Interview with Popie Rennie
What are your names, age's and how long have you lived in Spain?
My name is Popie (30) and my Husband Dave (31). We have lived in Spain for just over 3 years.
What nationality are you and your partner?
I am Indonesian, and Dave is British.
How many children do you have and what are their names and ages?
We have one Son "Dieo" he is 4 in October
Do you work and if so what do you do?
I work 2 days in an Indonesian restaurant and the rest of the time for our family business.
Dave is a photographer. www.studiojavea.com
What was your experience of having a baby in Spain?
Dieo wasn't born in Spain so i can't really comment, but I'll let you know with the next one:)
What was your experience of relocating to Spain with children?
Dieo was only 4 months old when we relocated to Spain so it was quite difficult as i was adapting to parenthood as well as new surroundings.
At the time i really needed close friends and family. We had relocated to a complete reverse in environment, from a busy city to a sleepy fishing town.
It took me over a year to really settle into life here (and to find my cooking ingredients:)
How well integrated would you say you and your children are?
I'd say somewhere in the middle for Dave and myself, and much more so for Dieo. The language holds us two back from being fully integrated (but that's down to our own laziness). Dieo plays happily and mixes well with all nationalities.
What language do you speak to your children?
I speak a mix of English and Bahasa (My mother tongue) and Dave speaks English.
In the last few months Dieo has been learning much more Spanish and we are now trying to mix all 3 at home.
What is your impression of childcare and education in Spain so far?
We decided from the beginning that Dieo and any future additions to our family would attend International school.
We don't have anything against the Spanish education system, but if we decide to move on elsewhere our children will be able to pick up from where they left off.
We also think it will open more international opportunities for their future. Career opportunities are very limited in the area we have moved to and industry doesn't exist, so our children will probably have to move on to succeed.
What school do your children go to?
Dieo goes to Rainbow Nursey
Why did you choose this school and are you happy with your choice?
Yes we are VERY happy with our choice. Personally we think it is the best nursery available in our region.
They teach half of the day in Spanish (with qualified native Spanish teachers) and half of the day in English (with qualified English teachers)
Dieo's vocabulary has massively improved since starting 5 months ago. He's now learning to read & write in both languages.
They are a true international school, meaning they have kids from various nationalities. Spanish, Dutch, Italian, American & English.
We believe this will result in Dieo being more confident, independent and open minded towards life.
The school is very well equipped and runs efficiently. All of the teachers and staff are 100% professional, patient and genuine lovely people.
The learning is fun, fresh and intuitive. Every day Dieo brings work home that he has done. This is great for us to see exactly what he is doing
and how he is developing. (His bedroom walls are like an exhibition)
Another positive aspect is they are rarely closed for public holidays.
We are very impressed with Rainbow and thrilled with Dieo's development since starting. Any parents in the area should give them a visit.
Where you live, how good are the facilities for children (shops, restaurants, activities etc?)
Shopping for anything but veggies is quite grim, but there are a few children's toy and clothes shops. www.babybebe.eu is a nice one.
Restaurants aren't an issue, they just can't compete with my home cooking:)
As for children's activities, there are plenty of local outdoor play area's and the beach is a few minutes walk away.
Within a 1 hour drive we can get to various Safari parks, Zoo's & Aquariums. Rainy days can be miserable in Javea as there aren't many indoor activities for kids.
Are there any particular activities, groups, classes etc for children in Javea that you would recommend?
Not really, but we do want Dieo to get into some activities, Sport, Music, Creative. This week he played football after school which was organised by one of the Dads who also runs a fitness centre/martial arts studio in Gandia. He's a very nice guy and was really great with the kids, so we are thinking of letting Dieo try it out. Here are his details if anyone else likes the sound: Andy Miles - 622 714 839.
Are there any particular service providers (doctors, dentists, babysitters, tutors etc) for children that you would recommend?
Yes, We found an excellent Paediatrician when we first moved here and have stuck with him ever since. He is a very natural Dr and tries to offer herbal options before resorting to chemical. He is Spanish and doesn't speak English but we always manage to understand each other.
He is based in Javea Port: Dr Luis Santos - C/. Severo Ochoa, 5, Bajo. Tel: 96 579 26 51
I would also like to recommend the chemist on the Adv Augustus, just down from the Mercadona. I don't know his name or address but he is very helpful and knows his trade.
What do you think are the main advantages and disadvantages of being a parent from the international community living in Javea?
We don't really feel that we are parents from an international community. But its always nice to meet people from different places in the world.
Is there anything that you think would improve childrens lives living in Javea?
Not off the top of my head, Disneyland maybe. We think Javea is a nice environment for children to grow up in, but we also think its good to get out of town on a regular basis to see, smell and touch the hustle and bustle of city life. Otherwise when they do fly the nest they will be unprepared. This is one of our concerns about living in such a relaxed location.
What advice would you give anyone having a baby or thinking of relocating to Spain with children?
1. Advise for anyone having a baby: Eat good. Be happy and always positive. Communicate with your baby all the way through pregnancy. Enjoy the experience and a cherish it.
2. Advise for relocating to Spain with children: Do your research and read info from ex-pat forums. look at online news papers in the local area you want to relocate for rental prices. Be realistic. Don't rush it. Have a back up plan.
Spain is very expensive for everything except cigarettes and wine, You are going to pay way over the odds on electrical goods and other consumables. The average wage is very low here compared with other countries in Europe so be prepared to work for much less than you normally would.
If you are successful in your own country you have a chance at being successful here providing you are willing to work for it.
If you're moving to Spain because life is difficult in your own country, forget it. Its going to be even harder here.
Hope i haven't come across negative, but i think this is honest advise.
What couldn’t you live without in Spain?
Food, Water & Oxygen are the top of our list
A close fourth would be: Each other:)
What could you live without in Spain?
Paying Tax.
Mosquito's draining my blood supply while I sleep.
May 09
