18 Month Anniversary!

Today is my year and a half anniversary living in Spain and what a year it has been. In the past, I have reviewed my time spent in Spain, at important junctures; in this entry I want to talk briefly about the way I am feeling, the emotions in have and the future for myself and Darrell, living here.

 The last eighteen months have been a rollercoaster ride. I have personally experienced more downs than ups. When you move anywhere to start a new life, you are greeted with an initial high, as you explore the delights of your new life; these first few months were akin to time spent on holiday; everything I did, was done with gusto. Like the story of my life, things never turned out the way I expected and my emotions changed, almost on a daily basis.  The plans we sowed at the beginning of our journey, did not materialise in the way we hoped they would. The emotions involved in such a traumatic break with the past, should not be underestimated; when one adds into the mix the difficulties of establishing and constructing a new life abroad,  I think it is safe to say, it has been an eventful eighteen months.

​So rather than looking back today, I am finally looking forward in a positive way. LoungeD has finally opened its doors and the future looks better now than it did. Renewed energy and focus are now my priority; happy to be facing the challenges of Managing a bar in Spain, as so many Brits have done before. I have had my own experience of running a business in the past, whilst living in the UK; my grounding in the hospitality field, will be invaluable, as I negotiate the hurdles of the future. 

It has been wonderful to see those we hold dear, coming out to stay with us in Spain. Many of the hindrances I  experienced, during my first year, living in Gran Alacant, were born out of loss. Moving abroad, does create a great feeling of loneliness, even if you are surrounded by people, in your new chosen home. I spent a lot of time missing friendships that I had made over numerous years; many of them a generation old or more. Facing up to what had I left behind was a huge mountain to climb. The wonders of social media, has taken the edge off annexation, but this level of contact, still isn't the same as a face to face connection. Seeing people in the flesh, spending good quality time with them, has been a real bonus; I am grateful they came to see us. Other friends are still due to come and stay; personally, for me, the more the better; it has helped with my sense of well being, state of mind and the process of adjustment.

This has been a most life changing and enhancing period for me. I made mistakes after the move to Spain, who hasn't, when making the decision to move abroad. The complications, hitches, barriers and impediments have been truly burdensome. Darrell and I still have many more hurdles to cross; however the advantages and rewards of Spanish life, do outweigh all of the anguish and discomfort; As I am frequently reminded, what would life be, without challenges; testing times maketh the man, so today I am more of a man than I have ever been.

Thanks to everyone; friends, old and new, family and colleagues,  who have been there with us, as we forged our new life in Spain; we couldn't have done it without you!

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