After spending much time (far too much I must admit) reading this forum I have finally joined up. Woohoo, you lucky people (wink wink joking of course)...OK, a bit about myself and our plans…

My name is Derrick and my wife’s name is Wendy. We are in our mid 40’s. We live in eastern Canada (the province of New Brunswick), in a small town. My wife was a journalist/editor for 15 years, and the last 5 years has worked doing communications for the federal government (yes, big scary Steven Harper!).
I am a graphic artist by trade, but also have been a freelance fiction writer and a musician (that is if you consider a drummer a musician, if not…tough! LOL).....our last child will soon be leaving the nest. At which time we are going to be looking at each other and asking “now what?”

I have hated the long and bitter Canadian winters for many years. My body literally aches for 6 months of the year! LOL….sp we began discussion what we wanted to do with the rest of our lives, and where we wanted to do it. At first I had my head set on Portugal, and she on Spain…..after much talking (ok, all you husbands know exactly where this is going) we decided on Spain. We wanted to move to a warm climate, and I said if we are going to move, then damn it let’s make it a BIG move!!

We are not expecting an actual move for about 5 more years. This gives us enough time to become debt free here, see that our youngest is on her own and doing ok, do extensive research, and most importantly, learn at least the basics of the language before landing there! We don’t want a big city, fast paced life, and we are not extravagant people. We prefer to live in a rural setting, walking distance to a small town with markets, and a bit of night life, but nothing too touristy. Not looking to live amongst a group of expats from any country (nothing personal!)...I am going for the opportunity to immerse myself in their culture, not watch it from a distance. I love history and old buildings, and could spend endless hours simply walking the streets of any town. We are out going, but prefer an evening sitting on the deck with some beer and friends to going out to bars.

OK, I’m sure there are a million things I have forgotten to mention, but I hate to become a bore!! hahaha

I am sure I will be on here many times over the coming months/years as I learn as much as possible.

Sincerely,
Derrick and Wendy…aka the Cold Canuks!!