Is any body else struggling after the move from the uk, not being able to see family?

Feeling the same way up here Natalie, it's a year now since I've seen my son in England. I'm also missing my sisters in Scotland and I wasn't even able to go back for my mum's funeral in May, had to watch it on a webcam.

Denia isn't too depressing at the moment as it's a busier Spanish working town than Moraira. I was in Moraira a couple of weeks ago and it was sad to see it so quiet.

But stay positive, there's light at the end of the tunnel, things will get better eventually. Not sure how long you've been in Moraira, I think it's a lovely town but because it's so dependent on Spanish and overseas visitors it's difficult right now. 

Keep your chin up!

Steve

Thanks so much Steve, I’ve been to Denia it reminded me a bit of a city like London, do you like it there?how do you find it?

I really like Denia and I agree it does feel a bit metropolitan when you drive in, but when you explore it not so much. It's a little like Moraira just a lot bigger (winter poulation 42000) It has 2 great Marinas, excellent shops, restaurants and bars, and a lovely old town beneath the castle. It does get a lot of tourism but it doesn't dominate like it does in Javea.

I live in a small town about ten minutes inland. 8 bars and restaurants!

I've known Moraira for about 30 years from when I was married and we had a holiday home in Altea. Moraira was actually my first choice location to retire to but I couldn't find what I wanted and found somewhere just up the coast instead.

I don't know how long you've been there but if you've moved only recently don't judge the town too harshly because it'll come back to life soon enough. There's talk in Madrid about allowing some domestic tourists before the summer is out.

It's a tough time for everyone, and most of us are missing loved ones. It can be difficult to be chirpy every day especially with the bars closed up at the moment! 

Steve

We have been  living in France for several years and our children visit regularly. We haven’t seen them now for well over a year because of covid. It is definitely hard wherever you are living and who would have thought anything like this could happen and still be like this a year later. 

Two of our children both super fit and healthy contracted covid  last March, both quite seriously . Our youngest daughter who was taken to hospital several times , unfortunately,   is severely debilitated with long covid . To not be there for when she thought she was dying was horrendous. My 92 year old mother died suddenly in October and  I was not able to get back for her funeral , like another member on here. .  We have been self isolating here in France since we rushed back mid March last year from la Mata .  

I think it has been a terrible year for us all. But we must be thankful that we are currently safe and well . Thank goodness for FaceTime or the likes , to keep us in daily contact and hope once the vaccine is rolled out we can all see our loved ones soon and also get back to sunny Spain as soon as it is safe. 

I hope you feel less lonely and isolated when you realise everyone is struggling during this pandemic. It’s only natural. Stay safe and well and just be thankful for the beautiful climate you are enjoying . Winter has been so cold , wet and dull in France . We look at the forecast every day in La Mata , as we normally spend 12 weeks there during the winter, so are quite envious of you who are currently there. Once this is over you will find somewhere perfect and have no regrets . 

Kind regards to you both. Sheila 

I am so missing seeing my family in the UK, I have missed my brothers 60th birthday, my niece is expecting her first child in June. 

I last saw my family in December 2019, this is a cruel virus stopping us seeing our families and friends.

Just be thankful that you still have your good health.   I often think these days how difficult it was to keep in close touch with our families just a few years ago.   Nowadays we have WhatsApp, Messenger, Zoom, and many more ways of keeping in touch (and in view) with our families and friends.   Having lost my husband just over 5 years ago I cannot believe how quickly those years have passed by.   I keep myself occupied (not busy!!!) by doing a little housework, a bit of shopping now and then, cooking meals and eating them, reading (I do a lot of this), watching tv, playing sudoku, speaking to (and sometimes viewing) family and friends, the internet is a godsend these days (whatever did we do before it was available to use at home?).    I also keep up to date with any rules and regulations about this horrible virus via the N332 Facebook page (they have been advising us of such things since March last year).

Try not to dwell on your feeling of loneliness.   The mind can be controlled if you don't feel sorry for yourself and get on with enjoying the many things that are available, even when you are by yourself.   I have learnt to enjoy being by myself.

The main thing that I miss is having my two or three times a year visits to the Costa del Sol (where I left my late husband's ashes - his favourite place) and having some lovely days in the resort that I visit, seeing many friends that we made over the years and having some wonderful meals in the restaurants by and in the resort.   The other thing that I am currently missing is my once or twice a week visits to a nearby village in order to have coffee and a chat with some lovely friends.

Take care and chin up!

It is hard, I don't think any of us imagined it would still be the big problem it is.

We moved near Torrevieja 4 years ago this week. Have loved it, saw plenty of family and it was so easy to pop back and forth.

During.my mum's last month's, I went every few weeks.

I did manage a visit last August.....had to quarantine for 2 weeks but then went wedding dress shopping with my daughter. Lovely time.

Her wedding is booked for June, I have another grandchild due in April.

It's horrible not knowing what the rules will be and having lots of sleepless nights.

As others say, the internet is a marvel. Now able to read books with my little granddaughters using an app. Lovely to interact with them more fully than just with video chat.

I keep reminding myself that I wouldn't be seeing them if we hadn't moved....

Take care, this will end!!

Hi Natalie,

You've struck a chord - for me I can manage the day to day restrictions and in a funny way am enjoying the calmer pace of life, but it's so so hard not seeing close family members. In case it's of interest to you and any other women reading this, I have a free Facebook group for women called 'Calm, Confident and Resilient' which you're very welcome to join:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/197617747966592

Take care, 

Rose

I will definitely give this a try. Thank you for posting . 💐