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Instead of a white Christmas; this year I am dreaming of a sunny festive season. Wherever you are this yuletide, snow or sun, enjoy it as you always have, until the year is done!
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Took a walk up to the bank with Katie on Sunday afternoon; she had to pay a bill. Now walking is not my thing, especially going up to BBVA. It's uphill all the way, and I really am not built for it. Still it was a lovely afternoon, the sun was out, so walking it was.
It turned out it was a waste of time toddling up there anyway, as is usual with Spanish banks, nothing is easy. The ATM wasn't working, due to technical difficulties. The banks over here, really do make life difficult at times. Even doing the simplest of tasks, takes a lot of energy and stamina, usually waiting in line for hours at a time.
With no factura paid, we took a stroll back down the hill, to Zest, to say goodbye to Danielle, who was working her last shift at the bar.
It turned out to be a great evening, chatting to friends, who I don't get to see that often. talking about the ups and downs of life in Gran Alacant, all of us at the table, husband or wifeless, with our partners living abroad. It was also lovely to sit down and talk to the owners of Zest, who I also don't see a lot of these days, but are always a joy to speak with.
It is true enough to say that many of us singletons are finding life without our partners difficult, especially at the moment. Living on a tiny income, trying to make ends meet, is not easy, but living in Spain does make it bearable at least. Katies other half should be home for Christmas, as for mine, I will not see him, for many many months yet. Having friends who are in similar positions, does help coping with the loneliness. For me trying to keep busy is key to remaining sane. Writing for the Advertiser, blogging and teaching, all helping me get through each day. None of these things sadly pay the bills yet, but hopefully in time they will.
After Zest, I walked home with Katie and Lexi, who is missing her father terribly, as Katie is missing her husband, as we all are missing our partners. We sat down and had a chat, which always helps to put right the World's or in our case Spain's ills!
Unless you find yourselves in the same position we are in, you will not fully understand just how difficult it is to survive over here; even in a community like Gran Alacant. The single word I would use to describe how I feel each day, is frustration. With my life on hold for now, I look forward to a time when my reality changes, until then I remain positive for the future!
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Coming from a large city in Britain, I am used to crime in one way or another. Southampton is a city that suffers from a lot of criminal activity. I have been at the sharp end of it myself; having suffered from violence and assault as well as theft. It is a sad fact of life these days, that statistics show a marked increase in anti social behaviour. One of the reasons for me moving to Spain, was to get away from this kind of thing; moving to a place, that I would consider to be far removed from the one I had left. After nearly a year, living in Gran Alacant, I have experienced no crime against me personally!
This is only the beginning of the story and one that I shall cover in January's Gran Alacant Advertiser. I wanted to mention a few words on circumstances, that are of concern for all local residents. I live in a small, close community, who when faced with problems or a situation, that requires unity, do all they can to come together of the sake of the area they live in.
During the summer months, I was aware of various local residents and tourists who had been pickpocketed in the GA Centre; the main shopping complex, meeting place and social hub. This isn't unusual in a tourist area, with residents owning second homes. to understand what is going on, you have to look at the state of the Spanish economy; The jobless figure is high, 21 percent is the norm here. Youth unemployment is even higher, at around 40 percent. I have spoken about the reasons for high unemployment in the past, so will not go over it again. Whatever problems there are in Spain, theft is still no excuse. I don't have an awful lot of money myself, but would never dream of resulting to stealing from anybody!
With the summer season at an end, money is even more scarce than it was before. From what I believe, November is one of the worst months for tourists in Gran Alacant. This causes its own problems and some less savoury people try every which way they can to make money, illegal or not! Some of my neighbours and friends have already become victims of what I can only describe as a conman or a group of conmen; none of us, are sure yet, as to the number of persons involved.
A dear friend had her handbag stolen from her home in the early hours of the morning; others have had items taken from outside their homes and many more have become the victims of a conman, including my neighbours. It seems this person is asking others for money; claiming to be a neighbour in need; locked out of their house and needing the locks changed. Money is being given, in good faith, by admirable people, trying to help a person in need, who is nothing but! I know one neighbour who was taken for 50€ and others for much more 500€ plus.
It is shocking that these things take place, but not surprising. At the moment I have to keep my house locked at all times, windows, shutters and front gate, to deter this type of person. It does seem however, that the Gentleman, purloining those living here, is not even a local. Some residents have done their own detective work and discovered that the person, taking advantage of others, is from Southern Germany. He is in his mid fifties, about 6ft 2" tall, thin, wearing a blue hoodie and cap. If you do come across this guy, obviously give him no money and inform the local Guardia. I have more details on this man, in the section of this blog, entitled 'Gran Alacant', you can access it, by clicking on the justice icon below.
As an area, it could be said that Gran Alacant is predominantly a second home owners destination. This was especially so, when the urbanization was established more than a decade and a half ago; the residents were mainly English! A lot has changed since this time. Many more people are living here all year round; not only the English, but also the Spanish too. It is a terrible fact that in many cases, neighbours just do not know one another, in a way that they used too, in years gone by. Many of the homes in GA are rented out, on a temporary basis, conmen know this; they are aware of who is moving in and out of the area; and prey on the fact that people living here for a temporary three months, do not know those living nearby. Normally, human nature dictates, that we help others in need. If we see someone in distress, we will always do our best to help. Bad people take advantage of our good nature. As we become more vigilant as a community, sadly genuine people, who need assistance will suffer. That doesn't mean, of course, that we should turn our backs on everyone, just be more aware of issues that affect our community, so we can make a more informed decision.
Gran Alacant is a wonderful place to live. Like anywhere, it does experience problems from time to time. There will always be a small minority that spoil things for other people. That doesn't mean we should sit back and allow these people to get away with their crimes; rather we should stand up and be counted, looking out for those that live here; remain on our guard, attentive, circumspect and punctilious in observing what is going on around us. Everyone can sleep, sound in their beds, knowing they have done all they can, to prevent themselves becoming a victim!
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Magic
During the dark nights of winter and the frosty morning chill, Christmas waves its magic wand; brightness begins to fill.
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Zest
Friday afternoon, we popped to Zest after a shopping trip to Lidl. As usual one drink turned into more and we ended up staying for a good few hours; Lexi drawing pictures with Danielle!
Lexi did lots of hand drawings! Brothers We went down to Carabassi, after Zest to get some dinner. However after seeing Jamie briefly, we left. Most of the restaurants are now closed for the summer season! Dream Corner Dinner at Dream Corner. Chicken Madras. Went down a treat! Zest Finally we went back to Zest for a cup of tea and an orange juice, watching Children in Need and a quick chat, before leaving for home! (function(jQuery) { function init() { window.wSlideshow && window.wSlideshow.render({elementID:"612824466837684099",nav:"none",navLocation:"bottom",captionLocation:"bottom",transition:"fade",autoplay:"1",speed:"5",aspectRatio:"auto",showControls:"true",randomStart:"false",images:[{"url":"5\/0\/4\/8\/50484605\/15109496-326010794437971-8797193759759962993-n.jpg","width":400,"height":300,"fullHeight":720,"fullWidth":960},{"url":"5\/0\/4\/8\/50484605\/15055851-326011774437873-221521639749229218-n.jpg","width":400,"height":300,"fullHeight":720,"fullWidth":960},{"url":"5\/0\/4\/8\/50484605\/15055600-326017354437315-2271997133644453295-n.jpg","width":400,"height":225,"fullHeight":540,"fullWidth":960},{"url":"5\/0\/4\/8\/50484605\/15094242-326017324437318-5671782743083130598-n.jpg","width":400,"height":225,"fullHeight":540,"fullWidth":960},{"url":"5\/0\/4\/8\/50484605\/15078848-326017297770654-1472039890276690230-n.jpg","width":400,"height":225,"fullHeight":540,"fullWidth":960}]}) } jQuery(document).ready(init); })(window.jQuery)
