Los Angeles – Sara Sulander, Actress & Singer from Finland in Los Angeles

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Who Is Sara Sulander – and what does Sara do/where?

I am Sara Sulander, and I’m a 23 year old actress and singer originally from Finland, travelled to a lot of places, even lived in Australia for a while, and now for the last 3 years settled down in Los Angeles, California, to pursue my dream full time. I have done singing and acting in all my 3 “home countries”, but now in L.A. I have found an additional passion; stage managing and producing.

At what age did you know that you wanted to be an actor/singer ?

I don’t remember my exact age, perhaps 5, 6 years old, but I remember the exact moment and the exact feeling. I was sitting on the floor of my grandparents’ living room, watching a movie, not really understanding what was going on in the movie. But I was admiring the work of the actors, and all of a sudden I was filled with this feeling of passion and eager and excitement, and from that moment I KNEW that I am going to be an actress.
With singing it was a little bit different, I’ve always had the passion for singing, but when I was younger, I couldn’t sing very well. I kept practicing by myself, until I was 10 years old I joined a choir and at 14 years of age I started taking private singing lessons. I have worked hard and trained a lot to develop my voice from basically nothing, to what it is now.

What has been the most exciting “thing” or role that you’ve covered during your career or should we say careers? I think you do some other stuff as well??

This is a hard one, there’s too many. But if I have to choose one, it must be when I was under 10 years old and I was acting in a scene with two boys and the performance day arrived, but the boys didn’t. I had to improvise the entire scene – talking to a doll. It was an extremely exciting moment, and at a really young age and early in my acting career, my acting and improvisational skills were put on blast.

Is there any particular story, moment, an award or an achievement throughout your career that you are particularly proud of?

What I’m most proud of is the fact that against all odds, against some of my friends’ and family’s opinions, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue my career in singing and acting.

What would you say is the biggest misconception that people have about your profession (acting) or singing?

I have three big ones for you Kaisa; 1. actors are stupid and bimbos 2. singing and acting is just play time and not hard work and 3. it is not a real job. First of all, what is a “real job” anyway? And if you want to be as great and successful actress and singer as possible, it is very hard work, physically and mentally, and you need to be extremely intelligent – both book smart and life smart.

What do you enjoy most about being an actor vs. your previous life? What the worst about being an actor/singer….

In my head I have been an actor and singer my entire life, so there is no “previous life”. At this point in my career I enjoy pretty much all aspects of being and actor and singer. Irregular schedule, working with so many different people so intensively, all the things I need to learn for my roles and performances, need to be in physical and mental well being, everyday is so different, performing in front of a live audience or a camera, and most of all I get to do what I love everyday. The worst about this career choice is that there is no one path on how to approach it. Say if you are a doctor, you go through medical school, get an internship, become a resident, attending and then you’re a doctor. There is no such path for this business.

What have you found to be the biggest difference between acting in Finland and Los Angeles? Just out of curiosity loved to hear something about your Australian experiences too.

I honestly don’t think I have enough experience or recent experience in acting in Finland and Australia to answer this question.

What kind of people survive and do well in this field of work (acting vs. singing) in your opinion?

Intelligent, confident, strong, humble, determined, independent but able to work well with others, a person who can transform him/herself to many different characters and styles, a person who can differentiate who wants to help you/work with you and who wants to use you for something and very importantly a person who is truly passionate about this field.

Are there any roles that you would hate to cover?

I wouldn’t be too thrilled to play the blonde “dumb” role, because I don’t want there to be a risk that I’ll get marked as the dumb blonde girl. I want to be recognized mostly for my intelligence, secondarily for my blonde hair and my looks.

What advice would you give to other aspiring European actors aiming for the stars in Hollywood? Or singers…

Academically speaking a piece of advice that I wish someone would have told me a long time ago, keep records of everything you’ve done, make sure you get copies of all contracts and waivers you sign, copies of all articles, reviews, interviews anything written or recorded of you. All of this is very useful when applying for visas or green card. Practically speaking, find good people around you to support you and cheer you on, because there are times when you need that. Keep yourself in physical good health and mental good health. You need to have very good people skills; you need to know who is a fraud, and who is real. Most importantly be sure that this is what you want to do in life, and just go for it. As I said before, there is no one right way to do it, every individual approaching this career need to find their own way.

What and who captivate you in the world of the celebrities – and why?

In the world of performers, there are a lot of things and people about it that captivates me, but if I need to choose one person I think it would be Beyonce. I admire her voice, looks, style, music, music videos, performances and the fact that she’s not on the cover of every magazine all the time with ridiculous drama and gossip about her personal life.

Since you are Finnish – must ask what do you miss most from Finland – think you ever return to live back there? And how is the Finnish community in Los Angeles…

My Grandma, is what I miss the most! And Finnish chocolate, ‘Fazerin Sininen’, rye bread, ‘Ruispuikulat’, and Finnish cheese, ‘Oltermanni.’
The Finnish community is pretty great here in Los Angeles. When I moved here I was obnoxiously thinking that I’m the only Finnish person here, and about a year later I met the first fellow Finnish actress and she got hooked me up to the “Creative Finns in Los Angeles” group on Facebook and then I became familiar with the semi large Finnish community in L.A. Everyone is extremely helpful towards each other and try to share their own knowledge so other people can take use of it – great teamwork.
About returning to Finland, I used to have a definite answer – NO. Now I feel like Los Angeles is the place to be, and I’ve settle here very well, and I feel like I will stay here for ever, but who knows?

What do you see the best about the Finnish culture/people vs. American?

It’s hard to compare, because there isn’t one Finnish or one American culture/people. Both countries have variety and both positive and negatives aspects to them. Right now Los Angeles culture and people feels more suitable for me.

Is there anything we need to know about you??

Yes, I will be publishing my cover songs as soon as I get a big enough selection, on both YouTube and Facebook. I will be connecting my YouTube and Facebook accounts with my ImDb and my website, so just keep an eye on my name, Sara Sulander, and soon projects will be coming up.

Connect with Sara Sulander:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sara.sulander
Backstage: www.backstage.com/sarasulander/
EuroCircle: Sara Sulander profile

Philadelphia – Lotta Nordin from Sweden, SACC & The American Swedish Historical Museum

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I wanted to feature Lotta Nordin from Sweden (pictured above all the way on the right) – being from Finland myself makes me feel closer to my country to interview people from Scandinavia/Baltic countries. By the way, the members in Philadelphia should suggest EuroCircle who should be interviewed or let us know if we can interview you. All different countries in Europe is a lot of diversity.

Could you tell us about yourself ? (who are you, where are you from, what did you study, all the usual stuff that one wants to know to get a little elevator speech about you)

My name is Lotta Nordin. I was born in Stockholm, Sweden and grew up with my parents and two siblings in a suburb just outside the city. After high school I worked for six years, first as a lighting planner and then as a project manager for establishing new stores at a Swedish retail chain. I also lived for a few months in Winchester, England, as an Au Pair and that’s when I got hooked on living abroad. When I came back to Sweden I started studying Marketing, PR, Communications and Graphic Design at Linköping University, a couple of hours south of Stockholm. My last year, which was 2011/2012, I did a study abroad exchange in Singapore which was one of the most enriching experiences of my life.
Then back to Sweden again last summer, but I only lasted 6 months before I felt the need to move abroad again. That’s when I found a trainee position within Marketing at the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce as well as one at the American Swedish Historical Museum in Philadelphia. I applied, got them both, and worked out a deal where I could split my time between the two. This was in December 2012, since June this year however, I have been full time at the museum as a Marketing Assistant.

What is your typical day like in Philadelphia? Work and personal…

I live in City Center South and usually ride my bike down to South Philly and the FDR Park (close to the sport arenas) where the American Swedish Historical Museum is located. The days at the museum varies a lot, since we are only 6 full-time employees you really have to be able to wear many different hats. But that is part of the charm. My job scope includes everything from PR, graphic design, social media, web, photography, event planning, translating and fundraising to help out making waffles for the Swedish Waffle Day event. Some days it can be anything really. The museum does a lot of events based on Swedish traditions and holidays like a Midsummer fest, a Meatball contest, a Swedish Christmas dinner, and a really wonderful Lucia Fest and Christmas Market that will take place on December 7 this year.

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

It was a relatively big contrast moving here from Stockholm, Philadelphia is a bit rougher. My first day for example, I got pick pocketed in the subway, which has never happened to me before even though I have traveled quite a lot to various countries. It was annoying of course, but especially since my phone for some reason didn’t work in the US at the time either. So at that moment, in a new city without cash, credit cards or a phone I felt pretty vulnerable – but it didn’t take long to solve. Other than that it has just been small things like to figure out how an American vacuum cleaner works, that the bus stops don’t have schedules on them, and that I have to tip more frequently here than in Sweden. But I actually haven’t encountered that many challenges, most things tend to work themselves out pretty easily, especially if you aren’t afraid to ask when you don’t know.

Has your experience in Philadelphia been vastly different from what you expected compared to for example life in Sweden or other countries you have lived in?

Naturally, there are some differences. Sweden is a socialist country (at least comparing to the US) with free health care, schools, universities, and a much bigger social security net. And I knew this before of course, but living here I have realized how much I take for granted in Sweden and how tough it can be here if you are poor.

Did you experience ‘culture shock’ in USA. How different is it from Sweden or other countries you have lived in?

I wouldn’t call it a chock but I remember how I got a bit annoyed by the greetings here at first. Swedes are more reserved than Americans and we don’t tend to ask strangers how they are (or start conversations with them). In Sweden we usually just ask how someone is doing if we really want an answer. So to me it came off as a bit shallow and confusing at first, and I never knew what to reply but now I really like it.

The work place in Sweden is more relaxed in general, in that it has less hierarchy, more decisions are made in consensus, and if there is something you don’t like or agree with your boss on you can say so in a very direct way. I am still operating pretty much the same way here, but I think I have learned to be a bit more… gentle in how I say things perhaps. And to pick my fights.

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

Living abroad in several different countries has definitely influenced my personal life in that I have a deeper understanding for different cultures and why people behave a certain way. I am convinced that if people lived abroad, or at least traveled more, the world would be a happier and more forgiving place.

But being an expat has also changed me in that I am finding it harder and harder to see myself living in Sweden for the rest of my life. First of all because living abroad is making my everyday life so much more interesting, even though I have been here for almost a year, most things are still exotic to me (at least more so than they are in Sweden). But it has also opened my eyes for the fact that some things are better abroad than in Sweden, and for every time I come home now those differences are clearer.

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

I actually met the King and Queen of Sweden, Mayor Michael A. Nutter, and the Swedish Ambassador Jonas Hafström, when they visited the museum in May this year to celebrate the 375th Anniversary of the New Sweden Colony. (The Swedish Colony used to be in this area from 1638 to 1655, even before William Penn). It is pretty peculiar that I had to go to Philadelphia to meet the Swedish King and Queen for the first time, but it was a fun experience. The day after I also got a chance to work with PR for the Royal Dinner in Wilmington, where not only the King and Queen of Sweden attended but also their daughter, Princess Madeleine of Sweden as well as the US Vice President, Joe Biden. To learn from how talented PR professionals handled the event with over 700 guests and both local and Swedish press, was definitely a great experience for me.

I also very much enjoyed going out to the Amish County around Lancaster, and to meet native Americans at a Pow-Wow we had at the Museum a while ago.

What’s the best food discovery in the USA you’ve made as an expat? The worst?

There are some really good restaurants in Philly, especially the Mexican food. The worst I guess is that it is so easy and cheap to get hold of junk food here, whilst I sometimes have to go out of my way to get fresh and healthy food. And I know I probably shouldn’t say this, but the cheesesteaks are not much of a favorite.

What do you miss from Sweden or Singapore? Is there any place here you consider really SWEDISH in some way in Philly.

From Sweden I miss my family and friends of course, and the summers, which can be really amazing; a nice temperature, no humidity, and the sun is up almost 24 hours. I also miss having the ocean really close. From Singapore I miss these so called hawkers, or food courts, that you could find everywhere with really cheap and good food – we never had to cook ourselves living there. The tropical climate was nice as well, even though the humidity was really annoying at times. Singapore is also extremely safe and I remember how we could leave computers and sometimes even wallets in the library, go away for an hour or two and when we got back everything was still there. Singapore is also a good travel hub, it’s so easy to get anywhere in Asia from there and I had the opportunity to visit a lot of the surrounding countries. Good public transportation and cleanliness are something I miss from both Stockholm and Singapore.

Since Swedes were the first Europeans to have a permanent settlement in this area (the New Sweden Colony), there are actually more Swedish related places here than you might think. Apart from the American Swedish Historical Museum, there is the Old Swedes’ Church (Gloria Dei) on Columbus Blvd/Christian Street, Queen Village that is actually named after Queen Kristina of Sweden, and the Philadelphia flag of course – that got its colors from the Swedish flag. Then, if I get really homesick, there is always IKEA.

What’s the best thing and worst thing that has happened to you as an expat?

The best thing is that the whole experience has changed me as a person, my values, the way I look at the world, but I also feel more confident about what I can accomplish and that living abroad isn’t that hard. And of course – all the friends I have made.

What do you like more in this country than in your own country? Or less…WHY???

I like that there are much more going on here, lots of events and things to do, stores and restaurants have longer opening hours and Americans are more outgoing. People are also allowed to be more different here than at home, which is a good thing, Swedes can be really mainstream. Philly is also much cheaper than Sweden, and it’s a hundred times easier to find a place to rent than in Stockholm. And the climate is better – it’s always sunny, right? Sweden however is more progressive and liberal in many ways, especially when it comes to gender equality and sustainability. The food, in general, is also healthier in Sweden.

Where do you see yourself in the future? WHY?

I will stay in Philadelphia until June 2014, after that I will try to find a job in Stockholm. As much as I love to live abroad I do want to try to settle down where I have my family and closest friends so I will give it my best shot. I will probably look for a job within Marketing/PR for an international company or organization, where I hopefully could travel or live abroad for shorter projects. But I could also see myself move abroad again, perhaps to London or Amsterdam – cities I really like but that are relatively close to Stockholm.

Tell us about the international group/s you are involved with in Philly.

I am involved with the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce where I am still active as a board member; SWEA, which is an organization for Swedish women abroad – and of course in the American Swedish Historical Museum, stop by and say hi! And of course EuroCircle and another international group.

Connect with Lotta
Website: www.americanswedish.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lotta.nordin.73
LinkedIn: Lotta Nordin
EuroCircle: Lotta Nordin

Austin – Scandinavian Design by Finn Sigurdsson Under the Hot Texas Sun

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Finn Sigurdsson is from Iceland, although folks often mistakenly think he’s from Finland – so did I. “Finn” from Finland does have a cool ring to it but his Americanized nickname is actually doing everyone a HUGE favor. Have you tried pronouncing the mouthful that is his full name (Sigfinnur Fannar Sigurðsson)? The only time I visited Iceland, I had a kick thinking why do people think Finnish is harder than Icelandic. Talk about a difficult language!

Finn and his lovely American wife Taryn run isARK Studio, a design-build firm, specializing in residential design and managing the build through the final phase of construction. Taryn says that “Design-Build allows [them] to help make great design more achievable while making sure every detail is accounted for.”

Taryn told us she started her career originally as a Set and Prop designer and Producer in film and commercials ,which is a very good background for working with an architect husband. Two of Taryn’s films have been at SXSW and one on PBS, Independent Lens. I can see how she takes pride in making beautiful concepts to come to life. As anyone who has ever done renovations or built a home – you need to understand the logistics but also design with aesthetics in mind. She is a rare exception who is able to marry those two ingredients well – art and logistics.

Finn and Taryn both feel that at the core Austin and Iceland have similar cultural climates even if have very different summer temperatures. Because of this environment his Scandinavian influenced design has been well received in Austin.

As and architect and builder, Finn thought that moving to the states would be more difficult to bring his European training into acceptance. “Growing up in Iceland it’s tough not to have an affinity for nature. Our energy is all water and geothermal powered and our drinking water comes from the glacial springs. It’s easy to see this as a beautiful fantasy especially when green building has developed a lot of hype. However, Austin actually cares about smart design and green building just happens to be a very important part of that. “Being German trained in Architecture, efficiency is always a focus of isARK Studio.” Finn and Taryn are glad to work in a city that shares this same mentality. Finn made the move to Austin 7 years ago and despite the brutal summers he’s glad he’s here. Austin’s current growth and economic boom is a factor that makes designing and building here so exciting. Having visited Iceland I can easily understand why Finn finds green building and efficient building so important. Finn also has a background in construction growing up. Personally I think that his background working also in construction makes him a better architect for anyone who wants a home that is constructed well from every perspective.

If you do not know Iceland – it is a very small country. Finn is a rare breed. The population is 319,000 (Jan 2011). An estimated 8% (25.500) of the population is of foreign-born nationality. Area wise its bigger than Hungary and Portugal and a little bit smaller than Cuba. The longest day in the year has about 21hours of daylight. Thw shortest day of the year has about 6 hours of daylight. The weather in Reykjavik is temperate and mild year round- New York City actually is colder in the winter!

A few current projects that Finn is injecting his Scandinavian flair into include a duplex with amazing downtown views (recently completed), a 1200 sq ft Lakway addition with amazing view of Lake Austin (recently completed), a 1964 Mid-Century Modern Ranch that they are updating and revitalizing. isARK Studio is also working on an extensive modern addition and remodel out in Lakeway, with amazing views of Lake Austin (or what remains in this dry Texas heat).

Finn has recently completed a duplex with downtown views and a 1200 sq ft Lakeway addition and remodel overlooking Lake Austin. He is currently injecting his Scandinavian flair into a old 1908 FarmHouse in Buda and two charming Mid-Century Modern Ranches.

Austin is a great city and keeps them busy but there are a few things that Finn and Taryn miss from Iceland. Dried fish, smoked lamb (just don’t ask what it’s smoked with) and mentholated licorice are a few. These familiar treats in the form of care packages help Finn make it through the brutal summers. Although, it’s been said that if you’re knocking on his door in the summer time give him an extra moment to answer, unless you’re ok with a scantily clad Icelander coming to greet you. Does anyone actually get used to the summer heat in Austin?

Follow along with what isARK Studio is up to:
www.facebook.com/isARKStudio
www.houzz.com/pro/isarkstudio/
www.isarkstudio.com

ICELAND:
Iceland: www.iceland.is/

 

Barcelona – Cristina Slattery, Barcelona vs. New York

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I wanted to feature another lovely member from EuroCircle Barcelona. She is from the USA originally – and learned Spanish while living in Barcelona.

Cristina, can you briefly introduce yourself please (name, country, where do you live, what you do/have done/studied)? ?

My name is Cristina Slattery and I am American. I having been living in Barcelona for the past five years. I have taught English and worked at a publishing start-up while I have lived in Spain. (I have also studied Spanish.)

Why did you move to Barcelona – any other foreign cities you have lived? I think I heard you speak fluent French in addition to Spanish…

I moved to Barcelona in 2007 for a relationship and to experience a new city. Although I am no longer in that relationship, I stayed in Barcelona and I have enjoyed the experience of living and working in the city. (I do speak French; however, I have never lived in France – I learned French in high school and I have distant relatives in France that I have spent time with while on vacation.)

What do you enjoy most about Barcelona, now when you have more experience, how’s the quality of life compared to the USA given the economy in Spain?

I am actually considering moving back to the U.S., so I hope I don’t negatively influence any readers! The quality of life in Barcelona is great because people do take their vacations seriously. In the U.S., I am familiar with several ways of life – as a student, as a corporate worker, and as a teacher. My “lifestyle” differed in these periods of my life and I think that the times one struggles really make one appreciate the moments when this is not part of life. Finally, the economic recession in the U.S. cannot be compared to the one in Spain as there are jobs for educated and talented young people and in Spain there is a sense of loss of a generation that does not exist in the U.S.

Usually there are some negatives, what are the ones for Barcelona that really stand out for you personally? What do you miss most about home?

When I moved to Barcelona I only knew one other person, so the sense of being a foreigner was very strong, but exciting as well. I enjoyed learning the language and getting to understand the culture – a new world opened up. As far as what I missed from home, my family members and knowledge of “how things worked” were probably what I missed the most.

Did you feel Barcelona is a good place for you as an entrepreneur/freelancer right now? Are there any areas expats like you might like in Spain better than in the USA in your opinion (entrepreneurs? Freelancers?) WHY?

I think Barcelona is a very difficult place for an entrepreneur and for a freelancer. I am sure some people are doing well in the current environment; however, I don’t think that most people are doing as well as they might like in terms of their financial goals.

What are the best places/suburbs to live in Barcelona in your opinion?

I think it depends on whether or not you have a family and what you like best in terms of your environment. I have lived in the center of the city – the Eixample – and I really enjoyed it and I have also lived a little bit further from the center and found it to be great as well since there is more of a neighborhood feeling in the areas that surround the center of the city. I also think that towns such as Sitges, Vilanova i Geltru and Sant Cugat would be great places to live, especially for families. (By the way, here is an article I wrote about Barcelona’s neighborhoods for Singapore Airlines. See: http://www.silverkris.com/destinations/international/streetscapes-barcelona)

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

I am writing you from the U.S., actually! I have not been going out that much either in Barcelona or New York; however, I plan to do more of that in the future. As for hobbies, I love reading and running, racquet sports and I like to try to ski at least once during the winter, if possible.

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

Gas (Petrol) is more expensive in Spain. Wine is cheaper. Sometimes cultural events are less expensive in Europe, which I like.

What are the locals like compared to for example people on the East Coast – do you notice any difference?

The locals are very different than people from the East Coast of the U.S. People in shops tend to talk to customers more and might say things that seem overly familiar to some Americans. (One example is a shopkeeper telling me I had lost weight – this kind of comment, even if it is positive, isn’t usually something that people who work in stores in the U.S. will say to their customers unless they know them very well.) In a sense, the interactions are warmer and there are fewer barriers although I think social barriers still exist in Barcelona!

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

I think it has been relatively easy to meet expats although meeting local residents can be a bit trickier. I have taught private English classes for some families and, in this way, I have gotten to know people who have lived in Barcelona for generations.

What’s the economic climate like in Barcelona/Spain, how would you compare it to the USA? Why?

I think that the U.S. has a lot of problems, but Spain seems to have even more economic problems. I don’t sense that these macro-level problems will be resolved anytime soon – in either case! However, this doesn’t mean that individuals and certain businesses cannot thrive. Companies need to find new markets outside of Spain.

How does the work culture differ from USA? (health care, clothing, customs, women, manners, food, alcohol, hygiene etc) Why?

I don’t think there is too much of a difference in terms of hygiene other than that medicine is less expensive at the pharmacies. In terms of clothing, Barcelona is more relaxed than New York; however, this is just a comparison of two cities.

Did you have any misconceptions about Barcelona 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 always compare cities to New York, so the fact that Barcelona is very different from New York was at the forefront of my mind. (I enjoy the differences!) Also, I noticed that residents of the city can be almost haughty in terms of how much they love it – New Yorkers are the same way! This pride is a positive attribute as it means that despite the fact that Spain is going through a serious economic crisis, the residents of the city will continue to work creatively to solve problems.

What are your favorite restaurants/bars/food in Barcelona (WHY) – and socially/workwise – what kind of networks do you attend to connect with people for business/personal life?

I have been very lucky in that I have gone to some great restaurants in Barcelona. I love the restaurants of the Tragaluz Group and I have really enjoyed Carles Abellan’s restaurants. I also like to have a coffee and a sandwich with cheese at a local bar. Finally, I have attended Eurocircle events and I have also gone to some other networking groups such as the American Society of Barcelona’s cocktail parties.

Is there any other advice you would like to offer new expat arrivals at Barcelona?

I think that each person has their own period of integration into the society. As I didn’t speak Spanish when I moved to Barcelona, it took me longer to integrate. I still feel like I am a bit of an “outsider” although one of the great aspects of the city is that it absorbs outsiders!

Connect with Cristina
Website: www.cristinaslattery.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cristina.slattery
LinkedIn: Cristina Slattery

New york – Moza Cakrani Frankfurt, a flutist and banker from Albania

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I wanted to feature another lovely member from the early years of EuroCircle. Mimoza entertained us so many times – I have such beautiful memories of her performances. When she found met her now-husband – I was probably happier than she was. My ever-romantic soul was soaring for her.

Could you tell us about yourself ?

My name is Mimoza Cakrani Frankfurt. I come from a beautiful Mediterranean country called, Albania. I have studied music professionally since I was 10 yrs old – specialized in flute and completed my BA in Fine Arts Academy of Tirana, Albania. I taught flute and also played in the orchestra and as a soloist. I moved to NYC in the late ‘90s and my whole life entered a new chapter!

What is your typical day like in New York? Work and personal…

A typical day for me starts by reading the NYTimes, getting ready for work and having a smoothie and coffee. A work day can never be predictable, so I enjoy the pace and the challenges that come with it. On a personal level, together with my husband, we try to enjoy the diversity of cultural life in NYC: Broadway shows, Philharmonic concerts, sport events, dining out and movies. We like taking long walks in Central Parks and also volunteering with some charity organizations.

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

The biggest challenge was the career change from Music to Banking. Working in an industry that I didn’t have any knowledge was like learning a new instrument. I was grateful for the opportunity, and at the same time, I was eager to learn new skills and make myself more educated in the field. I went for my Masters in Banking and that was quite challenging for me, since I was working full time and going to school at the same time.

Has your experience in NYC has been vastly different from what you expected compared to for example life in Europe?

Very different in so many ways…

Did you experience ‘culture shock’ in the US. How different is it from Albania or other countries you have lived in?

SI don’t think I experienced “cultural shock” rather than calling it an adjustment. Because of my extensive travels and visiting the US prior to my permanent stay here, I had to settle and adjust like any other immigrant. I was lucky to have many good friends in my early years here, who made the adjustment smoother. Assimilating in a new culture takes time and effort, so as I look back I am content that this transition has evolved naturally, without pushing or forcing myself to be someone else.

What’s the best food/music/other discovery in NYC you’ve made as an expat – or the worst?

I have tried many different cuisines in NYC and I have had great experiences. Some of my favorites are: Gotham Grill, Le Cirque, Atlantic Grill, Metropolitan Room, One if by Land Two if by Sea, Café Fiorello. Visiting Fire Island in the summer,is something I enjoy with my family as a nice place to escape from the city.

What do you miss from Albania? Is there any place here you consider really Albanian in some way in NYC.

I truly miss my beautiful city Vlore with the spectacular beaches and mountains, the great seafood, and nice weather. Vlore is one of the largest towns and the second largest port in Albania. I am proud to say, it’s the city where the Albanian Declaration of Independence was proclaimed in November 28, 1912 and my great grandfather was one of the signors of it. It’s well known for the tourism, fishing, agriculture, olives, olive oil, and citrus trees. I miss my family, relatives and friends that live there.There are big Albanian communities in Bronx, Astoria and Brooklyn which reminds that I am somewhere in Albania, hearing all the Albanian accents.

What do you like more in this country than in your own country? Or less…WHY???

The spirit of giving, philanthropy. Americans are big givers and support their causes they believe in, more than any other countries. Last year, when we had Hurricane Sandy in NY, I was volunteering in one of the shelters. It was overwhelming and touching to see, thousands of people called to donate, money, food and clothes, and also volunteer their time. Also, the awareness and positive attitude that nothing is impossible if you really work hard and want it!

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

I enjoy the beauty and peacefulness walking along the East River, being close to Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the quietness of the neighborhood, and the many small ethnic restaurants. If I had to live in another city, I would choose San Francisco for the cost of living, quality of life, diversity of culture, and the great food.

Music is important to you. Do you still perform?

Music is food for my soul! I would like to perform as much as I used to do. I am planning to have a concert soon. Playing the flute even for myself or family and friends, is such a wonderful and happy feeling.

Do you recall when did you first get involved with EuroCircle? I have such wonderful memories of you plating flute at the Finnish UN Ambassador’s residence and some of our other events.

I have been involved with EuroCircle as a member, since 1999. I started playing the flute in various events that you and EuroCirle team arranged so beautifully. I have wonderful memories from all the events I have performed, but the most memorable are the one that you are mentioning above and also the Holiday gala event at the UN. The acknowledgement and appreciation you get as a musician when you perform is indescribable! I also take this opportunity to thank you personally for giving me the chance to perform at so many memorable EuroCircle events and for your support! EuroCircle organization has played a big role in every expats life, professionally and personally. It makes you feel welcome and at home.

Connect with Moza Cakrani Frankfurt

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mcfrankfurt
LinkedIn: Mimoza Frankfurt
EuroCircle: Moza Cakrani

 

New York – Ana Calvo de Luis, Coolture New York (Spain)

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Ana Calvo de Luis found EuroCircle – or we found Ana during 1999 when we started EuroCircle events in NYC. I still recall how she got us some fantastic tapas and cheeses donated for this cool gothic place in Tribeca called NV. I am sure it does not exist anymore!

When did you move to the US? Where are you originally from?

Originally from Spain, I have lived one quarter of my life in Argentina, another quarter in Europe, mainly Spain, and a third one in the USA.
I moved to New York in the late 90’s. As everyone that moves to New York, I thought I would just stay a couple of years, and then irremediably felt in love with the city and just became another Newyorker at heart.

New York has a ‘je ne se quoi”, or maybe they put something in the water, but it definitely has a different beat that makes you vibrate with the excitement of the possibitilies. A collage of architecture, art, business and cultures, it is a city that doesn’t leave you indifferent: either your love it or you hate it. It is a city for dreamers, you can enjoy anything your heart may desire, and you can achieve anything you put your mind to, but if you are not careful it can ask a high price for it. The career opportunities in New York are unbelievable, but striking a balance with personal life, especially in heart affairs, can prove challenging.

Tell us a little about yourself such as what you do for work etc..?

I am a very positive, open, curious and versatile woman; therefore, I have always been open to good and exciting opportunities. Therefore, my CV is quite broad and versatile, and not too boring to read about, I hope.

I have served as Head of Corporate Communication and Investor Relations of Banco Santander for the US and Latin America; Legal Counsel for Ernst and Young and Humanitarian Aid representative for Medicos del Mundo, (Medicins du Monde), and UNCHR in the former Yugoslavia. In search of a more creative environment, I then took a year vacation and started my own line of footwear and accessories , successfully placing my brand in all best Fashion magazines and more than 100 stores all over the US including renowned stores like Barneys, Nordstrom or the Four Seasons resort stores. Then, looking to share all that experienced to help other brands, I founded Coolture, a Consulting and Communication Company offering a broad menu of customized services designed to help companies in the growth potential in the American market, including the development of Corporate reputation through promotional and cultural event planning.

Nowadays, Coolture has found a nich in creating high quality fashion, art and branding events in cutting-edge private and public spaces, so that they are known globally and produce unique opportunities where ordinary people encounter authentic, ever-changing experiences in multiple forms and media.

I am excited to share that we have organized some critically acclaimed cultural, fashion and corporate events. Recent projects through Coolture in New York city include the Spain Art Festival: Video Art, Installation and Performance Festival in Times Square, New York; the Madrid Art Walk, Art Exhibition promoting the art work of the three larger museums of Madrid: Museo del Prado, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza y Museo Reina Sofia, Grand Central Station, New York; numerous Art exhibitions and fashion shows for New York Fashion week, including Fashion Show for Preen, Terenxov or Project Runway winner Leanne Marshal; Follow the red, Soho Mile, exclusive fashion night out for renowned brands such as Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Camper, Custo Barcelona, Mango, Mascaro-Pretty Ballerinas, Tierra and Tous; the opening of Lladro store in Madison Avenue or the Rioja wines Tames the Flame consumer event in New York.

Nowadays, among other things and with all the accrued expertise I am excited to create and develop with my team, fun and successful events with solid content, blending business and cultural interests which often times we have the pleasure of shearing with Eurocircle.

Do you go back to where you are from often?

I love Spain and Europe. Life has a different pace there, a quality lifestyle which is usually lost in translation while living abroad. And mostly, there lives my family, which I love dearly and like to see as much as possible.

I have always been very lucky to combine work and pleasure, and I have always been able to go back to Spain quite often, two or three times a year.
Spain is a an amazing country, full of warm people, nice family style, with great entertainment, great weather, and great combination of quiet and social lifestyle at will. Plus you can hop on a plane or train and just be anywhere in Europe in a couple of hours to visit friends!

When is the best time of year to go to Spain?

The best time to visit Spain is… anytime. But it strongly depends on what you would like to do. For example, Spring and Summer is wonderful to enjoy all the great beach areas we have all around Spain! Marbella y Malaga, Puerto de Santa Maria, Valencia, San Sebastian, Santander, or any of the Islands, Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera…
In the Autumn and Spring, a special and unexpected trip f you want to enjoy old and new experiences, is to do the Camino de Santiago, a beautiful pilgrimage trip through northern Spain. This trip, that can start anywhere you want, from the South of France to Santiago de Compostela, in the North west of Spain, will transport you to medieval times, since by foot, bike or even horse; with small or large budgets, will take you through beautiful landscapes, peoples and foods, but most importantly, through an amazing trip of the heart. http://www.santiago-compostela.net
In Fall and Spring or even Winter, Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Segovia, Toledo, Avila, Pamplona, Rioja, Cordoba will take your breath away, and you would love the food too!
Finally, close to my heart and a true gem, is visiting the land of wine, La Rioja, the most renowned land of wine in Spain, is full of vineyards, monasteries, amazing architecture and wonderful people. You will be impressed by this blend of the old and new worlds, enjoying one of the best wines in the world paired with tapas to die for! http://www.spain.info/en/que-quieres/ciudades-pueblos/provincias/la_rioja.html
In any case, once again, feel free to reach us to Coolture Spain and we will help you sort out any questions you might have of Spain.

What are your favorite Spanish dishes? Where can you find great Spanish cuisine?

Spanish food is unbelievably good, both traditional and modern cuisine. In fact, in the List of best restaurants in the world 2013, 3 Spanish restaurants are in the first 10 positions. Article: http://www.theworlds50best.com/list/1-50-winners/
I love tapas, as in life my favorite way of enjoying food: a variety of small plates that gives you a broad range of wonderful tastes and options. I could give you a long list of favorite dishes, mostly in Spanish, including tortilla de patatas, gambas al ajillo, paella, jamon Serrano con tomate y pan tostado, croquetas…
But I believe the best would be to show you. May be we could organize a Spanish tapas expedition in New York through Eurocircle to show you exactly why food from Spain’s food is consider one of the best in the world these days.

What is your favorite music?

All of it, including classical and even if I can’t remember any names.I have to admit that if I find someone playing beautifully in the subway or any street, I would probably be late for my meeting and a few dollars poorer. But mostly, my favorite is the one I enjoy in Ibiza, where some of the best DJ’s in the world hang out, while you watch the Sunset or the Sunrise…

What if any are the misconceptions of Spain and Spanish people? What should people know about Spain such as Spanish culture vs what people usually think and know?

Spain and its people usually don’t market themselves as well as they should, so there are plenty of misconceptions. The best way to get to know Spain better and learn about all the wonderful things that had been happening there in the last 20 years, I would encourage everybody to plan a visit to Spain soon.

Recently, I had to prepare a lecture at the Fashion Institute of Technology. I was creating a Spanish inspired competition for its students and had to motivate them speaking about our culture and art. I started to talk to them about some of our painters such as Velazquez, Goya, Picasso, Dali, Miro, Sorolla, and ended up running out of time… There is so much creativity, quality and beauty in our culture, that you just to come see to believe.

What do you think about the economy of Spain? Does it affect you?

The economy in Spain right now is in deep recession with a high unemployment rate. That of course affects me, since it is heart breaking to see so much talent wasted and such hard situation for so many people. Thankfully, the Spanish family is the best in the whole world: so loving, strong, so reliable and close, that they are the ones thanks to which things are not completely falling apart.

In any case, this tough situation, as many in life should be taken as a perfect opportunity for people to invest in Spain, both in their real state, their companies and its people. This strong land and it’s amazing culture and people will definitely get out stronger from this recession. It is a great opportunity to visit Spain and to invest in Spain, it is a sturdy country, with the best weather in Europe and so many treasures to be discovered, things will certainly get better.

What are the great groups/association from Spain that are located in NY?

If you are interested in getting to know Spain better, for business or pleasure, you can always reach us at Coolture Spain, a branch of our Coolture company, where we can always get some time to tell you more about this great country as well as get you in touch with the right people.
Additionally, I could recommend a bunch of good Spanish institutions based in New York, but as a sneak peak:
a. The Spanish Consulate, Cultural Department, where you can find out about all the cultural programming going on in the city http://www.spainculturenewyork.org/beta/cms/about/mission-cultural-department/
b. Chamber of Commerce US-Spain, private institution that organizes lots of great galas, and who can help you with questions about Spanish companies www.spainuscc.org
c. Gabarron Foundation, cool private art institution located in Midtown with very interesting art and event programming. www.gabarronfoundation.org
d. Instituto Cervantes, one of the oldest Spanish oganizations with interesting cultural Spanish and Latinamerican activities and moreover, where you can learn some very good Spanish lessons www.nyork.cervantes.es

Is there anything else you would like to share with EuroCircle members?

New York is a wonderful city, and should be thoroughly enjoyed. Don’t let the fast pace of its inhabitants deter you, once you break through, you can find incredibly nice, talented and warm people. Eurocircle, with magnificent Kaisa and Alex, is a wonderful open group that greats all new comers and will help you have a great start.
Make a list of all the things you want to accomplish in New York and get them done! Don’t let for tomorrow what you can do today. You think you have plenty of time, till you realize is time to go. If you want to try new things, explore new career possibilities, reinvent yourself, this is your place. No matter how much out of the box or outrageous, no one will make fun of you because everybody is just a little bit bolder and forward thinking out here.
And no matter when you leave and where you go next, believe me, some of you will stay, and some of this crazy city will always be with you. For good or for better, you will forever be, a New Yorker.

Connect with Ana Calvo de Luis

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Coolture.book
Website: www.coolture-newyork.com
LinkedIn: Ana Calvo de Luis

 

Helsinki – Richard Berman (UK), IESAF.org

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Who is Richard, can you tell us more about you and your family – and what do you do/where?

My name is Richard Berman from London England. My education is in Business and Finance, I left home when I was 18 years old to travel the world and DJ along the way , but I got as far as the channel Islands Guernsey where I spent the next 3 years as a club and bar DJ. I met my wife on the Island. She is Finnish and blond and that was it for me – I fell in love. I had always told my friends that my dream would be to meet a hot Swedish Blond , but hey I was close 🙂 . We stayed in Guernsey for a while and then moved to the UK mainland for half a year helping a friend open his own pub. We then moved to Helsinki Finland, married and had two children , Demi who is now 12 years old and Gabi who is 9. I was a very lucky expat – the very next day after moving to Finland my wife’s family gave me a full time job in print and mailing. I have now worked there for 16 years.

You grew up in a very different area compared to Finland. Can you tell us more about it compared to Finland?

I grew up in London in the 80′s and 90′s I was to young to remember much of the 70′s which is a shame as they seemed more enjoyable time than the 80′gs. I can not really compare much as I only went to school in the UK and did not really work there, but the school system that I went though I would never want that for my children, there where always so many problems , fights, crime and there was not much learning in the classrooms , I always had the feeling that 90% of the teachers had given up and just turned up at work to make sure they got their pay check. In Finland my children enjoy school and have a high level of intelligence , this is one reason why I would never plan on moving back to the UK.

I do miss the British why of people saying good morning when you pass them in the street, and most of all I miss been able to walk into a shop and pick up a newspaper. As I am from London nothing really worries me about Helsinki, it’s nice that it is small and I love knowing my way around a city.

What has been the most exciting “thing” or role that you’ve covered during your career?

As I said I have always worked full time for the family business , but what makes me happy is playing music, I spent the first 3 years in Finland playing in night clubs in Helsinki and Vantaa and I really do miss it , I gave it up because of the children , It was not good Daddy coming home at 5 am and them wanting to play game with me at 7 am , it was too much. But now the children are older I have started getting back into it and I am enjoying it very much.

As far as I can tell you are not the “average” expat, you have done many interesting things with associations and so on. Can you tell more about them, please?

I have been the President of the non-profit group IESAF for around 6 years now, IESAF ry has been going since 2004, and it is growing every year. The service that we offer is to people moving to Finland and expats that are already here. We host a number of events from information nights on living in Finland, Bankings , jobs etc and other events for families so that the children can all play together in English.

A list of other events are

Pub quiz
Curry nights
Bar nights
Whiskey tasting nights
Iesaf knitting club
Iesaf Helsinki play group
Iesaf networking and business events
Bowling nights
Lazor shooting
Paint ball
Walking tours
Biking tours
And many more

Other than the events IESAF has its on WIKI page full of information needed when living or coming to Finland, but what we are most about is making sure people do not feel they are alone in Finland. We work with other groups and share events. We get no financial help from any where .

We also try not just to be in Helsinki/Vantaa/Espoo we have IESAF Turku and IESAFTampere and we are always looking for people around the rest of Finland who could start chapters in their area.

Is there any particular story, moment, an award or an achievement throughout your career or life that you are particularly proud of?

The best thing I am proud of is when members email me to thank IESAF for all the help we gave them and it was all for FREE, that makes me feel that we have done a good job. The best moment was an American walking into the IESAF pub quiz and me meeting him and chatting for around 5 minutes about the reasons he was in Finland,after he told me he was looking for a job in banking and standing right next to me was my friend and banker I introduce them both and within a week my now very good friend the American was sitting behind his new desk working for a Finnish bank. It makes me happy to see all our members out and about having a great with each other.

I now find it hard to even go to Turku and people saying they know me from somewhere, or are you Richard 🙂

What would you say is the biggest misconception that people have Finland vs. your country in your opinion? How does your family feel about that?

The biggest misconception my Mother and Father have I think is that they always say how rude people are pushing past them in the streets and bumping into them. My mother always says that she feels people are walking into her all the time when she visits Helsinki.

There was also a message on the Finland IESAF group the other day. A woman and her family are moving to Finland – and she wanted to know if it is true if it is DARK all year round.

What kind of people survive and do well in Finland as an expat in your opinion?

In my own opinion anyone can make it in Finland. However, it takes a lot of hard work to do it, to survive is to learn the language. Yes many locals do speak English and many other languages – but there are still many who only speak Finnish. Also you have to network, make friends , I have both expats and Finns as friends. We do all get together for some great nights out, also network to make contacts. You never know this may be the way of getting your foot in the door for a job.

Are there any stereotypes of Finns that you expected (good or bad) that actually turn out to be true?

Yes some of the stereotypes are very true, shell suits (shiny tracksuits from the 80′s) can still been seen here, socks and sandals and black leather jackets. But you have to give respect to the Finns, only the other day I saw a guy in my local supermarket wearing just his Speedo swimming pants, shopping , and no one even took a second look.

What advice would you give to other aspiring Expatriates aiming for success in Finland? What are the traits you think Finnish people admire and appreciate?

What I would say is learn the language that will help you to open many doors. Otherwise you will be limited what jobs you can do, and the Finnish people do appreciate if you can speak it, even though most of them speak English.

What do you miss most from your own country – think you ever return to live back there? And how is the expat community in Finland…

The only thing I miss about the UK is a larger choice of goods to buy, the history and a wide range of things to do and my family. I will never move back to the UK , when I am there I cant wait to return to my home Finland

Tell us about your family in Finland? How do you feel about education here vs. your country? Do you see much differences with kids in Finland and school?

I love the schools in Finland. I think my school in London let me down, my children are doing very well and they seem to be learning very fast. The classes seem a lot smaller and I think the shorter school days really help the children not to get bored, I was at school from 8 am till 15.45pm every day and it did feel so long and boring. I love the fact that they get a ten week summer break.

Connect withIESAF

Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/iesaf/
Website: www.iesaf.fi
LinkedIn: Richard Berman
An article at http://finland.fi – Life & society
By Fran Weaver, October 2013
Finland makes multilingualism easy

 

Austin – Emma Hochman (Cartmell) UK, Excede.com

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Emma Hochman (Cartmell in business)and her husband Jason Hochman are probably one of the most fun couples you can meet in Austin. Let’s see if we can find out some more details about Emma…Thanks to Emma for taking the time during her busy week.

Emma, you are originally from the UK? You moved to Austin, TX a few years ago, didn’t you – and we found you via EuroCircle if I recall correctly?

I am originally from London, England. I have been in the US for 11 years. The first place I lived in the US was Austin Teaxs, I was here for approximately 2 years before I moved to DC for 4 years followed by San Diego for 2 years and LA for 2 years. I moved back here to Austin 21 months ago (I have lived all over the world and this is the only place I have come back to). With in weeks of moving here I heard about the Eurocircle and joined

Why did you move back to Austin?

The People! I really love Austinites – and I married one! Outside of falling in love with my husband, I really enjoy the people and the lifestyle. From my first day at work in Austin to now I can (hand on heart) say these are the friendliest and most welcoming folks I have ever had the pleasure to get to know. I was invited to dinner at my colleague’s house in my first week at work and had a team around me like family. California was beautiful but very lonely, in DC I found that people wanted to know what I did before they wanted to know my name or anything about me. In Austin you get to be who you are.

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

After the people it’s the lifestyle. I love that this is an all year round outdoors city. I run town lake every other day, Kayak once a week, bike, play tennis, sail, go to yoga and swim in the beautiful swimming holes as much as possible. The weather in England didn’t really allow for such an outdoor lifestyle. For some reason I vividly remember my last trip to the supermarket in London 11 years ago – it was pouring rain I had 4 bags of groceries and had to walk 2 miles home because my car had been stolen. My option was to put up my umbrella hoping it didn’t blow inside out and have my grocery bags cut in my hand or balance the bags on my umbrella stopping my hands from getting cut up with the bag but then get wet – I guess it’s the small things!

Usually there are some negatives, what are the ones for Austin that really stand out for you personally? What do you miss most about home?

I miss my family most. I did really want a direct flight from London to Austin so that my family can visit more easily. I am so happy that BA is starting that flight in March of next year. I hope other airlines join BA soon.

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

The Career opportunities in America are exceptional. I leaned very quickly that neither age nor gender mattered in America, only that I was a results driven person who worked hard. I had to start at the bottom over here as my UK degrees (BSc and MSc) were not recognized by the Texas start up company I joined. However my work was rewarded quickly and within three years of starting at the bottom of a company in Austin, I was made a VP of a publically traded company in DC, after that the COO of a publically traded company in LA, then the COO of a billion dollar private equity fund. I am now a co-founder of a consulting company, helping companies in the healthcare field with go to market strategy and business development. In just 10 years I had completed a career in America that if I had stayed home would not have been possible.

Did you feel Austin is a good place for you as an entrepreneur right now? Why?

Absolutely Austin is a great city to be an entrepreneur! There is an entire eco system that supports Austin entrepreneurs as well as the broad angel investment community, incubators, and VC’s who are keen to invest in Austin based companies. I work in the Health IT field and am very excited about the pace at which Health IT and biotech companies are coming to Austin and the newly approved Dell Medical School will only help accelerate that pace. Corporate taxes are low and talent pool is huge. If we could get a few more direct flights to San Francisco, Boston, NYC and DC it would be even better.

What are the best places/suburbs to live in Austin in your opinion?

I live downtown in the heart of the city and can’t imagine being happier anywhere else. Downtown has changed the most in the 8 years I have been away. I love that it is becoming more and more pedestrianized; bike paths are springing up (we still need a lot more), and car sharing services make it a really manageable city. I try to support all of the local shops, bars and restaurant as much as possible as the city grows.

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

Housing, taxes, goods, gas, cars are much cheaper in the US in general. The UK is very expensive, the only thing I can think of that is cheaper is French wine!

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

YES! The easiest place in the world. I have business friends through Austin HIMSS Chapter and the Austin women in Business networking group. European friends through EuroCircle. Friends from when I first lived here, friends that have moved here because I keep telling everyone how great it is, friends that live in my building, friends through all my sports and activities and friends with my husband! I am never alone!

How does the work culture differ from UK? (health care, clothing, customs, women, manners, food, alcohol, hygiene etc)

I think that Americans work much harder and much longer hours. It is a performance driven culture. By that I mean that you are rewarded for performance – plane and simple, if you find yourself in the bottom 10% you are laid off for “economic reasons”. In the UK you can cruise in a job for years, its really hard to get fired because the British and European laws make it very hard for employers to fire employees. Additionally, while I was working in the UK I was told that to get promoted in my job I had to keep my head down for 10 years and I would get promoted. I think that this has been the most striking difference. !

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?

For the first time I have finally understood what Bernard Shaw meant when he suggested that the English and Americans are two countries divided by a common language! It is very much true. I thought that I would be able to understand everyone and they me because we all speak English but it turns that English words mean very different things in American. I really wasn’t expecting that.

The second surprise was that Texas is in full support of Capital Punishment, I was taught that it is a medieval punishment outlawed in the UK before I was born. Imagine my surprise when on my first day in Texas, while in the cab from the airport to where I was staying, I saw a road blocked because of protestors. I asked the driver what was going on and he said, “these crazy people are upset that a man is going to receive the lethal injection today and they are hoping to change the governors mind”. My mind was boggled and I was forced to think about a topic I had never considered. It was the first of many! There are many social topics still being debated in Texas that were settled many years ago in Europe, I was expecting the US to be more modern in their opinions.

What are your favorite restaurants/bars here in Austin (WHY) – and socially/workwise – what kind of networks do you attend to connect with people for business/personal life?

Oh food and drink, my favorite topics! I love Personal Wine for wine (incredible choices of European wine), Café Josie for lunch (its quite so you can really talk to who you are with and the food is packed with flavor without the portions being too big), Trace for brunch (the free Mimosa and perfectly cooked eggs benedict, and live Jazz make this place for me), Whole foods fish bar for a quick dinner with my husband (cheap and delicious), Franklins for BBQ – I think it really is the best in the world! Swifts Attic for dinner with friends. Jezebels for a special occasion – The meal is created to your likes and dislikes based on your interview when you arrive, the wine parings are magnificent and the service mind blowing.

Is there any other advice you would like to offer new expat arrivals at Austin?

Join the EuroCircle, I have made some of my best friends through this group. I am so grateful to Kaisa for starting this group also in Austin. My other advice is don’t plan ahead too much like you are socially trained to in Europe. Austinites are spontaneous and the best nights are never planned. Be open to Austin, you will be surprised how happy you can be here.

Kaisa’s comment: The European community in Austin is small compared to what it is in NYC from where I moved here 2009 or 2010. It was very difficult to get started with EuroCircle since I did not know anyone in the city. EuroCircle was so established in NYC since 1999 (15th year anniversary in Jan 2014) – without the help of Antonia Warren (Casa de Espana Austin) and Carla Wilkenfeld helping us to get started at the Austonian we’d never had gotten started here. Just like Emma I have made most of many, probably in my case most of my connections via EuroCircle.
By the way, as all of you know I would love to interview more European entrepreneurs, start-ups here in Austin!

Connect with Emma Hochman (Cartmell)
Facebook: Emma Hochman (Cartmell)
Website: www.exsede.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ecartmell

Munich – Tuija Komi, From Munich to New York as a Jazz Singer

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Tuija, please introduce yourself?

My name is Tuija Komi and I come from Finland –“the land of the thousand lakes” or as I like to say “from the land of the midnight sun”. Now I live in Munich in Germany. I moved to Germany for just one year and now it has been 18 years! I have studied Business Administration in Finland and then I specialized in Export Business between Finland and German speaking countries. So I wanted to get some working experience also on-site, in Germany.
My family, mother, father and two younger sisters live in Finland. I have a German boy-friend.

When and why did you start playing/singing – and which instruments do you play?

I have been singing as long as I can remember, the usual stuff like at the school the solos in the choir in all possible events that we celebrated at school. I took part as a teenager in singing competitions and even won a couple of. However I did not figure it out that singing could be more for me, meaning studying it “seriously” and making it to a profession.
For many years I have been singing in bands, first in Finland and then in Germany. In a soul band in Frankfurt, or in a jazz combo with eight musicians. I also had my own band.
It was in 2006 after I had resigned from Siemens and was “re-starting” my life when I thought “it’s now or never”. So I decided to go for singing. The first thing was to study singing. I was lucky to be accepted at the music college in Frankfurt to study jazz and pop voice, in the age of 37 years! I got more hungry in learning so I studied more pop music and became an “acknowledged teacher by the government” for music in a music school.
TEACHING

What was the first tune(s) you learned?

I do not remember the very first songs in the first classes at school but as I started to sing in a professional band in early nineties in Finland, I learned with Ella Fitzgerald (singing to her LPs) many many jazz standards such as “The lady is a tramp”, “Girl from Ipanema” and many more –I still sing some of those songs.

Is your family musical? Describe your family member’s musical interests and abilities.

My grandfather played accordion and sang a little and my mum inherited it from him. She took us to piano lessons as we were kids. She saved the money and bought a piano for us at home.

Which famous musicians do you admire? Why?

Ella was my absolute queen of jazz for the first years. I like her wonderful voice and her charming stage presence –everyone remembers Ella scatting! From the current star jazz vocalists I like Kurt Elling and Dianne Reeves. They both have great voices and technique and fun when performing –that is very important. I have always liked soul and funk, Stevie Wonder is a multitalented who I admire a lot. I have been lucky to get to know Dusk Goykovic, who is a Serbian world-star trumpeter and composer living in Munich. He has been a mentor to me since a couple of years. I have written lyrics to his beautiful compositions –one is on my new album. Another one is written, hopefully more to follow.
There is so much good music in the world and great musicians, who I would like to mentione and honor that it would be a very long list …

What are your fondest musical memories? In your house? In your neighborhood or town? Write songs/What are you own musical ambitions?

You’re never “done” as a singer and so I would like to visit master classes by great singers to learn new things and to develop myself further. I am also teaching so that is very important to stay up-to-date.

I have started writing my own songs and I would like to have more time for that and to write more songs. Also I would like to be able to play piano better. So many dreams…

Have you been in competitions? Any prizes?

I was about my twenties as I won a couple of competitions in Finland. As I started singing full-time I was already too old for competitions as they are for YOUNG people. The age limit is usually 25. I won the second prize in the international competition for Female Jazz Vocalists called “Lady Summertime” in 2000 in Finland.

Where do you perform in public? Describe those occasions? Concerts, radio, TV?

I do concerts in jazz and concert venues and festivals. We have played in Finland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Portugal, Spain and New York.
We also play at corporate events and I like to sing in the churches for the wedding ceremonies, just “a cappella”.
My new album “something” has been presented on the radio in some shows and interviews as well as in jazz press and newspapers. It has got good reviews and I am so happy about that.
The CD has been released in April this year by GLM Music Munich and distributed into Austria, Belgium, England, Finland, France, Germany, Switzerland and even to Japan! It’s world-wide available for online download at iTunes, music load and Amazon.

I am looking forward to see what the press will write about it in New York…
The CD release in New York is on Monday 7th October at the ZINC BAR, a fantastic jazz venue with an authentic atmosphere on Manhattan in New York. I have a great band with musicians straight from New York with me on the stage.
The address is 82 West 3rd Street (btw Thompson & Sullivan) in Greenwich Village New York. For reservations phone: 212 477 ZINC.
I would be excited to share this thrilling event with Euro Circle members in NYC.

How do you balance your music with other obligations – mate, children?

As you have made your passion to your profession it is so difficult to separate these things. You’re the one and same person, it is IN you. It can be just before falling asleep that you get a good idea, it could be a song (this usually happens in the nights and I can’t sleep. Then I move to my piano and try to play it quietly without awakening the neighbors). However it is important to get some distance from the passion too, to reload your “creative reservoir”. I do this by traveling and spending time in the nature.

Do you spend time every year in Finland? I guess I am asking also would you prefer staying here in Germany no matter what (If yes or no, why…)

At least once a year I have to get to Finland. It is so wonderful there in the summer. The best thing for me is to go to sauna and to swim in the lake next to it I grew up. It is so wonderful there; I love the peace and the space.

Could you share with us how you first found out about EuroCircle?

It must have been (you) Kaisa, who I first contacted. I was coming to visit New York and then you asked me to get in touch with Alexandra. She asked me to co-host one event which I was very happy to do.

Connect with Tuija Komi’s artist website www.tuijakomi.de

Connect with https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tuija-Komi-NEW-Quartett/328563883856422?fref=ts at Facebook

Contact: info(at)tuijakomi(dot)de
Mobile phone: +49 170 2283 720.

 

Vienna – Helena Kiviniitty, From Banking to Teaching

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I wanted to interview Helena – we have not heard about any expat experiences yet from Vienna.

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

My name is Helena Kiviniitty and I come from the cold but beautiful Scandinavian country Finland. The first 20 years of my life I lived in a small place called Kirkkonummi. Well not so small anymore, every time I visit family and friends I´m amazed how fast everything changes, so many new buildings and roads.

I studied 12 years in Kirkkonummi, pretty much in the same building for all those years, so when I finished with my High School I decided it´s time to see something new. Most of my friends chose Helsinki, I wanted something different, I chose Turku, a smaller city less than three hours from Helsinki. Studied there one year Business until I decided I want to go back to Helsinki, that felt at that point more like home. I wanted to become a teacher but decided in the end to finish my business degree, so I continued to study business at a Swedish University of Applied Sciences. During this time I decided for the first time I want to live in another country. So my desire to see the world took me for 6 months to Spain, to Alicante as an exchange-student. I was lucky to get my best friend to join me. 6 months went fast and I came back to Finland, started working as an Investment Adviser at a Bank and finished my Bachelor´s Degree.

During the last months of my studies I heard that my University had a special agreement with a University in Vienna regarding Master studies in English. I thought “ This is a fantastic opportunity!”. I got accepted, got a study leave from my work and so I left for the first time abroad alone. I will never forget the feeling I had when standing there at Vienna airport, nervous about how will everything work out. That was the first time in Austria for me. I lived in Vienna for approximately one and a half year, it was truly an amazing adventure. I learned a lot, not only regarding business studies, I travelled, got many new friends from different countries and the last Finnish shyness that I had disappeared on this journey as well.

But the time came when I had to go back. I would have wanted to stay but at that point the financial crisis was bad. So I continued working in Finland in the banking industry. In 2012 I was working at the International Payment traffic Department at a bank. My work didn´t feel challenging or interesting anymore, something was missing. I wanted to learn more, I wanted a change. Wondered would I have the guts to go back to Vienna, would there perhaps be something interesting for me? I decided to do a second Master in finance. I received a study leave for doing my second Master (in English) in Austria. So I sold the most of my belongings in Finland and flew to Vienna. This was my first step towards a change I thought I would never have the courage to do.

I was very excited about the Master´s Degree, but at the same time I felt that something was not as it should be. My excitement disappeared fast. During the entire Christmas holidays I sat back in Finland thinking am I totally crazy if I quit my job in the bank. and won´t continue with the Master´s Degree. It was an extremely difficult decision, but I decided now or never, I will start to study and work with what I always wanted to do, to teach. So I left my work at the bank in Finland. This was in winter 2013. I applied to different Universities in Finland and Sweden, felt truly sad that in half a year I would have to leave the city I so much loved, wonderful Vienna. Say goodbye to all my new friends. But then I thought, what if, what if I learned German really good! What if I got the Language Certificate that the University of Vienna require to be able to study there. Will probably never work I thought, not enough time!

It´s now one year ago I came back to Vienna. Few weeks ago I got my Language Certificate, said no to the Universities in Finland and Sweden, in October this year I will begin at the University of Vienna to become a teacher in German and English. This last year has been a truly amazing adventure. Something I thought I would never have the courage to do, but now so happy I did. I am very thankful and truly grateful for the supporting words many friends here in Vienna gave me during this challenging year. And of course the support of my family as well.

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

Vienna is a city full of opportunities. A city where you can always find something interesting to do, new people to meet. The location is great, you can so easily reach the other countries around Austria. I also love the fact that there is so much nature here, amazing possibilities for hiking and other sport activities.

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

This is a difficult question! There´s just so much I would recommend to see and experience. But perhaps just renting a bike and bike through the city and Prater Hauptallee, and experience the wonderful atmosphere that Vienna offers its travelers.

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

When I really want to relax I go for a run or just bike around the city. In the summer it´s also wonderful to take a coffee and sit down on a park bench and just watch the world pass by. I also love to start my weekends by having a breakfast together with great friends, Vienna has so many cafeterias that offer delicious breakfasts. I think it´s a perfect way to start your day. This is probably a big surprise for many, but Vienna has great places to dance Salsa! I´m attending Salsa dancing courses and go quite often in the evenings with my dancing partner and friends for some fun Salsa, it gives you so much positive energy!

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

There´s not really anything that would annoy me, sometimes I can get a bit nervous when biking during rush hour, but despite that, I´m quite happy with how things are here.

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…what stands out for you?

I really like Freiraum that is located close to Westbahnhof, great atmosphere. Café Ansari is also very nice, delicious food and very friendly service, it´s located at Praterstrasse 15. Before I was not so keen on the typical Austrian food but now I have slowly began to quite like it, I guess I´m starting to adapt 😉 The only thing that I don´t really like is Wiener Schnitzel, everything else I find very tasty.

Do you miss something from Finland in particular?

Karjalan Piirakka; The Karelian Pastry. Sometimes the calmness, there is this specific calm atmosphere that I feel I can only experience in Finland. And of course family and friends, but I try to visit them as often as possible.

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

I think you can live quite a good and rich life in Vienna without having to earn a lot. There are much more things here you can do for free, compared to for example Helsinki. This is something I very much appreciate in Vienna.

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

Well I can´t really compare to so many, as I only lived in Finland and Spain before. I love the Spanish mentality, the openness, it´s a wonderful country.

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

Every season has something special. In the winter you can experience the beautiful Christmas Markets, in the summer you can for example visit a Heuriger or take a cooling swim in the Donau.

Curious what is the biggest misconception/s you think people have about Vienna (or Austria/Austrians generally vs. Helsinki/Finland/Finnish people?)

Well a big misconception about Vienna is that here you just can´t get good service, I disagree with this. Of course it happens once in a while that the service is not as good as it could be but for the most I have received very friendly service here.

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

Vienna is a wonderful city that never stops surprising you! Herzlich Willkommen! 😉

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