amideislas

Well, I was referring to the "fear" of isolation many Brits seem to have when considering living in a "non-british" environment.

I hadn't considered your interpretation, but now that you mention it, I believe that's true. The Spanish are very social animals, and you rarely find them "alone" for any extended period of time. We are invited to events constantly, and participate often. Although like you, I do appreciate my "peace" from time to time. It's therapy.

Back to my point, before moving to the "outback", everyone told us how "isolated" we would be "out there", and some suggested we needed counseling (not really, but jokingly).

Perhaps the lovliest experience was that after we bought and moved in, the previous owner came to visit, asked if all was OK, and the proceeded to take us into the village square and introduce us to the locals. All of which were very warm and welcoming.

In fact, upon realising we were obviously not entirely fluent in Spanish (and of course, anyone who speaks Spanish here is obviously an outsider anyway, since the local language is Catalan, or more accurately, Mallorquí), many immediately switched to [struggled with] English as a gesture of welcome and acceptance, which I found quite heartening.

Isolated? Hardly. Only as much as we want to be...

CoyBlonde

This is both pleasing and reassuring to hear. I love my peace and quiet, time to think and just be alone but my OH is definitely the socialising type, always chatting to someone. I have been worrying that the isolation might be too much. I guess if we want to become included into their society, then we will.

Rosemary

The Spanish that I live amongst are very friendly and inclusive. Within a very short time we were adopted by one particular family. Your husband will find that he will not be short of someone to talk to as they love to chat. Be open and friendly and you will be amazed at the response.

Rosemary

Moses2013

There's no point of arguing what's authentic, because we all have different views and we live in the year 2016. If Brits & other nationalities believe living in a cave house is authentic, then fine for them, but most Spanish I know want to live like other Europeans. Traditions exist, but the younger generation go to Iron Maiden concerts, want to live in modern homes with central heating and play Xbox, Playstation etc.

amideislas

What, pray tell, does that mean, exactly?

Although I wouldn't expect it from you, that sounds suspiciously like you are another one of those who still want to believe anything outside of Britain is "third world", and everybody living there is (naturally) clamouring to live the "British way". That really doesn't sound like you, but when aggravated by something, sometimes the truth reveals itself.

Now, I don't want to put words in your mouth, but for the record, if that's what you're referring to, I don't live in a "cave house". Yes, it's over 250 years old (pretty common around here), and indeed made of stone, but it's about doubly as modern inside as most homes in the UK (except of course for those third-world stone archways, stone stairways, and 3m+ high ceilings). But that's not what makes it "authentic". It's where it is, and the character of the neighbourhood, that qualifies it as such.

Oh, and my German home would clearly qualify as rather "posh" and ultra-modern by British standards. But it's pretty average by German standards.

So much for "third world" abroad...

Moses2013

Who mentioned third world. Spain is a first world country like any other, but most people don't live the way a few expats think is authentic. Be it Spain, Denmark, Ireland, UK, most people want to live in modern homes and do. As I said, people do the same things and it's pointless trying to find the so called authentic Spain. You can argue about housing quality and plumbing, which is better in Germany compared to the UK, but that's not the point. Taste is a different thing, but most younger Europeans do not live the authentic old fashioned way.

amideislas

Sorry, but my life is a testament to how "pointless" it isn't. This is probably the single most motivating factor for my insistence in staying here. It's like living in the "good old days" with all the modern amenities. And for me, it's priceless.

I do agree, however, that this would not be suitable for 20-somethings. It certainly wouldn't have suited me in my earlier years.

You are entitled to your opinion, but so am I. Let's leave it at that, lest I feel the need to put you on my "torture" list.

Over & out...

Moses2013

Look, we can all live the way we like and Spain can be fantastic country (even Britain can be great), but what is authentic? Mentality, history and culture is a different thing, but the way we want to live is personal choice. Many Spanish people might want to live in modern apartments and just because it doesn't look authentic to an expat looking for the so called real Spain, doesn't mean the people aren't authentic in that area. Believe it or not, most Irish people don't live in thatched cottages Just saying that people shouldn't judge a book by it's cover and the authentic Spanish people might go to Iron Maiden concerts.

Horlics

They probably simply meant somewhere where the large majority are Spanish people living the way Spanish people do, and where outside influences aren't everywhere to be seen.

Moses2013

Probably, but just think you don't have to live in a rural village away from tourism to experience the Spanish way of life and that's what many posters think. It's fine if people want to live in a rural Finca, but living in a more modern town doesn't mean that the majority of people are not Spanish. As mentioned, most Spanish need to work to make a living and tourism is their major income. People shop at Aldi and Lidl, but it doesn't mean that the place is not Spanish. Most towns that have a nice beach are very touristic during the season, but they all still have churches, markets and plenty of Spanish live in these places. It's always personal choice just like anywhere else.

jimenato

...which would probably be in a flat in a city.

cricketman

Exactly

An authentic Spanish life would involved living in a 80 square meter flat with your 2 kids, a few doors down from the grandparents, a 10 minute walk from the centre of the city. Shopping at the local shops underneath your flat, walking to the local school and to work

And disappearing off to the village or countryside every other weekend

Rosemary

I am not a lover of the words authentic and real when describing anywhere but prefer something like "normal" as this to me denotes how people exist on a daily basis in their everyday lives rather than on holiday.

Rosemary

Moses2013

Normal is a better word . We all have our image of Spain and if some people think the way they live is authentic, great for them. Every country has traditions, history, culture and Spain is no different to other places.

visage

Hi,many thanks for all replies .. I may have used the wrong word when using 'authentic' .. we are keen to live in traditional accommodation, we don't want to be near high rise, tourists, brit pubs etc. we have lived in several countries around the world in the past and wanted to live outside expat communities, but not exclude them, but just integrate without being sucked into your own 'kind' .. still keen on coast and good international school .. work is not a problem, keen to be relatively near to a city so that can use all facilities etc. wanting to buy permanent housing, but will travel to UK fairly regularly and internationally .. have a great day.