Hi,
I am new to this Forum, but I did live in Spain 1997-2006. I am a Swiss citizen. Right now I an staying in the Philippines (my wife is Filipina), but I want to come back to Spain in October 2008.  I did stay Tarragona and on the Costa Brava. I found the Catalans to much nationalistic and not very friendly with foreigners. So I am not sure if I want to go back there.
Having lived in Spain for 9 years, I do know a few things and if I can help with information, I would be pleased to do so, if possible. I can speak Spanish, French, German and some English
Also if someone have some infos about life in the South (Andalousia), this would be very much appreciated.
Thanks
iwan (eva is my wife…..)

Hi,
We have been living in Andalusia for more than 7 years, and i have found that the locals here are very friendly and easy to get in touch with. Despite the fact that the local dialect (Andalusian) not is easy, they cut off the words at the end (and sometimes in the beginning too).  The weather here at Costa del Sol is also friendly, with a lot of sun.

I suppose there are differences between different locations here also, we are now living in Mijas Costa, but we have also been living in Estepona and most of our work is done in Fuengirola. We do like all these locations, and intend to stay here.

Best regards from a Sunny Costa del Sol.

Hi,

Thank you for the feedback. I always have heard that the Spanish people in the south were much different, more open and friendly as in the north.  Also, if I am not wrong, Andalusian is only a dialect.  The Catalan’s consider Catalan as a national language which is used in schools.  I do have a child, so I want him to learn Spanish in school and not Catalan…...
I did visit some Internet pages about Mijas Costa. It seams absolutely gorgeous. I will come in September for a prospection visit and trying to find a place to live on the Costa del Sol.  How is the rental real estate market? Is it possible to find a good condo (3 bedrooms) for more or less 1000 Euros per month? In Tarragona, where I did live until 2006 I did pay 850 Euros for a nice place with a fantastic see-view.

Best Regards

Iwan

Hi Iwan,
Yes you have right, Andaluz is just a Spanish dialect, but it is not an easy one, specially on the countryside. But the children learns proper Spanish in the schools and from TV, which means that it’s sometimes more easy to speak with them than with their parents.

I think it is a very good idea to do the research in September - October. This is a main tourist area and the high season ends when the Spanish schools starts after the 15th of September. This means that all companies and authorities works as normal again, the prices for accommodation, food and many other things are falling. The roads are not so crowded and you do not have to watch up so much for UK tourists, who look in the wrong direction when they are crossing the streets.

Don’t hesitate to contact me directly when it’s time for your visit or if you need information. Maybe we could bee seen and have a pint or two.

Best regards from the sunny side of Europe,

Hi Jonny,

Thank you for your informations, which are really helpful. We are decided to travel to Southern Spain early September. Mijas costa is on top of our list, because we also have a friend who -until 2005, now in the Philippines - did own a restaurant there. He did tell us many positive things about the place.

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The roads are not so crowded and you do not have to watch up so much for UK tourists, who look in the wrong direction when they are crossing the streets.>

This will not be a problem. In the Philippines they do not look at all and cross/drive in all directions, slalom style 😉

I thankfully accept your offer to be able to contact you.
For now, thank you very much
Iwan