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.
The full article contains 406 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
