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You are here: Home Life in Expat voices Expat Voices: Ivan Larcombe on living in Valencia

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03/03/2009Expat Voices: Ivan Larcombe on living in Valencia

Expat Voices: Ivan Larcombe on living in Valencia It’s complex, but Canadian Ivan Larcombe has a love-hate relationship with Spanish food.

Name: Ivan Larcombe
Nationality: Canadian/British   
City of residence: Valencia   
Date of birth: 31 October 1974
Civil status: Married
Occupation: Writer
Reason for moving to Spain: Lifestyle choice

What was your first impression of Spain?
I loved it. I first arrived in Madrid in February 1997 from London where I had been living for a few months, and it was beautifully warm and sunny. That weather aligned perfectly with the charms of the people of Madrid (so open and direct) and my excitement at the prospect of learning Spanish to create an entirely positive impression. Sure, there were some frustrating experiences too, but that’s true anywhere.

What do you think of the food?
It’s a love-hate relationship. There are certain elements of Spanish cuisine that I adore and many more that I still have to investigate. I love the general appreciation of food that the Spanish have but I’m also often disappointed by the tolerance of sub-standard execution that crop up frequently in bars and restaurants. That's not to say that you can't get a good meal out in Spain - far from it - but the bad ones that I've had have been among the worst culinary experiences of my life. When the attitude is 'it's good enough' here there seems to be no limit to how far the bar can drop. (A plate of green beans from a can is not an appetizer in my books…) I think I need a Spanish grandmother to come and cook for me.


What do you think of the shopping in Spain?
I come from a land of giant box-stores where shopping is an anonymous experience. Sometimes I miss the relative ease of that when I need to buy something in a local shop or on a Saturday here – the crowds and the verbal back and forth can overwhelm me on days when I just need to buy something quickly. Shopping isn’t my favourite pastime.

What do you appreciate about living in Spain?
I live in an old neighbourhood and my surroundings never cease to charm me. That combined with the fabulous climate would be enough to keep me here, but my love of the Spanish language and lifestyle make Spain even more appealing. The Spanish approach life with a kind of joyful fatalism that's hard to describe to those who haven't experienced it. The volume of emotions is louder, in a way; both the positive and the negative. Quick access to anger is balanced by quick access to forgiveness. People give free reign to their feelings and yet that doesn't get in the way of solid relationships.  It takes a little getting used to, but less than you'd think.

What do you find most frustrating about living in Spain?
Just little things: holidays that take me by surprise, such limited Sunday shopping, long line-ups here and there. My family being so far away is the biggest drawback.

What puzzles you about Spain and what do you miss since you’ve moved here?
Honestly, I find Spain less puzzling in many ways than my home country, Canada. Being from somewhere doesn’t necessarily make it the most suitable place to live. Apart from readily accessible Marmite (my parents were English), there’s not much that I miss about Canada except the LCBO - Ontario’s state-run liquor and wine store with the best selection and service I’ve ever seen.

How does the quality of life in Spain compare to the quality of life in other countries that you’ve lived in?
I’ve only lived in Canada and Spain except for a brief stint in London. I always hear how low Spanish incomes are but that doesn’t show - the standard of living seems high. (Actually, I find that puzzling.) Overall quality of life seems better in some ways, especially when you factor in the climate. Although Canadians put up a brave front, few of us actually enjoy the cold, dark winter.

If you could change anything about Spain, what would it be?
I think this is a be careful what you wish for kind of scenario. I love Spain and even though it isn’t perfect, I wouldn’t suggest any sweeping changes. I wish everyone would recycle diligently, but that goes for everywhere else too.

What advice would you give to a newcomer?
Learn Spanish and don’t be afraid to talk to people. Ask the ‘stupid’ questions baldly; it’s the best way to get the answers you’ll be looking for. Oh, and don’t complain about things not being the way they are at home for the obvious reason that you aren’t there and presumably left to experience something different.

If you would like to share your perspective about life in Spain and contribute to Expat Voices, send an email to editorES@expatica.com with 'Please send me an Expat Voices questionnaire' in the subject line. 

 


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