Interview with Marcia Vaughan
How many children do you have and what are their names and ages?
I have one daughter, Phaedra.(30). Although she was born in England, we moved to Spain when she was one year old.
Do you work and if so what do you do?
I now work part time teaching ballroom and latin american dancing to all age groups, levels and nationalities. I opened the dance centre 31 years ago which is now being handed onto my daughter. It has always been very successful and I hope will continue to be so. We also arrange social events, like weekly teadances, dinner dances, shows in aid of local charities, etc.
How would you describe your experience of living in Calpe with your children?
I have throughly enjoyed my time in Spain and have never had any problems. I wouldnt dream of going back to England anymore.
How well integrated would you say you and your children are?
We have been here 31 years, so we are perfectly at home here. Infact always have been, the Spanish locals made us feel very welcome all those years ago. But I have to admit that my Spanish is not as good as it could be (or should be) mainly due to the fact that there is such a large English community and most of our clients prefer to be taught in English so that they can practise the language.
What language do you speak to your children?
English
What school did your children go to?
Azorine Calpe.
Why did you choose this school and were you happy with your choice?
We chose Azorin through recommendation of a spanish friend and yes we were happy. Luckily at the time all classes were taught in castelian (valenciano was taught only as an additional language) as a foreign student it made learning a new language less complicated. Many new foreign students now have to contend with learning and taking classes in both subjects.
Has your child ever been to school/university in your home country?
No, although when we first moved to Spain she used to attend and english school, but we decided that as we were going to stay in Spain it made much more sense to change to a spanish school so that she could continue her higher education in Spain.
If not, do you have any regrets in not educating your child in your home country?
No
Where you live, how good are the facilities for families with children (shops, restaurants, activities etc)?
When we first came here there was no public transport so we were out on a limb, but as my husband and I both had a car, we had no problems. And many years later my daughter learnt to drive as soon as possible, she was taught out here by a driving school in Calpe and passed here test on the first attempt. Calpe has a lovely beach and is a safe and tranquil place, supermarkets, restaurants and bars galore , but doesnt have facilities like a cinema or bowling alley anymore. However, our public transportation has improve a lot and now we have a very good bus service so it is easy to move around even if you dont have a car.
What do you think are the main advantages and disadvantages of being a parent from the International Community living in Calpe?
It is very easy to mix only with people of your own nationality and many foreigners miss out on the many opportunities that are going on in town because of this reason. But the advantages are plentiful, a safe a pleasant place to live, glorious weather (most of the year), etc.
Is there anything you think would improve children’s lives in Calpe?
Better transport for parents not living in town. Plus more activities for younger people to do.
What advice would you give for anyone having a baby or thinking of relocating to Calpe with children?
Go for it, we have never had any problems, we have always found the doctors and hospitals very good and helpful. If you feel that you intend staying in Spain, then I would say go for a Spanish education. From our experience it has always been excellent. Things are always better if you have a knowledge of the Spanish language so try and learn if you can. It can be hard , but practise makes perfect!!!
How do you think Calpe has changed in the years that you have lived there and do you think it has changed in a positive or negative way?
I think that it has changed for the better, although the cost of living has increased significantly, it is still cheaper to live here an in England. The biggest problem is lack of parking areas. Obviously Calpe has grown incredably over the years and is not now the quaint little fishing village that we moved to and fell in love with, but the amenities and facilites have improved: Roads, transportation, medical care, etc have all caught upto european standards.
(November 16th 2009)
