The standard varies quite a bit. There is student housing, which is rather basic and outdated, but also very nice houses and apartments which are modern and closer to standards in Finland, although there, as well, one can find many different types and standards of housing.

What’s the cost of living compared to home? What is cheap or expensive in particular?

Boulder is expensive by American standards, but compared to Helsinki area, somewhat less.

What are the locals like; do you feel you mix mainly with other expats?

I have some international friends, but also American ones. I hardly consider myself an expat, as I have lived most of my adult life in the US. People tend to be open and friendly in Boulder, well educated (rated the highest educated city, most advanced degrees per capita some years ago). Tt is fairly easy meeting people and making friends

Did you have a problem getting a work visa/permit? What’s the economic climate like in Boulder/Denver, is there plenty of work?

This does not really apply to me, as I got a green card right away (through marriage) and now have US citizenship (dual with Finland). There seems to be plenty of work, but it could be challenging for certain professions.
Generally speaking finding work in Boulder should not be too difficult, especially if you are open minded and are in the right industry, those being IT, things to do with sports and recreation, healthcare (especially care for the elderly), also possibly also restaurant work. My own field, architecture, is very saturated, and there is barely enough work for all the firms and independent architects and designers here. There is very little new construction going on in Boulder, but definitely a lot of remodeling work. If you are skilled in a construction trade (carpenter, electrician, etc.), your chances of finding work are most likely pretty good. Boulder’s atmosphere is also very entrepreneurial and it is known for many start-ups.

How does the work culture differ from home? Is it very different working here as an architect, design, taste wise, regulations, pricing…all that..

I have only worked very little in Europe in architecture and design, so it is hard for me to compare. Design tastes have been much more traditional and decorative, but the last few years have seen a real shift towards more modern design, in buildings, furniture, etc. American s tend to work longer hours than Europeans, and Boulder is not an exception. Vacations are shorter in general, but work environments are much more casual and relaxed than in New York City, for example. Most likely the same applies to comparisons to European design firms.

Did your spouse or partner/kids have problems adjusting to their new home? What are the schools like, any particular suggestions?

This does not apply, as my spouse (then and now) is American.
Public schools are quite good in Boulder and there are several private school options, as well.

Connect with Ulla Lange:

Ulla’s current job (Nov 2013): Workshop8.us
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ulla.lange
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/ulla-lange/7/484/432

Boulder and Denver Chamber of Commerce have information for people moving into these two cities.

 

I wanted to interview Vibha, who lives just outside Helsinki, as her country is just about the opposite of Finland. India is huge, with many religions, languages and so on. I don’t think anyone can say that Finland is very multicultural. I was super curious to see how she had adjusted to the culture – and the climate. She has a very good approach to any issues that may be a problem for many expats! Way to go!

Where are you originally from and where are you living now (, city + suburb)? When did you move here and from where (by yourself)? Planning to stay long – or return to your own country?

Hi, my name is Vibha Deshpande (Vibha Saraf) and I am originally from India. I was born in a town called Nagpur in central India. I was working at Microsoft Bangalore before I moved to Finland about a year ago. Presently I live in Espoo. I am currently working at Microsoft Finland as a Premier Field Engineer. I am a full time employee so, I haven’t thought about going back yet! It’s just the beginning!

Why did you move; what do you do for work?

I moved because my husband was already working here in Finland. And since we were figuring out how we could live together, I started applying for jobs internally in Microsoft. Luckily for me, there was a position here at Microsoft Finland, I applied for the job and got through.

What do you enjoy most about your current city, how’s the quality of life? Any negatives? What do you miss most about home (or where you moved from)?

The thing I love the most about my life in Finland is how simple and sorted it is. There are no added complexities. People are very helpful and want to interact, though initially they’re all a bit shy.

People might say that winters are that one thing you dread living in Finland, but I don’t agree. I really enjoyed the last winter, barring the first day when I saw snow falling from the skies for the first time in my life and I was quite scared, I thought I’d be buried in the snow – Now when I look back I can imagine how silly I might’ve looked. I can now proudly say that “It is never very cold, it’s just lack of proper clothing

Is the Helsinki Metro Area safe? Are there any areas expats or locals should avoid?

As a Premier Field Engineer, I travel across the capital region of Finland and also have to visit the remote places at times. I have travelled during peak hours and also have returned late at nights. I never felt even remotely scared.

I am told that some parks are unsafe during nights, but I feel that at least in Finland, as long as you don’t venture out inviting trouble, you are pretty safe.

How would you rate the public transport? What are the different options? Do you need to own a car?

I’ve been travelling across Europe and also to the states across the great pond, and I think Finland undoubtedly has the best public transport system. There are some areas that are being developed like the West Metro that will connect Espoo to the metro network and then it will be really amazing.

I travel to customer’s everyday as a part of my job and it is a different customer every day. It’s never more than one bus/train/metro (or combination) connection to reach the customer from my base.

How would you rate the healthcare and the standard of housing in Finland?

I think people in Finland live a very healthy lifestyle. Some form of exercise is a integral part of their lives. So people from India for example, who are used to taking heavy medicines find it a bit difficult. But I think coming here is a wakeup call for us to really understand how to lead a healthy life.
I have changed a few houses within Finland from Helsinki to Kerava and now to Espoo, and I found that the housing is quite good everywhere. The basic facilities are available everywhere whether you are in city center or living far away.

What’s the cost of living compared to home? What is cheap or expensive in particular?

Cost of living is definitely much higher in Finland. For example food items are much cheaper in India. But the quality of products is much better here.

What are the Finnish people like; do you mix mainly with other expats or also locals? Is there anything that you find very difficult about the Finnish people to understand and accept? It is a very homogenous country which may cause issues.

I think Finnish people like to “mix” with expats only if we as expats don’t have any inhibitions and don’t push them. They want to take their own time and then they become your best friends for life!

Did you find it easy meeting people and making friends?

Initially I felt quite lost, because I did not know how to break ice, but gradually over the last year I think I’ve made very good Finnish friends.

How does the work culture differ from home? What about social culture and habits? (this is usually very interesting for most people…different customs, work culture, how people treat each other, can you trust people, do you feel safe, racial/ethnic/religious issues, culinary differences etc)

Work culture in India is quite competitive. People are always competing to win! Here people focus a lot on work life balance. Ensuring that private life does not get affected negatively by work pressures.
There is a lot of automation and self-reliance – It took me a while to take in the fact that I need to weigh and tag my own vegetables at the super market, or assemble my own IKEA furniture.

Is there anything else you would like to share with EuroCircle readers? For example anything that really surprised you positively or negatively (misconceptions or nice surprises or really bad surprises). Feel free to be open about it.

Come to Finland and experience simple living and high thinking. People may be shy but they are not judging you. When you trip on ice during winter, people will come and help you pick up your stuff and tell you that even they fall, after all these years and you’ll have a great laugh!

The more I know about the people in Finland and their history, I’ve have started respecting them more and more. Though shy, you must appreciate their infallible spirit of “Sisu”.

Connect with Vibha Deshpande at Linkedin

We interviewed David Lowe last year and wanted do a follow-up interview for many reasons – you’ll find out why. Keep reading…

David, you are originally from the UK? You moved to Austin, TX last summer 2012, didn’t you – and we found you via EuroCircle if I recall correctly?

Yes, I was born and raised on the Lytham St. Annes, in the north-west of England. As cheesy as it sounds, I moved to America to live the American Dream. I was determined to succeed in business and knew this was the country to do it in. I just had to pick the right city to call home and to launch my startup Uberpong. I chose Austin and arrived here in February 2012. I found EuroCircle whilst networking like crazy after getting here. I knew one person so had to get out there and hustle!

Did you move with a spouse/children?

I moved here with my wife Diana.

Why did you move; what do you do so everyone knows that?

I moved for many reasons. One was to start my business (I am the Founder and CEO of Uberpong – designer and custom ping pong paddle specialists. Another was the weather which looked more appealing than the infinite gray skies of London

What do you enjoy most about Austin, now when you have more experience, how’s the quality of life compared to UK?

Quality of life is a lot better than the UK. People work hard here but make a point to have a life outside of work. With 300 days of sunshine, people are passionate about cycling, tennis, running and of course ping pong!!

Usually there are some negatives, what are the ones for Austin that really stand out for you personally?

Myself and my wife are allergic to dogs so the massive amount here and fact that a lot of bars and restaurants let them inside the venues has been testing. The city is not designed for walking and with the mounting traffic congestion, the city badly needs a mass transit system. The drivers are very aggressive here and drive erratically. Almost everyone I see either talks or texts on their phones whilst driving which is alarming. I miss culture and proximity of England to mainland Europe.

Do you feel Austin is a good place for you as an entrepreneur right now? Are there any areas expats like you might like in the USA in your opinion (entrepreneurs? WHY?

Yes. San Francisco is a little saturated but I hear Vcs/angels back startups faster than in Austin. This has to change if Austin is to truly become the next startup hotspot in the US. It is also a little frustrating that the majority of networking events are for tech industry people.

How would you rate the public transport? What are the different options? Do you need to own a car?

2/10. Buses very infrequent but on time. Metrorail has a bizarre route going east instead of through downtown and over to South Congress. I don’t drive but I feel the pressure of not having a car.

Which are the best places/suburbs to live in Austin as an expat?

Hard to say. We started in downtown as that’s where the majority of events happen & I’ve met a few Europeans at these. We are keen to move to Rosedale as it has a nice community feel without being in surburbia. It really depends what you’re in to.

Do you go out a lot – hobbies? Or is everything about work right now?

Uberpong just got Nike as a client and we are directing a huge event in San Francisco next month that will feature Apple and be at the new headquarters of Airbnb. We are also releasing a new Uberpong branded paddle very soon. Add to that a big distribution deal that could be happening with my other company OriginofCool.com. I feel like I’m hitting a workaholic phase but you’ll find me at my favorite local bar Tiniest Bar In Texas chilling out at the weekend!

What’s the cost of living compared to UK? What is cheap or expensive in particular?

The cost of living is actually a lot higher than I expected in Austin and the rental rates and property prices are skyrocketing. Eating out is generally cheaper in Austin but when you add the tip on, it can come close to London. Gas prices are lower.

What are the locals like; do you feel you mix mainly with other expats? I guess this is a bit easier for you since you speak with a wonderful British accent!

Very laissez-faire and not bothered with what people think. They actually don’t make a big deal about the accent compared to other states in the US. I mix mainly with people from the north-east of the USA but have a few friends from Austin. I have a South African friend who is the drummer in my band but apart from that only really see expats at EuroCircle.

Did you think it is easy meeting people and making friends in Austin?

It depends where you hang out. Compared to London, definitely yes.

What’s the economic climate like in Austin, how would you compare it to the UK? Why? How does the work culture differ from UK?

Buoyant. People will frequently ask, “What recession?” Salaries are lower than most states but so is the living cost (although this is rising fast). Texas has survived the recession well and I think the UK could learn a lot from Austin.

I run Uberpong and have never worked in a US company. I gather that dress code is generally very informal due to the heat. My work style drifts dramatically between smart/casual for meetings, networking events and interviews to ridiculously casual for photo shoots and everyday work.

Did you have any misconceptions about Texas that have turned out to be super wrong….or vice versa, you thought something will be great and it is exactly the other way around?

I thought the police would be very relaxed but heard they can be brutal (my friend got a fine for jaywalking on an empty street and another friend was racially abused when he got pulled over for no reason).

Do you think your career (business) would be the same in UK – or does this work better for you? Either way, please explain more.

No. I stand out more here for several reasons and I like the low operating costs, the tax breaks and general entrepreneurial mentality of the people. They believe things can happen and see opportunity rather than risk (the British typically think the opposite way).

What are your favorite restaurants/bars here in Austin – why ?

Tiniest Bar In Texas – low key, my kind of music (alt/psych rock) & nice bar staff. Ruth’s Chris – we know them well & they always look after us. Rounders Pizza – good movies/vibe/music. Easy Tiger – for ping pong.

Is there any other advice you would like to offer new expat arrivals or contemplating a move to Austin?

Say yes to any invite you get when you first get here. Get to know the locals and key players and just get stuck in and enjoy life here!!!

Connect with David Lowe and uberpong.com

Twitter: – @davidjlowe @uberpong
facebook.com/uberpong
facebook.com/davidjlowe1
Website: www.uberpong.com

Photo credit – Ryan Pollack: www.ryanpollack.com