John Gardner
@Writerman
Scottish expat in Spain
Forum posts
40
Contacts
1
About me
Scottish
Lives in Roquetas de Mar
Speaks English, French, some Spanish
Registration: 20 November 2013
First impressions after moving to Spain by Diksha
Hello everyone, You probably have vivid memories of your first weeks as an expat in Spain. Indeed, moving to a new country is a milestone in someone’s life. Today, we invite you to share with the community how you experienced your first ...
Great weather! Smiles, happy faces and the country is open - unlike France which is closed most of the time. That's the good bit. After 7 years of living here, here's the bad bit. Spain is corrupt from top to bottom in everything! It is ... Read More
How do you navigate your expat identity in Spain? by Anne-Lise Mty
Hey guys in Spain or wanting to move there, Fellow expat Stephanie has sent us a piece about how she navigates between her British-ish and her French-ish identity and we thought we would share it with you. Her opinion piece is featured on our ...
Short answer, yes. Three entirely different cultures at work: French, British, Spanish. As Andyviola wrote, when they simply talk they shout. It's in the blood. Try being in a car and holding a conversation with a Spanish male. It's utterly ... Read More
With wrong attitude by Carlozz
Watched some time ago Great Escapers tv series. British expats moved to Spain " to make some money in the sun". By all means, there is nothing wrong with that. But, when Brits arrive here for serving only other Brits, that is a bit ...
You are right Carlozz. I have heard English people boasting that they have lived here for more than fifteen years and have no need to speak Spanish! Their sole command of the language appears to centre round ordering beers. These people want Little ... Read More
Sense of humour in Spain by Bhavna
Hello everyone, Should we set out to explore Spanish聮s culture through its sense of humour? Indeed, if one is planning to settle in the country, it is best to understand the cultural codes governing humour in order to avoid any faux-pas. What ...
Culebronchris, you are spot on. Those sayings and twists of words do not compute at all in Spain. Fortunately I learned this early on. I had had a really frustrating day trying to get my sun loungers to bits to oil them and I told my guests that ... Read More
Sense of humour in Spain by Bhavna
Hello everyone, Should we set out to explore Spanish聮s culture through its sense of humour? Indeed, if one is planning to settle in the country, it is best to understand the cultural codes governing humour in order to avoid any faux-pas. What ...
Andyviola, not in my neck of the woods they don't. It is not part of their culture. I think the oppressive mantle of religion prevents it. They have to think in prescribed boxes as dictated by their religion. Not really helpful. The situation in ... Read More
Sense of humour in Spain by Bhavna
Hello everyone, Should we set out to explore Spanish聮s culture through its sense of humour? Indeed, if one is planning to settle in the country, it is best to understand the cultural codes governing humour in order to avoid any faux-pas. What ...
As a man who has spent many years creating humour I see differences, as there are in every country and region - everywhere. Humour in Spain is I think quite childish. Simple. Like their advertising. In my experience it is better to signal that you ... Read More
Dealing with loneliness in Spain by Priscilla
Hello, Expatriation can be a fun and exciting adventure, but it can also be a bit lonely at times. Please share with us some tips for dealing with loneliness. What are some potential factors that lead to loneliness when moving to Spain? How ...
Culebronchris, you don't think that based on what research or evidence? An opinion? Opinions are not valid measuring tools. Read More
Dealing with loneliness in Spain by Priscilla
Hello, Expatriation can be a fun and exciting adventure, but it can also be a bit lonely at times. Please share with us some tips for dealing with loneliness. What are some potential factors that lead to loneliness when moving to Spain? How ...
Johncar, I am not giving you my opinion, I am letting you know what the euro stats reveal. These are hard figures and not an opinion based on my personal experience although in my personal experience we have been robbed twice. My wife's handbag ... Read More
Dealing with loneliness in Spain by Priscilla
Hello, Expatriation can be a fun and exciting adventure, but it can also be a bit lonely at times. Please share with us some tips for dealing with loneliness. What are some potential factors that lead to loneliness when moving to Spain? How ...
Unfortunately there is no simple answer. The Spanish are very family oriented and don't really admit strangers into their circle and certainly not into their home until you have known them for a year or more. They are genuinely afraid of people ... Read More
How to save money in Spain by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Did you plan your budget before your move to Spain? If so, how did you go about it? How do you save money in your day to day life? Do you find there are any areas where you can't cut costs? Do you have any tips about saving ...
Easy, limit electricity use! Cook by gas; heat your water by gas or solar; checking your fridge door seal is in good condition and use the 30 minute programme on your washing machine for day to day cleaning. Use one of the many phone providers ... Read More
Your best business development ideas in Spain by Priscilla
Hi everyone, As a foreign entrepreneur, launching a business in Spain is a fantastic project and an exciting challenge. Some ideas are likely to succeed. Some others are promising but may not work as well as intended. In your opinion, what ...
Spain is fairly well catered for in the big cities, like most countries, and in the coastal and rural areas they have developed businesses and systems that work for them. Their major failings, in my unfortunate experience, are in hospital treatment, ... Read More
Are you happy in Spain? by Priscilla
Hello everyone! According to the 2016 UN World Happiness Survey, Denmark, Switzerland and Iceland are the happiest countries on earth. How about you? Are you happy in Spain? Do you feel happier today in your host country than before in your ...
Paperdetective, you have my sympathies. We lived in France like this for 8 years, except they were in bed by 9.30 and the town was deader than charity in a tax collector's heart by 7pm. Never again! Each area in Spain is different so find a ... Read More
Are you happy in Spain? by Priscilla
Hello everyone! According to the 2016 UN World Happiness Survey, Denmark, Switzerland and Iceland are the happiest countries on earth. How about you? Are you happy in Spain? Do you feel happier today in your host country than before in your ...
I echo the thoughts of DhBahiya as we too lived in France for several years but the xenophobia, inflexibility of attitudes and systems driven by what can only be called institutionalised madness finally drove us out. France has changed! In Spain we ... Read More
Customer care in Spain by Priscilla
Hello everyone, The way customer services are handled can greatly affect your views on certain brands, products, companies or stores. As a consumer, it is important to get familiar with local practices regarding client assistance in Spain and try ...
It's an interesting topic. Well done Priscilla for bringing it up. My own experience, having worked in 14 countries and visited 23, is that Spain is well ahead of many. I find it hard to believe anyone could have been given better service ... Read More
Customer care in Spain by Priscilla
Hello everyone, The way customer services are handled can greatly affect your views on certain brands, products, companies or stores. As a consumer, it is important to get familiar with local practices regarding client assistance in Spain and try ...
Culebronchris has hit it pretty well on the head. Where I live service is generally of a decent standard with one exception - Leroy Merlin, the French owned giant. I tried returning wood that, as soon as it was released from the packet, very badly ... Read More
Newbie- Buying and moving to Spain- by moiragleeson
Hi Everyone- I am in the early stages of this journey- Researching at the moment- Looking at areas to buy in southern Spain - somewhere near an airport that flies to Dublin- Probably need an agent that speaks English and will advise me regarding ...
Tracy, how long is a piece of string? There is a wealth of lovely places but it depends on whether you like the mountains or the sea. I live in Roquetas de Mar which has all of the things you require plus a big medical centre. The ex-pats tend to ... Read More
Newbie- Buying and moving to Spain- by moiragleeson
Hi Everyone- I am in the early stages of this journey- Researching at the moment- Looking at areas to buy in southern Spain - somewhere near an airport that flies to Dublin- Probably need an agent that speaks English and will advise me regarding ...
So sad. Unfortunately Spain is the number one country for theft in all of Europe. It is clearly genetic and should be an intolerable blight on such a beautiful and peaceful country. However, part of the problem is that so many members of both the ... Read More
Dealing with emergency situations in Spain by Priscilla
Hello everybody, Dealing with unexpected situations abroad can be a very difficult matter. In order to better help expats and soon-to-be expats in Spain face such tricky situations, we invite you to share your advice and experience. What are ...
I think the first thing to understand is that things do not work the same in Spain as the U.K. Accept that in Spain some things work and generally work well and some things don't. So for some practical advice - if you have an emergency in the ... Read More
Finding a decent garage.
Bhavna, Good idea except for the fact that I cannot complete your form! I don't know the e-mail address of this garage, I have a name, an address and a phone number. Garages don't tend to do business on the Internet. The nature of the work ... Read More
Finding a decent garage.
Having been around 7 garages in the area of Roquetas de Mar I was struck by the poor diagnostic ability and greed of the owners. The VW main agent is dreadful! Finally I found a garage that sorted my problem and did not attempt to rip me off. If ... Read More
Newbie- Buying and moving to Spain- by moiragleeson
Hi Everyone- I am in the early stages of this journey- Researching at the moment- Looking at areas to buy in southern Spain - somewhere near an airport that flies to Dublin- Probably need an agent that speaks English and will advise me regarding ...
Hi Moira, I think you have had some good advice. I read you are going to hire a car and tour around, a very good idea.One thing to remember - never as in ever leave anything that someone might think is valuable in plain site in the car. That ... Read More
Newbie- Buying and moving to Spain- by moiragleeson
Hi Everyone- I am in the early stages of this journey- Researching at the moment- Looking at areas to buy in southern Spain - somewhere near an airport that flies to Dublin- Probably need an agent that speaks English and will advise me regarding ...
Hi Moira, Have you considered renting for a year before you buy? That way you can get the feel of an area and if it doesn't suit, move on. Hitting the bullseye with the first throw, while possible, is difficult because Spain is such a diverse ... Read More
Environmental protection in Spain by Kenjee
Hi, Environmental protection is a challenging issue for all the countries around the world. Would you say this issue is deemed of significance in Spain? Is the country going green through initiatives like waste management and selective sorting ...
DhBahiya, It is not about what laws exist it's about what is actually enforced. Ever heard of anyone being fined for dog poo? That's why the pavements remain a poofield. As with many things in Spain, it fairly well depends on where you ... Read More
Environmental protection in Spain by Kenjee
Hi, Environmental protection is a challenging issue for all the countries around the world. Would you say this issue is deemed of significance in Spain? Is the country going green through initiatives like waste management and selective sorting ...
Kenjee, You have raised an interesting subject and I will answer your points one by one. Yes, by certain bodies, but not by the population as a whole. Witness the rubbish on every square meter of land and the fact they put plastic bottle in with ... Read More
New members of the Spain forum, introduce yourself here 聳 1st quarter of 2016 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Spain forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Yep! I'm with you. All comments give somebody information. Isn't that the point? Read More
New members of the Spain forum, introduce yourself here 聳 1st quarter of 2016 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Spain forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Ah, 6 is good and 36 is bad! It's in descending order. Why Spain? health reasons. I need dry heat. Simple. Every country has it's warts, what you have to work out is which warts you can tolerate. There is no effective deterrent in Spain for ... Read More
New members of the Spain forum, introduce yourself here 聳 1st quarter of 2016 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Spain forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Patryka, What a wonderful story! I suppose you will want to go see where your family came from and that may decide where you move to. Spain has great cities and a wonderful coastline. I suppose the most important thing for you is, are you a sunshine ... Read More
New members of the Spain forum, introduce yourself here 聳 1st quarter of 2016 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Spain forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Hello! Well, such an upbeat post! I love your philosophy of life. We only get one shot at it so make the most of every day. Be happy every day, make someone else happy every day and give your smiles away, they are of no use to you. Pity we are so ... Read More
New members of the Spain forum, introduce yourself here 聳 1st quarter of 2016 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Spain forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Good to read such positive postings from all over the globe! See, people are decent, it's just the politicians who cock it up! Out of interest, Britain is now reckoned to sit at tenth place with Germany and Luxembourg in the global corruption ... Read More
The other side of the Spanish postcard by Julien
Hi, As a tourist in a foreign country, very often, we are enchanted with what we discover. Living abroad is different. It's a rich experience but there are also some difficulties to face. When people ask me for advice on living abroad, I ...
Dear romperstomper 1 what is so sad is your bitterness. Both my wife and I are retired but enjoy working. My point was, if the UK did not suit you, which it clearly does not, and you are here in Spain, by choice I assume, why not get on with what is ... Read More
The other side of the Spanish postcard by Julien
Hi, As a tourist in a foreign country, very often, we are enchanted with what we discover. Living abroad is different. It's a rich experience but there are also some difficulties to face. When people ask me for advice on living abroad, I ...
You're very welcome campogirl. I have worked in 14 countries and all I ever did was just do my best to communicate what I was trying to get across and it worked - everywhere. Communication comes from your head, your heart and your soul. Once you ... Read More
The other side of the Spanish postcard by Julien
Hi, As a tourist in a foreign country, very often, we are enchanted with what we discover. Living abroad is different. It's a rich experience but there are also some difficulties to face. When people ask me for advice on living abroad, I ...
Romperstomper1, do you actually believe that a benefit, such as Winter Fuel Allowance whose purpose is to help pensioners in the UK absorb high winter heating costs, should be paid to ex-pats living in countries where conditions do not warrant it? ... Read More
The other side of the Spanish postcard by Julien
Hi, As a tourist in a foreign country, very often, we are enchanted with what we discover. Living abroad is different. It's a rich experience but there are also some difficulties to face. When people ask me for advice on living abroad, I ...
Campogirl, in France you are invited into people's home because they have an agenda. I lived there for almost 9 years and the moment I let everyone know I had to go to Spain for health reasons the phone stopped ringing and there were no more dinner ... Read More
The other side of the Spanish postcard by Julien
Hi, As a tourist in a foreign country, very often, we are enchanted with what we discover. Living abroad is different. It's a rich experience but there are also some difficulties to face. When people ask me for advice on living abroad, I ...
I think the overriding thing for me has been happy, smiling faces. The Spanish are for sure having their troubles but they smile through it. Makes being here more pleasurable. We came here from France where the degree of torn-faced daily misery ... Read More
Short film
Hello! I have a short comedy film script I would like to produce. Anyone interested in helping as crew or actors? Contact me if you want more details. Read More