Living Asturias

The Expat Interview Series began as a way to give expats around Asturias a space to tell their story of why they moved to their new home, and how they did it. If you want to be part of the series, get in touch!

INTERVIEW WITH TOBY GOVAN

Name: Terri Mitchel

Where do you come from?: Bath, UK

• WHERE DID YOU LIVE IN ASTURIAS AND HOW DID YOU COME TO BE THERE?

Well I live in El Valle Carreño, near Candás. Long story of how i ended up here as my original plan was Santander where my mothers family come from, however destiny brought me to wonderful Asturias. We run some self catering holiday homes (http://fancorniorural.es/) and host a variety of different events from time to time such as English teatimes, kiddies camps or immersion language learning courses. I teach in a state school so most events are holiday weekend time.

• WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF ASTURIAS?

Marvellous region that has much to offer the discerning traveller. It’s not your sun sea sand holiday if that’s all you’re looking for, but if the weather is with you it can be.

• IS THERE SOMETHING THAT YOU WISH YOU’D KNOWN BEFORE MOVING?

Not really… It has exceeded expectations.

• WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT ASPECT OF MOVING TO ASTURIAS?

Paperwork and having any networks such as fb for connecting with others in same situation. When I moved I had three small kids and would have loved to find others in same boat as you can do now with groups like ‘Expats asturias’.

• WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN ASTURIAS?

The crystal beach, between Candás and Luanco.

• LET’S TALK ABOUT LOCAL GASTRONOMY… WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE ASTURIAN DISH?

Winter time would be fabada with almejas and summer, the wonderful array of grilled fish… although there is a variety of great grill houses for sublime steaks too. 

• DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR OUR READERS ABOUT LIVING IN ASTURIAS?

Rent before buying as something isolated can be wonderful in summer but winter brings different problems. Connect through FB pages for people with experience, to learn from their mistakes. Before reforming a place get lots of advice from someone who has done before… this is the country of asking the right question to get the full picture.