Moving advice - Page 2

Don’t apologise, I like the banter, just reaffirms my desire to be around like minded peeps. Thank you for the advice; Mojacar  looks fantastic, definitely a place I think I’d like. I will visit the area in April. Renting first is a brilliant idea too. I didn’t realise they had gated communities there, that would be perfect. I want to go now 😭 😂. Realistically, and depending on the Irish passport back log, I’m looking at Jan 2024 before I can live the dream. 

Use the time enjoying learning/improving Spanish language skills and discovering the history and culture of Spain, when you arrive everything will be much more interesting if you know the context.

As Bess says, lerna da lingo, dont turn up like most that can only say una bier matey

First off happy Christmas to you all . Kathy I’ve been going to almeria since 1982 and mojacar for last 20 years and can highly recommended it . It’s a lovely place and like anywhere ,good and not so good people so be careful and sensible . Great advice as always from Mathew , just don’t rely on his horse racing tips . I managed to get my Irish passport before the rush which is brilliant and allowed me to stay October thru to March last year . Not had chance to get out since then . Renting is the way forward to start and more life as in bars and restaurants opposite end of playa to garrucha end . There is a brilliant bus service which does a round trip along playa up to the hilltop pueblo and back to playa every half hour for 1.20 euro . Hope everything goes well for you and good luck . 

Nice helpful post from Devo and am glad it get a mench. Today is Boxing Day revered by the I’ll ‘ave an ‘alf brigade as they watch poncy football while we Irish passport holders (posters that matter here) call it St Stephen’s Day watch racing from Kempton Park and elsewhere.

Here are my fun bet selections based on my failed system of seldom not choosing horses priced @ less than 9/2 or under. Devo has warned you not to back any of my selections so discard them and you may have a better chance.

12.10 Mamoon Star 12/1

2.30 Envoi Allen 6/1 Rachael Blackmore riding

3.05 Don Alvaro 5/1

3.40 Storm Dennis 20/1

Goshen 7/2 looks good value @ 7/2 in the 12.45 and Gelino Bello @ 11/4 in the 1.20. Constitution Hill looks unbeatable at 1.55 race but I’ll have a small bet on Highway One O Two @ 66/1 (no particular reason, just fun).

Hi Mathew , got to bet against you in the 2.30 . Had a whisper about Millers bank ew 40-1 . And a French horse of Willie Mullins , Diverge 20-1 ew running at leopardstown 12.00 . Good luck 

I would have gone for Paddy’s motorbike in the 3:40… 😂 but I’m am probably worse than you at picking horses 🐎. 

Well my Diverge is still diverging somewhere in the outfield ,. That will teach me to try and compete with the Master Mathew . On a more serious note you will see a few  quotes on here about boozy Brits (and Irish ) but bars are the easiest of places to meet people . It is still possible to enjoy a g&t , a coffee ,at times with a cheeky brandy with nice civilised people without been classed as a P head . Sure there is always some bars that collect a few characters but the bulk of the people I meet just enjoy a get together , a bit of banter on all sorts of subjects . It is a great way to learn the lay of the land and what shops sell what etc . It’s not hard to find the nicer bars especially thru the winter months it’s nice to enjoy the sunshine during the day on a sunny terrace . A few of the bars still do live music and there is always a quiz somewhere . I am sure you will find nice people in a nice place . I was illover last Christmas and then had a fall first day out and broke my shoulder . Neighbours and friends where fantastic as I was on my own . Taking me to hospital , getting shopping , bringing logs in and roast dinners . Lovely bars like the Lemon , with Chris doing takeaway meals and Linda and Peter at Carrigans getting my shopping plus other neighbours and friends . The place is brilliant . Glad I didn’t live out in the sticks then . 

Kathy

Get yourself a dog, you'll never be lonely!!

Seriously though, you should remember that there are a lot of people who are in the same boat. They have also left friends, family and a lifestyle they are used to. These people ( and I include myself) also want friends and a lifestyle they feel comfortable with

It is a big step, but people want to be a part of a community and I am sure that they will welcome you

Join a club, there are plenty, and you  will start to meet people then others and before you know it your new life will soon be taking off

Hope you find this encouraging 

Thank you, that’s exactly what I wanted to know. The UK can be a lonely and cold place… I have family, but they live quite far away and have busy lives, which is fair enough. I don’t like the long winter days/nights. I have a dog, but I’m not sure if he will be here, this time next year 😢, he’s 13. I just can’t wait to start my new life…