The Basics Repeated

Anyone moving to Spain to work, rest or play should ask the fundamental question – why? If it is due to an enthusiasm for the country, then whatever the length of stay, great. If the move is based on negative reasons, say because of unhappiness with life in Britain, or working in the wrong job, or in the wrong relationship, or whatever, it may not work out. Transplanting the problem to another country may not be the solution, and the undoubted pressures of moving may make things worse. Don’t move because of an enjoyable fortnight’s sunbathing in Calpe and thoughts of an extended vacation drinking large gin and tonics. Really ask why. If the good weather and a relaxed time are the reasons, this is not enough, because in Spain the weather is sometimes cold and it is often not relaxed. Spain has disadvantages as well as the advantages, which surprises some people as they think it is all sweetness and light. It isn’t – but then nowhere is.

Make sure of something to do – hobbies and interests if retired, or a definite job or business if younger. Many people drift from job to job, spend too much time in bars and drink too much. Do not idealise life in Spain. It isn’t perfect and, if employed, it may be necessary to work harder for less money than back home. Do your homework if you have children and think long and hard about how the move will affect them. People considering retirement should do a lot of research before leaving the UK. How much will it cost to live? Don’t imagine there will be any state handouts, and be prepared only for lots of self help.

For those taking up permanent residence, try living in coastal, rural and urban environments to see which suits best. Strangely few people try northern Spain as it does not come with wall to wall sunshine, and fewer still try Spain’s cities.

Former inhabitants of large built-up areas such as London may miss the buzz of big city living: those accustomed to big-city facilities, attractions and culture will find seaside towns and rural areas dull.

Rent before you buy. Try to rent in the area of Spain you are intending to live in for at least a year before deciding to buy. You need to see it throughout the year, in good weather and bad, when it’s full of tourists and when it’s not, to decide if it is for you.

It almost goes without saying; foreigners will find it much easier to integrate if they learn the language. You don’t have to become an expert, but you should try to learn enough to conduct a basic conversation. A lot of Spaniards can speak English and once neighbours discover that you are able to speak some Spanish, friendly greetings occur. Try to build relationships with Spanish people as well as with other foreigners. In the first instance some Spaniards can appear quite reserved and reluctant to talk. Perseverance is necessary.

Become accustomed to the authorities and the way they work. Even the simplest task can sometimes become very complicated and difficult for no obvious reasons. Why does the washing machine engineer need four visits? Why is it necessary to keep visiting the bank? Why are five forms required when one would do? Some things take a long time to accomplish, but they usually do get done. Learning to accept this is an important part of settling into life in Spain.

Climate

The principal reason why people go to Spain is the climate. The country sells itself on its sunshine. Sunshine has a beneficial psychological effect and has a big influence on lifestyle. More time is spent outdoors, meaning life is more active, sporty and sociable. Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be taken outdoors on a sheltered terrace, even in winter.

Summers in the UK are delightful. Summers in Spain are very hot – too hot really. It is fine for a two week holiday, but for a permanent resident a whole summer in Spain is very tiring. An ironical situation occurs when tourists flock to Spain during July and August and Spain’s new resident foreigners go back home to escape the searing heat.

And there is the wind. Wind that blows hard from the sea every summer’s afternoon! The Costa del Sol was formerly called the Costa del Viento, (the windy coast) but it was renamed ‘the sunny coast’ by clever marketing officials. As the old name suggests, the coast can get very windy, although not as windy as the area around Tarifa and the Costa de la Luz. It is so windy there if you don’t find adequate shelter on the beaches you end up getting sand-blasted.

Property is not designed for cold weather. Spanish homes are great in the summer and keep out the heat very efficiently, but in the winter they are like fridges. North-facing properties, open plan, marble floors and air bricks results in the need to wear several sweaters. Heating and air conditioning are now seen as necessary aids to year round living.

The climate isn’t as good as many visitors think. When the winter weather is warm and dry, then great, but it can be cool and wet for weeks, too. It is possible to see people wearing vests and shorts in a stiff breeze and squally rain, seemingly unwilling to accept it can ever be anything but warm and sunny. It can be odd to see winter tourists on the beach in swimsuits while locals and ex-pats huddle in coats.