My Weekend: ‘I truly value nature...The Lough is a beautiful place to relax’

Tell us a bit about yourself: 

My name is Alicja Zajączkowska – I am an artist of Polish origin but I chose Ireland as my country to live in, and Cork as my city.

I graduated with a degree in Polish language with specialisation as a librarian and worked in libraries for many years.

I also completed a postgraduate diploma in art therapy at the Medical University of Gdansk. I also graduated in Art, Craft, and Design, as well as in Fine Arts from St John’s College Cork. This education gave me a foundation as an artist. I run workshops and art classes.

I also have professional experience as an art therapist and educator. I cooperate with ABC EduLibrary Polish Culture Centre & Library CLG in Cork.

The most important time for me is time spent with my family and doing what I love.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

My Friday evenings I spent relaxing at home with music (listening to or playing) and a book. I also go to concerts; I recently attended a performance dedicated to Leonard Cohen at the Cork Opera House.

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

I definitely like to get a good night’s sleep. Especially since I tend to go to bed late. I’m a night owl by nature.

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

Fridays, Saturdays, sometimes Sundays...

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

If money was no object, it’s just a lovely weekend in Venice. I’d like to see this city with soul.

I’d like to ride a gondola along the canals, listen to Italian songs, watch the sunset over the bridges. See the magnificent architecture and museums. Experience what Venice has to offer.

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

I truly value nature and the opportunity to spend time walking or sitting among the trees, in the sun, listening to the birds or the wind.

I love the Polish Tatra Mountains, where I try to spend my holidays. Closer to home, The Lough is a beautiful place to relax.

I walk barefoot on the grass, sit or lie in the sun, and enjoy the moment.

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

Sometimes we meet up and go for a walk followed by coffee, or we meet at home, talk, and then eat something special.

Sometimes going for a spin somewhere with friends like a day trip - obviously all depends on if we have free time as everyone is living their lives so sometimes it’s hard to have it in same day but we do the best we can.

Do you get to indulge any hobbies? Even as a spectator?

My passions are books, art, music, and nature. I read a lot, I create my own art—I do mixed media, and lately I’ve been more into weaving.

I listen to a lot of music, play a little guitar and keyboard. I also walk a lot and spend time actively in nature. Contact with nature helps me maintain balance.

Entertain or be entertained? If it’s the latter do you have a signature dish?

I go out for a stroll and a tea with someone I keep close relations. We also catch up then on what was going on in our lives since we saw each other.

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

I rarely eat out, but when I do, I usually go with family and friends to the Freestyle Asian Food restaurant on North Main Street, which serves Chinese cuisine. In addition to Chinese dishes for European customers, they also offer traditional Chinese cuisine – from a special menu.

Thursdays are spent with friends enjoying live music at The Hawthorn Bar by the Lough.

Good tea, coffee, cakes, beer. Great atmosphere and vibes, nice time with great people!

I highly recommend it, especially every Thursday evening.

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

Sunday evenings are usually spent at home with my family, playing board games and talking or watching a movie (through a projector) on the wall.

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

It depends on your schedule and your calendar. Not every Monday is the same...

Anything else you are up to right now...

Last weekend, I led a glass painting art workshop at ABC EduLibrary.

The first one, on Friday, took place as part of Culture Night. It was very popular, with 40 people from all over the world participating.

There were more applicants than available spots, and some people participated in the same workshop the next day.

I’m already thinking about the next art workshop.