Alison Johnson

Alison has lived in Zimbabwe, South Africa, the UK, the USA, Hong Kong, Australia, and Spain. The experience of living in so many countries and cultures has enriched her life – the new friendships and new perspectives have been life-changing.

In 2015, she planned a one-year Spanish sabbatical – a break from a long demanding career in investment banking, but she’s still extending the stay. She lives in a small town just south of Barcelona with her teenage son and husband, Alastair.

The slower pace and healthier attitude to life in Spain, plus a brilliant school in Barcelona, were the deciding factors in staying long-term and making Spain their home.

To stay in Spain, Alison decided on a complete career change. She is now an experienced digital marketer and can tell you all about becoming self-employed in Spain (Autonomo). She loves sharing knowledge on schooling and different aspects of living in and moving to Spain.

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Moved to Spain in 2015

Favorite activity in Spain

We are spoiled for choice! Swimming and kayaking in the sparkling Mediterranean, hiking the beautiful national park on the other, and culture, restaurants, and fun in the big lights of Barcelona.

Favorite place to visit in Spain

Camping in rural Catalonia each summer. Think rivers, swimming holes, beautiful hikes, and a long slow lazy Catalan meal at the end!

Fun Fact

Alison excels at funny mistakes on her Spanish language learning journey. She once ordered a Chicken Curry but replaced the ‘O’ at the end of chicken “Pollo” with an ‘a.’ Her repeated requests for “curried male genitals” reduced the entire staff to tears of laughter, much to her embarrassment.