Barcelona Mum

Theresa Mills - Alella

What is your name, age, where do you live and how long have you lived in Alella (Maresme)? 
 Theresa Mills, 40 years old.  Lived in Barcelona for one year (where my son was born), moved to England for a year, moved back and have now lived in Alella for nearly a year. 

Do you work, and if so what do you do? 
Freelance writer.  However, I have made it my job now to learn Spanish so eventually I can out in the world and work again. 

.What nationality are you and your partner?  I’m American and my husband is British.
 How many children do you have and what are their names and ages?  I have one son.  His name is Alex and he’s 2 ½.  

What was your experience of having a baby in Barcelona?
 My experience was difficult due soley to personal circumstances.  I originally moved to Barcelona when I was nearly 6 months pregnant, didn’t have friends or family or speak the language.  Then my son came 5 ½ weeks early and was in neonatal for 3 weeks just before Christmas.  That being said, I had Alex at Teknon hospital and they were absolutely top notch.  My obstetrician, Dr. Leila Onbargi, was excellent and helped me through a very difficult time.  All around, the care was superb, hindered only by my lack of language ability.  Alex has continued to see the same pediatrician, Dr. Thorsten Faust, who is caring and kind and accessible.  I highly recommend Teknon, Dr. Onbargi and Dr. Faust to anyone considering having a baby in Barcelona.
 
How well integrated would you say you and your children are?
Fortunately, Alex started school here in Alella when he was 18-months old so he is well integrated.  His Catalan is improving all the time and he has adjusted very well to life here in Alella.   For us, Alella has been such a nice place to live. The first week we moved here, several of our neighbors came over and introduced themselves and invited us over.  It was such a nice welcome and came as a complete surprise, but that’s how people are here.  It has a real community feel and even as foreigners we have never been made to feel like outsiders. 
 
What language do you speak to your children? 
We speak English at home.  
 
What has your impression been of childcare and education in Alella so far? 
Excellent.  Again, I can only speak for the guaderia where Alex has gone (La Caseta), but it has been absolutely impressive.  The care is excellent, the teachers are loving and the program has helped Alex develop in so many ways.  Alex will attend the municipal school, Fabra, in the next school year and they have a great reputation in Cataluyna.  The following year, we’re hoping to get a place for him at Hamelin International School, which is also supposed to be excellent.  For such a small community, there are a lot of very good schools. 

How do you rate the amenities available for parents and children in Alella? 
Very good.  During festivals there are always activities for children.

What do you think are the main advantages and disadvantages of being a parent from the International Community living in Alella?
I think the main disadvantage is not having family nearby.  Alella is a tight-knit community and on weekends you see the children with their grandparents and cousins playing in the square – those are the times when it really hits home.  The advantage is that you end up meeting other parents from around the world.  We have a good community of mothers (local and foreign) here who have pulled together and it’s so interesting to get different perspectives and ideas from women around the world.  We have the opportunity to experience different customs and learn new traditions to pass down in our families.  Here in Alella everything is on a much smaller scale so you really end up feeling like a part of the local festivities.  Our children are lucky to live such interesting lives. 

Is there anything you think would improve children´s lives in Alella?
I only wish the parks were slightly more interesting.   Sometimes I get a bit fed up with dirt. 

What do you wish you had been told before you came to Alella/Barcelona?
Originally, before I came to Barcelona I wish I had known how important it was to know more Spanish upon arrival.  I think people take for granted the fact that Barcelona is an international city and that a lot of people will speak English - which is true if you’re a tourist.  However, when you have to function in daily life from day one, you need the language -  especially when you live outside the city.   
 
What advice would you give for anyone having a baby or thinking of relocating to Alella with children? 
Do it.  It’s a wonderful place to raise a family.  

What couldn´t you live without in Alella? 
The people.  Living in Alella is like stepping back in time.  There is a warmth and welcoming spirit here that I can honestly say that I’ve never felt in any other country – and this is my fifth country.   The little old ladies sit on benches and smile at Alex and take the time to talk to him.  And the other mothers at the guaderia have really been kind to me, so patient with my ever-so-slowly improving Spanish.  We go to restaurants in Alella and instead of throwing nasty looks when I bring my son with me, people come up and talk to him (and much to his delight, often give him treats).
 What could you live without?!  The long school days for children.  Oh, and the late hours generally.  What can I say?  I have a toddler who rises and shines at 8am when I’m not always feeling so sunny.