30 Sep 2012 12:25 PM:

HARRY07 -

Re your mention of the possibility of taxing the perceived wealthy expats.

I am not sure what you are refering to in France and maybe you would care to expand on it. I would just say, however, that many years ago I was looking at property in Malta but was discouraged by their tax on foreigners buying on the island. The reason was different, not to necessarily raise money but rather to reduce the inflow of foreign property owners and prevent the island from becoming one huge building site. However, this tax was later repealed on Malta joining the EU, as being unlawful.

Under EU legislation, discrimination is OUT - certainly as regards citizens of member countries. Any attempt to bring in that sort of thing in Spain would quickly be annulled especially as Spain's finances are under the EU microscope.

 

Thread: What are your thoughts on Spain's economic crisis?

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30 Sep 2012 12:01 PM:

Here's another one with the potential for much embassment. In English we use a preservative to keep our food safe from deterioration. Just don't try the habitual trick of putting an "o" on the end of this one to try to translate it, as mention a "preservativo" and you'll be talking about  a "condom".

Not the sort of thing you want in your food nor to talk about to your son's spanish girlfriend, as happened to me one horrible mealtime when we were discussing food. Even for normally fluent spanish speakers, this can sometimes happen if you are not thinking clearly. To prevent any awkward moments, remember to use "conservativos" in your food!

Thread: Lighthearted thread about Bloopers in Spanish!

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04 Aug 2012 12:55 PM:

Having spent 20 years on the "Costas" and seen the huge changes there resulting in areas which have changed the character away from being essentially Spanish to being a European blend instead, I would suggest looking to the Atlantic coast. I am referring especially to Galicia. having moved here nearly 6 years ago.

The winters are not that cold on the Rias Baixas coast (Portugal to Muros) and there is a great deal more sunshine than in the UK. Winter rentals are inexpensive, certainly cheaper than the Costa del Sol etc and the people are some of the most friendly and helpful you'll find in Spain. You'll also find a huge amount of things to do, places to see, while enjoying the traditional excellent food and wines of Galicia. As you speak some Spanish, you won't have any language problems and many folks here speak other languages having worked abroad.

 

Thread: which place to spend winter

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09 Jun 2012 3:30 PM:

Sorry Alec01, this last was meant to be addressed to Maddiemack as answer to her original question. Anyway, hope that you too will be able to return to Spain soon!

Thread: How Are Things in Your Area?

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09 Jun 2012 1:48 PM:

alec01 - To answer your question "How are things in your area?" it really makes a big difference where in Spain you wish to visit. Obviously, big cities like Barcelona and Madrid are focus points for any protests, whereas the smaller towns are only infrequently involved. Protesters want media coverage so big crowds are essential. For the media, bad news improves their ratings and sells newspapers or gains advertisers. However, for the vast majority of those of us who live here in Spain, life goes on as normally as possible under the restraints of an economic recession.

If you are looking for peace and quiet with the opportunity to enjoy the best of the Spanish traditional way of life, then look to the more rural or northern areas of the country. We live in a coastal region of Galicia up in the north west of Spain where obviously the people suffer from the same economic problems as the rest of the country but where violence is very uncommon. True, bigger places like Vigo and Santiago de Compostela may have their occasional protests but not riots.

This area is a fantastic place in which to live and to visit. The people we have found to be more welcoming than in the South and since we previously spent 20 years on the Costa del Sol, we can properly compare the two regions. Galiciancuisine is legendary in Spain for its excellence with some of the best seafood available as well as very good locally produced meat and as for the wines, well if you've never tried a bottle of Albariño, then you haven't lived! As this is not a Mecca for foreign tourists, unless you are a pilgrim to the cathedral in Santiago, then you will find restaurants and shops that don't ever rip you off. This is an area that is popular for those from the big spanish cities like Madrid who want to get away from stress and crowds and have a really good holiday. There's plenty to see and do and there are many unspoilt and uncrowded beaches. As regards the weather it is nowhere near as bad as we had been told prior to coming here and although you might find some rain, it is not like soggy Britain. We have had many visitors in the last 5 years, and on rainy days one only has to go for a short drive usually to find some sunshine.

I can assure you that we still have plenty of bookings for our holiday cottage mainly coming from the UK or Malaga including repeat visitors. So take heart and come on out. The Spain you love is still there waiting for you if you just look in the right places. So back to your question - things in our area are fine - see you soon!

Thread: How Are Things in Your Area?

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