Re: Suggestions please
 

I think it's a lovely idea and, provided you don't go over the top with the present, nobody is going to think you are weird or want something in return.

Brits have a rather bad reputation here for keeping themselves to themselves and not wanting to speak to their neighbours. I know not everyone is like that, but it is a popular stereotype. Anything that helps dispel this idea has to be a good thing.

Re: Suggestions please
 

I think it's just a nice thing to do
Anyway regards them thinking I want something......
I have seen the dad with a little tractor, and I would like to borrow it!
Maybe ask advice about plants etc
I think it's just a matter of how you think, I am living in Spain and I want to integrate and learn the language fluently.

Re: Suggestions please
 

The garden is a good idea if both you and your neighbours have a sizable plot and you may find you have a lot to learn in many respects.
I found it to be a totally different ball game to what I knew before and for a while came to rely almost totally on the local experience of my friendly neighbours.

He approached me first within a week or so of my arrival nine years ago and I've virtually been part of his extended family ever since, eating and drinking at his house at least once every week.

I wish you the best of luck and if your new neighbours are even half as nice as mine,you could find them to be an even more valuable asset than your property.

Re: Suggestions please
 

Seconded Dick.

Go over to the neighbour and offer to rent his tractor. knowing my Spanish neighbours, he will not only refuse payment, but he will bring it over, show you how to use it, and probably plough half your plot for you.

This would then be the time for a present of a bottle of "wickey". Always seems to go down well with the men.

However, before then, the wife will have been over with the "mi casa, tu casa" routine.

I find they value friendliness, courtesy, and consideration above all else.

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Ha ha, thats just what happened with me, except my neighbour landed over without even being requested and started rotavating my garden with his magnificent bone shaking machine of his own accord one day.

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invite them round for a barbacue, lots of meat, beer and olives,salchichon,crisps, and a nice valencian wine, salad optional:lol:

would not offer any gifts etc, do not ask anything too personal, but maybe have a couple of questions about a good plumber, hardware store,market etc, sure they will offer lots of advice and help,
the men and women often group together separately as well do not be suprised if you/your partner is ushered away...!

and the custom is they will invite you back;) so blossoms the frienship!

Re: Suggestions please
 

Just got a basket of goodies from my Spanish neighbours for looking after their cat.

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How nice - and what a contented-looking cat! :D

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excuses excuses
you are going to need a barbecue when the rain and cold turn to sun and sun - in about 4 months time
;)