Ten Questions: Matthew Hansen

Published on Friday 14 March 2008 08:14

Matthew Hansen, 29, is business development manager for Scottish Apartment

1 What is your earliest memory of Edinburgh? I remember arriving by train on a gloriously sunny July afternoon six years ago. The city was so alive and full of energy.

2 What are your memories of school? I attended the Rondebosch Boys High in Cape Town and I remember homework and projects felt like a major distraction to a life on the sports fields. I also have fond memories of my Grade Seven art teacher.

3 Where is your favourite place in Edinburgh and why? I love Arthur's Seat as I find being able to see (but not hear) the rush of the city below strangely relaxing.

4 What are the best things about Edinburgh? I appreciate the architecture, the history and the way the locals are so welcoming to us foreign invaders. The public transport is also first class.

5 What would you change about the city? I would do something about the constant – and poorly planned – roadworks. Did someone tell the council there is gold under the city?

6 Describe a perfect Edinburgh day/night out. It would be an early start so I could walk my Labrador up Arthur's Seat. I'd then enjoy a long brunch at Caf Truva (a great Turkish place on The Shore) with my girlfriend, reading the papers. My afternoon would be spent with my family watching sport and playing with my nephew. I'd then enjoy an early dinner with friends followed by a night on George Street, finishing in the early hours with a pizza at Bar Napoli on Hanover Street.

7 Which sports interest you? There are so many – rugby, cricket, golf, mountain biking, road running and football.

8 What was your most embarrassing moment? I remember travelling on the train home after school in Grade Six. The train came to brief standstill between stations and one of my "friends" pulled my shorts down in front of all the schoolgirls AND three nuns!

9 What is your greatest achievement? It has to be successfully turning around the fortunes of Edinburgh's largest apart-hotel (Harbour Apartments) in less than a year.

10 Sum up Edinburgh in three words. Amazing, engaging, fulfilling.