Interview 2: Patrick McMenamin, Former Owner Of The Caledonia Pub

  • 16 May 2012 12:00 PM
Interview  2: Patrick McMenamin, Former Owner Of The Caledonia Pub
1. What’s been happening at work and at home since your first Xpat Interview?

Click here to read the first interview

Amazingly The Caledonia Bar/Restaurant has been open for 6 years and we have had a ball.

2. On a scale of 1 to 10 how happy are you with your life in Hungary , and why?
Pretty close to an 8. Fortunate to know a lot of really nice, generous and positive poeple.

3. What’s the best party you’ve been to while in Hungary , and why?
The Rod Stewart concert at Heroes Square was a bit special. Made it on to two big screens and was famous for a few seconds. The Gift of the Gab Final party was also top class, as are the Burns Suppers........I get to a lot of good parties.

4. What’s your favourite drink?
Irn Bru

5. What hidden talents do you have?
I do a real good dracula. So good Ive made a few ladies cry with fear. I can go up to 2 hours without blinking.

6. What was the most interesting travel trip you have ever taken?
That goes back some 25 years ago when I went Inter railing with my younger brother. To get us started we booked a flight from Edinburgh to Mallorca. But it was only when we arrived did we realise we had landed on an island.

7. If you were given a wish that could come true, what would you ask for?
Glasgow Celtic to win the Champions League.

8. What’s the last book you read, and movie you watched?
Duncan Bannantynes autobiography and Hangover 2.

9. If someone wrote a biography about you, what would the title be?
He will never walk alone

10. What is the perfect pizza toppings combination for you?
Haggis, neeps and tatties

11. If you could trade places with any other person for a week, real or fictional, with whom would it be?
Henrik Larsson on August 28th 2000

12. On a scale of 1 to 10 how unusual are you, and why?
Mmmmmmmm. Pretty average 5 I reckon. You would need to ask other people why.

13. What’s the best website you’ve ever visited, and why?
Come on. I was in the Captain Cook pub back in 1999 when someone in our company talked about setting up xpatloop. It was not given much support. But I knew it was a good idea. Oh and www.celticquicknews.com. And my old place of work in Edinburgh www.youngscot.org

14. Who do you admire the most, and why?
My mum and dad. They brought up 5 of us to be decent folks. My old boss Marcus Liddle. A truly great individual who taught me so much. And Zsuzsanna Bozo. If this young lady were to be mayor of Budapest there would be no stopping this great city.

15. What do you like best and least about living in Hungary ?
I like the variety of places to visit and the people you can meet. No day is ever the same. I dont really like going to the Post Office. Can drive me to drink.

16. What has made the biggest impact on your life so far, and why?
Tough one. I have been fortunate to work alongside so many people that are prepared to go that extra mile to help people less fortunate than most of us. It is always a solid reminder to me that there is more to life. The voluntary activities that The Irish Hungarian Business Circle deliver to support the God orphanage are truly special.

17. If you won USD 30 million, what would you do with the money?
I have no idea. Not sure I would need that much. I would like to help renovate Zsuzsas mums house in Zabar. Maybe sponsor a race at the Hungarian Derby to support the IHBC. Hire a big venue for Mary Murphy to host the Gift of the Gab finals. Buy a new set of kit for Budapest Celtic Old Boys and take us on a tour of New York. Hire Margit Sziget for a huge childrens summer picnic. How much have I left.........

18. If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
Caledonia

19. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose?
The Moon.

20. In ten years from now what will you be doing?
Writing an update on my interview for xpatloop

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