April Expat Interview No 3 – Sarah Allibone
Today’s expat interview hotseat is filled by Sarah Allibone. We first got chatting to Sarah when she submitted her business to the free Spain Business Directory, and her events to our What’s On in Spain Calendar. 
Sarah AlliboneWhen did you move to Spain, and where from?
I moved to Spain 9 years ago from Redditch in the UK
Who came with you?
I came by myself but my parents and my sister had already been living here in Spain for a while
Where in Spain do you live now?
In Calahonda, between Malaga and Marbella
Do you work? As what?
I run my own business (DateClub) organizing events for singles in Spain
How are you with speaking Spanish?
I understand it more than I speak it! It should be much better than it is considering the amount of time I’ve been here in Spain!
If you could change one thing about Spain… what would that be?
The working schedule where most places close for a few hours at lunchtime – I can never get anything done! Very frustrating!
What is the best thing about living in Spain?
The weather, especially here on the Costa del Sol. Previously I was living in Barcelona where the winters are much cooler.
What is your favourite Spanish dish?
Paella Valenciana
What is the predominant nationality of your friends in Spain?
50/50 Spanish and other nationalities
If you won the Euromilliones – would you still live where you currently are?
No. I’d probably move to the south of France or the USA
If a movie was made about your life – who would play you?
Haha, that’s a difficult one! I really like Diane Lane as an actress so it would be great if it was her.
If you had to describe yourself as a sandwich filling… what would you be?
Salad – a bit safe and unadventurous! :-)
Right – now is the chance to tell us all about your business/website/blog if you have one (or more of course). Go for your life!
I am the founder of Spain’s largest Speed Dating company – DateClub. We offer opportunities for singles to meet in a variety of safe, comfortable settings, including Speed Dating, parties, dinners and more. There is no membership fee – you just pay for the events that you wish to attend.
I started the business around 7 years ago after moving to Barcelona from the UK. In my quest to meet new people after first arriving here, I tried Speed Dating and enjoyed it so much that I decided to start up my own company. I love to organize and lead events, as well as meet new people and help them to network. I’m on a mission to educate singles that they don’t have to spend a lot of money to meet other singles, and that people who attend singles events are professionals with busy lives who are tired of the bar scene, not geeks or losers! I really enjoy making a positive difference in people’s lives!
We currently organize events in Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and now on the Costa Del Sol.
See our website for more details:
See our Facebook page:
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Next time we welcome Claire Oxenham to the hotseat – check back on 13th April!
Elle, along with Alan, is the owner of Spain Buddy and the busy web design business – Spain Web Design by Gandy-Draper.
Born a “Norverner”, she then spent most of her life “Dann Saff” before moving to Spain in 2006. Elle’s loves are Alan, the internet, dogs, good food, and dry white wine – although not necessarily in that order.
