doo

I'm curious, for those that live in cities and towns that are popular with expats, how often do you come across other expats? Do you prefer to make Spanish friends or other nationalities?

johnnyone

I am not an expat, but it seems to me there are three types of Expats:-

i) The never attempt to learn the the language Expat as it's unnecessary as they surround themselves with other Expats and are only in Spain for the weather and cheap booze etc. English bars only

ii) The immerse yourself totally in Spain Expats who would rather not see or speak to another Expat. Some to the extent that they would pretend to be Spanish if another Expat appeared. Spanish bars only

iii) The in-betweenie Expats who embrace Spain and all it offers but also see nothing wrong with meeting up occasionally with other Expats. All bars.


OR to put it another way. It takes all sorts


If I were an Expat I would fall into the third category.

Lynn R

I think I'm a fourth type of expat. I live in a large town which has some British expats, and expats from a large number of other countries as well. I don't socialise exclusively with British people, or Spanish people, or any other nationality.

I socialise with people whose company I enjoy. Just because I share the same nationality as someone else doesn't mean I automatically find them congenial companions! I might have been friendly in the UK with some of the British people I meet over here , and I definitely wouldn't have been with the majority of others.

Possibly because the British expat population where I live is quite small, I find that in groups their society tends to be very gossipy and given to criticising others behind their backs whilst being friendly to the point of gushing over them the next time they meet - what I would call two-faced. They see each other so often and don't mix with a wider circle of people that they have little to talk about except each other and trivialities. In fact most of the British people I socialise with here are second home owners so we only meet up with them a few times a year, rather than those who live here permanently.

And as for bars, I rarely use them no matter what the nationality of the people running them. When I go out it's more usually to a restaurant, a concert or someone's home.

Domino

I see myself as a mix of 2 and 3.
It was our intention to keep away from expat areas and immerse ourselves in the Spanish way of life.
However, our village has a very few expats and also some places that are let during the summer.
I have no problem in helping any visitors from England who have problems - usually finding some bread or the nearest wi-fi signal

HBG

I think it's quite a sensible way to look at expats in Spain.

I would think nine percent belong in the first category, one percent in the second, and 90 percent in the third.

I have come across the odd weirdo in the lowest category, but that's all they are, weirdoes.

DENISE WALTERS

Sometimes living in a small village everyone seems to know each other and all their business but it can be like chinese whispers.
I do prefer to keep my council.
Of course the spanish like a bit of gossip too.
Not unlike any small village in any country I suppose.
I Dont like bars much, some brit bars seem to take on a social club sports atmosphere which I never went to in UK.
As I dont drink that often, I much prefer to go for a nice meal preferably spanish to experiment with my taste buds all the cuisine.Washed down with wine of course.
Buts thats just me always found pub life boring in Uk and Spain anyhow.
Never understood drinking glasses and glasses of anything for the sake of it if that makes sense.

johnnyone

Exactly I why I would never join a golf club (or any other club for that matter).

lynnxa

my elder daughter (16) doesn't really mix with other Brits at all - there is one English girl who she has known since we moved here pretty much, who she sees once in a while outside school - but other wise she only speaks English with me and with her sister (though we often speak Spanish to each other) & during English lessons at school!!

around 1/2 of the population of our town is non-Spanish & about 1/2 of those are Brits

I have friends of various nationalities, as does my 13 year old dd

Rambling Rose

Our closest friends here are dutch. Our catalan neighbours are all very friendly but only socialise with family.
We don't go to bars.
Our next door neighbours are english but they can hardly bring themselves to speak to anyone. I certainly wouldn't consider them friends.

DENISE WALTERS

I think when you meet someone you either take to them immediately or not.
whatever nationality

dunmovin

Exactly true. We have great nieghbours, who understand our problems and help where they can, as we do with them. The language barrier falls a notch or two every time we speak to them.

At the other end of the scale, I met a Scottish guy (I am Scottish) who was the best excuse for his dad wearing a condom you ever met. The exception, not the rule. (PLEASE DON'T ASK ME TO ELABORATE ON THE SUBJECT, BECAUSE , TO THIS DAY I CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHY I LEFT HIM HIM BREATHING.)

We have a few expat friends, who mix well with our other friends. the expats try to learn more of the language, whilst helping the others improve their English and simple things, like where to find the best plumber, electrcian etc get exchangned...simple things..."I have the knowledge... and just talking to you benefits me and you.. we both gain from it".

Lenox

I describe them (us) as exiles, expats and emigres... reading The Sun, The Euro Weekly and El País respectively.

HBG

Good God, what do you call someone who reads the Telegraph, Guardian and Costa Blanca News. I've just been out to buy the paper version of all three.

(And I'm not a Martian as far as I know).

Lynn R

Schizophrenic!

HBG

You could be right. I've voted for all three parties in my time. I once wore red braces and also belonged to a union. I'm not keen on the Monarchy, but if I'm sent for, I'll buy a top hat.

It's a nasty word, though, don't you have to take pills for it?