Interview with Claire Smith
What is your name, age and how long have you lived in Javea?
Claire Smith, lived in Spain for 2 years, 1 year in Barcelona and 1 year in Javea
What nationality are you and your partner?
British - both
How many children do you have and what are their names and ages?
1 son called Ethan, he is 2.5 (March 2010)
Do you work and if so what do you do?
Mother, and work occasionally for MumAbroad. I have recently set up a cleaning company here in Javea, offering services to expat summer rentals, which is a great business.
Why did you move from Barcelona to Javea?
Barcelona is an amazing place, we lived on the outskirts in a place called Alella, then moved to Mataro which is further north. The main reason was because we wanted a better quality of life for the money we were paying in Barcelona. Properties in Barca a far more expensive. It has better things to do with kids but I think we wanted a more quieter life. We visited Javea and fell in love with it. Its a coastal resort that attracts nice decent people. It is a visually stunning setting that takes your breathe away daily. Its an amazing place to bring younger children up in. We also wanted to be around more expats I suppose.
What was your experience of having a baby in Spain?
Ethan was born in Dubai, but we are planning on number 2 as and when it happens. I hope it will be as great as the experience I had back in Dubai,where it was more like visiting a hotel for a weekend .
What was your experience of relocating to Javea with children?
It was relatively easy. Like any move it does amount to certain levels of stress, but once we were in Javea it was like being on holiday!
How well intergrated would you say you and your children are?
My son is intergrated with all different nationalities at his nursery, Spanish, Dutch, English and more. Outside of school he mixes with his friends from school but also interacts with all kids no matter what nationality.
What language do you speak to your children?
English and basic educational Spanish, numbers, colours, etc...
What is your impression of childcare and education in Javea so far?
There are many options here if you look for them. You have international educational systems, local and toddler groups/ creche. It depends on what suits you and your child.
What school do your children go to?
Rainbow nursery
Why did you choose this school and are you happy with your choice?
I visited both Spanish and international options. Rainbow is fantastic and made a WOW impression with me. If I was a kid I would love going there. They have rabbits, birds, tree houses, everything a kid would love. The teaching is 50/50 English and Spanish. Also, the teacher was nicer than Mary Poppins!
Where you live, how good are the facilities for children (shops, resturants, activities etc?)
The facilites are ok. There are beaches you can go to. A few park areas. Most retaurants cater for kids. There are some good activites you can take part in. Mini movers is quite good for budding dancers. I go for a break and to have a large glass of wine at the end of the week.
Are there any particular activities, groups, classes etc for children in Javea that you would recommend?
Mini movers
Are there any particular service providers (doctors, dentists, babysitters, tutors etc) for children that you would recommend?
Dr Erik Rempt Clinica La Ermita S.L.
What do you think are the main advantages and disadvantages of being a parent from the international community living in Javea?
Advantages: Living in a gorgeous place where you wake up to a sunny sky every day! Meeting other mums in the same situation here and networking.
Disadvantages: Not really being able to interact verbally with other local mums. It would be great to intergrate both nationalities, so we could could have a big circle of mums! I think that learning the language and pushing yourself to speak to other Spanish mums is important too otherwise you will still feel slightly isolated.
(March 2010)
