Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in Catalunya?

This is one in a series of interviews with people who came from other countries to live here.  I asked them the same questions that people often ask me to see what different stories emerge. You can read them here over the next weeks.

Pippa’s Story

Please tell us a bit about yourself?

I live in L’Ametlla, near Granollers, with my husband and 4 year old son, and have one on its way. We moved from London, after living there for 15 years. We moved to experience a different culture and pace of life.

How long have you lived here?

2 years in April.

Are you working here and if yes, what do you do?

Yes, teaching English.

Three favourite things about living here?

Weather, nature, food.

Three things you don’t like about life here?

Beaurocracy. My inability to pick up the language. Mosquitos.

What do you miss most about your ‘home’ country?

Friends and family, NHS, shops.

Three things you have learned about yourself or life since living here?

A different path is possible. I can make myself understood in a foreign language if necessary ( and progressing slowly but surely) In the UK we are heavily influenced and coerced into consumerism.

What language(s) do you speak in your daily life here?

English, and attempt Catalan and Castillano

Do you plan to return to your native country and in what circumstances would you definitely want to go back?

At some point yes, but not yet. Child’s education, employment prospects, family health. Political climate in Spain.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of moving here?

Do it, but learn the language. Come prepared with duplicate copies of all your documents and learn to relax.

 

This is one in a series of interviews which I will be posting over the next few weeks while I am walking the Camino.   When possible I will also send short updates from my phone on how the walk is going.

Sign up in one of the subscription boxes on this page to get all these posts delivered straight to your inbox.  More news from the Camino will be sent to The Catalan Way Facebook page so click a Like on there and you can follow my progress.

Are there any questions you would ask someone about what their life is like after moving to an new country?  Let us know in the comments and we will try to get some answers.