Andrew Craven
News Editor / Reporter
I am adventurous, and have loved everywhere I’ve spent any real time, plus most of the jobs I have gone there to do. I am fascinated by meeting new people, and am deeply suspicious of national stereotyping, except to observe that wherever you go, the proportion of good people stays about the same, as does the percentage of folk you would never want as friends. My other fascinations are, guess what? News and a well-written sentence. There’s no excuse for poor language. Try John Le Carré. If non-fiction is more your style, read some of Stephen Fry. He waffles a lot, but occasionally there are gems.
Where were you born, and where have you lived so far?
I spent the first 22 years in Wallasey, at the very end of the Wirral peninsula separating Liverpool from Wales. After university I went to live in the Netherlands, and just when I thought I’d cracked their funny language, moved on to Chicago for another couple of years of wandering. I was helping manage the news of a city TV station the day Richard Daley died - the last of the big city mayors. These guys (always men) wielded power like minor emperors, but, unlike US presidents, weren’t limited to how long they can serve.
How long have you been living in the region?
The first town I ever stopped in outside the UK was Basel, God knows how many years ago, but I didn’t move here until 2000. I felt at home from Day 1. A lot of ex-pat friends refer to their home country as simply ‘home’. I never do. Visiting friends and family is, of course, always great fun, but I have never hankered to return. The one thing I miss that I can’t bring back here is the coast, and the smell of the salt sea. I love this area, and get along well with the orderliness of the country, even at the expense of the more laissez-faire attitudes you find elsewhere.
Why Basel?
The city is really a big village surrounded by a lot of smaller ones. I like the intimacy, plus the pleasingly disproportionate choice of cultural opportunities to be found here – probably more varied than anywhere else in Switzerland.
What's your favourite place for a coffee or drink with friends in this region?
Popping in any local coffee shop with a friend or two is always a treat, but I think I prefer one of the traditional bar-cum-restaurants such as the Braune Mutz on the Barfy, or Restaurant Aeschenplatz.
Favourite bands or singers?
I have lots, but mainly from the 60s through to the 80s. I really fell in love with New Age and World Music some years ago and still frequently listen to Deep Forest and Wes Madiko. Aside from that, there’s always Queen and Rondo Veneziano. But don’t get me talking about classical stuff, or we’ll be here all day. So, you see, quite varied.
Where's your favourite place in Switzerland?
The first time I visited the Lake of Lucerne I was enchanted, and still am. Take a sail across the Lake on one of the original steamships, or view the world from any of the local peaks, and you come immediately under the Oberland spell.
What is the most important advice you would give to someone new to Basel or Switzerland?
Learn German. It’s easy not to bother. Many don’t, and end up pining for some place Otherwhere. Most assistants in the big shops will cheerfully help you in any of the country’s main languages, plus English and maybe Spanish as well. But if you don’t make an effort you won’t earn any respect, and forever remain in their eyes and your own as one of the many who are just ‘passing through’.
What languages do you speak?
So, German and Dutch, plus a very little Russian and French.
What is your favourite word in Swiss German or French?
‘Erledigen’. After I first learned its meaning: to take care (of something), I use it all the time: it’s so handy.
Why did you join The English Show team?
I have always loved broadcasting, radio especially. Plus, it’s amazing how many job offers you can get if you’re willing to work for nothing.
What's your day job?
I have my own communications company – writing for documents or videos, mainly for the healthcare and chemical industries.
Why do you think The English Show is good for Basel, France and Germany?
I do bang on a lot about integrating into the local community, but recognise it can be difficult, especially for singles or couples without kids. They can feel isolated, and often gravitate to expat groups and English language TV. A radio show like ours can give them a breath from ‘home’, wherever that is, as they come to terms with a new environment, job and customs.
Funniest thing you've experienced in Basel or Switzerland?
The visible stress levels shown by Swiss people when they encounter situations for which there isn’t a law or custom prescribing how things should be done.