XAVIER SERRAMITJA
SAN DIEGO (CALIFORNIA)
Never-ending sunshine
FOR ME, THE BEST THING ABOUT SAN DIEGO IS THE WEATHER. I HAVE TO SAY THOUGH, THERE ARE SOME DAYS DURING THE 'WINTER' WHEN YOU MISS THE COLD. IT'S WEIRD, BUT IN SAN DIEGO THERE IS ONLY ONE SEASON!
Why did you leave Catalonia originally?
I left Catalonia because I was doing summer soccer camps around the USA with ISL, one of the official partners of FC Barcelona. Last summer I got the opportunity to join the academy of FCB Escola San Diego. It was a great challenge and I decided to accept it. I am proud to be part of Barça’s project here.
Why did you choose San Diego?
The opportunity was in San Diego, so I am very lucky because it’s a wonderful place to live. In many ways it’s very similar to Catalonia.
How long have you live there?
I arrived in California June, 2017, so that means I have been living here for approximately eight months now.
Are you happy with the job opportunities you found in your adoptive country?
Soccer’s popularity is increasing all over the States, so the job opportunities are also growing along with it. Sports are an important part of American culture. Many of the most popular sports in the world originated in the US, such as basketball, football, baseball and hockey, which are all more popular than soccer. But as I said, soccer is growing very quickly here and that means there are always more opportunities to coach. So I am happy with my situation here. The Americans admire European football.
What do you think is the best thing about living in San Diego?
For me the best thing about San Diego is the weather. It’s really good throughout the whole year, with the temperatures between 15º to 27º. Moreover, most of the year is sunny. So that means it’s a very comfortable lifestyle. I have to say though, there are some days during the 'winter' when you miss the cold. It’s weird, but in San Diego there is only one season!
What do you consider to be the highlights for any brief visit for the first time?
Coronado Island is my favourite place to go. It’s an island within San Diego itself and you can get there just by driving across a bridge or by taking a ferry. It’s an old fashioned and relaxed community. Its a fantastic place to just walk around the neighbourhood streets, and the beaches with their sunsets are incredible. There is a lot more than that of course, other highlights are La Jolla, Sunset Cliffs, Pacific Beach and Seaport Village.
And what about if visitors have more time or make a return visit?
I recommend visiting places around San Diego like the famous Joshua Tree National Park, Del Mar, the San Diego Zoo, Sea World and the Algodones Dunes. Even Los Angeles, because it’s not very far away at all. There are a lot of places to visit in and around San Diego.
What do you miss most from home?
I sometimes miss the peace and the mountains of my village and the Mediterranean food. Most importantly, my family and friends, there are moments when you just need to hug them!
SOME SUGGESTIONS:
Berta CollCan you recommend a place to have lunch with friends?
Where would you have a special dinner for two?
Island Prime Restaurant. It’s in Seaport village and the best choice is American sea food. By the way, the views to Coronado Island are amazing.
When is the best time of year to plan a visit?
I recommend August and September because the weather is likely to be warmer than in the other months. As I said, the weather is almost the same throughout the year so it’s easy to do whatever you want in any month.
What is the best kept secret about the area?
Coronado Sand Dunes are located on the beach that stretches in front of the Hotel del Coronado. People say that the sand is like a massage. Certainly, one of the best places of the area.