New members of the Spain forum, introduce yourselves here - 2022

Julien · 2022-01-04T08:52:39+01:00

Hi all, Newbie on the Spain forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your expat projects in Spain if you are planning to move there. It will enable us to help you better but above all to wish you a warm welcome. Welcome on board!

Last activity 04 January 2023 by little dixon

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johnbotello03Member23 April 2022 15:46:55

#41

@Julien good afternoon, yes very interested in moving to Spain I currently live in the United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi

Faida albayatiContributor24 April 2022 04:14:57

#42

169

Hi, I'm Faida. I currently live in Turkey and after several years of trying to decide where we'd like to live and work in Spain (we're both in our 50s), I have a 16- year old son who speaks Spanish fluently and a 14- year old girl who likes to proceed her study in Spain.

Can any body tell us about affordable commodation in Spain?

Have a nice day 😊

salliewagenblattMember26 April 2022 17:49:14

#43

@Julien I don’t really think I should be on this forum as I’m not planning on moving to Spain though I wish I could . I joined to see if there were any social media sites where I could try and locate two boys my friend and I met in ibeza in 1973/4 . I have a photo of myself with these guys . I can’t remember their names though it could be Franco and Francisco but it’s so long ago I’ve forgotten. They were from Majorca. I’ve posted the details and the photo on Facebook and friends have shared the photo on Spanish sites . I just wondered if there’s any Spanish forums that would be appropriate for me to look for them . Obviously they won’t look like they did on the photo now as I don’t ! We were around 19/20 and late 60s now ! I don’t really know anything about them but want to explain why we missed meeting them that last time . I’ve never forgotten the one I was with and feel sad every time I look at the photo . Any advice would be appreciated. Sallie

Helpneeded27Member28 April 2022 16:28:16

#44

@Julien

Hi all

Trying to move to Fuerteventura but might have hit a stumbling block with a visa.

Hope someone can help.

ingebarkerMember28 April 2022 17:00:57

#45

My name is Inge. I live in Barcelona province in a small town on the sea called Sitges. My husband, David came here on a six month contract with work. After 3 weeks we decided we didn´t want to leave. We now have 3 international supermarkets in Barcelona province which stock products from Britain, America and Holland. We ship goods all over Spain, France and Portugal.

We love the life style here. The people, sun, food and overall ambience.

gwynjBulgaria Expert29 April 2022 04:56:55

#46

2241

A warm welcome all new members! This topic is really just to introduce yourself to the expat.com forum. I noticed a few have also included requests for advice/info. You might get replies here, but, usually, you will get a better response if you create a new topic specifically about the issue that concerns you (e.g. fiancee visas, how to find accommodation in x, post-Brexit visas, etc.)

selinabelinaMember11 May 2022 23:58:40

#47

Hello everyone!

My name is Selina and I currently have dual citizenship with the USA and Italy. I am looking to move to Spain in a few years. Having visited Europe several times, I am very attracted to both the lifestyle and the ease of access to many other countries/cultures just a short train/plane ride away. I'm from NY, currently living in Colorado, and am beginning to financially prepare for the move in 2025-2026. Still working out logistics, but looking at either Valencia or Madrid as a place to land.

I just got back from a 2 week trip to Morocco and loved the country. Hoping to visit Peru later this year, and I'm glad that world travel is beginning to open up again.

It's been a long time since I've been on a message-board but I thought that this new life plan meant I needed to make new connections, so here I am!

Lmflmf1Serial expat12 May 2022 12:26:31

#48

202

@selinabelina

Welcome and best of luck in your move to Spain. I’m american with dual citizenship with France and my son has a French passport we live near Barcelona in a small fishing village to the north. We love it here and are enjoying our time here. We were in china for 14 years so it is quite a lifestyle change, going from population of 26 million to a village of 15000!

Anyway, if you have any questions about anything just message me. I’m glad to assist.

Cheers

Lmf

Jimmy_du_81New member13 May 2022 21:39:19

#49

Hello Everybody.

I'm Jean-Luc a little guy from South of France. I'm a computer worker (remote). I know Spain since a long time. I'm planning to work 2 3 4 monthes from Canaria Island and may be to retired also, later..

Advises asked for a simple life in Canarias. A simple life that's all I'm looking for...

Thank you very much. My email ***** Don't hesitate to write. French English Spanish...

Moderated by Djameel 2 years ago
Reason : Please share contact details via private message, thank you.
We invite you to read the forum code of conduct

kanumachMember18 May 2022 16:40:08

#50

Hey all !

Hope you are keeping good. Im Kanishka (Kany). I'm from Sri Lanka and hoping to step in Spain by October 2022.

I am soo super excited to be living my dream and nervous to leave behind the comfort zone for the adventure. I would describe myself as a very spontaneous, friendly, easy going person who would cook a feast as a token of love and gratitude(that's my way of expressing). So hoping to find a whole bunch there that wouldn't make me miss my home. There's a lot more procedures to go on yet but for now let me keep my excitement on and learn more Spanish.

Much love and Good day all!

MSkeikerMember20 May 2022 17:39:17

#51

Hi everyone!

I'm Myla. My husband (Syrian) and I (African American) are both college professors in Philadelphia, PA. We have both enjoyed traveling in the past, but we are now looking for a permanent-for-now place to spend our winter (1 month) and summer (3 months) breaks. We love art, theatre, music, and and cooking/dining. Ideally, we would like to purchase in a large town near the water. He has lived in Portugal among other places, and we both feel drawn to Andalucia where I have traveled quite a bit. I speak intermediate Spanish and he can understand quite a bit (through Portuguese). Though neither of us have spent any time in the Alicante region, it seems like a good place for us to consider looking, as well. I'm hoping to narrow down a list of potential towns for the visit we have planned in August.

Thanks!

maureendukeMember30 May 2022 08:36:31

#52

I am Maureen I live on the Costa Blanca. I came to Spain in 1998 with my husband and children . Unfortunately my husband died 3 years later and I decided to stay here with the children All children have now fled the nest and made a wonderful life for themselves here in Spain.

cbkate999New member30 May 2022 08:49:17

#53

HI,

Take Care your self and kids also.

Thanks

asantechristine2640Member30 May 2022 13:23:14

#54

@maureenduke that's sad..sorry for all

snh149sbMember07 June 2022 09:10:22

#55

@mptwindsock Hello,

My (I’m Steve) wife (Kim) and I plan to retire to Spain in the next year or so. We live in North Carolina presently. We are interested in the Alicante area. I hope all is well with your settling in Spain. I visited Rota, Carthenia, and Madrid while in the Navy. We are told there is a large expat community in Alicante.

We look forward to hearing about your experiences as you get settled,

Steve

snh149sbMember07 June 2022 09:19:50

#56

@richpoile Hello,

I am planning to retire in Spain in the near future also. My research has shown that the Spanish languages are dependent on the area you plan to settle in. Also not all Spanish is equal, for example Mexican Spanish is a mix of Spain’s and Aztec. I’m sure though that any Spanish is better than none.

Keep in mind though many locals speak at least some English especially in tourist areas.

Steve

markegoldsteinMember07 June 2022 11:11:37

#57

Hello. I’m Mark and my husband Peter are doing our homework on living in Spain. We have narrowed the choices down to Malaga/Torremolinos, and Valencia.

Our main thing is wanting to find a place where we can live in peace, without daily gun violence as we have here in the US.

Being near the beach, but walking distance to urban life, with public transportation, good food, and friendly people would be great. We are going to try to learn as much Spanish as we can before making our move.

We are planning on visiting sometime next year for a month to get a good feel for what daily life is like.

Hope to chat with other expats too!

M_TaylorMember12 June 2022 14:30:21

#58

@richpoile Did you get a response to this? I'm in a similar position but looking at previous 'hello' posts there doesn't seem to be a lot of feedback. I've been using apps like Drops and Duolingo for 3 months and am not even conversational yet let alone able to have a professional conversation (though I did manage to help a distressed Spanish lady at the train station ) . It'd be great to know if you have a more efficient solution

tat2andyMember12 June 2022 17:37:15

#59

@richpoile Did you get a response to this? I'm in a similar position but looking at previous 'hello' posts there doesn't seem to be a lot of feedback. I've been using apps like Drops and Duolingo for 3 months and am not even conversational yet let alone able to have a professional conversation (though I did manage to help a distressed Spanish lady at the train station ) . It'd be great to know if you have a more efficient solution
- @M_Taylor

3 months is not a very long time to study a language, my teacher says you need at least 4 years , duolingo is ok to “play” with and give you a few basics but it is actually more like a game, you will never learn enough from it and also it is Latin American Spanish so many words are different .

I did a few months on duolingo then moved on to lessons on zoom during lockdown before moving on to classroom lessons which I do 3.5 hours a week, you can not beat face to face lessons but zoom lessons can also be very effective with a good teacher.

My teacher originates from Barcelona and the lessons have been brilliant, I also self study with CD’s, after watching loads of YouTube videos, reading articles on line, listening to CD’s etc I found the best and most beneficial CD’s for me to be the ones by Paul Noble, these have really accelerated my learning, as I said duolingo is ok to dip your toes in the Spanish language but you will never be fluent with it.

timblo6gMember22 June 2022 10:42:58

#60

@selinabelina

Hello Selina,

Did you know you can have two US passports? this would help you as you could use the new one to enter Spain.

See:

Second Passportshttps://nl.usembassy.gov › apply-second-passport

1. Fill out FORM DS-82 · 2. Social Security Requirement · 3. Proof of U.S. Citizenship · 4. One 2"X2" U.S. Format color passport photo · 5. Bring photocopies · 6.

Regards,

Tim

rayenperes22Member25 June 2022 08:58:14

#61

Hello,

Have a very good day! I just signed up a few minutes ago. I would like to introduce myself to all of you guys.

Thank you so much for your time.

pigdenmikeMember25 June 2022 22:07:34

#62

@sandysimpson9999 Very funny. We are also Sandie and Mike. We are Canadians who live most òf the time in Mazatlan, Mexico. We also live a few months in Canada and the rest of the time try to travel. Hope your time in Galicia goes well. We love that area.

rayenperes22Member26 June 2022 10:39:08

#63

@sandysimpson9999 Very funny. We are also Sandie and Mike. We are Canadians who live most òf the time in Mazatlan, Mexico. We also live a few months in Canada and the rest of the time try to travel. Hope your time in Galicia goes well. We love that area.
- @pigdenmike

Hello and welcome. Glad to have a chat with you here. Keep smiling.

Sonia CanMember28 June 2022 06:42:12

#64

@HMS13

Hi Helen, I was wondering how it would work to purchase a holiday flat in Spain. What do u do with your place when you’re not there, do you keep the power on? Extra insurance? Tbh I have no idea how it works in Spain, any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Sonia

rayenperes22Member28 June 2022 10:32:29

#65

@HMS13
Hi Helen, I was wondering how it would work to purchase a holiday flat in Spain. What do u do with your place when you’re not there, do you keep the power on? Extra insurance? Tbh I have no idea how it works in Spain, any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Sonia
- @Sonia Can

Do you recommend any kind of insurance?

JackieMoonMember29 June 2022 16:46:49

#66

Hi My name is Jack and currently live in the USA. My family and I are looking to relocate to Spain. We are just at the start of our project and are hoping to be able to move in the next year or two, depending on the whole process. Looking forward to chatting with any and all who are making the move or have made the move.

Cheers,

Jack

22shoreMember30 June 2022 15:08:50

#67

Hello everyone,

I live in Spain in a village between Albacete and Tobarra. I love it here, but, the only problem is that they are not a bus, and I don't drive. I used to walk into town but getting older, well I just can't do it now, plus I have 4 dogs, so would not be able to carry 15KG of pet food. I am getting another dog at the weekend. I am a foster mum to a 16 year old X Yorkshire Terrier, I have adopted 2 dogs and the other dog I got from my friend. The dog I am getting at the weekend, not sure if I am fostering or adopting. I suppose I am lucky that I have a lot of land for them to play out.

I have a lot of hobbies, knitting, dressmaking, and cross-stitch, I make these as pictures and also put them into a coaster, or a card. I like to do the 5D pictures also.

Take me to a book shop, I could spend nearly a full day there. I have a lot of books, I find reading so relaxing.

sandysimpson9999Member30 June 2022 18:15:27

#68

HI there,Not sure which part of Spain you are living? We have just moved to Galicia almost 2 weeks so very new here...We are Sandy and Mike...retired and also dog lovers...we came from SW France but are both Brits in the short few days We have been here Mike has been ill ,so finding our way to get treatment has taken most of our time...we are still surrounded with boxes and stuff!

So far given our roller coaster arrival we too are loving it here...we are very rural and we haven't met many locals but everyone has been very welcoming and friendly even with our lack of Spanish.

It must be very difficult for you not driving...and walking takes so long when you have to be around for your dogs.

We moved to France with our 8 Siberian Huskies...we used to do dry sledding racing in the UK...sadly we are now down to one 14 year old girl Taiga.....and we have 2 adopted Spanish Galgos which we have had four years now...They came from Galgos del Sol in Murcia...would be nice to correspond if you would like to.....

den&glynnNew member03 July 2022 12:27:41

#69

@Julien

Hi from den&glynn

we are Denise and Glynn living in the u/k ( north Manchester ) we are in the process of selling our property and would like to move to Murcia area of Spain. we are both 70 years old and any information on the process of doing this would be welcome.

Denise and Glynn

Guest5084Guest05 July 2022 09:01:08

#70

214245

Hi everyone:)

I am Alesia, from Ukraine. Currently live in Peralta de la Sal in a refugees' center. Already have NIE, seeking for a job and accommodation in Spain.

I am an artisan/ craftsperson. In Ukraine I worked as a seamstress (on a plush toy factory), ceramic artist (underglaze painting and pottery), jewelry sculptor (wax modelling/carving). Currently learning digital skills (Adobe Illustrator and After Effects) and Spanish language. Before moving to Spain, was volunteering in eco/sustainability project in Hungary, where i worked as a seedling manager/hands-on gardener and video editor.

I absolutely love slow/countryside life and gardening, so my deep wish is finally to find some rural place for myself.

Hope everybody here find what you are seeking for.

And im so grateful to this platform for the opportunity to meet new people and to make new connections!

Have a good day and life

Love and peace

melanietrigoNew member07 July 2022 04:24:15

#71

Hello everyone!

Excited to join the forum. I am starting my research early and just took the first step by contacting a law firm for guidance, I would like to obtain my Spanish Citizenship through Descent, a process I had started several years ago but never followed through. My paternal grandfather was Spanish. The plan is to retire and relocate to Spain with my partner/spouse in about 6 years (I'll be 59-60). We are looking at either Sitges or Nerja. We have never been to either so in the next several years we will be scouting the coast to see what's a better fit for us. Thank goodness for these expat forums, international house hunter episodes, and the internet. Anyways, I have enjoyed reading your wonderful stories, appreciate all the insight.

elvireestarellesantibesActive member12 July 2022 16:31:44

#72

@melanietrigo

toniadamsNew member14 July 2022 10:20:58

#73

I'm Toni, 52yrs Brit who moved to Barcelona on an NLV in December 2021. I am very interested to see what happens with the Digital Nomad Visa as I have a consulting business in the UK. Surviving my 1st spanish summer and generally loving life.

guynoirMember17 July 2022 02:33:26

#74

Hello, everyone!

I'm Mario (and no, I don't have a nickname, ha). I am currently living in Maryland, USA, fully employed as a technical translator for a software company. My languages are, by order of fluency, Spanish, English, and a survival-level Portuguese (I lived and studied in Portugal in 2016 and 2017).

As my employer fully supports global and remote employment, I've begun to consider Valencia, Spain, as a potential stepping stone to continue work and life, and eventually retire in a couple of decades. Now that international travel is opening up, I'm considering short trips to Spain to begin exploring. I'm happy to make new acquaintances and friends.

Mario

elvireestarellesantibesActive member17 July 2022 14:29:27

#75

@guynoir

elvireestarellesantibesActive member17 July 2022 14:32:09

#76

Bonjour discuter autour d un verre mon compagnon et moi serions heureux de faire plus ample connaissances ,ont habite à coter de Murcia 20km

Cordialement

Elvira

justgini2New member18 July 2022 13:51:12

#77

@sandysimpson9999

Hi Sandy, welcome to Galicia. I´ve been here for six years now and love rural the life, I also have a husky X that I brought with me from the UK.

I hope you are settling in to your new life and have managed to sort out the medical difficulties. If you need and help or advice don´t hesitate to get in touch. Best wishes, Gina

sandysimpson9999Member19 July 2022 17:10:29

#78

HI Gina...great to hear from you...so kind!

We have been here 4 weeks now...its been a bit of a roller coaster but We are settling really well now.

We are quite remote but everyone we have met locally has been very friendly and we love it here! We have to return to the UK for my son's wedding but when we return we really need to start learning Spanish ...thats the most important tging for us atm. Did you already speak Spanish or have you learned since you came? We are near to Vila de Cruces....are you far away?...would be great to meet up!

Sandy

atahualpa54Member19 July 2022 17:21:59

#79

@Julien
Hi, we are Diana and Stephan Karlsson. We live in the US and would like to move to Spain to be geographically close to our families in Spain and Sweden (he is Swedish). We are both retired.
We have been in Spain before and recently came back from a 6-week trip along the Mediterranean cost of Spain to narrow down the areas on interest (Benalmadena and Alicante so far).
We are still researching whether i should look into the NLV. My husband has dual citizenship (Swedish and US) i only have the US citizenship. I probably have to find a professional tax accountant in Spain to make sure i understand the rules and regulations.

We are going back this January to Benalmadena......

SimCityATExpert19 July 2022 18:20:38

#80

11279

Bonjour discuter autour d un verre mon compagnon et moi serions heureux de faire plus ample connaissances ,ont habite à coter de Murcia 20km
Cordialement
Elvira
- @elvireestarellesantibes

Can you please write in English, so fellow member are able to understand you, if you wish to write in French, please use the French part of the site.

Closed

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