The Five Minute Interview: Sigrid Pratsch

Every Friday Thomasenmadrid publishes a short interview with one of the Key figures of my life here in Spain. This week it's the turn of Sigrid Pratsch (25) who now lives in Vienna, Austria but has strong ties with the capital of Spain. We became friends during our internship at the internet mobility portal Just Landed where we found out that we both couldn’t handle an electric drill. A happy and enthusiastic person Sigi was very much the savior of the office when it came to comedic remedy and her bubbly character made my stay at Just Landed worth the while. She was also a founding member of the Friday Afternoon Chinese Lunch Club.

The first time I saw Thomas was: At Just Landed’s office in Madrid. But I don’t remember any details – I’m also bad with first impressions. For example, I thought that Tammo (another intern) was a high-ranking member of the crew! Anyways, that shouldn’t mean that I didn’t grow to love you, Thomas! (in an entirely platonic way, of course)

My favorite place in Madrid is: The “Montaña artificial” in Retiro! It’s in a corner of the park; I discovered it in 2003 during my Erasmus stay in the city. I wandered about town and ended up on that little mountain – the view was spectacular as the sun was about to go down and covered everything in red-golden rays of light. I went up there a lot to have a “cigarette” and enjoy a couple of quiet moments.

Something I say too often is: “Leiwond” (Viennese term for something like “super-great”, only cooler; can also be used sarcastically) and “zach” (upper-Austrian term for almost everything really J)

I am not a politician, but: if I had to, I’d be a good one, because I wouldn’t bend over for nobody!

People know me from having quit my job at an PR-agency and now working part-time at an event location, but in a truer life I would be: either a news-reporter for Al Jazeera, hihi or the EU’s foreign minister – but in my imagination, the position would come with A LOT more power than any democratic constitution would ever allow!

If I weren't talking to you right now I would be: on one of Vienna’s Christmas markets sipping mulled wine, chatting with friends and staring at all the pretty blinking lights.

Normally, my breakfast consists of: A cup of coffee, one or two slices of bread with butter and either jam or honey. When I have breakfast with my roommate we also have soft-boiled eggs, ham, cheese, tea, etc. But I really shouldn’t call that “breakfast” because it usually takes place at noon!

I passionately have confidence in: the fact that Austria is going to get its ass kicked at the EURO next year! This is going to be so embarrassing. No, wait a minute – it’s embarrassing that we’re taking part in that event in the first place!!!

At the moment the most played on my MP3 player is: The Pixies, Foo Fighters and Babyshambles. I try to evolve and listen to more “sophisticated” music but my heart’s not in it! Rock is all I really need.

In moments of weakness I: Listen to melancholic and sad Oasis songs sung by the Chief, have a smoke and think of better times.

I'm good at: Denial! Only joking. I am good at cheering up friends – making them feel better about themselves during sucky times.

I'm very bad at: Finding a properly paid job that I actually like, apparently.

The ideal night out is: Start it with a couple of drinks at home with friends; continue with going to a club where they either play alternative rock/indie or electronic dance music and dance and chat with friends until around 4 or 5 o’clock in the morning; End it with a) a cold beer down by the river next to the “Flex” (a Viennese club) or b) a healthy plate of goulash and rolls at a 24 hour bakery/bar/restaurant in my neighborhood.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is this: Good question! Take it as it comes – and maybe try to change it when you don’t like it, II guess.