Life in the time of COVID-19 with Fraser Suites Sydney’s Albert Pilarski

This week, we caught up with Albert Pilarski, hotel manager at Fraser Suites Sydney, to find out how he’s been faring amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

What are you reading?

I am quite a fan of anything by Bill Bryson. The last time he came to Sydney, I was lucky enough to see him at the ICC. I simply love all his work – each book makes me feel so much better. His latest instalment is called The Body. I’ve had this book for quite a while now, and finally recently started to read it.

What are you watching?

I certainly loved watching the Olympic Games. It worked as a great disruption to otherwise quite a negative stream of news.

What are you listening to?

I listen to a lot of music. I actually try to record my own music occasionally. Anything electronic, but not mainstream is what I enjoy the most. But, often I’ll put on a classical piece just to soothe my mind.

What are you cooking?

Not much – I am quite bad at it, unfortunately. My best outcomes are usually scrambled eggs for breakfast on the weekend. My children seem to love it though.

How are you staying fit both physically and mentally?

Frasers Group has recently started Frasers Fitness Challenge – any form of activity counts towards your total for the month. It actually motivated me to go out there and move. I come to work on my push bike.

Playing music is what I find works best for peace of mind.

What’s something positive you’ve witnessed or experienced since the coronavirus hit?

Quite a lot of families are able to spend more time together. I need to home school my boys occasionally. Despite it being a very tough task to complete, I actually love it!

Work-related, I’ve witnessed my team go above and beyond to look after our guests and each other during these challenging times.

What have you learned about yourself amid the crisis?

That staying close to your family and friends is so important.

What’s your advice for others in the industry on coping with the crisis?

Stay calm and do what you do best. This storm will eventually stop.

Where is your favourite domestic travel destination?

Pebbly Beach in NSW. I have been to many places in Australia, but I seem to be going back to Pebbly Beach quite regularly.

I love outback NSW as well. Discovered it all during COVID, and I must say that Mungo National Park is just … WOW!

What is the one international travel memory keeping you going through this time?

Poland (where I am from) and Hawaii. I would go to either of those destinations in a heartbeat.

Where do you want to travel to once international travel restrictions ease up?

Poland and Hawaii, and everywhere else for that matter. It’s been too long between trips.