My Weekend: I fell in love with Cork city and a man... I've lived here happily since

Fri, 23 Feb, 2024 - 07:10

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work;

I’m a Finnish-born jack-of-all-trades musician, working in all genres, from baroque to bands. I came to Cork on Erasmus in 2000, fell in love with the city and a man, and have lived here happily since 2005.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

Fish and chips with the family, light a fire, play some cards or a board game, get the kids to bed, maybe have some friends over for some wine or head to the Abbey Tavern or Callanans for a pint. I’m often away for work at weekends so a Friday at home is a bit of a luxury.

Lie-ins or up with the lark; which is it for you?

Lie in.

Does work creep into yourweekend at all?

All the time.

If money was no object, where would you head to on a weekend city break? And who would you bring with you?

I’ve never been to Portugal, so a weekend in Lisbon or Porto would be fun.

I would bring the family, or my mum and sister, or all of them!

Ballybranaghan Beach, where Marja loves to go to recharge.

Closer to home, is there some place you like to head to recharge the batteries?

A walk on a beach or in a forest is always a treat. Ballybrannigan Beach is great.

Do you like to catch up with family/friends at the weekend?

Absolutely!

Do you get to indulge anyhobbies? Even as a spectator?

I’ve always been a big fan of horses and have been riding on and off over the years.

This year I took my hobby to a new level (mid-life crisis of sorts, I guess) and enrolled in CSN to do equestrian studies. I’m absolutely loving it.

Entertain or be entertained?If it’s the latter, do you have asignature dish?

I love entertaining. For a bigger party I might make a big stew or
chilli con carne, either meaty or vegan or both, mash or rice, big salad, and definitely a dessert of some kind.

Finnish cinnamon rolls could also count as a signature dish.

We have so many places to eat out in Cork. Where are your go-to spots for coffee/ lunch/ special meal?

I like Soma or the cafe at Nano Nagle Place for coffee. For no-fuss great food, I love Wabisabi. I haven’t had a special meal out in ages (Ivory Tower was amazing). Next time I go, it would probably be Cafe Paradiso.

Sunday night comes around too fast. How do you spend it?

Getting the school uniforms etc sorted, teaching stuff prepared... plus I usually do my violin practise in the evening, followed by some yoga stretches and glass of beer or wine to wrap up.

What time does your alarm clock go off on Monday morning?

7.30am. None of us are early birds but we try to get everyone on time to school/college/work with varying success.

Anything else you are up to right now?

I’m looking forward to tours with the Vanbrugh and the Solas Quartet, plus very excited to play for the first time at the amazing Ortús Festival.