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Expat Voices: Nicholas Snelling on living in Valencia

Expat Voices

23/06/2009Expat Voices: Nicholas Snelling on living in Valencia

British expat Nick Snelling gets his feet wet and his hands dirty living in Spain. He's definitely not just here just to sample the sangria and paella.

Expat Voices: Timothy Dill-Russell on living in Puerto de Santa Maria

Name: Nicholas Snelling
Nationality: British
City of residence: Gandia, Valencia Province
Date of birth: 05.10.59
Civil status: Married with two children
Occupation: Writer of How to Sell your Spanish Property in a Crisis and Taking the Heat
Reason for moving to Spain: Work
Lived in Spain since: 2003

What was your first impression of Spain?
I have known Spain since 1973 when Franco was in power and I have seen it develop steadily since then to what it is now – a first world, firmly democratic country with a superb infrastructure and a way of life that is, day to day, not disimilar on the face of it to any modern state. However, I believe that a combination of the glorious climate, the charming Spanish people and their still working nuclear communities makes it a better place to live than other developed countries.

What do you think of Spanish food?
I am no gourmet and like plain food. So, Spain suits me as I doubt that the country will ever be famous for its cuisine – good and healthy but not for the epicure!

What do you think of shopping in Spain?
I loath shopping with a passion that has not diminished through the years – which is in direct contrast to my wife who loves shopping, particularly in Valencia city.

What do you appreciate most about living in Spain?
The Spanish people and their sense of community, toleration and traditional values. The Spanish are very open, warm and welcoming. They can certainly appear abrupt at times but their charm and sense of fun is completely seductive.

In a cave in Cuenca

What do you find most frustrating about living in Spain?
Business. It is amazingly difficult to ‘nail deals down’ despite some incredibly impressive initial talk. There is also an absolute lack of understanding of marketing and the cold, brutal reality behind many situations.

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