Originally Posted by pain-in-spain

but one thing I have learned is to keep my options open. I am sure that in a couple of years I'll be dreaming of the idyllic life in a Spanish village with a sunny terrace and lemon trees and to be honest, in this life we all need a dream to keep us going - bizarrely, at the moment my dream is to be in London!

Originally Posted by jackytoo

Effectively 4 courses...do you mean the 8 cents pot of yougurt for pudding, the lettuce leaf and two slices of tomato for starter.

I think the weather is a major factor for people who move although you hear them quoting the culture, fiestas etc. If so they would move to the North where there are more concerts, exhibitions etc.

Originally Posted by pain-in-spain

Have been reading all the posts here with interest but thought I'd go back to the OP to add my comments. As others will know, I'm currently in the process of planning and researching my move back to London after 8.5 years in Barcelona. I've brought up many negatives of life here and this proves that one persons heaven is another's hell. However, I too came here with great anticipation and excitement, not least because we bought a run down flat and had the enjoyment of the project for a couple of years and in many ways lived outside reality for a time. I was 40 when we moved here so knew I'd have several years work ahead but had sufficient savings for a while. Much of my complaining has been towards the very bad working conditions here and the cash in hand lifestyle that many Spaniards live. Even though my dad is Spanish I hadn't realised about these aspects prior to living here. Many posters on here are retired or work from home and live in Expat enclaves or the rural areas. Living in a big city like Barcelona is no different to any other but due to my family connections this is where we chose. I also live in an area of high immigration (non-European) so for me it's pretty much like London, the Spanish community is dying out which is very sad. If we had moved to another part of Spain or to a village I am sure i would have had another view of things and despite all my negative comments I still love Spain but I am not in love with it as I was when I first moved. Living here has re-kindled my desire to get back with my old flame, London! I am worried that things may not work out but one thing I have learned is to keep my options open. I am sure that in a couple of years I'll be dreaming of the idyllic life in a Spanish village with a sunny terrace and lemon trees and to be honest, in this life we all need a dream to keep us going - bizarrely, at the moment my dream is to be in London!

Originally Posted by megmet

If that's all you get for starters and pudding....you must live in Marbella.

Here I often just have the starter and a coffee rather than the full menu, I've a good appetite but just can't manage to eat the full meal.

Originally Posted by jackytoo

Never had a good one in 15 years of living in Spain and that includes everywhere I have been in Spain. Not talking about quantity, quality too! Had adequate ones that's all. I don't doubt there are some decent ones but they are few and far between.

Originally Posted by bil

Depends on your definition of what is quality, and what is adequate. Round here the food is definitely campo, no Michelin cordon bleu, but tasty and filling.

Originally Posted by jackytoo

Never had a good one in 15 years of living in Spain and that includes everywhere I have been in Spain. Not talking about quantity, quality too! Had adequate ones that's all. I don't doubt there are some decent ones but they are few and far between.

Originally Posted by bil

what is adequate. Round here the food is definitely campo,

Originally Posted by whitelinen

That usually means a few lettuce leaves drowning in vile vinegar, the ringpiece of an unidentifiable origin and rice or 6 chips, followed by flan which in reality is not a flan but a watery apology of a creme caramel.

Originally Posted by jackytoo

Never had a good one in 15 years of living in Spain and that includes everywhere I have been in Spain. Not talking about quantity, quality too! Had adequate ones that's all. I don't doubt there are some decent ones but they are few and far between.

Originally Posted by whitelinen

That usually means a few lettuce leaves drowning in vile vinegar, the ringpiece of an unidentifiable origin and rice or 6 chips, followed by flan which in reality is not a flan but a watery apology of a creme caramel.

Originally Posted by bil

Why does this remind me of the guy who said "You can get a perfectly acceptable wine for 40 pounds......" ?

Originally Posted by The Oddities

Just come back from Cullera where we had a lovely menu del dia. I had a large mixed salad, fresh tuna, potatoes and red pepper followed by homemade cheesecake. OH had asparagus and jamon, fresh tuna etc and coffee (he is not allowed sweets). In other places we have paid as much for his asparagus and jamon as we did for the whole meal today.

Rosemary

Originally Posted by whitelinen

Just might take a ride down there next week, what is the name of the restaurant?