Corkonians Abroad: Love led to a new life in Seville

How did you end up in Spain?

Well, I moved to Spain in 2014, and at first I lived in Benalmadena (Costa del Sol). We have also lived in Jaen and Cordoba, but we have been living in Seville for about two and a half years. We love it.

I first moved to Spain for love. I know it sounds cheesy but that’s how I met my now husband, Amine, while I was holidaying in Benalmadena, and about two years later I decided to take the plunge and move to Spain, and two years after we were married.

What is life like in your new home?

Here in Seville, I absolutely love it, it’s an amazing place with lots of beautiful places to visit.

The people are also very kind and welcoming, however, the summers feel like you’re on the sun itself.

What has been the biggest challenge?

When a loved one passes and not having any family around, since my husband’s family are in Morocco and mine are in Ireland.

There are a few times in particular where this was a struggle, when I had my son six years ago and my mam fell ill a couple of years ago. It’s very difficult not being there for every moment. I did go home for a few months but it’s not enough.

Also, when my childhood best friend, Simone, passed away in December, 2022, and I couldn’t be there, and my uncle Robbie, who passed in 2018 and I couldn’t be there for the family.

I also wish I could have been there for my brother-in-law when his mam passed.

We try to visit our homes as often as we can, it’s difficult but the life here is a reward, and we have to be grateful for every day we have because tomorrow isn’t promised.

How might you spend your weekends?

It depends on the time of the year really. In the winter, we would normally go to parks, watch movies, and go for walks, but in summer we spend a lot of time at the beach and visiting different towns in Andalusia.

Other weekends, we could stay in all weekend relaxing, watching movies and eating munchies, makes me feel like I’m home.

Tell us a bit about the culture of where you live?

It’s very different to how I remember it being in Cork. It’s completely normal to see children out in parks and bars until midnight or 1am.

What are the main differences from Ireland?

The main one has to be the weather. We definitely don’t have four seasons in one day.

Christmas Day isn’t the day that children receive their presents. It’s on a day called Los Reyes Magos (the King’s Day), normally the 5th of January. I still find it so strange but it’s also amazing as they have a big parade the day before which is outstanding.

Another big celebration they do here is Feria which is a big fair like Funderland, but all the women dress in amazing colourful traditional dresses, sometimes they put their daughters in matching traditional dresses and the men in suits. Some go around by horse and carriage. It’s pretty incredible. 

The Feria goes on all night until like 6am. You actually get a day off work because of it as it is such a big deal here.

Tell us about your line of work?

For the past few years I have been an English teacher which I love. I work in an English academy with some lovely teachers and a boss who has lived in Ireland for a period of time.

I work with small kids and adults. I help the adults to pass Cambridge English exams and it’s really rewarding.

Working with the kids is also great, I learn a lot from them to be honest, and sometimes my son even comes to class with me, he’s like a VIP because he understands English and the other kids are amazed.

My husband’s an electrical engineer and in his work he gets amazing opportunities to travel, like, two weeks ago he was in Dubai.

Are there any wider societal issues that you see in Ireland that aren’t a problem in your new home?

I have to say the health care here is outstanding. Public healthcare is free for everyone. And medication is a lot cheaper.

I have had a lot of good experiences here with hospitals too, for example when I went in to have my son I spent a few weeks in hospital and they provided everything. From night dresses to shower gel, food for me and for my husband, it was all free, and I needed nothing, and their neonatal units are fantastic.

On the other hand, we have big issues with water. 

In some parts of the country there are water restrictions as it doesn’t rain often. They have to limit and reduce water use in summer, in some areas you can have a pool, in others they turn off the water at certain times of the day.

It’s kind of a scary issue to be honest. But it’s nothing compared to the problems the people of Palestine are dealing with, like lack of basic necessities.

What has been your most memorable moment in your new location so far?

Since moving to Spain in general, I have to say getting married, although we got married in Morocco. Some of my family were able to join us, it was amazing, everything from the dresses to the food.

I also have to say having our son Adam as it’s changed our lives completely for the good.

Any special mentions to friends or family back in Cork?

Definitely my mam, Babs, I would be lost without her, if I could get her here with me I wouldn’t let her go.

Also, my dad Tom, my sister Barbara, my brother-in-law Christopher and auntie Lulu and the rest of the family, a special thanks to them for looking after my Mam, you are all amazing and I will be forever grateful.

I also have to mention my two nephews, Archie and Theo.

And the rest of my family, my aunt’s uncles and cousins. I can’t wait to see all of you in August.

If you were back in Cork for one day, what would be the ideal day for you?

Definitely a spin to Youghal with my mam and my sister, I don’t know why, but when I come home, going there is a must for me.

I even make sure to bring our son every time we come home, even in the winter.

To be honest, anything that involves spending time with my family is a plus and I would enjoy it, whether it’s going out or staying home watching movies or talking.

What are you looking forward to in the coming months?

Having no work for the summer! Definitely a plus being a teacher. We’re heading to Morocco in June for Eid which is a big celebration there and coming home for a few weeks in August to spend time with my family, and escaping the heat of Seville as it’s definitely not enjoyable being in 40 degree or more heat every day.

Is there anything that you especially miss about Cork?

Seeing all the friendly faces, the craic, being able to have a laugh, the humour is a little bit different here so I definitely miss that.

I also miss not being there to see my nephews grow up as one is six and one is going to be nine. Our son also misses out on spending a lot of time with his cousins like we did when we were young. We’re just lucky we’re not as far as some people are from their families and we get to visits ours. We are very grateful for that and we appreciate it.