[bigal73]

My wife and I left the UK over two years ago, to live in Spain. We live in a large village/small town called Periana, inland from the Costa del Sol and abot one hour's drive from Malaga airport. Wev are about 1500' above sea-level, which is supposed to mean it is a little cooler but that doesn't seem to have applied during the last few weeks and we have just had at least one week of temperatures in the 90's.

This is one thing I would warn prospective immigrants about. I have known, particularly elderly, residents who have given up and gone back to the UK, either for good or for the really hot months of July and August.

As for other comments, in this thread, I wholeheartedly agree with those who say the locals will appreciate an attempt at the language and are only too willing to help. If you want to become a little more proficient, there are many teachers around, who will give you lessons at reasonable rates. For the last year I have been attending for one hour, twice a week, at E6 per session and with assistance from the staff in shops and bars etc, things are improving.

I can only really speak for my area but have found that 'incomers' are usually welcomed, particularly if they try to integrate. Going back to the language problems, a stationery store in our village has an ex-pat British customer, who in 20 years here, has not attempted to speak one word of Spanish. Needless to say, he gets very little assistance, if any, from the owner or his staff, whereas we who attempt to communicate in Spanish, find that the staff can speak a little English and will help all they can.

The Spanish people in general are wonderfully warm and friendly and I have no regrets about moving here and have no intentions of moving back to the UK.

Think about a move carefully, think about it again and then do it!
bigal