EDUCATION
Carolin Munter (37) and her husband came to Sitges in the summer of 2006, seeking a change of lifestyle. “We wanted to go abroad, broaden our horizons and live next to the sea and an exciting city. Barcelona seemed perfect for that.” At the time their daughter was just three months old and the issue of education seemed a distant consideration. But when the time came to decide where to send their daughter to school, Carolin realised she wanted to return home to Germany. “A Catalan school was not an option and the international schools didn’t offer optimal quality either. The German school was too far away from where we lived. It seems so distant now when I hear stories about children starting kindergarten/school in the Catalan system crying non-stop for a month every September. This just doesn’t exist in Germany; people don’t believe me if I tell them this. Here, there is the possibility of a soft start and a more child-centred education.”
Now based in the heart of the Black Forest, having moved back last summer, Carolin is also appreciative of Germany’s renowned efficiency, the vast choice of products in her local supermarket as well as the significantly lower cost of living. She describes the time she spent in Sitges as an “extended holiday” and doesn’t regret her decision to move away. “When we see how happy and more self-assured our daughter is, there is no way back. Moving away from a bubble to ‘real’ life has been rewarding and provided us with new experiences, friends and the feeling of belonging to a community.”
LANGUAGE
Claire Williams (42) worked in the media in London but was desperate to escape the rat race after work commitments became overwhelming. “When you miss your own 30th birthday due to being stuck at work, you know it is time to move on.” She spent nearly 10 years in Barcelona, establishing her apartment rental business, Bcn Bound, which she juggled alongside looking after her two small boys. Despite describing her time in the city as “happy” with some “great times and friends”, the issue of language for both her and her two sons became a major issue. “I was not too impressed with their Catalan primary school plus I would rather they learn Spanish than Catalan. As time went on I increasingly wanted to speak my own language. My grammar is good but but no one understood my south London accent! When I said ‘Hola!’ every morning, I got the usual response of ‘¿Cómo?’ from the locals.” After spending many holidays in Australia and falling in love with the culture there, Claire has now relocated to Sydney where she still runs her business and plans to replicate the model locally.
Latest Comments
Barcelona is a paradise to live if you are a good worker
Posted by Claudio January 24, 2012 17:29:10
to stay or go
Posted by louie January 24, 2012 13:09:36
Barcelona as an "extended holiday"
Posted by gorecki January 24, 2012 01:00:53
Saying adeu for good
Posted by Tommy January 23, 2012 13:06:27