Johann - mountaineer, hair craftsman, champion dancer: 'I like to
cook'
Johann Peries is tall, graceful and he should be, given that he is an
accomplished dancer and dancing teacher. He is also an artist - of hair
and body beauty, successfully making a business of it, His love of jazz
together with his profession draws him close to the fashion and flair of
showbiz, a far cry from the jagged cliffs of the Himalayas. But, like
Jayanthi, his love of adventure and the mountains has taken him as far
Mount Kilimanjaro, the second highest peak of the African continent
before he reached the even greater height of Mt. Everest.
Johann, tell us about a bit about your childhood, the school you went
to and your growing up?
My
school is St. Joseph's College. Talking about my childhood, well, I
think I had one of the best experiences in my childhood we used to go on
trips especially adventurous ones. My father in particular was so much
in to that type of stuff. I think from that I got the interest. And he
is the one who passed that passion onto me. We went camping and climbing
from our small days. And then when I left school, I had a group of
friends and we went all over the country. I think the interest has
always been there.
How supportive are your parents? What are their professions?
My father is in the Father engineering field and my mother is a
housewife. I am blessed to have very open minded parents. They supported
everything i did. When I chose my career as a hair dresser they were
very supportive of it. Likewise when I wanted to do mountain climbing
they always encouraged me and let me do things I enjoy doing.
Do you have any siblings?
Yes, I have an elder brother and a sister. Brother is an entrepreneur
and has pharmaceutical business. My sister was a banker and now working
with me. She is helping me with my business and handling my accounts
What is your profession?
I am professional hair dresser and a makeup artist. I have my own
business which goes under the name, 'Cutting Station'.
Tell us about your hobbies?
I was a singer and I am a professional dancer. I have mastered Latin,
ballroom and contemporary dancing styles. I took part in international
competitions as well. I still perform.
Do you enjoy music? What type of music do you listen to?
Yes, I do. I enjoy classical and jazz music. I have always liked that
type of music. It's kind of relaxation, getaway for me. Because of the
lifestyle I lead I am not much in to rock and heavy metal.
What type of movies you like? Why those in particular?
I like romantic movies. Movies based on true stories and thrillers as
well. I am not much in to fiction.
Do you read books?
I do read books but I'm not much of a heavy reader because of the
time factors. I read a lot of books with regard to my career fashion and
trends to keep up with the fashion industry
Your favourite cuisine?
I like fusion cooking. And I like to try various food. I try to
change things around. I like meat, sea food. I do cook as well. I love
cooking. It is something I enjoy doing when I have free time. I find
that as a form of relaxation
How do you spend your leisure time?
I usually travel a lot. I like to go places. Especially to places
places where there are not much people. I spend a lot of time with
people because of my career. So I prefer to spend my leisure time away
from busy lifestyle and people.
What's the routine like on a normal day? Is there a specific time you
wake up?
I am an early riser. I wake up by 5 a.m. I do my exercise; have my
breakfast and then straight to work. On a normal day, my day ends at
like 7 pm. I like to work long hours.
What causes do you support/wish to support?
I have been supporting Alzheimer's foundation. Other than that I try
my best to help kids as well. I am a foster father. That is something
private and something I really enjoy.
Have you planned your next adventure? What type of an adventure would
it be?
We are not planning to do anything like that soon. Because we need a
break. Climbing Mount Everest was not an easy task. It was challenging
both mentally and physically. So all what we want to do now is to relax.
Hopefully by end of this year we would think of another adventure.
How would you like to be remembered as? (Other than as the first Sri
Lankans to summit Mount Everest)
I would like to be remembered as I am. A fun loving easy going
person. Conquering mountain was not actually about the fame really. It
was our passion which I had within me. It was not done for the fame. I
would also like to be remembered as a person who followed his dreams. |