The other side of the Spanish postcard

watching and living in the worlds newest democracy has been a pleasure and an experience never to be repeated
something i chose and was able to do........cheers Spain

I live in the Spanish countryside.  On one side of the postcard we lose the internet at times, a nuisance now we have lost BBC etc on Sky and have a IPTV top box connected to our internet, but we live with it.  Occasionally our water seems to have a large dead animal near the inlet pipe at the reservoir, so we have to pump water from a tank until it gets back to normal.  After several days without sun we have to top up the batteries with the generator which is at present waiting for a spare part, so we hope for sunny weather.  Cars are expensive here, and bringing out a RHD car is just as bad as matriculation is expensive.  Time for getting any official documents can be very long.

On the other side of the postcard, the weather is great for about 300 days out of 365, we have half a hectare of garden so have a big veggie patch (under construction), and the scenery here is marvellous.  For years we holidayed in Scotland, Wales and the Lake District.  We always wanted to live with a view of mountains and now we can see them on three sides.  The medical care here is very good, usually only having to wait a few days for appointments at the hospital.  Before I lived here permanently I broke my wrist here and when I went back to England they put all my details of the treatment on a CD to give to my UK doctor.  Almost as good as private health care in the UK.  I find even the banks seem to be ahead of the UK banks.  Order a debit card and you get the pin number instantly, and the card a few days later compared to the one or two weeks in the UK.  Lastly most of the people here are very friendly.  Nearly everyone says Hola or bon dias when you walk by, something that did not happen half as much in England.  Even the older more conservative people in the village now say Hola.  We love it here.

Hi,

I am living in Spain, in Andalusia.
I work in a corporate environment (not in the tourist industry)

Sometimes I think that my life is quite similar as the one I had back home, there are many similarities. I work Monday-Friday in the office in front of a computer. I workout at the gym.

Often people in the UK believe I am constantly drinking sangría at the pool or at the beach, but I still have responsabilites just as I would have back home.
Buy food, clean the house, go to work, etc... I do get to have fabulous weekends mostly, but itŽs important to remember if you live abroad permanently that you will have to get on with ordinary things and chores (unless you are a millionaire of course)

regards

Molly
piccavey.com 

Hi Julien

Thank you for inviting me to take part in this discussion. Two sides of a postcard is a very fitting description and perfectly sums up the reality of what it means to be an expat.

I am a 'new girl' in Spain having only recently moved from Indonesia where I was also an expat. I think the experience of living and working in Jakarta has really helped me to adapt to my new surroundings. Having had to deal with the teething problems that we all inevitably have when moving abroad, I've settled very quickly into my new life as an expat in Spain. That's not to say that it's all a walk in the park! The first few weeks proved quite challenging and our biggest hurdle has been the language barrier. Neither my husband nor I speak very good Spanish and this is currently our greatest frustration. If for example we had moved to France, we would have no problem with the language since we both speak enough French to get by. Fortunately we have landed on our feet in the village that we've chosen to live. Not only are our new Spanish neighbours welcoming and friendly, but they are extremely patient when it comes to trying to understand us.

In all honesty, our only difficulty so far has been the language barrier. All our other problems are things that we might encounter anyway in our daily lives back in the UK where we originate from. We are very sociable and I think that helps in having the confidence to meet people and certainly helps us to get to know about life here. Of course we miss our families and friends but, as when we were living in Indonesia, Skype is the perfect way to connect and keep in touch. The advantage of living here in Andalucia is that it's a lot easier for family and friends to visit us from the Uk than it was when we lived over 7,500 miles away (and cheaper!)

I hope that has given some idea as to my Two Sides Of The Postcard. I look forward to hearing what other peoples experiences are and, if I can be of any help, Expat.com members are welcome to message me. I'll try my best to answer any questions! Lottie

I think the overriding thing for me has been happy, smiling faces. The Spanish are for sure having their troubles but they smile through it. Makes being here more pleasurable. We came here from France where the degree of torn-faced daily misery would drop ducks at 100 metres!

The cost of living is at a sensible rate as are most things – except electricity, which is hideously expensive! Why? Things get done quickly and by and large I find the people to be pretty honest and straight in their dealings, in sharp contrast to France. They also know where they live and can give accurate directions. Again the exact opposite of France.

The thing that spoils Spain, but it is endemic, is corruption. There is no solution so it will always be there which means every foreigner has to be very aware of the pitfalls of property buying. This dishonesty in Spain comes from the very top and is, I think, a result of their not yet forgotten arrogant Nazi past. The Infanta, for example, needs a team of lawyers to declare her innocence. Really? However, it is a fledgling democracy and when the old systems are finally and inevitably swept away Spain may evolve into the best and most modern democracy in Europe.

I don't find the language barrier too big a problem because for me it is just a form of communication code. I don't get hung up on the language I just do my best to communicate and so far it works. The Spanish are very understanding and because of that my command of the language improves daily. However, I am very lonely! I have no one to talk with, discuss ideas with or just chew the fat with. I live in a very beautiful place with great weather and friendly people but I don't really share it. My wife works so I am on my tod all day. Not an ideal situation but I suspect that is the case for many foreigners who don't want to live in a British enclave, which I don't.

The up side of this is that my wife has a job as a teacher in an English Academy. So it's a bit of swings and roundabouts but overall, life in Spain is pretty good. However, as I always said when giving my lectures on thinking patterns, always be prepared because life can and will bite you somewhere along the line no matter where you live. Till then, just enjoy it!

The more south the more slow life runs. Everyone loves to get away from the rat race in the North and we move to  Spain and its "mañana" philosophy .

We love the slower life, until it affects us directly. If you need a professional service or product you want it immediately and without delay.

rubencito wrote:

until it affects us directly. If you need a professional service or product you want it immediately and without delay.

Yes, this is something one must get used to or source professionals who offer good service. It may take time to find someone but they do exist.

But clearly the Spanish do things differently and it's not just us expats who get frustrated by it as the same silly rules and forms to fill out are there for the Spaniards too.
I often hear people complain about the customer service but I have found the service to be quite good considering what the staff just had to tell you. They are only doing their job and don't make the rules and deal quite well with angry, tired and fed up customers. It's generally whatever system is in place to sell you something which is broken, maybe they think the more complicated things need to be makes it intrinsically better?

Don't be surprised either when you have a minor problem with your bank card and you are asked over the phone for all of your details including your PIN or when you have to deal with a major phone company who do the same thing(PIN excluded).
We are taught, even our banks back home tell you to never give any details out over the phone yet some Spanish companies have no concept of this.

It is little things like this that can wear you down, thankfully it is probably not as bad as it may sound but then again plenty have melted down because of it.

All that said Spain is a great place to live and the people are very nice and welcoming to us thus far so while I may at time complain it doesn't mean I hold a grudge.

Hi Julian,
I live on the outskirts of Torrevieja, and have done for 20 years now, so I can quite easily say, I have seen some changes. Some good and some bad.
I am fortunate to have seen 80% of Spain, and some places that seem to be stuck in time with no changes. Where doors are still left open, and the family sits out in the street on chair having a chat.
Spain has a thin line that divides it, the "Manaña syndrome", and the "If it works leave it" syndrome.

The "Manaña syndrome" is sometimes infuriating especially in business, but you soon get used it it, After all most of us left the rat Race to take things easier.

And then "If it works leave it" syndrome
I remember one day seeing a gardener sweeping the grounds with pines leaves, First thought is "Uffff, Do they not know what a broom is here"? then you think "If it works leave it". Spain is a every adaptable country.
The worst thing about Spain is administration and that will takes years to get organised, if ever!

All in All, the country like any other has its good and its bad points, But I would rather view the bad points in the Sun anyday!

Its becoming a nightmare,haven't been paid in two months now.14 years I have lived on In Malaga and this truley is rock bottom.

If I had not been paid for two months I would be looking  for another job.  But then unemployment is very high here so I guess if you have a job you try to hang on to it.

For me it's all very simple !
I had always intended to leave England , as I simply could not stand the economic, moral and social decline ...
truly a barrel of apples rotten all the way through, and incapable of being majorly corrected...
Employers, pension funds, insurers, banks.....not forgetting Politicians, and many others that affect a daily life
seemed not to care at all....I felt more like a victim or casualty, unless I made an aggressive move to change things.
That I did.....having been made redundant 3 times ( but never out of work a day in my life there ) and I opened a
Business Consultancy and made some financially shrewd property investments.....made money,but still hated the life !

So I came to Spain ( obvious choice due to family in UK ) retired and looking for an adventure.
Lucky that I had enough to live on ......not so lucky that no work ( and no family with me ) meant I was on my own .
Also at an older age, the language , in very Andaluz pueblos, is almost impossible to learn .
I learnt from a girl in my bank , that Granada City Spanish could not even understand the dialect in my village ..
maybe not so different to the UK....as in Geordies, Scots and Londoners ?
That said , knowing some language basics, I reformed 1 old village house into 2 ,  rented them and moved closer to a busier life and more options for activities and meeting people .

Living betwixt the Malaga coast ( where you can communicate easier in Spanish ) and the Granada Province inland , life is good....and great fun....it's a beautiful way of life ( there are irritations , but so there would be anywhere ! )....people are incredibly friendly and helpful and its a beautiful country ,blessed with a variation of landscapes within 30 - 90 minutes drive ....beach, snow, forests, deserts, lakes and rivers and all in sunshine for most of the year !

Last year has been a bit of a rotten one......car crash ( not my fault, lol ) but back injury and busted knee...meant no
more Salsa Club or dancing, couldnt play badminton or any sports ( still as of now ) .....but at least I can walk and cycle okay now !
So , though retired.....I have lots of interests ( mostly outdoors blessed by nature and sun ) and also enjoy ' property based matters ' as a kind of ' job ' still ; it all keeps me busy !

Never wanted to live in an expat enclave and curiously find the ' meeting normal well adjusted people ' rather hard
to find.......so echoing comments made elsewhere....only real downsides for me are language and being alone in a crowd sometimes. Friends yes, one really genuine friend....no ....weird ?
Wouldn't change life in Spain.......would never return to the UK......or live in France...Portugal etc
So I can't complain ....and hope for a better 2014 !

I agree that it is very difficult to integrate with Spanish people especially in a village.  They are all very friendly but unlike stories I have read of expats in France and Italy, we have never been invited in to their homes or lives.  I hope this is not our fault.   Having said that the previous mayor of the village has been really helpful with sorting things out at the adjuntament, and has even given me a lesson on how to prune olive trees.

Fortunately we are very busy finishing off our house and getting a half hectare of land under some sort of control, so do not go out a lot.  But there are a dozen or more Brits in the village if we get really desperate to hear a bit of English spoken, and feel like a bit of socialising.

I think perhaps the local people are worried about not being able to communicate but hope that with time we will be able to integrate more as our language skills improve.

Before moving here I did  a lot of research.- into prices, politics, pollution, weather, work, economics, tourism ,how many Spanish compared to foreigners and more.... 
I came out from the UK  to the Costa Blanca  a few times once I had decided here was where I wanted to live.
I also travelled the 180 miles of CB coast line looking at all the Towns and villages  and chose where I preferred. -North Costa Blanca.
The best decision I made was before I moved here I reserved a 'Mail Box' -so I always had an address to contact me- as many places dont get post. Having moved 4 times its been so good not to worry about changing my address often.

I have lived and worked here for 16 years now. Moving here was like being a teenager and having to learn all about
life again- that is if you immersed yourself in Spanish life, and didnt become one of those in a British Urbanisation who never learnt Spanish and kept themselves in the Brit group whatever they were doing.
I leant enough of a new language, ( 2 in my case as the locals all speak Valenciano here), social structure and manners, nuances, local rules and laws.
One thing is for sure- Spain has been ever changing and what you learned about a rule or information today, you cannot take for granted is a rule next week or next year..
Thats why Spain is ever fascinating  - also frustrating at times.Y,ou experience all the emotions- love , hate, wonder, astonishment,happiness, contentment but never ever boredom.!
Persistence & patience is the key.. but all worth it.
I have had opportunies as a single mature women here that I could never have envisaged in the UK,.and am far more respected. I am in love with this Country and admire the people  for all the faults..
- and yes of course the fab sunshine is such a joy!
If you come here  and dont like it at least you will have tried it.. so can have no regrets, but have learnt something about yourself.

Hi Asturias and Campo

No...not you......I lived for 3 years in a very insular pueblo in Granada....and also found lots of chat and friendliness in the streets and community , especially fiestas, or in the focal bar in the Plaza.
However, not once was I ever invited ino a Spanish persons house.....it's normal it appears, certainly if you are a single guy ( whatever age ) as should you be invited, within 15 minutes the whole village knows and makes wild assumptions.
I did meet an English girl ( an artist ) who spoke fluent spanish , and in 3 weeks, compared to my 3 years, she was a ' mate ' to them all.....coffee invites ..the lot.....even going out with locals of her age, shopping etc.

It's very hard to integrate in small communites.....possibly because many are still illiterate, possibly language, but I think its just their way !.....To be honest, unless they were family or best mates.....I didnt see local spanish in each others houses......they tended to meet in the street......pull out a chair and natter in public.

I also lived in north and south France.....totally different there.....much more welcoming and into their houses.....but as someone commented , there was often a reason , an agenda behind it.....looking for easy money from unsuspecting Brits abroad.

Maybe in Spain, where lets face it, regardless of a so-called Macho society, the women are the ones that run the houses, and after the men come back from work and the bar, them too !....they do what they are told , or else !
So maybe it's their version of ' an Englishman's home ......' ??

One the front of my postcard would be the landscape here, inland from Alicante. The dramatic hills wherever you look continue to surprise and delight me.  I can look at them ten times during the day and they will look different each time. The back of my postcard would describe the frustrations of having no network yet, e.g. doctor, dentist, vet, electrician, car mechanic etc.

I don't consider myself to be an expat. Spain is my home, and I hope I'll never be forced to live in England again. I first moved here in 1991, and haven't lived in England since then, although I've also lived in New York, Saudi Arabia and Miami. Most years I visit England for a couple of weeks to see my kids, my grandchildren and my sister, the last time in 2012 for my son's wedding.

In 1998 I bought my apartment in the centre of Málaga and I'm still the only English speaker in the block, nevertheless I was elected vice-president of the comunidad once and president twice. Now I'm just a member of the committee.

Just over two years ago I was divorced from my Spanish wife, after 15 years of marriage, and my present partner is Spanish. She speaks very little English and I only speak English when I go to a conversation intercambio – mainly to have an opportunity to speak English. None of my close friends in Spain are English, although now and then I bump into English acquaintances at an intercambio. I can easily go a week or two without speaking English, except when I phone family and friends in England and the USA in the Internet, using VoipCheap or Skype.

English newspapers are expensive in Spain, so I never buy them, but I do pick up the free English-language newspapers when I can find them. I buy Spanish newspapers, maybe a couple of times a week, and also read them if there's one available in a bar. My television is Spanish cable, however I can usually watch American or British movies in English. Spanish films I prefer to watch in Spanish. Since I've never watched British satellite television I really don't understand all this fuss about losing UK television channels because of the change of satellite. A lot of my Spanish I learned watching Spanish TV, and the rest in bars talking to Spaniards. There's not a single expat bar in the city Málaga that I'm aware of and certainly not in the nearby coastal town of Rincón de la Victoria where I spend a lot of my time with my partner.

There's nothing I miss about England and I can live here modestly but comfortably on my pensions, while in England I'd only be existing. I'm not anti-England, it's just that the many years spent there was another phase of my life, now over for good.

One of my main worries is that the UK might withdraw from the EU, leaving me and the other UK citizens here (about 800,000) in a very uncertain position, particularly as regards health care, which now costs me nothing. Soon I'll be 71, an age at which I might be needing healthcare which would cost more than a few euros.

Also, I receive my pensions in pounds, but I'm spending euros, so the amount I receive depends on the pound-euro exchange rate, which is very volatile. My medium-term solution is to check the rate every day, and when I think the pound is as high as it's likely to be for a while I make a transfer from my offshore account. The only reason I have on offshore account is because I couldn't open a bank account in England. I asked at virtually all the major banks when I was due to receive my pensions, but as a non-resident without an address in the UK they didn't want my business. In the USA I didn't have this problem, nor in Saudi Arabia.

Mealtimes for me are the same as for most Spaniards: a late breakfast (Spaniards who are working often have a midmorning break and go out to a bar or café), lunch between 3 and 4pm, and dinner as late as 11pm. Sometimes I go out at 11 pm or midnight to music bars in the city centre, where the music starts from 12 onwards and finishes at 3am or later, and afterwards the bars stay open as late as 6 or 7am. There's no cover charge and a beer costs €3, after midnight with live music.

Food in Spain is much cheaper than in England, good German beer in Lidl 29¢ a can, and a decent red wine (Ribera del Duero) €3 or less. A bottle of beer plus a tapa in my local peña (social club) cost €1.10, and this week (in February) my partner and I sat outside a bar on the seafront where a meal for two and four drinks between us cost less than €20. The average I pay per month for utility bills including town gas, electricity, water, council tax, insurance, community maintenance charge, cable TV, fibre-optic 50MB Internet and phone (landline and mobile) is about €260.

Why should I want to return to England? I'm completely happy with my lifestyle here.

Hi All,

yeah, itŽs really like a post card with front and back side.
I am living in Barcelona almost 2 years and before I lived 5 and a half years in Dublin, Ireland and almost 1 year in Brussels, Belgium.
There are loads of things that are great when living abroad as getting to know different cultures, new country sides, meet new people and friends, working in foreign country, gaining non-transferable experience of living abroad.
But I need to share also that Living abroad is not a synonym of wealth, good life and perfect job... To live in foreign country means sometimes also battle, hard work, sacrifice and loneliness, courage, survival, to be humiliated, rejected or even misused... It is also a synonym of giving up loads of things like comfort of our homes and people like family and friends...
But I will never regret even one second of these experiences no matter it has been good or bad times, because it is enriching me and making me stronger.
I would love to recommed to live abroad to everyone, even if not all will enjoy that, but it will change their perspective on life.
Love BCN.

I was really encouraged to read your post mdavidfrost. How lovely to read something positive about living here! We are very new here, just a few months, and we moved straight from Indonesia where we were living for the past 2 years. But we already feel settled and have no desire to go back and live in the UK, this is our home. Our Spanish is slowly improving and once we've mastered the language, there will be no stopping us. I love the Spanish sense of humour and sense of fun. We are living off my husband's teachers pension which is by no means huge but we manage (just!) I continue to be amazed at the quality of food here and the price of it. Our food bills are a fraction of what they would be in the UK.
What you said about not feeling like an expat struck a chord with me. We don't feel like expats either. I'm half Dutch and have always felt more European than British so maybe that has something to do with it but also I think that because our Spanish neighbours and fellow villagers have been so hospitable and welcoming, we've never felt isolated or alone. We've been invited into people's homes, been treated to some fabulous family meals, and included in all the village celebrations and festivities.
We need to get our healthcare and residency sorted out and few other things but all in all, I think it's a really great place to live. As one friend said to me, 'Living in Andalucia is a privilege' I 100% agree with her.

Like you my only concern here is that the UK may leave the EU.  We are pensioners and get free health care as EU citizens and UK pensioners, but do not know what will happen if we are no longer EU citizens.  I just hope that if it comes to that situation the UK government will realise that many older ex pats will be forced to move back to the UK, and so hopefully will make arrangements with the Spanish government to cover our healthcare.

Hi I live in Spain Malaga so I can tells you only abuot Malaga if you ask me how about Malaga Spain and in 2008 I move to london so now I live in london so and if you ask about london and Malaga Spain I thing I can tell somting abuot that,

Campogirl, in France you are invited into people's home because they have an agenda. I lived there for almost 9 years and the moment I let everyone know I had to go to Spain for health reasons the phone stopped ringing and there were no more dinner invitations. It was as if I had fallen off the face of the earth. I was no longer useful to them.

Do not worry about the language. Language is one one part of the communication process. Just try to communicate what you want to transmit to someone else. Never think, 'I want to say this, or say that.' Instead think how you can transmit your thoughts. You have your entire body to use, your voice, and your brain. Use them all and you'll find the language will fall into place. Okay so you'll make a fool of yourself now and then. So what? You will eventually win. You weren't born knowing how to walk, run, drive, ride a bike were you? Same with language. You learned all those things and at times made a fool of yourself doing it. Language is no different. So put your heart into it and see the difference it makes!

thanks Writerman

Campogirl, like yourselves I am a Pensioner and my wife is but doesn't receive a pension YET because the UK Govt as you know keep moving the date for people in the hope they will succumb before the DWP have to start paying it and they can save their cash and cross one more off their death list. IF you are realistic you will know already that the UK Govt have done ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to help the UK Ex-Pat Pensioner, already stating they are removing the WFA for people living in countries where the Winter Temps. are on average 'too warm' which is simply because it would be both illegal AND disciminatory to say they are removing it from UK Ex-Pats. ONLY which is what it amounts to and is what they WANT TO DO! The current Govt - Coalition - and/or ANY future UK Govt. be it Labour or UKIP who DO NOT have ANY sound Health or Medical Policy for the UK or for EX-Pats IF the UK withdraws from the EU - I know this because I contacted their Health Representative Steph McWilliam and asked her SPECIFICALLY 'what would happen with regard to the current reciprocal Health Arrangements between the UK and other EU Member States IF the UK WITHDRAWS from the EU?' She told me that UKIP DON'T HAVE any Health Policy as such? The Coalition Govt. have only undermined the UK Pensioner NOT supported him or her and Chancellor Osborne has reduced the UK Pension by so much that it is now recognised as one of the worst and poorest in the Western World. So in short Campogirl, don't hold your breath because the UK Govt. have ALREADY washed their hands of US!

Romperstomper1, do you actually believe that a benefit, such as Winter Fuel Allowance whose purpose is to help pensioners in the UK absorb high winter heating costs, should be paid to ex-pats living in countries where conditions do not warrant it?
This is public money, not Government money. The Government only has the money it can raise in taxes from its citizens and that money is to run the country for the benefit of those citizens. If you don't live there then you are not contributing to the overall tax net so why should you be given an allowance you don't need?
Better to focus positively on where you are living now and what you have. You left the UK, physically, for a reason. Now you need to find a way to leave it mentally behind.

Thanks Rompastomper.  If the UK government freeze or even worse stop paying state pension to expats in Europe then many will have to seriously consider going back to the UK.  I doubt I would be able to sell my house in Spain for enough to get a house in the UK now the policy for backing minimum deposits has sent the price of property back up again.  I would have a great deposit but could not get a mortgage at my age.  As a result I would eventually have to claim benefits to afford to rent.  We will just have to wait and see.

Its not often I envy young ex pats who work in Spain, as I love the long hot days here, when I can garden, or just do nothing if I want, but at least they will get a much better pension when they retire than I could ever hope for from the UK.

You're very welcome campogirl. I have worked in 14 countries and all I ever did was just do my best to communicate what I was trying to get across and it worked - everywhere.
Communication comes from your head, your heart and your soul. Once you grasp this it is an absolute dawdle to get across what you are trying to say. Oh, you won't manage all of it to begin with nor will you understand most of what you hear but we have 2 ears and 1 mouth and used in that proportion it's amazing what will eventually filter through.
The Spanish are remarkably forgiving of my bad Spanish and they all say they wish they could speak English but it is their forgiving nature that makes it easy to have ago. And since winning starts with beginning, onwards and upwards campogirl!

You are right.  This morning an agricultural worker climbed over our wall holding out a long handled pruning saw with a broken blade and a spare blade in his other hand.  My husband who speaks less Spanish than me quickly saw his problem, and got out a battery drill and replaced the blade.

The man was very thank full and I hope that it will mean that he will pass on the story to friends and show that we brits are not just hear for the sun and sangria.

Well Writerman how do I respond to someone who obviously knows ALL the answers? Unlike you I lived AND worked in the UK until I reached my retiremant and for ALMOST 50 years I paid MY Income Tax,NI.Contributions and I STILL pay Income Tax into the UK Coffers via my State Pension so DON'T have the temerity to lecture me about what the UK Govt. need the UK Taxpayers money for OR the best way they should spend it? Where I live the average temperatures are colder from Dec - Feb plus we have snow for 2 months solid. Perhaps you do not. But I don't have to explain and am NOT accountable to the likes of you! What I am saying is IF you had read my post was that Osborne and his ilk have NOT supported UK Pensioners - Home or Away - at all. It is your prerogative to agree or not and that is a matter for you. I hope you and your wife enjoy working until you are  75 because THAT will be the age it will be changed to by the time YOU are due to retire? AND please just because everything in your garden happens to be rosy DON'T think it is the same for all of us because unfortunately it isn't!

Dear romperstomper 1 what is so sad is your bitterness. Both my wife and I are retired but enjoy working. My point was, if the UK did not suit you, which it clearly does not, and you are here in Spain, by choice I assume, why not get on with what is available to you here? I can't quite understand why things that are happening in the UK, a country you choose not to live in, should be of such concern to you.
I do understand your concerns about your pension, we are all in the same boat but, life is what it is. It is not a contract. No one promised you good times and noodle salad and heaven knows it may get a lot rockier yet! But maybe not. I hope in time you will come to understand that and enjoy this lovely country as best you can. while you can.

Way to go campogirl!

What sort of writing do you do writerman? I did my Masters in plays and scripts a couple of years ago before coming here, won 2 or 3 prizes for 'a play wot I wrote' in London. But am finding my mind fully occupied with life here. Need some impetus to get going again. I need a writer's group.

Whoops sorry, I should have said here.

Hello from Catalunya
It is interesting reading these postcards and I am going to jump in with my experiences both positive and negative.
I live in a town near Barcelona, having left the UK almost five years ago. I love Barcelona but the town where I live is really just a typical Catalan town and I only live here because this is where my partner has a house.

What I love about my life is that I am never bored - I am always in a slightly challenging situation so am always learning. I have had to learn both Catalan and Spanish(castellano more correctly as both languages are Spanish). It gives me a huge kick to be able to chat to people in another language. I also feel proud that I have taken a leap of faith and created a life in a new country. It was always my dream. I love the weather - it really is a blessing to be able to trust the sun will shine most days. I feel well - in the UK I had aches and pains and suffered asthma when it was damp. I find most people friendly and kind and I have made good friends, especially when I lived in Barcelona. I have had many wonderful trips here - we live within easy reach of the sea and the mountains and there are new things to do like bathing in hot mineral waters at the various spa towns.  I love the markets and the easy availability of locally grown vegetables and fruit. I find it very inspiring here and have been writing ever since my first months - now having three blogs as well as my private diaries.

What has been most difficult for me?  Sometimes I have felt lonely and isolated. Friendships are harder to deepen when I struggle with the languages. Culturally things are done differently and the centrality of family family family can feel suffocating after living so long in the UK with it's more flexible family life.  People tend to live close to their families and the place they were born - this means they are less open to new people in more than a superficial way. It is hard for people from the UK to really get this - we are accustomed to a much greater diversity in our towns and villages. It does make a difference. I get frustrated by the passivity of people sometimes - I think it is a relic of Franco. They are used to thinking bad things of politicians and bankers and civil servants and the police and rightly so. But this can mean they don't push for change - it is sort of accepted and shrugged off. I don't think people complain enough - they just stand in endless queues looking sad. Try going to the Trafico to change details of your driving licence and you will see what I mean.

That is a large postcard!  Overall the positives totally outweigh the negatives although I still keep one foot in the UK and I go there regularly for a top up of vegetarian restaurants, old friends, Cornish seaside villages without high rise developments and supermarkets where they open a new till when there is a queue.

I can be happy in either country but right now I am happy here!

Living outside is just Great!

What a lovely thoughtful postcard! You will fit in well !

hi that sounds lovely, which area of Spain are you in?

Looks like you the chosed the worst part just because it was cheap.

I have super fast symmetrical fiber internet connection and no problems with water.

Tip: Buy where Spaniards buy