Catalans Abroad
Mariona Casals Cases.
Project Manager
Straight from the heart
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Umbrellas are a must but with friends, who cares? (Potter Heigham) Arxiu. -
Home sweet home. Arxiu. -
A view of Abingdon and the River Thames, taken from the historic Abingdon bridge Arxiu. -
The ruins in the Abbey Gardens, featuring Trendell’s Folly. Arxiu. -
Sharing my wedding day with Prince Harry and Meghan! Arxiu.
Great Britain has always had a special place in my heart. I don’t think my career would have progressed this quickly in Catalonia
@Why did you leave Catalonia?
My journey started with an interesting opportunity to support the work of the European institutions in Brussels, but I have recently settled in the United Kingdom.
Why did you choose Oxfordshire as the place to live?
As a teenager back in the 1990s I listened to Brit pop and I always wanted to experience firsthand the place that inspired the lyrics. Great Britain has always had a special place in my heart.
How long have you lived there?
I have lived in England since 2013 but I moved to Oxfordshire just three weeks ago.
Tell us about the job opportunities you found in your adoptive country?
I have been extremely lucky with the opportunity to show what I can do. I have definitively been out of my comfort zone and learnt a lot along the way. I don’t think my career would have progressed this quickly in Catalonia.
What do you think is the best thing about living there?
I enjoy every moment of it. No matter what the weather is like or the uncertainties of Brexit, I am fascinated by all things British.
What would you most like to change?
I wish my area was better connected to the Barcelona El Prat airport. I am keeping a close eye on the plans to grow the local Oxford airport, and my fingers crossed!
What do you miss most from home?
I obviously miss the company of my family and friends but I have now adjusted to using technology to catch up and stay in touch. I also wish I could source Catalan food, such as rovellons. I am a foodie.
What do you take with you as a present from your new home when you go back to your own country?
I enjoy sharing local food from markets, rare books or particular finds, such as beautiful teapots with matching cups and saucers.
What characterises your new neighbourhood?
Abingdon-on-Thames is a city with a lot of history and my neighbourhood is particularly quiet and safe.
Are there any places to avoid at all costs?
I would not recommend driving in Abingdon or Oxford in rush hour – I am afraid the current needs of road traffic have overgrown the beautiful historic city centres.
What is the best experience you had in your adoptive country?
I always tell the story about how I was featured in the local news and got a lot of attention for getting married on May 19, 2018, the same day that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle celebrated their Royal Wedding.
Do you plan to go back to Catalonia?
No, not in the next five years.
CATALANS ABROAD abingdon-on-thames, oxfordshire, UK
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