Attention- Brits moving to Spain
Apr 2nd 2004, 6:37 pm
#1
Maño-Americano
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: In the heart of the Ozarks
Posts: 10,216
Attention- Brits moving to Spain
After having read hundreds of postings here about British moving to Spain....which inevitably means "Coast", be it Costa Brava, Costa del Sol, Alicante, Benidorm...ad nauseam. Just thought I'd let you in on a secret: Spain also has OTHER cities/areas- and believe it or not, most are not saturated with burned out brits, and the multitude of scum that prey on them.
God- I can think of nothing worse than living in a foreign land surrounded by my countrymen (why move in the 1st place??).
Aragon, Euskadi, Galicia, Asturias, La Rioja, Castilla la Mancha, Extremedura are all beautiful areas, not saturated by ex-pats... and still maintain the flavor of Spain in addition to their own regional nuances (ok, except Euskadi, which has it's own very distinct flavor). I realize that what many if not most want is the beautiful sunny weather and the "juerga" (party/night-life) associated with the coast, but many of these other areas also have great weather, certainly better than the greay,rainy, dismal English weather you all complain about so much.
Just my two cents
God- I can think of nothing worse than living in a foreign land surrounded by my countrymen (why move in the 1st place??).
Aragon, Euskadi, Galicia, Asturias, La Rioja, Castilla la Mancha, Extremedura are all beautiful areas, not saturated by ex-pats... and still maintain the flavor of Spain in addition to their own regional nuances (ok, except Euskadi, which has it's own very distinct flavor). I realize that what many if not most want is the beautiful sunny weather and the "juerga" (party/night-life) associated with the coast, but many of these other areas also have great weather, certainly better than the greay,rainy, dismal English weather you all complain about so much.
Just my two cents
Apr 2nd 2004, 8:38 pm
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2004
Location: Andalucia
Posts: 123
I must admit i never wanted to move to spain.............UNTIL i went to a small village out side Granada.The thought of living on the coast does nothing for me.
Like you say....why move away just to be with english.
just my 2 pence worth
Like you say....why move away just to be with english.
just my 2 pence worth
Apr 3rd 2004, 4:11 am
#3
C.G.D.S
Joined: Nov 2003
Location: Ireland--->London--->Spain--->Rockport, MA
Posts: 3,353
I did Spain for two years. It's not all it's cracked up to be. Whether it's the major cities, the Costas or way inland. And if you think the weather in Spain is great, you obviously haven't "lived" it. And before you bash the Brits that live there, I never hear the locals complaining about the amount of money they bring in, or the amount of money that Spain claws from the EU as a whole.
Apr 3rd 2004, 8:25 am
#4
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2004
Location: Andalucia
Posts: 123
Originally posted by sibsie
I did Spain for two years. It's not all it's cracked up to be. Whether it's the major cities, the Costas or way inland. And if you think the weather in Spain is great, you obviously haven't "lived" it. And before you bash the Brits that live there, I never hear the locals complaining about the amount of money they bring in, or the amount of money that Spain claws from the EU as a whole.
I did Spain for two years. It's not all it's cracked up to be. Whether it's the major cities, the Costas or way inland. And if you think the weather in Spain is great, you obviously haven't "lived" it. And before you bash the Brits that live there, I never hear the locals complaining about the amount of money they bring in, or the amount of money that Spain claws from the EU as a whole.
Hey i am not knocking ANYONE and yes i have been to spain when it is cold in actual fact the area i have picked is about 40 mins from the sierra nevada's.
I am just saying that i spent a few days in a small village,then after that we went to the coast for the day and seeing all the hotels wasn't for me.Every one is different,if we were all the same how boring would that be!!
Yes i do want to live in spain hot or cold,wet or dry.Simple as that.And yes i want to meet spanish people as well as english out there,dutch german whatever.
So there
Apr 3rd 2004, 9:41 pm
#5
Maño-Americano
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: In the heart of the Ozarks
Posts: 10,216
Originally posted by sibsie
I did Spain for two years. It's not all it's cracked up to be. Whether it's the major cities, the Costas or way inland. And if you think the weather in Spain is great, you obviously haven't "lived" it. And before you bash the Brits that live there, I never hear the locals complaining about the amount of money they bring in, or the amount of money that Spain claws from the EU as a whole.
I did Spain for two years. It's not all it's cracked up to be. Whether it's the major cities, the Costas or way inland. And if you think the weather in Spain is great, you obviously haven't "lived" it. And before you bash the Brits that live there, I never hear the locals complaining about the amount of money they bring in, or the amount of money that Spain claws from the EU as a whole.
No bashing intended at all Sibs; sorry if I gave that impression. I do get the impression though that many Brits go there on holiday, then after having a great time, they try to parlay that into a lifestyle.
I also lived in Spain for almost 6 years, and loved the people, food and almost everything else. Much of my time was in villages, or in Zaragoza (Aragon) not the coast.
Apr 3rd 2004, 9:50 pm
#6
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: Lancashire England & Guardamar Spain
Posts: 42
I'm sure that there are plenty of places in Spain that deserve a visit. I hope to visit Castille /Madrid shortly
The majority of European owners however choose the coast because of nearness to airports with regular and cheap connections to their homeland. Even on the coast one can still appreciate the Spanish Culture of fiesta & siesta
We chose a holiday flat near the coast and not far from the airport- in a town that was still essentially very Spanish ( not an 'English estate' ) because we wanted to experience the Spanish way of life. The majority of the residents in our block are Spanish - however a good percentage we assume are from Madrid and are never seen. Of the others ( who are out at work all day ) apart from greeting HOLA when we see them on the stairs we never speak to because even after learning Spanish for 2 years our level of conversation is pretty limited . Plus I think the Spanish can be very private people and not really want to be bothered with people struggling in 'pidgin' Spanish. This leaves us talking only with fellow English speakers.
Many older people who find it difficult to learn a language would feel isolated in a totally Spanish area. They have a community they can rely on in their European ghetto. . For the young it is different - they can work and meet people of all nationalities.
Should we retire full time to Spain (having spent time in the centre of a town) I think we would buy a place on a European/English estate for the reasons stated !
Rising prices in holiday areas are a problem for locals in any part of the world ( Devon, Yorkshire Dales etc ) - in Spain they are caused just as much by Spaniards with 2nd homes..
That will do for now ...
The majority of European owners however choose the coast because of nearness to airports with regular and cheap connections to their homeland. Even on the coast one can still appreciate the Spanish Culture of fiesta & siesta
We chose a holiday flat near the coast and not far from the airport- in a town that was still essentially very Spanish ( not an 'English estate' ) because we wanted to experience the Spanish way of life. The majority of the residents in our block are Spanish - however a good percentage we assume are from Madrid and are never seen. Of the others ( who are out at work all day ) apart from greeting HOLA when we see them on the stairs we never speak to because even after learning Spanish for 2 years our level of conversation is pretty limited . Plus I think the Spanish can be very private people and not really want to be bothered with people struggling in 'pidgin' Spanish. This leaves us talking only with fellow English speakers.
Many older people who find it difficult to learn a language would feel isolated in a totally Spanish area. They have a community they can rely on in their European ghetto. . For the young it is different - they can work and meet people of all nationalities.
Should we retire full time to Spain (having spent time in the centre of a town) I think we would buy a place on a European/English estate for the reasons stated !
Rising prices in holiday areas are a problem for locals in any part of the world ( Devon, Yorkshire Dales etc ) - in Spain they are caused just as much by Spaniards with 2nd homes..
That will do for now ...
Apr 3rd 2004, 10:21 pm
#7
C.G.D.S
Joined: Nov 2003
Location: Ireland--->London--->Spain--->Rockport, MA
Posts: 3,353
Originally posted by ironporer
No bashing intended at all Sibs; sorry if I gave that impression. I do get the impression though that many Brits go there on holiday, then after having a great time, they try to parlay that into a lifestyle.
No bashing intended at all Sibs; sorry if I gave that impression. I do get the impression though that many Brits go there on holiday, then after having a great time, they try to parlay that into a lifestyle.
I also lived in France and found the French far more accepting and welcoming.
Apr 4th 2004, 4:16 am
#8
Maño-Americano
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: In the heart of the Ozarks
Posts: 10,216
Originally posted by sibsie
No prob. I lived in a small village which was very Spanish and very Valenciano. They were very xenophobic which is something I found across Spain. The Spanish didn't seem to mix at all with outsiders. My niece goes to a Spanish school and is fluent in Spanish and Valenciano. None of the other mothers talk to my sister and she feels very much like an outsider, and that's after two years there.
I also lived in France and found the French far more accepting and welcoming.
No prob. I lived in a small village which was very Spanish and very Valenciano. They were very xenophobic which is something I found across Spain. The Spanish didn't seem to mix at all with outsiders. My niece goes to a Spanish school and is fluent in Spanish and Valenciano. None of the other mothers talk to my sister and she feels very much like an outsider, and that's after two years there.
I also lived in France and found the French far more accepting and welcoming.
I have always heard about how bif of assholes Valencians are from everyone I knew in Spain.
Maybe the difference is that- Aragon vs Valencia
Apr 4th 2004, 4:30 am
#9
C.G.D.S
Joined: Nov 2003
Location: Ireland--->London--->Spain--->Rockport, MA
Posts: 3,353
Could well be the Valenciano thing. They are very proud of their region and when they know you're foreign (I'm blue eyed blonde) they revert to speaking it. My Spanish was pretty good and more than enough to communicate but they did make it very hard work. I've heard the same thing from friends in the Catalan region.
Apr 4th 2004, 7:58 am
#10
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Joined: Jul 2003
Location: Benalmadena Pueblo,Spain
Posts: 20,156
Originally posted by XXPEBXX
I'm sure that there are plenty of places in Spain that deserve a visit. I hope to visit Castille /Madrid shortly
The majority of European owners however choose the coast because of nearness to airports with regular and cheap connections to their homeland. Even on the coast one can still appreciate the Spanish Culture of fiesta & siesta
We chose a holiday flat near the coast and not far from the airport- in a town that was still essentially very Spanish ( not an 'English estate' ) because we wanted to experience the Spanish way of life. The majority of the residents in our block are Spanish - however a good percentage we assume are from Madrid and are never seen. Of the others ( who are out at work all day ) apart from greeting HOLA when we see them on the stairs we never speak to because even after learning Spanish for 2 years our level of conversation is pretty limited . Plus I think the Spanish can be very private people and not really want to be bothered with people struggling in 'pidgin' Spanish. This leaves us talking only with fellow English speakers.
Many older people who find it difficult to learn a language would feel isolated in a totally Spanish area. They have a community they can rely on in their European ghetto. . For the young it is different - they can work and meet people of all nationalities.
Should we retire full time to Spain (having spent time in the centre of a town) I think we would buy a place on a European/English estate for the reasons stated !
Rising prices in holiday areas are a problem for locals in any part of the world ( Devon, Yorkshire Dales etc ) - in Spain they are caused just as much by Spaniards with 2nd homes..
That will do for now ...
I'm sure that there are plenty of places in Spain that deserve a visit. I hope to visit Castille /Madrid shortly
The majority of European owners however choose the coast because of nearness to airports with regular and cheap connections to their homeland. Even on the coast one can still appreciate the Spanish Culture of fiesta & siesta
We chose a holiday flat near the coast and not far from the airport- in a town that was still essentially very Spanish ( not an 'English estate' ) because we wanted to experience the Spanish way of life. The majority of the residents in our block are Spanish - however a good percentage we assume are from Madrid and are never seen. Of the others ( who are out at work all day ) apart from greeting HOLA when we see them on the stairs we never speak to because even after learning Spanish for 2 years our level of conversation is pretty limited . Plus I think the Spanish can be very private people and not really want to be bothered with people struggling in 'pidgin' Spanish. This leaves us talking only with fellow English speakers.
Many older people who find it difficult to learn a language would feel isolated in a totally Spanish area. They have a community they can rely on in their European ghetto. . For the young it is different - they can work and meet people of all nationalities.
Should we retire full time to Spain (having spent time in the centre of a town) I think we would buy a place on a European/English estate for the reasons stated !
Rising prices in holiday areas are a problem for locals in any part of the world ( Devon, Yorkshire Dales etc ) - in Spain they are caused just as much by Spaniards with 2nd homes..
That will do for now ...
I have never been blanked trying to speak my limited Spanish to a Spaniard, it fact totally the opposite, i have often had a good laugh with them talking a bit of English and me with my bit of Spanish.
Follow your teachers advise at school and try harder :lecture:
Apr 5th 2004, 1:15 am
#11
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Joined: Oct 2003
Location: Depends
Posts: 4,041
I am with you on that Jdr, I have found the Spanish very friendly, I live in a small spanish community and my neigbours who dont speak any English (if they do I havent found out yet, lol) and they have invited me over for sunday lunch frequently with me speaking my pidgin. Most I have found if you start of f in Spanish even poor, they will meet you half way, the best fun Ive had is going to a Spanish hairdressers and had 20 people around all speaking bits of English, always a surprise what my hair is going to look like when I leave So far no paper bags....LOL.
So far no paper bags....LOL.
Originally posted by jdr
I disagree with the language bit.....
I have never been blanked trying to speak my limited Spanish to a Spaniard, it fact totally the opposite, i have often had a good laugh with them talking a bit of English and me with my bit of Spanish.
Follow your teachers advise at school and try harder :lecture:
I disagree with the language bit.....
I have never been blanked trying to speak my limited Spanish to a Spaniard, it fact totally the opposite, i have often had a good laugh with them talking a bit of English and me with my bit of Spanish.
Follow your teachers advise at school and try harder :lecture:
May 2nd 2004, 12:07 am
#12
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2004
Location: Jerez de la Frontera Spain
Posts: 34
Re: Attention- Brits moving to Spain
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Hope this of use
All the best
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Originally posted by ironporer
After having read hundreds of postings here about British moving to Spain....which inevitably means "Coast", be it Costa Brava, Costa del Sol, Alicante, Benidorm...ad nauseam. Just thought I'd let you in on a secret: Spain also has OTHER cities/areas- and believe it or not, most are not saturated with burned out brits, and the multitude of scum that prey on them.
God- I can think of nothing worse than living in a foreign land surrounded by my countrymen (why move in the 1st place??).
Aragon, Euskadi, Galicia, Asturias, La Rioja, Castilla la Mancha, Extremedura are all beautiful areas, not saturated by ex-pats... and still maintain the flavor of Spain in addition to their own regional nuances (ok, except Euskadi, which has it's own very distinct flavor). I realize that what many if not most want is the beautiful sunny weather and the "juerga" (party/night-life) associated with the coast, but many of these other areas also have great weather, certainly better than the greay,rainy, dismal English weather you all complain about so much.
Just my two cents
After having read hundreds of postings here about British moving to Spain....which inevitably means "Coast", be it Costa Brava, Costa del Sol, Alicante, Benidorm...ad nauseam. Just thought I'd let you in on a secret: Spain also has OTHER cities/areas- and believe it or not, most are not saturated with burned out brits, and the multitude of scum that prey on them.
God- I can think of nothing worse than living in a foreign land surrounded by my countrymen (why move in the 1st place??).
Aragon, Euskadi, Galicia, Asturias, La Rioja, Castilla la Mancha, Extremedura are all beautiful areas, not saturated by ex-pats... and still maintain the flavor of Spain in addition to their own regional nuances (ok, except Euskadi, which has it's own very distinct flavor). I realize that what many if not most want is the beautiful sunny weather and the "juerga" (party/night-life) associated with the coast, but many of these other areas also have great weather, certainly better than the greay,rainy, dismal English weather you all complain about so much.
Just my two cents
