Hi all,

I’m a freelance journalist that writes articles for a number of UK newspapers. Currently as i’m sure you aware Spain has taking a little bit of a bashing in the UK press, what with illegal building, land grab laws and to add more misery the current situation of the pound against the euro.

Personally I live in Spain as my line of work allows me to communicate via the internet, and aside from the beaurocracy I am happy I made this choice.

I would like instead of all the negative stories which are old news, and we are all familiar with, to focus more accurately on how expats feel after moving to Spain and perhaps after living here for a period of time.

I am currently writing an article which is entitled ’ Why people move to Spain’ and am looking for honest feedback for those individuals that with to share this information. This I hope to publish in the UK newspapers.

Why did you move to Spain?
Have you found it a positive experience?
Do you feel that your quality of life has improved?
If you could turn the clock back, would you do it all over again?
Are you of retirment age or currently working?

Any opinions or feedback would help as I need 500 people in order to publish in the major tabloids.

Thanks for your help.

Hi,
I shall try to give you some answer.

Why did you move to Spain?
Have you found it a positive experience?
Do you feel that your quality of life has improved?
If you could turn the clock back, would you do it all over again?
Are you of retirment age or currently working?

1, We moved abroad in 2001 because we were tired of the long winter in northern Sweden.  During the way to the south we did visit some friends in southern Germany. When it was time to leave we checked the weather predictions on the German TV and it was rain in Italy and sun in Spain so we headed for Spain.

2, Positive.

3, Absolutely improved.

4, Yes I would, but I should just have done it for 30 years ago instead of 2001.

5, I am working.

Best regards from Costa del Sol,
Jonny

Why did you move to Spain?
Fresh challenge, better weather, lower cost of living

Have you found it a positive experience?
Yes I have learnt a huge amount

Do you feel that your quality of life has improved?
Definitely. Better weather, more friends more life. Less tax! Less stress. Healthier. happier.

If you could turn the clock back, would you do it all over again?
Definitely

Are you of retirment age or currently working?
I am currently working having setup my own company. But I have time to live as well!

Why did you move to Spain?
Have you found it a positive experience?
Do you feel that your quality of life has improved?
If you could turn the clock back, would you do it all over again?
Are you of retirment age or currently working?

Hi!  Mine will be a little different…

1. My dad decided to become a missionary when I was 13 and moved us here to start a Christian seminary in Sevilla.
2. I loved it the minute I arrived.  With the whole “warm culture-cold culture” thing I immediately noticed how people here automatically accept you into the group.  Where I was coming from in the US you had to have many brand name “things” to be accepted.
3. Definitely.  I got my degree here and currently work in Tourism, which is very rewarding.  I work to live as opposed to my brothers in the US who live to work.  There is always time and money for a cervecita here.
4. For sure, and I would recommend that all parents send their teenage children abroad for a year to live an immersion experience.  I think that would be the answer to world peace. 
5. Retirement!  In about 50 years maybe…  I’m working, married and 23.

Good luck with your article…

Emily

Hi.

I moved out here with my 3 children and husband. It hasnt all ben plain sailing but i still wouldnt change it for the world. I work in the property business for a spanish company(I love it) and despite the negative press in the Uk we are really busy!
My children have settled down really well and our social life is out of this world. My husband is now the house husband and he is such a good wife!

If you have any further questions please feel free to ask as I could go on for hours!