Ten Questions: Sandra Ellstrom

Published on Thursday 2 July 2009 09:20

Sandra Ellstrom, 28, is manager at The Balmoral Spa. She lives in Leith

1 What is your earliest memory of Edinburgh? I grew up in Stockholm, Sweden, so my earliest memory was when I arrived about three years ago. It was January and the weather was lovely and warm, while in Sweden it is normally freezing. I remember I could even wear my spring shoes, and I thought this was great.

2 What are your memories of school? I attended a school called Neglinge Skola. Being so excited to start school, I actually managed to finished the whole maths book in the first week. I wish the ambition would have lasted throughout school . . .

3 Where is your favourite place in Edinburgh and why? The Shore – I love the variety of pubs and restaurants, especially nice on a beautiful, warm day.

4 What are the best things about Edinburgh? It is a famously small and compact city, but still contains lots to do and see. Even now, I am exploring and finding new destinations in the city.

5 What would you change about the city? The wind. No matter where you are, or how lovely a day it is, that wind still finds you.

6 Describe a perfect Edinburgh day/night out. I start with a long and lazy cooked breakfast at The Kings Wark at The Shore and then I walk it off with a stroll into town via the Water of Leith. Then, I'd window shop all day. In the evening I'd treat myself and my partner to a fine dining meal at Number One, washed down with lots of champagne in Palm Court.

7 Which sports interest you? I enjoy watching the Winter Olympics and love going skiing. I actually used to play basketball and tennis when I was younger, but that didn't last.

8 What was your most embarrassing moment? I was at my best friend's hen party and we started off the celebrations by going kickboxing. I was not dressed for the occasion and turned up in a pair of skinny jeans. In the middle of the kicks, my trousers made a loud sound and it turned out they had ripped . . . and in not the most of ideal places.

9 What is your greatest achievement? Being awarded the "Shining Example 2009" by The Rocco Forte Collection hotel group.

10 Sum up Edinburgh in three words. Beautiful, diverse, windy.