Interview with Linda Greet
What is your name, age and how long have you lived in Quesada?
My name is Linda Greet I am 40 and have lived in Quesada for 4 1/2 years
What nationality are you and your partner?
British
How many children do you have and what are their names and ages?
Alfy 9, Arlie 5 & Daisy 4
Do you work and if so what to you do?
I own a designer Clothes Shop in Quesada which we have just changed the name of it used to be The Designer Warehouse it is now called Metro
What was your experience of having a baby in Spain (if relevant)?
I moved to Spain when Arlie was 5 months and I was also pregnant with Daisy. I had Daisy at the Vega Baja Hospital in Orihuela. it was a very strange experience as I didn’t really speak the language and nobody spoke English. I don’t really remember the whole birth I just remember that there wasn’t any after care I was just left to get on with it. I wasn’t offered any pain relief and it was all just blur. But 4 years on now the Torrevieja hospital is open I know that having a baby in Spain would be a lot easier.
What was your experience of relocating to Quesada with children? (if relevant)
It was all very easy for me (although my furniture didn’t turn up until Christmas eve along with all the kids presents!) because I knew the place very well as I been on holiday here for years as my mother in law has a house here. My Eldest child Alfy had also been on holiday here before. To be honest I wasn’t worried about the children as I knew they would adapt as kids just seem to get on with it!
How well integrated would you say you and your children are?
I do speak Spanish and so do all my Children. Having a business you have to be able to integrate with the Spanish otherwise you will alienate yourself.
What language do you speak to your children?
English
What is your impression of childcare and education in Spain so far?
My Eldest son used to go to Spanish school but he really didn’t get on at all he hated it so he now goes to international school (El Limonar), which he now loves and has improved incredibly. My two youngest however go t Spanish school and they love and have both got on so well. There Spanish is fantastic and they both get glowing reports every year. So far I can’t fault the Spanish education system.
What school do your children go to?
Arlie & Daisy go to Principe De Espana Rojales and Alfy goes to El Limonar
Why did you choose this school and are you happy with your choice?
Rojales was the nearest school to us and the only one that offered Comedor. I had also spoken to some mums who already had children there which put my mind at rest. I chose El Limonar as after looking round it to me it seemed like a really nice school.
Where you live, how good are the facilities for children (shops, restaurants, activities etc)?
There are lots of facilities for kids round here which include football for the boys, dancing for the girls (and now street dance for the boys) and a few soft play areas. There are also lots of parks.
Are there any particular activities, groups, classes etc for children in Quesada that you would like to recommend?
Dance Xtreme, Junior Strikers (football), and the Saturday night disco at Red Monkeys for the kids.
Are there any particular service providers (doctors, dentists, babysitters, tutors etc) for children in Quesada that you would like to recommend?
The dentist I use is in Torrevieja and is called Caradent. We have been going there for a few years now and the kids have no problems with it. He makes them feel at home!
What do you think are the main advantages and disadvantages of being a parent from the International Community living in Spain ?
As there are lots of English people here I would say an advantage is that you do all help one another where you can. I would also say having children is an advantage as it is so much easier to make friends. I have made lots of friends at the school gates! The main disadvantage is if you don’t speak the language! Also being an English business owner there can be lots of red tape and paperwork!
Is there anything you think would improve children’s lives in Spain?
I don’t think so as they are very good with Children they do cater for children where ever you go!
What advice would you give for anyone having a baby or thinking of relocating to Spain with children?
DO it! Don’t look back it was the best move we ever made!
What couldn´t you live without in Spain?
My friends and family!
What could you live without in Spain!
The summer!!! It does get very hot!
(Dec 09)
