Valeriya

The Independent interview - front cover too

 

 

 

 

 

Even though my album might not be out in the UK as yet, I'm still popping up all over in the British press. Last week I featured in an interview for interview for The Independent's magazine that comes out on a Saturday. The Independent is one of the five "quality" papers in the UK, so I was delighted that they wanted to spend a whole day with me and Joseph and find out what we really are.

 

It was a great pleasure to have the journalist Shaun Walker and photographer Bertrand Cottet join us at our summer home on Lake Geneva in Switzerland. Joseph and I are really able to relax there, so they could meet us when we're not surrounded by the craziness of my schedule in Russia. It was good to be able to show that away from everything we are just a normal couple who enjoy spending time with our family. I'm very happy to be able to have somewhere to escape to and have a little peace and quiet.

 

I loved how Shaun opened the article with Joseph's obsession with a cappuccino from a petrol station. He honestly does have an addiction to them and can get a little impulsive  if he doesn't get his cappuccino fix!

 

In Russia it's very difficult for us to go anywhere unescorted, but when we are in Anthy, we don't need all that and we can just walk freely without a camera popping up next to my face. I love being able to just wander around, and of course where better to do it than in the beautiful surroundings of Switzerland.

 

I think Shaun did a really balanced and honest interview. He made great observations of mine and Joseph's relationship, and also about my career and background. I appreciate a journalist who has done his research. He was also very easy to talk to and we were more than happy to be his hosts. Why I do not mention Bertrand that much? Only because his pictures are simply wonderful. Glorious job done by the team of real professionals. And I hope there are more stories to come.....

Article in The Independent

Oh my, had one of the biggest UK features in The Independent, I looked at it through gaps in my hands at first as I was a little nervous about what the British journalists would write about me. But I have no reason to worry as the journalist Andy McSmith was very sweet. He was very complimentary about me and my looks, which every woman loves. He described as a well-dressed, fit, middle-aged Russian woman, but poor Jospeh wasn't so lucky, Andy said he was a scary-looking bullet-headed husband -  Don't worry though Andy, we both laughed at that, in fact Joseph took it as a compliment!!

Looking back on these articles, it makes me realise what my life has been like and I feel so lucky that I have been able to come through some really tough times, but I don't think I would've been able to do it without the love of my husband, children and family and friends, I am most fortunate.