03 Jun 2013 10:31 PM:

Hi,

In a similar position, only difference is we have had a house Nr Nerja for some 8 years which we have been using for holidays. Cost of living even on the Costa del Sol does differ. Marbella area is very expensive compared to the east stretch. example a couple of years ago, we went to our house with friends for a visit, a round of 4 drinks in a good bar restaurant was then about 12 to 15 euro depending on the round, on returning to the UK I was back within 2 weeks but on business with a group and the same round of drinks in a Marbella Bar was 4 times the cost. Also house costs are cheaper, plus you are still only 40 mins from Malaga Airport.

We are now packing up in the UK and making the move permanent, yes we are selling up as we want to make it work in Spain. I feel if you are serious about you have to do that, and throw yourself into the way of life fully. But that said, having the house for some time we have seen things in Sunshine, in Rain, and even in a thick fog of sand dust. We visited in holiday time when things are busy, and in the winter when its almost empty of visitors.

The only other point I would make, and this is from experience from a family member who moved to Almeria some years ago, don't just surround yourself with Ex-pats. I know you need we all need friends who talk our own language, but my relations lived on an English enclave, only shopped in English owned shops, and only went to  English owned Restaurants. Never bothered to learn even a word of Spanish. The first sight of Illness, on being released from hospital they ran home. Unable to cope with having to deal with the Spanish lifestyle or people.

Hope this helps

Thread: Advice Please wanted, Thinking of moving to spain Marbella area or Alicante , or other but unsure and need advice

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03 Jun 2013 10:11 PM:

Hi.

Just joined  tonight.

We have a house Nr Competa, which we are planning to move to full time over the summer.

We have a little internet business which we can take with us and will cover some day to day costs.

However, the other one o us will need to find some sort of work even if only over the summer, we have over 30 years travel experience, so could work summers for incoming holiday makers for a tour operator.

We will really only need living costs as we will not have a mortgage.

Does anyone have any ideas or helpful tips on what we can do and what we need to do. We are also looking at a self drive van or the items we are taking with us, as the house in Spain is already partly furnished out. We are really open to any kind of work, and hours don't really bother us. Over the years  when we started our own business in the UK, we also worked in Hotels, restaurants and bars till all hours just to live. We know we are starting all over again, just this time we know what we are aiming for.

Any other suggestions that would make the move a little less stressful would be very appreciated please. We will also need a new group of friends, although we have made a few over the years we have had the house, when over or holidays etc. we do need to brush up on my schoolboy Spanish, maybe join a garden club, as help with the plot is required, along with just having people we can have some fun with and start enjoying life. after all we are not getting any younger. So anyone who knows of any groups not just English but local ones as well please.

 

Many thanks

TEB

 

 

Thread: Help needed please

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