How´s that for a bit of Castellano?
Now back to basics with a brief history of our lock, stock and barrel transfer to Spain permanently.
We did the usual subsidised initial trip, which we found sort of OK but felt a bit pressurised, so used the visit more for experience on the geography of Costa Calida rather than committing to anything, although my wife found a couple of the visited properties nice, I did not have that feeling you get when you know it´s right!
Returned to the UK, then booked a week in Benidorm (I like it there for nightlife) hired a car and drove back to Costa Calida under the umbrella of another estate agent, feeling more independent and far less pressurised.
Found an off-plan duplex property we liked in an area that appeared very attractive to us and yes the tummy feeling was there!!
That was back in 2003. Much, much, more to the story but basically we rented an apartment for a year, to allow us to keep a close watch on the build, literally from a marked out plot in a field, to first a paved street, then foundations on up to the finished property.
We went through loads of trials and tribulations, including obtaining the magic "Cedula de Habitabilidad".
So, hello again, in my native English.
Although nowhere is perfect, I love Spain and am learning to accept the mañana attitude.