trace in spain

Ive just read this whole thread and would like to say that you are making me see a better UK.

I am currently living in Spain and would really like to move on (I cant get the language) and America appealed to me, after being told that it wasnt easy to get into (visas) i kind of feel trapped here and i didnt really want to come back. After reading everyones comments how happy they are it gives me something to think about.

My biggest concern is my children too, my eldest son is due to start secondary school in September and i feel that i need to make my decision before then. The weather is also an issue for me, im not sure how i would cope with cold wet dreary days. Also im not going to have the house i have here over there, im not convinced id be happy, but im not 100% happy here either.

I keep worrying that i will be one of those people that wont ever be happy now, i sometimes wish id never moved in the first place, then i wouldnt be in this mess. When i lived in the UK i never thought 'i wonder where i will be in 5-10 years' living here in Spain i think that all the time, I know it probably sounds trivial but i want to feel settled somewhere.

Thanks for giving me something to think about tho

Jules Europe

Eh!!!!!!!!! Think you`ll find houses are cheaper in the UK now than they are here in Spain (London excluded) Where do you live in Spain and where do you want to return to in the UK?

trace in spain

Im half an hour away from Valencia in a village called Marines. Most of the time i love it here and i really dont want to go home and other times i just wish i were in an english speaking country.

I would like to go back to Norfolk somewhere, i like the idea of village life, like i have here which i think would suit the boys better too.

R2D2 returns

I remember saying all these things to myself. Theres no easy decision (unless you are so unhappy and it's a no brainer )
If it helps.............my hub always used to be one of those people who felt a bit low whenever there were periods of grey skies in the UK. I always said he had SAD. I asked him the other day, how he was finding it when its grey.............he replied that he barely notices now.
We see things differently. OK, it rains, but thats why its so damn pretty everywhere. You can't have one without the other.

I think we totally underestimated that feeling of belonging. Try as we might, we never got that fully in Alberta. Its having an association with things. Realising a connection. History with a place and with people. Understanding the way things are and the way things are done.

Many a time, I would switch the TV or radio on, not having a clue who people were, or who they were talking about. Flipping thorugh magazines and having no connection or familiarity with anyone featured in them. It all adds to the feeling of not belonging.

The Mums at school would talk away about things from the past..........meaningless to me. I remember one day, we were all in a group and they got onto the topic of jingles form TV adverts from years gone by.........................?????? Yeah ?

We used to seek out the British programmes on TV. BBC Canada was bliss compared to my hub's No. 1 hate........John and Kate plus 8

I remember sitting there, watching "Escape to the Country" and blubbering , and having the biggest belly laugh watching The Vicar of Dibley, because we just connected instantly

That sense of belonging is a HUGE thing.

Jules Europe

I am from Valencia and hardly know anything about Marines, but I would imagine that you must be the only English person there!!! How did you end up there?

trace in spain

Its strange isnt it, you explain all these feelings to family and friends and no one truly understands unless youve been there.

Im lucky now, we got satelite TV, and one hell of a huge dish but hey its worth it. I love escape to the country even though half the time the budget is 2 to 3 times what i have, i also like to buy or not to buy. Its when i watch them that i think, oh it does look nice. But lets face it thats why im here, watching too many bloody programmes telling me how lovely it is in Spain. I do love it here dont get me wrong, but not having many friends is a big problem for me, not being able to say hi, lovely day today, in fear of them answering me and me not being able to understand them when they reply, and trying to help my children with their homework, that makes me feel really inadequate as a parent especially when they work in both spanish and valencian.

Jules Europe im near Lliria and believe it or not there are quite a few brits up here. Most are over 50 and having 2 younger children means i dont have much in common with them as their interests and hobbies are very different to me.

A place in the sun home or USA is on at the moment and theyre looking at houses in Norfolk, im off for a quick look, lets see if it will help me see things a little clearer

Jules Europe

To be honest with you unless you speak Spanish and can adapt you are better of moving elsewhere, these type of places are great for over 50`s who want to get away from it all and lead a more basic life. The only real benefit for you, is that your children will grow up speaking 3 languages fluently.

Bevm

Have you tried an offer? I'm just curious.

Bev

Bsidebaby

Oh this is so poignant to me too i constantly watch bbc canada in the evenings and also am tearful when i see location location location and love the good ole comedies the beeb produces.

Its true also that my husband cannot stand john and kate plus 8!

cant wait to be back in blighty and will not bemoan paying a licence fee ever ever again to escape the constant adverts here in a show.........especially those ones that come on just as the programme has begun!!! aarghhhhh

Bevm

Yes, I noticed that I was mostly watching British TV, which was a hint. I have enjoyed some North American TV, but not Canadian. I mean, most of my Canadian friends think Corner Gas is hilarious, and I know I'm missing something there because it just seems silly to me. After 30 years. The only Canadian set and produced TV series I've enjoyed is Blood Ties, and that was financed by a US cable co, and got zero support in Canada, I assume because it's urban fantasy. Vampires, you know. But it is set in Toronto, with Canadian police and everything.

Anyway, I wanted to say I know exactly what you mean. My favorite North American program is House, and I'm sure that's because of Hugh Laurie. He might have an American accent, but all his tone and body language is British. I think that's what fascinates the Americans, though they don't quite realize it.

Bev

old fat biker bloke

New to this so be gentle with me!! I think some of you maybe familiar (ooer, not like that!!) with the missus 'Bsidebaby'. Sans, may I recommend the 'Scarecrow' as found on eBay: Listing number 110343980424 (No endorsement of the seller who I dont know, just pointing you in that direction for info purposes). Still have the two I bought to deter pussy cats from turning my lawn into a toilet - Worked a treat!!!

Elaine B.

Just want to sat Welcome to BE hope you enjoy hanging out with us we're all quite nice really

R2D2 returns

The problem we have at the moment, is where to pitch an offer. Many houses here are still marketed at peak prices and there is no way we are going to place an offer too high in a falling market.
We made one offer at 60k below (peak) asking price...........and because the mindset of sellers and buyers is different it was rejected.
We may up the offer by another 10k but not prepared to pay more than a house could be worth in 3/6 months time........rather sit tight in a rental than that.

R2D2 returns

I remember vividly the first occasion homesickness hit me like a ton of bricks.......we were at home in Alberta, it was November and snowy and grey, and on the TV they showed a clip of the Queen in London for the Remembrance service at the Cenotaph.
It was sunny, the trees looked like they still had plenty of leaves on them and the amount of colour was striking to me. The whole tradition and pomp and ceremony of it all was just lovely to see and I felt a real national pride.
I just burst into tears and said to my hubby, "I agree with you now, i want to go home "

sans

Oooh haha just realised what your on about The heron yea!!! I'll take a look Thanks
And welcome to TMBTTUK from me too