Expat Interview Feb No 2: Nadine Kazerounian Astorga
This week we chat to Nadine Kazerounian Astorga who moved from Oxford in England to the Maresme region – just north of Barcelona. If you would like to be featured… just scroll down and click the link that takes you to the questionnaire. 
When did you move to Spain, and where from?
In August 2009 from Oxford in the UK
Who came with you?
My husband plus 2 dogs & a cat
Where in Spain do you live now?
Just north of Barcelona in the Maresme region.
Do you work? As what?
Yes. I am a personal image coach and I run a business alongside this that helps people with their health & their wealth.
How are you with speaking Spanish?
Almost fluent. Though, of course, Catalunya where we live is predominantly a Catalan speaking region. But we get by with Spanish.
If you could change one thing about Spain… what would that be?
I’d like to see a more customer service orientated culture develop, not just in the private sector but in government departments too, especially in the local Ajuntamientos.
What is the best thing about living in Spain?
Undoubtedly the climate and the lifestyle that’s possible here – living between the sea and the mountains is bliss.
What is your favourite Spanish dish?
Fish & seafood (I don’t eat meat) and the wonderful variety of seasonal fruits & vegetables. I love Paella.
What is the predominant nationality of your friends in Spain?
They are a very international group, including locals from Catalunya and other parts of Spain.
If you won the Euromilliones – would you still live where you currently are?
Yes. I am very fortunate to live in my dream house up on a hill overlooking the sea. I love the peace & tranquillity and it’s a haven for visiting friends & family. We’re very happy here.
If a movie was made about your life – who would play you?
Instinctively I’d go for Bette Midler – I love her feisty attitude & wisecracking. She probably represents the me I am in my head.
If you had to describe yourself as a sandwich filling… what would you be?
Spicy humus & oriental salad on wholegrain bread. It’s interesting and a little exotic, but also comforting and satisfying – which is how I hope people experience their interactions with me.
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!
As a personal image coach I help people to look & feel more confident so that others respond to them more positively. I usually work with people at change points in their lives and help them to discover their way forward, whether in their personal life, in their career or both. I am very passionate about helping women particularly to achieve greater equality, success and recognition for their achievements. So in the early 2000s I published a career guide for women called “Stepping Up”. Since then I have spoken at women’s conferences in the UK and across Europe in a quest to inspire women to ‘Just go do it!’ In addition I have a related business helping people to become financially independent and, though I help both men and women, I very much enjoy seeing women take control of their own financial security because I think this is so important. People can find me on Facebook where I am Nadine Astorga.
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.
