I don't think there is a general rule.
Most "guiris" speak little Spanish, but they have purchasing power.
So are we liked or just tolerated for our dinero?
A stereotypical "guiri" [source unknown]
I am a guiri - a Northern European immigrant to Spain - but I do not fit the stereotype of a sunburnt person who wears sandals with socks, a "kiss-me-quick" hat, and totally inappropriate clothing, who speaks only English (or German) ever more loudly, in order to be understood.
"Guiris" have a well-deserved bad reputation, in my opinion.
And .....- ?
I am different, I hope.
I speak fluent Spanish and I didn't immigrate to Spain for the sun, sand and sangria.
I moved to this country because I loved the people, the lifestyle, the relative lack of stress and the low cost of living.
[Photo courtesy of Secret Serrania]
My story
I first came to Spain aged 20 to spend my year abroad, a compulsory part of a university languages degree. I was sent to San Sebastian (Guipuzkoa) in 1970. Franco was still alive (BTW a worse war criminal than Adolf Hitler) so it wasn't looking promising.
Bay of La Concha, San Sebastian [Civitatis]
But I was fascinated with this slightly backward country with no video shops, with chaperones, little western influence and no contraception.
When my girlfriend from university visited me she spotted straightaway that I felt at home in the Spanish environment.
We later married, by the way, had two children, travelled extensively in Spain and bought two properties in Ronda (Malaga).
After 30 years together, however, it all unravelled. I had a nervous breakdown, was made redundant from my job as a schools adviser/inspector and got divorced. It was 2005 and I was not in a good place.
Puente Nuevo, Ronda [Fenix]
But, Spain, in particular Ronda, rescued me.
Now 20 years later, I am a Spanish resident, I am re-married, have a great house and a vibrant social life.
Franco has been dead for 50 years and is a disgraced figure.
Spain is one of the most advanced and sophisticated democracies in Europe and the economy is booming under the socialist government of Pedro Sanchez, a formidable, likeable, and English-speaking politician prominent on the European and world stage.
Villa Indiana, Ronda [A1]
© Pablo de Ronda (Paul Whitelock)
Pictures:
A1, Civitatis, Fenix, Secret Serrania
Acknowledgements:
Pablo de Ronda, Paul Whitelock,
Tags:
A1, Civitatis, Fenix, Franco, Guipuzkoa, Pablo de Ronda, Paul Whitelock, Plaza de toros, Puente Nuevo, San Sebastian, Secret Serrania