Gaynor Dunraven

TES Reporter

Originally very shy and quiet until I hit my 30s then BANG ‘hello world’. You will always see me very glamorous and I always have a smile, I do not have time to be down. I escape with music, art and read alot of crime books.  I love reading about other peoples life experiences. Oh I have one major fault, I do not queue (even for Easyjet) this always gets me in a lot of trouble especially in the UK.  

Where were you born, and where have you lived so far?

Born and raised in Sheffield (UK). Have lived in Switzerland for 6 years and returned temporarily, living near Brighton but could not stand the traffic (queues you see).

How long have you been living in the region?
I have been in Basel Stadt (posh side) for 4 years and I joke that Klein Basel is the ‘ghetto’ but this is so not true. Basel is not rough by any standards.

Why Basel?
Simply because of the cycle lanes. I also love being in the centre of Europe as it is so easy to get away on a weekend, I am very lucky.  

What's your favourite place for a coffee or drink with friends in this region?

I’m really a Starbucks latte fan but pardon the advertisement, I live on top of a coffee shop so I must promote them one day!  

Favourite bands or singers?
Michael Jackson (RIP), Jamiroquai and David Guetta for dancing, I must also mention Mowtown. 

Where's your favourite place in Switzerland?

If I tell you then everyone will go, it’s near Montreux up a mountain with skiing and a spa, that is all I can say. Oh and it is not in any tourist book, I checked. Montreux is cool though.   

What is the most important advice you would give to someone new to Basel or Switzerland?

Read the free 20mins newspaper, it helps  

What languages do you speak?

I get by with very bad French and Swiss German and people always reply in English so I gave up trying. I can also count in Arabic.  

What is your favorite word in Swiss German or French?
The first time I pronounced ‘Entschuldigung’ in front of a German class will stick in my memory forever, I also love writing the cute German double s’s in text messages.

Why did you join The English Show team?

I was headhunted.

What's your day job?
I am a Project Data Scientist at Actelion Pharmaceuticals.

Why do you think The English Show is good for Basel, France and Germany?
It enables escapism from the mundane office life.

Funniest thing you've experienced in Basel or Switzerland? 
The price of a chicken.