Expat interview – Stine Halmind

This week’s expat interview is with Stine Halmind, who moved to Malaga from Copenhagen. If you would like to be featured, scroll down and click the link to the questionnaire at the base of this page.

When did you move to Spain, and where from?
I have lived in Copenhagen, Denmark, all my life, but I moved to Seville in 2012 to study and after that I moved to Malaga.

Who came with you?
My boyfriend took time off from work and came with me just to learn some Spanish – he unexpectedly got a job in Malaga and that’s why we moved to Spain permanently!

Where in Spain do you live now?
In the historical centre of Malaga.

Do you work? As what?
I work in online marketing at Spain-Holiday.com

How are you with speaking Spanish?
I studied Spanish at university, so I’m fluent in every day conversation – but everyone knows that studying is not the same as practising ;-)

If you could change one thing about Spain… what would that be?
I would make schools focus more on languages and on developing independent individuals rather than just focusing on learning things by heart. I believe it would give people a better chance in life.

What is the best thing about living in Spain?
Being surrounded by palm trees, mountains and ocean! I love having beautiful hiking areas and picnic spots right in my backyard.

What is your favourite Spanish dish?
Everything with berenjena (egg plant), empanadas, salmorejo (thick soup on red pepper) and spinach with chick peas.

What is the predominant nationality of your friends in Spain?
Danish, British and Spanish. I like meeting new people and learning about their culture –  these three are the most common in Malaga, though.

If you won the Euromilliones – would you still live where you currently are?
Then I would definitely stay here! The salaries in Spain are very low compared to Denmark and it’s hard to enjoy all the amazing things Spain offer when you don’t have money to rent a car, for instance. It would also mean I could fly home and visit my familiy and friends more often.

If a movie was made about your life – who would play you?
That’s a hard one. I am a big fan of Scarlett Johansson, though, so I might pick her. She is natural and have played a variety of roles lately. Natalie Portman might also be an option.

If you had to describe yourself as a sandwich filling… what would you be?
Mozzarella – it’s white and soft, not too remarkable but adds a unique character to every sandwhich!

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 mentioned I work for Spain-Holiday, but on the Danish site www.feriebolig-spanien.dk. Check out the article section :-) I would love to do a blog on Spanish (working) culture and intercultural leadership, but at the moment I focus on my work.
www.feriebolig-spanien.dk/artikler

Elle Draper

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.