The five minute Interview: Jason Opheim

Every once in a while Thomasenmadrid publishes a short interview with one of the Key figures of my life in Spain or people who have taken the trouble of visiting me here in Madrid. This week it's the turn of Jason Opheim (26) from Oklahoma, USA, also known as Jazz. Jason is a Madrid old-timer although he has also spent some considerable time in Granada and has been here a tad longer than me and we were befriended by our mutual friend Tyler. Jazz – a lively and sunny character – is a linguist, never shy to run away from a vocabulary discussion, often winning it. Lately he has put dreads in his hair which – I have to say – have improved his physical aspects remarkably. Such was its success that I am thinking about doing the same myself.

The first time I saw Thomas was: as he snuck up behind Tyler in H&M and tickled him to say hello.

My favorite place in Madrid is: Paco’s Bar on Sunday afternoon.

Something I say too often is: Why yes, you can call me Jazz.

I am not a politician, but: If I were, I would make playing songs out-loud on your mobile phone illegal

People know me from being an English Teacher, but in a truer life I would be: disciplined enough to be doing something else.

If I weren't talking to you right now I would be: looking for someone else to be talking to.

Normally, my breakfast consists of: waiting until lunch

I passionately have confidence in: The people within my inner circle

At the moment the most played on my MP3 player is: Dry the rain by The Beta Band and The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song by The Flaming Lips

In moments of weakness I: want to go back to Oklahoma City

I'm good at: Loving the people I like.

I'm very bad at: Pretending to like people I don’t.

The ideal night out is: Beginning at a chill bar with a small group of friends, and then later connecting with more for drunken dancing

In a nutshell, my philosophy is this: Be who you are and try to liberate others to do the same.