Family moving to Costa Blanca - Page 2

I did not mean to mislead you - I myself have not lived here during 50 years, although my mother has never been back to Uk. At the period when we came, the whole situation was different and my parents sent me back - kicking and screaming! - to UK for both school and later to live and work. My husband and I came back some while ago, partly because my mother is now in her 90s. Anyway, that is of no interest to you! However, yes, I do think people come here with unfortunate impressions - easy lifestyle, cheap, life in the sun etc etc. It may have been like that once, but the recession hit here also and there is a great deal of unemployment. Those who came here with unrealistic expectations - ie that they were going to be able to walk into a job and the Spanish were going to be grateful to them have been sadly disillusioned. So I think many of those people have gone back. The ones who have stayed have worked very hard, usually started their own businesses - in truth mainly catering to the expat community, ie builders etc - complied with all legal requirements, and dont expect to make huge sums of money. Or they are wealthy and travel back and forth as they see fit; or in contrast, like us, are older and retired. As far as a device culture - dont think that it doesn’t exist here, Spain is one of the most connected societies and the use of WhatsApp is ubiquitous, everyone is just as tied to their phones etc here as in Uk!!!!! I do also think that as they get older, many people do feel isolated, especially if they live in more rural areas. It is essential that you learn Spanish to a reasonable level, whilst many Spanish people have a command of English, after all, why should they?!! From speaking to people younger than myself, who were brought here as children or early teens, being placed into the Spanish schooling system was incredibly difficult and they have all felt that they suffered. The reason being of course that they had effectively no command of the language for a considerable period so had no idea what was being expected of them and o concessions were made. I think children who perhaps went into education here from the beginning - ie pre-school age, probably dealt with it better - than those who were uprooted half way through their education. I do know that some children have done very well and learnt easily, but do believe that those are the exception. Yes, I probably am cautious, but know of too may people struggling and would urge you to get serious backing for your venture - the previous post re Spanish unlikely to use your facility is, I think, true.

Anyway, all for now, please don’t hesitate to pm me if you want to speak further or privately, willing to help if I can.

Thanks so much, all your feedback is greatly appreciated.

It doesn't surprise me what you have said about the devices.. bloody things!