Discovering a new life in Costa Almeria

Well, it's finally arrived, the day I actually start to make an effort to learn Spanish, the language of my chosen new home - I cannot explain how frustrating it is not to be able to speak the language. I can recognise words but it doesn't help in so many situations. 

So, at 11.30 today I will arrive at the home of my Spanish tutor, a keen and willing student, prepared to take on homework and the whole challenge of mastering the language. It will not be enough for me to go into a bar and say 'dos cerveza, por favor' , I want to be able to understand what they say back to me, and not to have to ask for the bill amount to be written down so I know how much they want from me. All that is fine when you are here for a week or two on holiday, but after several weeks I've lost count of how many times I've wished I could speak and understand more.

How long this will take is anyone's guess, but rest assured, I will keep you up to date with progress - should be a challenge, at least.

Wow, I feel like I've finally become a real jet-setter, this month I have seen Manchester Airport, Leeds Bradford Airport, East Midlands Airport. And Murcia Airport - flown Jet2.com, Monarch and Ryanair (spit).

So, I know Monarch have the best baggage allowance, Ryanair have the least and charge the most for any excess (no, I didn't have to pay- I've been there before) and that no-body but no-body can be bothered to man the hire care return carpark to book your car in.

So, another trip to England to visit Dad, who is so much better than last time I went over although still in hospital. This time I was ready for the feeling of no longer living in the UK, so I decided that this time I would have an open mind to see what did I miss from Sheffield (apart from friends and family) now that we live in Spain (I still get really excited to say that).

Well, 10 days and 500 miles back and forth across Sheffield, and I have to admit to not missing a thing!

Sad, but true.

Read more at http://relocatetospain.blogspot.com

But so far we have failed. We have got as far as getting them to stand on the top step with all 4 paws in the water. They will stay for about 10 seconds and then make a break for it...

and yet,

whenever we put the pool shower on they come and stand close enough that they get soaking wet.

How can you tell both my dogs are male?  

No logic!

Read more at http://2littlepuppies.blogspot.com

This is the 2nd and final entry on our trip through the Sierra de los Filabres in Almeria.

It's just over 12 months since I gave notice to my employer of 20 years and told my staff that they would be getting a new manager, and that went down like a lead balloon, I can tell you - better the devil you know and all that........

Since then we have finished work, become owners of 2 adorable Cavalier Spaniel pups - Brinkley & Brandy, sold our house and started our new life here in San Juan de los Terreros in Almeria. It's not all gone according to plan and I expect many more difficulties as we settle into life here in Spain, whether it's dealing with the heat, the local council officials or probably the most difficult golf course in Spain.

Some of you have already been reading my blog about our move to Spain and the blog I started when we got our puppies, which has now been taken over by Brinkley, now that he is old enough to type. 

You can catch up with my story so far at http://relocatetospain.blogspot.com and Brinkley's blog at http://2littlepuppies.blogspot.com 

I hope you enjoy reading my stories as much as I enjoy writing them.