macgirl

Here in the Alicante area there are many people who prefer to stay alone (not only Brits). And also people who can't understand even if you talk to them in their language. That's why it's so difficult. You find a wall when you try to say something...

Do you speak English?

JLFS

It does seem a bit unfair to single the British out as not intergrating, are they trying to say that the Chinese and people from Morocco intergrate more?

As it has been pointed out the Chinese learn the language quite quickly, but they intergrate less than the British and nobody bats and eyelid.

All this "fully intergrated" is a load of codswallop, it is something that people use to "impress" others.

Does it exist, did anyone every consider what level the "integrate-ometer" reading was when they lived in the UK.

How many Spanish dont take part in the local activities, and moan when the neighbours come around to collect for the local fiesta, because they are not interested at all? Loads of them, they may have lived there all their lives, but still dont to all the activities that the "incomers" get involved in.

So we could say a lot of Spanish live "isolated and non joining-in existances" in their own country. And there is nothing wrong with that, by the yardstick of "integration" that is often talked about on this forum, would they be classed as totally not intergrated?

I think intergaration and the level of it, comes out of necessity, if you need the Spanish to be your main customers then you learn Spanish a lot quicker than a businessman that want to deal with Expats.

By the same token you will try and socialise more with the Spanish, as a form of networking and meeting contacts and potential customers.

For me being intergrated is, not even giving it a second thought, thinking that you have as much right to live in Spain as someone born and bred here.

Not trying join in things just for the sake of it, being yourself, moving with ease in your own enviroment, solving everyday problems along the way.

Eating whatever you want without fear of being ridiculed for wanting a pork pie, not going to see some crap Spanish singer, because you will look like a "ghetto Brit" if you dont.

Forget reaching an "intergration quota", because, although it would be nice if you did speak the language, your Spanish neighbours dont really give a stuff if you dont take part in local events, because most of them wont take part either. And other expats, who just want to have a good time in the sun will find the whole thing boring.

I am polite to the neighbours, have a few good mates, know lots of people, speak to the neighbours, am I fully intergrated? NO

JLFS

Hey you, taking my name in vain..................



I have always been a beliver in being yourself, no matter where you are, cherry pick the bes of all around, which is very easy to do in certain parts of Spain.

JLFS

That is something that I disagree with, I do not love Spanish people in general, or the British for that matter.

I love the ones I love, I dislike the ones I dislike, I tolerate some, but nationality has got nothing to do with it.

There are gems and there are s hit s in both countries.

Rosemary

Seems an excellent way of obtaining information for an article.

Graham

rugbymatt

Its happening in TIO and the Lounge at the moment by a poster called Cof, they post in the Spain section as well and I brought the self same thing up the other day... luckily they just bombard them with piffle and tosh... which is nice.

macgirl

Not my intention.
But I've seen several British journalist looking for this kind of information, now that you say it.

Rosemary

Using deception in this way surely is not an acceptable way of conducting yourself no matter what your nationality. Bombarding them with piffle and tosh is exactly what they deserve but if they then take what is being said seriously it then adds to misconceptions. Well I guess that is life, I really wish that they would introduce themselves properly and honestly in the beginning rather than do what they do.

Rosemary

rugbymatt

Amazing... you know, now we mention it I too have seen it... once you know what to look for eh?

Rosemary

Watching the thousands of Madrillians on holiday in Cullera rather a lot of them eat paella at night, in fact the seafront restaurants are awash with paella of every sort. Maybe it is just a holiday thing with the Spanish and they will not admit it when they return home.
Just picture the scene back in Madrid, hubby to missus,"tell them about the drunken orgies, the wacky baccy, midnight skinny dipping but for gawds sake don´t mention the paellas.

Graham

JLFS

What happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas.

steviedeluxe

There are in fact in Madrid several restaurants, called arrocerias, that serve up rice dishes, particularly paella variants. And like the following one, they serve food at night

http://madrid.lanetro.com/restaurant...-valencia-8683

I suspect it's not so common in Valencia itself though! (serving up Paella at night)

Rosemary

I think that 3 euros to the pound would help me integrate a lot more.

Graham

Rosemary

How much more integrated can you be when you have been told that you are part of the Lolin and Fedrico family?????????

Rosemary

JLFS

Nice one.