Introduction

Hi...

Refugee from EOS perchance?

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Moderator / Admin

Hello Foxbat:
Glad to see you used the word "refugee". LOL I think I won't be the only "refugee" you will be welcoming.
War zones are to be avoided...

Patricia

hi there Patricia welcome to the forum

candytao this is Introductions part the fourm and not you place to have live link to you shop ,
your post has been EDITED < READ THE RULES
you fine on your links on ur post

jurdy

jurdyr.. re candytao... just more Chinese Spam... post deleted as totally irrelevant to this forum.

Campana...

Welcome,

EOS has become far to aggressive and abrasive of late. Far too many 'keyboard warriors'...A good percentage of recent new members have no idea of sentence construction, spelling and/or punctuation or even how to use a keyboard. If they cannot master their own native language how are they ever going to cope with la Lengua Espanol?
Short answer is of course they cannot and will not and will be forever dependant upon others.

fb

Thank you, Fox.
I agree entirely with your assessment of the EOS situation. I am unable to understand the unpleasantness, which seems to be confined to a few. Yet these snide and often vitriolic individuals are not moderated.
There are good posters who have left - Orinoco, for example, and Hammersfan too. Obviously there are quite a few members who are fearful of posting, so the exchanges of "views" on the forum is confined to the "usual suspects".

A pity.

Best wishes
Patricia

Just a quick hello to everyone. I'll get around to posting a little more later on. Been busy, and isn't it good to have work!

Patricia

Hi and welcome back!

Gave up work a few years ago when my boss decided to offer voluntary redundancy / early retirement to half the workforce. Didn't really have a choice though! Like it or lump it... Used the redundancy money and some commuted company pension to buy this little village house in Spain. Gave Tony Blair and the UK the same options that my boss gave me...didn't get a reply though!

fb

Thanks, Foxbat. You are always kind.

Your village life sounds good to me! I suppose you might not have thought so at the time but the redundancy happened to push you in another direction you might not otherwise have taken. Do you think so? I certainly have found during life that an event which we did not want to happen and against which we struggled turned out to be all for the best, and indeed opened a different and better door. Life is strange! LOL.

Have a good week-end.
Best wishes
Patricia.

I am delighted to see that around 200 people have "peeked" in on my introduction, but are they all so coy that they have nothing to say to me LOL.

Best to everyone
Patricia

there lot off looker in ere ,

Heh heh. Expect you mean a lot of lurkers. I suppose some of them may be my "fans" from elsewhere . Heh heh

Patricia

This is much more of an advice bureau than a lot of other forums with more of an international following.

People on here generally ask questions that they need answers to and usually get straightforward advice or at least a pointer in the right direction.

It is not, as you have so obviously gathered a social forum (or should that be anti-social?)!

Just now and again there might be a discussion point raised and people let off steam a little but we tend not to support the backbiting, whining that is so typical of such a lot of other purely Brit expat forums...!

Problem is of course that once someone has the answer they need they tend to disappear never to be seen again!

The site was being heavily spammed by Chinese, Indian and Pakistani commercial sites recently and this unfortunately drove away some of the regular contributors.

fb

Good for you Foxbat. I am glad to know you do not encourage the whining, sniping and general ill-feeling on other expat forums. Maybe those site owers think the virtual "cage-fighting" will draw the crowds. I don't understand it at all.
Not to mention the "resident buffoon" that these sites tend to keep on board to ratchet things up when things start to be civilized and normal.




Patricia

Hello Foxbat:

Hope you and everyone are all keeping well. Gearing up for Christmas?!

Some have such a lovely Christmas spirit, don't you think?!

Some individual called "Penny" , who evidently must stalk me and is probably rather deranged, posted this on a blog ("Granny's" writer's blog over on the other forum):
I had posted a message to "Granny" n her blog thanking her for a kind message of hers to me.

So this is what "Penny" wrote:

"All I can say, Campana, is many are very glad YOU have stopped posting, what a thoroughly nasty cow you are! "

Patricia

Back in the early nineties, BBC Radio Solent used to have a morning chat show / listener phone in programme, hosted by a particularly strident female announcer who has since gone on to greater things with the National Beeb. She would take as her subject of the day any subject that was bound to polarise the listeners, take a particular stance on the subject and work it to death before throwing open the mic. lines to her listeners. All good stuff except that if the particular listener who was 'Live on Air', took an opposing view to hers, she would quickly make some derogatory statement, and then cut them off in mid sentence... her attitude was always something along the lines of "You can have any opinion you like, but if it isn't the same as mine you are not going to voice it on my show."

The censorship board is alive and well on that other forum, along with those who have absolutely no idea of grammar, spelling, punctuation or the use of a keyboard...

fb

Thanks Foxbat.

I agree fully with what you say. A lot of incoherence LOL.

I quite enjoyed the few things that "Granny/Aspiring Writer" put up over there on her blog. However - oh, horror!! - she posted a short story which contained a not at all lurid "rape scene", a couple of sentences. The latter day "Mary Whitehouses" complained, and as far as I can see the story is no longer up there. They felt it was "not suitable" for such a (genteeel?!) site. I mean, how RIDICULOUS can you get.
What a small world some inhabit.......

Best wishes
Patricia

Wishing everyone a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. Let us hope the New Year brings all we could wish for.
Salud y suerte to people of good will everywhere.

Patricia

two all on the fourm , happy new year for 2012 , and let it be better one , again thanks all that help out with the Forum , with your postting
Jurdy

kailystree...

Hi and welcome...

Do yourself a big favour... remove the totally irrelevant signature link; it's SPAM.

This forum is for matters relating to Spain not Tennessee.

If it is still there in 12 hours the post will be deleted and a ban placed on further postings from your IP.

fb
Mod / Admin

I removed her account Foxbat. :)

> Hi...

Refugee from EOS perchance?

fb

Moderator / Admin


Hello to everyone:

Heh heh, Foxbat. Isn't there a lot of truth in the old Arab saying: "Sit long enough at your own front door and you will see your enemy's body (funeral) being carried past."

The tide is turning against the "enraged" brigade, over there. It did make me smile. :coolgrin:

I suppose you have all heard that there will be a Place in the Sun at Earls Court end of this month?

Best wishes
Patricia

Nice to see a lot of people looked in on my "introduction". LOL.

I've lived in Spain forever (although I do go back and forth to my own country, Ireland, more so in recent times).

Things are very tough for many people in Spain right now, but they must sort out teir difficulties themselves IMO.

Maybe I haven't come across them, but I don't think there are any French, German, Scandinavian (add to the list) expat sites Is it only the U.K. that wants to turn Spain into a satellite U.K.? Heh heh.

Patricia

>
Maybe I haven't come across them, but I don't think there are any French, German, Scandinavian (add to the list) expat sites Is it only the U.K. that wants to turn Spain into a satellite U.K.? Heh heh.
Patricia

Hey Patricia, yep, there are definitely French/German/Dutch expat sites, some specifically for Spain, others are just general expat sites. SpainExpat.com here is probably the least UK-centric of all the expat sites for Spain (if I do say so myself). :)

I agree, Expatriator, this site - Spainexpat - is not as U.K. centred as other sites. At least the vitriolic hysteria which seems to be a feature of other such sites is lacking! And here on Spainexpat the moderators are on the job.

I've been looking to see if there were expat forums for other EU nationalities (regarding Spain) but they seem to be few and far between. Besides, just looking at one or two French sites, the focus is very different.

Patricia

Yep, we're very proud of our moderators. It was daunting at first but we've got it down to a delay of about 5min before spammers are caught and banned. :)

Have you considered starting your own forum for expats from other nationalities? If so, feel free to invite them ours here! We can even start a few new forum groups specifically for other languages if you think that would be helpful.

Spammer where i killed them ..... where thay ..... i ban them ....

Me too Jurdy, unless you get there first....!

Easy on the vitriolic hysteria gentlemen... we gots us reputations to maintain! :-P

Yes, Expatriator, I notice that the spammers disappear quickly off the radar LOL.
No interest, I am afraid, in starting up an expat forum. In any case there would be no one posting as I would ban whining, moaning and vitriol LMAO.

I just brought up the subject of other EU nationalities and their possible forums, because, I suppose, I should like to know if they also dedicate their time to complaining. I don't think so. From personal knowledge of other Europeans over the decades in Spain I have noticed they seem to get on with it and are not constantly whingeing.
Sure, I know there are many U.K. expats who come to Spain, settle in and adapt. But I fear they are the exception that confirms the rule.

Patricia

You know, they say that people think very differently in a second language, almost like a new personality. Have you noticed you complain less in Spanish (or whether others complain less in Spanish)?

In my experience I find myself funnier and more optimistic en Espa?ol. No s? exactamente porque...

Totalmente de acuerdo, Expatriator. They say: "he who acquires another language acquires another soul".

Campana

Hi Patricia and others,
I enjoyed reading through your thread, although I admit, some of the inside jokes were lost on me. ;> I am relatively new to the forum so I don't have much to add, but I did come across this BBC article a few days ago that maybe you would find interesting;

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17892521

When I found myself in Spain for the 3rd extended time, I really took it upon myself to take my Spanish to the next level and fully immersed myself in native speakers. Interestingly, once I overcame the initial hurdle of feeling frustrated with the language barrier, I felt much more clearheaded. I think the act of "simplifying" really sunk in when my then limited Spanish vocabulary forced me to speak simpler, and listen more. "A new soul", indeed.

I also noticed a comment about people from the UK who make it in Spain being the exception rather than the rule. *Full disclosure* I'm American, so I don't mean any disrespect, but speaking from the experience of having a very proud mother and aunts born and raised in London, I find some Brits happiness level tends to be directly correlated to the availability of a good cup of tea. To my dismay, I found the 4 oz cups of tepid water with a dry teabag floating on top to be a sad waste of a euro or two in Espana, and I am afraid my mom would have been quite put out as well. The only way she was able to survive as long as she did in the States, besides the presence of myself, was the proximity of our town to Canada and a regular supply of PG tips.


Best,
Laura

Hello Laura.

Enjoying your post. How are your plans progressing for your move to Spain?

In Spain it is best IMO to stick to their excellent coffee. I like tea, but generally only drink it when I am back in Ireland. And a tea-bag has never entered our house LOL. From time immemorial, at home in Ireland, we have used "loose tea". And I like it scalding hot and strong, made in a good teapot. Conversely, it is impossible to get a decent cup of coffee in Ireland, unless I make it myself. But out and about what they serve tastes a bit like paint-stripper or some kind of detergent must taste.

To be serious many Brits do make a good go of it in Spain. But this is in direct relation to the kind of person they were before they moved to Spain. It is the old story of "wherever you go, there you are". I don't think a move to another country is for the timid, indeed it is not a good idea for many people. From the many British people I have met in Spain over the years I found that the open-minded, non-insular, outgoing, insightful and aware characters did well, got things done and got their fingers burnt less. A smile and a polite word goes a long way in Spain. And so it should.

However, acting like some of the characters in "A passage to India" (telling "the natives" how it should be done) will produce total stone-walling. LOL.

Patricia

Hi Patricia,
Thanks for your response, its a pleasure to hear from you. Indeed, during my time abroad, I was quite disappointed to find that many an American tourist has the attitude you describe as well. Its such a shame that some can't appreciate the finer points of another culture due to their own overly ingrained preferences. Perhaps it is fear of the unknown, or a threat to their ego. I agree, some people are cut out for change more than others. I have been surprised to hear some describe the Spanish as nasty, mostly in the big cities, granted. From my experience, people usually treat you the way you treat them, with a few exceptions. I think Spain tends to be a bit on the noisy side however, which is a challenge for me. I loath fireworks. So in that respect, I may have the urge to flee to the countryside every few weeks:>

As far as my plans, they are in effect, laid. I have made some connections, and have a good idea of where to go and how to get work teaching English. There is a window of hiring that happens in September and January. Personally, however, I am on hold, due to the terminal illness of a very dear friend. I am in effect, "waiting" for them. This holding pattern, by its nature, might be leading me to over-think things and worry more than I should. I prefer to be spontaneous. The silver lining though, is gathering the plethora of information on these forums and such. There are so many little details that will require my attention when I arrive.

I am leaning towards living in San Sebastian. I think this is a great place, although I have only but touched my feet there. I believe there is a modest expat community, but not overwhelmingly so. Do you know much about this area?

Yes, the coffee is better! I love the cafe con leches, provided it is not too late in the day, when they can pour you the dregs from the bottom of the pot, which makes it entirely too strong for me. But I definitely prefer my tea. Where I live, with all the trade with Japan and eastern Asia, there is no shortage of fantastic Asian teas to choose from. Can't get good fish and chips here though, which I hear can't be beat in Ireland.

Cheers,
Laura

Hello! I just wanted to introduce myself.

My name is Mika and I'm from the USA. I am planning on taking a long extended trip to Valencia this year. I've never been to Spain before so I am really excited for all this to happen. I am quite rusty on my Spanish so cross your fingers and wish me luck on soaking up everything I can about the country and language before my trip:)

welcome to the forum Mika

Isn't it great! 1.700 (is it?) have looked in on my introduction. Not heard from any of them, or only from a very few.

I see the ranting and raving is going on elsewhere, the flame-throwing and jawing, the "expert6" opinions and the put-downs. Lol.

Mental ill-health is a growing problem world-wide...

1771, and counting.

Goodness.. How did I miss this thread?

Good to see you here Campana.. we are sort of fellow refugess from 'the other site' (I don't think I have been banned as yet ;)

Just to add to my 'Got a fright' thread...

SpainExpat really is THE BEST ExPat site around.
Full of info/insights and usually a sane, sensible, and friendly reply if one posts a question.

Keep up the good work our US sponsors!

(And thank you to our wonderful Mods, who are all volunteers I understand.)

Hear, hear, Susanspain.

I've passed the 2000 mark!! Any prizes! The traffic to your site just to look in on little ole me.
LOL

Do you feel like your work/life balance just isn?t working? Do you spend long hours at work and less time than you?d like with your friends and family? Do you dream of being your own boss but have no idea where to start to make that dream a reality? Do you feel like you?re at a turning point in your life?

True North Productions are looking for couples and families for a brand new Channel 4 series who want to make changes to their lives and start running their own business.

We are looking for people who are ready to make these changes but need some expert help to identify the right opportunity. It's a perfect chance for people who dream of a new life but until now just haven't had the expertise or head space to go for it!

Please contact ? compareyourlife@truenorth.tv with a little bit of information about yourself and your current situation. Ideally you should be in a position to make some big decisions in 2013.

Things are very quiet here!!

How are your Christmas preparations going? A marisco laden table for Christmas Eve, or are you doing the traditional Christmas Day stuff?

May I wish everyone the very best in this New Year: good health, luck and prosperity. I hope it will be a good year for us all.

Patricia

Hope the "Reyes Magos" brought everyone a nice gift.
Some, of course, may only have got a few pieces of coal in their shoes.

Campana thanks and same back two you and rest on the Forum