Interview with Nicky Quinn
What is your name, age and how long have you lived in Javea?
Nicky Quinn, 37. Lived in Javea since January 2009 (although came to Spain in May2008)
What nationality are you and your partner?
Both English
How many children do you have and what are their names and ages?
2 boys. Lenny aged 5 and Charlie 2.
Do you work and if so what do you do?
No
What was your experience of relocating to Javea with children?
Very easy. There is everything you need in or around Javea which makes life very easy here. It is also easy to meet other Mums in the same boat and therefore always someone to ask for advice and experience.
How well intergrated would you say you and your children are?
When we first came to Spain we were in a very Spanish village near Alicante and we all found it quite difficult to intergrate even though I can speak Spanish. In Javea I don’t think we are particularly intergrated either as there are so many nationalities here each tends to stick to their own. I would like to be more intergrated and will make more effort to do so.
What language do you speak to your children?
English and sometimes Spanish
What is your impression of childcare and education in Javea so far?
There seems to be a lot of choice with regards to nurseries and schools. I’m sure there is something to suit every child whether you choose an international route or a Spanish one.
What school do your children go to?
Currently at The Firs, Costa Nova, Javea
Why did you choose this school and are you happy with your choice?
Very happy. I originally chose it as I wanted to go for the English curriculum. It is a lovely school and they are getting a very good education.
Where you live, how good are the facilities for children (shops, resturants, activities etc?)
Again excellent – especially when the sun is shining. The beach is only 1 km away and around this area there are many activities for all ages. Anywhere in Spain is so child friendly that you have an abundance of restaurants to choose from. If the weather is not so good there is the large shopping centre of Ondara where there is also a cinema and bowling alley.
What do you think are the main advantages and disadvantages of being a parent from the international community living in Javea?
Advantages: You get to be much more “worldly wise” and knowledgeable of others’ cultures and languages. It’s true that you do spend more family time together. Somehow you feel your children are much safer growing up here and therefore you are more easy going with them.
Disadvantages: Even being able to speak good Spanish as a foreigner you don’t know how the system works when trying to get anything sorted eg schools etc. Also not having the family/ friends network you have in UK
Is there anything that you think would improve childrens lives living in Javea?
No
What advice would you give anyone having a baby or thinking of relocating to Javea with children?
Go for it. They younger they are the easier they seem to adapt.
What couldn’t you live without in Javea?
My family and sunshine!
What could you live without in Javea?
Chorizo (sorry!!)
(May 2009)
