Interview with Leeanne Hundleby
What is your name, age and how long have you lived in Javea?
Leeanne Hundleby
38. 2 months (March 2010)
What nationality are you and your partner?
British
How many children do you have and what are their names and ages?
Darcey - 4 Farrell - 3 Egan - 1
What was your experience of relocating to Javea with children?
Good - we had help from my mother in law which made life easier. She was able to review accomodation and nurseries for us and then feedback as appropriate.
How well intergrated would you say you and your children are?
Just on the outskirts but getting there!
What language do you speak to your children?
English
What is your impression of childcare and education in Javea so far?
Good - there are a number of options re childcare and education to suit individual familiy situations and needs. There is a comprehensive selection of state schools that are spread all over the city. For the private schooling a car is essential but there are a number of options to chose from.
What school do your children go to?
Rainbow nursery
Why did you choose this school and are you happy with your choice?
Chose it for the location and setting, the size of the nursery and its international focus.
Where you live, how good are the facilities for children (shops, resturants, activities etc?)
We stay in the port. The facilities are excellent. We can walk to the port or have a short drive to the beech. There is a municipal gym only a couple of blocks away and numeous parks and cafes to chose from. Schools, docotors etc are all only a short walk away.
Are there any particular activities, groups, classes etc for children in Javea that you would recommend?
Mini movers
What do you think are the main advantages and disadvantages of being a parent from the international community living in Javea?
Advantages - weather allows more outdoor play, Kids experiencing a diffferent culture and language, Meeting new people, Greater focus on the 'family'
Disadvantages - not knowing anyone when you get to Javea and getting around, motherly concerns of your kids adpating and fitting in, missing family, language barriers, experiencing community divide spanish v british
Is there anything that you think would improve childrens lives living in Javea?
Soft play cafe so mums can chat and kids can play in safety and in a controlled environment
What advice would you give anyone having a baby or thinking of relocating to Javea with children?
Give it a go.
What couldn’t you live without in Javea?
Transport - really need a car
What could you live without in Javea?
Dog poo, poor quality pavements that trip kids up, poorly finished buildings/apartment blocks leaving open and dangerous electrical wiring (at the moment I could do without the exchange rate being so poor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
(March 2010)
