Expat interview – Graham Hunt
We have known Graham Hunt for a little while now via the Writers and Bloggers About Spain Facebook group. His no nonsense approach and dry wit is what first caught our attention. Enjoy finding out more about Mr Valencia.
When did you move to Spain, and where from?
I first came to Spain on the year abroad from university in 1989-90. Lived in Oviedo in Asturias for a year and went back after University
Who came with you?
Originally just myself and my ego but after University my girlfriend now wife.
Where in Spain do you live now?
La Pobla de Vallbona just outside Valencia
What things (apart from loved ones) do you miss from your country of birth?
Being able to go to Anfield every now and again is a gimme but apart from that I think just Sayers vegetable pasties which they unfortunately don’t do any more (Sayers is a north west version of Gregg’s)
Do you work? As what?
I have my own property company, maybe you could call it an estate agency but it is more of a property finder/relocation company for anyone wanting to buy in Valencia or now Spain.
How are you with speaking Spanish?
Did it at University and came to Spain mostly fluent. I speak it every day in work and negotiation so I would say pretty good although the lawyer we use for many clients delights in correcting my subjunctives.
If you could change one thing about Spain… what would that be?
The government, the political system and the corruption (all three of which are related of course). Corruption, nepotism and amiguismo are totally ingrained and in Valencia we delight in having the most corrupt politicians, in terms of numbers and levels of corruption in Spain. Nobody will take that honour from Valencia easily.
What are the best things about living in Spain?
The lifestyle if you have work and at least a little money. I love cafe society, the Menu del Dia and the way that kids are treated and being a parent not having people tut when kids are making a noise and not having disapproving looks when families walk into restaurants is a real winner.
What are your favourite Spanish dishes?
I started in Asturias and lived there for seven years so fabes con almejas, arroz con leche and sidra make me happy. Paella? Boring!
What is the predominant nationality of your friends in Spain?
A lot of my circle of friends are really my wife’s as she works in an international school and has lots of friends who are teachers and parents there so a mixture. Lots of my friends are ex clients of the estate agency who keep in touch after buying. I also play cricket in a team in Valencia we set up a couple of years ago so Brits, South Africans, New Zealanders, Indians, Pakistanis and even Aussies.
If you won the Euromilliones – would you still live where you currently are? Why? Why not?
Probably. I like my house. The is a big garden and pool that I don’t have to look after as if is shared and I have virtually everything to hand. Maybe I would buy next door too though as it is a terraced house.
If a movie was made about your life – who would play you? Why?
Hugh Grant as when I was teaching here that is what all of the kids called me.
If you had to describe yourself as a cocktail… what would you be, and why?
Sangria de Sidra. A strange concoction from Asturias. I have that strangeness as I am a total lefty who is also a serial business starter.
Right – now is the chance to tell us all about your business/website/blog if you have one (or more of course).
Ok, my main business is Valencia Property which you can find at www valencia-property.com. I also have www.spanish-property.net which is growing nicely and is supported by the Spanish Property Magazine for iPad which you can find at www.spanishpropertymagazine.co. I am on twitter of course @grahunt and have a personal blog www.grahamhunt.co where I write about whatever I feel like.
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.
