Expat interview- Karen McCann
Karen McCann is another writer that we met through the Writers and Bloggers About Spain (WABAS) group on Facebook. Hailing from Ohio, Karen now lives in Seville. Enjoy!
When did you move to Spain, and where from?
I moved to Seville in 2004 from Cleveland, Ohio.
Who came with you?
My husband, Rich, and our dog, Eskimo Pie.
Where in Spain do you live now?
Seville
What things (apart from loved ones) do you miss from your country of birth?
Saran Wrap with a proper cutting edge; the kind I buy here requires three hands and a pair of scissors. By the time I round up the equipment and personnel, my interest in the process has usually withered, along with the half lemon I was trying to preserve.
Do you work? As what?
Travel writer
How are you with speaking Spanish?
Pretty good, but there’s always more to learn!
If you could change one thing about Spain… what would that be?
The economy. In Andalucía, we’re losing an entire generation of young people; they’re either resigning themselves to life on the dole or moving abroad for work. Selfishly, I appreciate the fact that the dire economy has dropped beer prices (40 centimos in my local!), so there is an upside.
What are the best things about living in Spain?
Living abroad is the best opportunity to reinvent yourself outside of the witness protection program. Moving to Spain let me hit the reset button on my life.
What are your favourite Spanish dishes?
Jamón (good Spanish ham) and coffee. I was a tea-drinking vegetarian when I moved to Seville, so every time I consume either of those things I have the delightful feeling I’m getting away with something.
What is the predominant nationality of your friends in Spain?
Spanish, English, French, American, Irish, Iranian, and a mix of others.
If you won the Euromilliones – would you still live where you currently are? Why? Why not?
Absolutely. I love Seville. The only thing I’d do with my Euromilliones is fly first class. By a wild piece of good luck my husband and I got bumped up to first class last time we flew to the US. The whole way over, Rich kept saying, “Don’t get used to this!” But he was too late. I loved it! And I know we’ll never do it again unless we win some kind of lottery.
If a movie was made about your life – who would play you? Why?
Annette Benning. I don’t see it at all, but people are always saying I look like her. And I’m sure she gets that whole, “Hey, you look like Karen McCann” thing a lot, too.
If you had to describe yourself as a cocktail… what would you be, and why?
Sangria. Because it’s different every time you make it.
Right – now is the chance to tell us all about your business/website/blog if you have one (or more of course).
I write about travel tips and adventures in my books and on my blog and website EnjoyLivingAbroad.com. Check it out and come join me on the journey and share in the conversation.
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.
