Spain Forum

Repatriation ?!

2011-12-18T22:25:53Z

It seems the Sunday Times published the following.

“THE BRITISH Foreign and Commonwealth Office is drawing up plans to evacuate thousands of British expatriates from Spain and Portugal in the event that their banking systems collapse, reports the Sunday Times.

The number of expats living in Spain has increased more than sixfold in the last decade with emigrants nows making up 12% of the population.

According to the paper, Foreign Office sources said it was planning for a “nightmare scenario” with thousands of penniless Britons sleeping at airports with no money and no means of getting home.

Among the contingency plans being discussed are sending planes, ships and coaches to evacuate expats.

It comes as credit rating agencies warn that the deal struck by EU leaders this month may not save the single currency from further turbulence and possible collapse.

The Treasury confirmed to the Times that plans to give emergency aid to Britons if eurozone banks collapse were being prepared but refused to give details.

The paper added that a senior Foreign Office source said the plans were being drawn up to deal with a worst case scenario. It is drawing on experiences of other mass evacuations, such as during the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel where the UK sent warships to evacuate expats from Lebanon.”

(Above courtesy of “Bri” on the other forum).

Weather!

2012-01-27T19:13:58Z

Does it feel colder this year in Spain, or is it just me? (live in inland Andlaucia).
The locals are saying that its not rained enough for the campo, but its raining now and perishing!!!

HELP!!! I have a leaky motorhome roof!!!

2011-11-23T15:17:39Z

We are wintering at the Camping Marjal site in Guardamar del Segura and my motorhome roof is leaking! Does anyone know of a motorhome/caravan repairer in the area???
Thanks

Lost Voting Rights

2011-10-25T22:28:12Z

You’d think that within the European Union at least, where the treaties between member states grant to all European citizens the right to live and work in any of the member states, this would also include the right to vote in national elections. However, we can only participate in municipal and European elections where we reside - in my case France- but there is no such right for national elections. I also find that I cannot vote in national elections in the UK either, the law as it stands denying the right to vote after a period of 15 years as a non-resident.
Now resident in Spain, James Preston having just lost his right to vote due to the 15 year rule, is so incensed that at his own risk of covering the costs of up to £20,000 should he lose, he is currently challenging the British Government in the high courts in London over this ruling.
Therefore, if you’ve been out of the UK since you were say 18 years old for 15 years or more you’d have lost your right to vote there from when you were 33.
You can find out more about the limits placed on our voting rights by listening to a podcast (posted on our Twitter account Voting_Rights) of an interview with Brian Cave, organiser of Pensioners Debout! which is a related campaign against the frozen pensions of expat British pensioners. More details can also be found on our Facebook page “Votes for expat Brits”.
What does the British expat community in Spain think about this issue of lost voting rights after 15 years away from the UK?
Rod

Thinking about glass curtains, read this

2012-01-02T14:05:52Z

Less than three years ago, I fitted glass curtains to the balcony of my apartment in Calpe. I had several companies quote, and chose Glass Curtains Costa Blanca S.L. with offices in Mijas and Catral because, their quote included i.v.a., they offered a very comprehensive 5 year warranty, they were au fait with Calpe Town Hall requirements, and they showed me around their factory in Catral. They said that they were the market leaders, and indeed, their Managing Director, Mr. Neil Ingram was credited by RTN with inventing the concept.

http://www.roundtownnews.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18192&Itemid=9

This summer the curtains developed a fault, and I telephoned the number on my invoice. The ‘phone was answered by Clear Glass Curtains who denied any knowledge of the company. I therefore sent an email to the address on my invoice, and received a reply, again from Clear Glass Curtains, denying any liability.

I have done some googling and it would appear that Glass Curtains Costa Blanca SL has disappeared without trace. However, the President of Clear Glass Curtains is Mark Ingram. I have sent Mr. Ingram two emails asking him to clarify the position but have received no reply.

I suspect that the previous company went into liquidation, or there was a management buy out. In any event, it would appear that my warranty is worthless. Does anyone know how I stand under Spanish Law?

A tricky predicament - I am hoping someone can offer some advice on an APPLICATION FOR A STUDENT VISA FOR SPAIN

2011-12-06T19:23:21Z

Greetings Expats!

I’ll keep it short and sweet for you all.

I have a two year working holiday visa for the United Kingdom but am currently traveling around Europe. After falling in love with Madrid on a recent trip there I am sure I DO NOT want to live in the UK and MOT DEFINITELY want to live in MADRID and study Spanish.

After reading up on applying for Student Visas for Spain I realised that you must apply at the consulate which services the area where you reside permanently. Being a nomad of late and all, I don’t really have one. If I had to choose a place it would be the UK as that is where I have my visa - but I do not have an address there. I guess I could rent a flat for the sole purpose of applying (anything is better than going all the way back to Australia to apply!)

Now I am wanting to know - because I have a UK visa - am I allowed to apply for a Spanish Student Visa at the Spanish embassy in the United Kingdom or do I have to go back to Australia and apply there?

Any information anyone could provide will be greatly appreciated.

I LOVE SPAIN!

Spanish swearing

2008-05-28T11:55:25Z

I’m curious as to how Spaniards swear, given that they use obscenities all the time anyway. You hear words like coño and joder even in fairly polite and formal contexts, and on family-oriented TV. So when I heard some words bleeped out in a Spanish programme recently I wondered just what they might be. What do Spaniards say when they really want to let rip, and what would a Spanish-speaker come out with if they were suffering from Tourette’s syndrome? Any thoughts? I’m sorry if this is a bit flippant, but I think it’s interesting…..

USB -WIFI

2010-06-13T03:00:02Z

I want to ditch my phone line but stay connected to the internet with a USB wifi connection (about 40 euros) - looks good on paper but does anyone have experience of these wireless devices? And any thoughts about the best coverage or deals (telefonica/Vodafone/Orange…)?

This should be cheaper than a fixed monthly line rental as well as being able to take it with you.

Thanks

Language Exchange - Downtown Madrid

2011-11-29T12:04:38Z

Hola,
somos un grupo de intercambio de idiomas, nos reunimos todos los jueves en Downtown Madrid, calle San Mateo, 21 - Metro Alonso Martinez.
Estamos desde las 18:00 horas hasta las 23:30, puedes venir a la hora que quieras o puedas .
Mapa: http://downtownmadrid.es/dondeestamos.html

Si quieres practicar tu español y conocer nuevos amigos, anímate y unete a nuestro grupo!!

Te esperamos!!!
un saludo
Gemma
idiomas at downtownmadrid dot es

************************************************
Hi,
we are a language exchange group, we meet every Thursday at Downtown Madrd, calle San Mateo, 21 - Metro Alonso Martinez.
We start at 18:00 until 23:30, you can come at Downtown Madrid whatever you want or can
Map: http://downtownmadrid.es/dondeestamos.html

If you want to improve your Spanish and meet new friends, you can join us!!!

See you!!!
Gemma
idiomas at downtowmadrid dot es

unemployment benefits if fired due to own fault

2011-11-19T14:23:00Z

I have not found the answer to this question in previous posts, So I started a new one: What if I am to be fired and it is kind of my own fault, i.e. I was fired because of mistakes, etc. Will I be eligible for unemployment benefits? (I would fulfill all the other requirements, registered in Spain and have worked for a couple of years) Any qualified info would be much appreciated.