Interview with Jo Walton
What is your name, age and how long have you lived in Mallorca?
Joanna Walton, 41, 1.5 years (April 2010)
What nationality are you and your partner?
English
Why did you decide to move there?
Got married to my husband when I moved here 1.5 yrs ago and he has lived here for 22 years
How many children do you have and what are their names and ages?
Max, 16 - Zoe - 15, Oli - 11
Do you work and if so what to you do?
Have my own flower business
What was your experience of relocating to Mallorca with children?
You have to get used to a different pace of life - children frustrated with not having internet quickly or general laid-back attitude, initially. After a year it became easier and now enjoying life here.
How well integrated into the local community would you say you and your children are?
Youngest child relocating from English international school to Spanish school as feel that they are not integrated enough, me more so as my husband has lived here so long with Spanish friends etc
What language do you speak to your children?
English
What is your impression of childcare and education in Mallorca?
Good International schools and also Spanish schools have a high level
What school(s) do your children go to?
The Academy, Marratxi
Why did you choose this school and are you happy with your choice?
I liked it and all three children could go there together. Now not so sure that school is well adapted to IGCSE level students, hence moving my youngest
Where do you live in Mallorca and how good are the facilities for children (shops, restaurants, activities etc)?
We rent a house in Sineu, centre of the island and own a farmhouse in Arta, where we go at the weekends. Good facilities for Judo and Gym in Sineu, local football, great market on a Wednesday. Arta has a great indoor pool for the winter and local community centre. Restaurants very good in Arta - Italian, Indian and Spanish + even a cocktail bar! Sineu has mainly Mallorcan restaurants and also pizza restaurant. Sineu good train service for teenagers into Palma and cheap.
What for you have been the main challenges of living on Mallorca?
Culture shock for teenagers moving here - lack of films in English and amusement parks etc. Hard to find shoes for my 16 year old son with size 43 feet. Better shopping for clothes and shoes in England for teenagers.
What do you think are the main advantages and disadvantages of being a parent from the International Community living in Mallorca?
There is a huge ex pat society here, disadvantage is not integrating then. Good business opportunities and network systems for english speaking people in business.
Do you think an ‘island mentality’ exists on the island?
Yes
Is there anything you think would improve children’s lives in Mallorca?
Yes, more laid back and some locals can be a bit narrow-minded and service not the same as in England.
Do you think your children will continue to live in Mallorca when they leave home?
My oldest moving back to UK in a couple of months to study Hotel Management. My daughter also wants to return to UK for sixth form. Hopefully, youngest will stay here as will have lived here longer and at Spanish school so should be able to continue studying in Spanish.
What advice would you give for anyone having a baby or thinking of relocating to Mallorca with children?
The younger the kids are the better!
What couldn´t you live without in Mallorca?
Sunshine - Sky television (for kids)
What could you live without in Mallorca?!
The bad drivers!
(April 2010)
