Interview – Gabriele Pletaite
Gabriele Pletaite is the latest lady to take a seat in Interview Corner. If you’d like to be featured, click the link after the article. In the meantime, it’s over to Gabriele. Enjoy!
Your full name
Gabriele Pletaite
When did you move to Spain, and where from?
I moved to Spain in August 2016 from Germany.
I moved to León, which is a very beautiful city in the North for my Erasmus Semester and 5 years later I am still here!
I know León does not seem like a fancy Spain destination, but I had the best time. I really encourage people to see the places in Spain that are not touristy. It is so worth it!
Who came with you?
I went alone!
Like mentioned before, it was part of my studies to move to Spain. I had two other girls from university to went to León as well, but I did not know them very well either.
So I went alone and jumped into the ultimate solo traveler experience.
Where in Spain do you live now?
I live in Madrid, where I moved after I finished my studies.
What things (apart from loved ones) do you miss from your country of birth?
That is going to be a weird one but I miss good bread! Fellow Germans will understand. Apart from that I miss better drugstores and sometimes more variety in grocery stores.
Do you work? As what?
I work remotely for a German Software Company. This is great because now I am location independent and can travel around Spain or go back to Germany to see my family without problems. I am very happy about that :)
How are you with speaking Spanish?
I arrived to Spain knowing very little Spanish.
But the university in León only offered very few English classes so I was forced to take Spanish classes.
Living in a non touristy place helped as well.
After five years, I would say that I am fluent and I really enjoy learning languages.
If you could change anything about Spain… what would that be? And why?
One thing about Madrid: The weather is so extreme! Super hot in summer but super cold in winter. Maybe a tiny bit less extreme, if possible. Apart from that I am very happy
What are the best things about living in Spain?
There are many things I could be talking about:
– Spain is a country full of history and cultural diversity: The North is so much different than the South. You will be amazed when you travel around.
– Friendly and open people: Spanish people are very friendly (in Madrid even a bit direct!)
– Life is happening outside: If I leave my house right now the Taberna next to my house will be VERY crowded. It’s 9PM on a Tuesday. Spanish people love spending time outside
– The cuisine: The Mediterranean Cuisine is the best! And again, there are different dishes depending on where you are in Spain
What are your favourite Spanish dishes?
OH SO MANY!
– My number one is currently Crema Catalana, I am addicted!
– I love Fideua and seafood in general
– I love Bacalao (codfish)
– There is nothing better than a simple pan con tomate
– Barraquito from the Canary Islands… so tasty!
What is the predominant nationality of your friends in Spain?
Oh that would be a hard one, they come from everywhere. There is a big international community in Spain. And my friend group consists of people from basically all continents: Europe, South America, Asia, Australia, The United States…
Madrid is very diverse and that is what I love about it
If you won the Euromilliones – would you still live where you currently are? Why / why not?
I would probably still live in Madrid. Madrid became my home and I do not see myself leaving soon.
Hmmm if I won the Euromilliones I might get something nice for my apartment. But I am nooooot leaving :)
If a movie was made about your life – who would play you? Why?
Jessica Chastain, because she has ginger hair and is tall like I am :)
If you had to describe yourself as a cocktail… what would you be, and why?
I would be an espresso martini, because I love coffee. Also, I feel like you can have this cocktail during the day as well, not only during the evening. A coffee with a little bit of extra, kind of ;)
Right – now is the chance to tell us all about your business/website/blog if you have one (or more of course).
I have a blog about travelling Spain and being an expat in Spain. I blog about my travel experiences and give tops and recommendations for fellow travellers to have authentic trips in Spain.
Here is a link to my blog: https://thelithuanianabroad.
Instagram: @thelithuanianabroad
Feel free to check it out!
Ed: We loved chatting to Gabriele Pletaite and we’d love to chat to you too! Scroll down a little to find out how
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.
