Interview – Benedict Garrett

Benedict Garrett is one of Spain Buddy’s newest friends. One or two of you may recognise him from the telly and he has now moved to a town not far from where we live, with his girlfriend. Nice chap with a great sense of humour. We wish him well in his new life in Spain.

Next week is the turn of the lovely Cristina Sanchez from Marbella and the following will be the turn of blonde bombshell Abby Roule from Malaga. If you’d like to be featured, scroll to the bottom of the post for the link.

When did you move to Spain, and where from?
At the beginning of December last year (2015).

Who came with you?
My Dutch girlfriend and three Romanian rescue dogs.

Where in Spain do you live now?
Near Arboleas in Almeria.

What things (apart from loved ones) do you miss from your country of birth?
I can’t seem to find any supermarket that stocks haloumi around here.
Shops not being open on a Sunday.
A 24 hour gym.

Do you work? As what?
Where would you like me to begin?!  Prior to coming to Spain, I worked predominantly in the entertainment and performance field (acting, stripping, radio presenting – plus things more of an ‘adult’ nature).  I still do bits of performing now and then, while, since arriving in Spain, branching out to provide various other, largely domestic-related services (home help, pool cleaning, car washing, dog walking, etc).
My partner and I also provide an Intimacy & Relationship coaching & advice service called ‘Bendy & Dutchy’.  This is closely linked to my ongoing work as, what I describe as, a ‘sexual activist’ and campaigner for sex rights.

How are you with speaking Spanish?
I have always been good with languages, and picked up Spanish as an extra subject while at university.  However, I am far from fluent.

If you could change one thing about Spain… what would that be?
The treatment of dogs.
The way people drive – they take life so leisurely normally, but behind a wheel they can’t wait to put their foot down!
Bullfighting – but I know that’s a touchy subject.

What are the best things about living in Spain?
The pace and quality of life.
The quality of the food.
The weather, of course.

What are your favourite Spanish dishes?
Perhaps rather predictably, I love a good paella.

What is the predominant nationality of your friends in Spain?
Sadly, we don’t have many friends… yet.
Of the two we currently have, they are Belgian and British.

If you won the Euromilliones – would you still live where you currently are? Why? Why not?
Hmmm… we would probably stay in this area, but move to another property.  I might also like a high-rise apartment in Toronto as a second property.

If a movie was made about your life – who would play you? Why?
I suppose I could play myself, but that’s rather egotistical.  My favourite actor is Meryl Streep, but, even for her, I think that would be a stretch!  I’ve lived a rather varied life and my friends and family often say I am a man of many layers and personalities.  With that in mind, someone like Eddie Redmayne would probably be ideal – as his diverse repertoire of characters has proven.

If you had to describe yourself as a cocktail… what would you be, and why?
I don’t really drink, so am not much of a cocktail expert.  A ‘Screaming Orgasm’ is probably the most apt, but this might not be the most appropriate place to explain why!

Right – now is the chance to tell us all about your business/website/blog if you have one (or more of course).
My official site that lists the services that I offer is www.BenedictGarrett.com

For the Intimacy and Relationship coaching and advice service – www.BendyandDutchy.com

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.