Roaming Brit
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From a new life in spain, to an old life in britain, 'roaming brit' documents uncertain times!

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On 31st January 2016, my partner and I left Southampton to start a new life as Expats in Gran Alacant, on the Costa Blanca. This blog will document our journey, as we navigate the Spanish system, travelling a path untried and untested. With Brexit looming, political turmoil in Europe, and an unpredictable future, harsh decisions must be made. Illness, family bonds, and a Change of heart all make for challenging times in the life of a 'Roaming Brit!'

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Precious!

30/3/2017

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It was vet time for Precious today. She hasn't been very well recently; I think the appalling Spanish winter, has taken its toll her her. Precious has a severe chest infection, that will gradually get worse over time. 

Precious has always been a sickly cat.  She was the runt of the litter, has allergies, asthma and also had cat flu, a few years back; cat flu is a killer. It seems that with age, the change of climate, and the health problems she has, she has caught a very bad infection.  She has been given a large dose of antibiotics and is on medication for the next six days; more money we can ill afford. Taking her in a steam filled bathroom, as I did today, also helps to relieve congestion.

Currently Precious is comfortable, if a little docile.  Fingers crossed, she has a quick and positive recovery!
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Bipolarcoaster - June 2015

29/3/2017

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Paperback
The June 2015 edition of Bipolarcoaster is out now; on Kindle for $2.00 and on paperback for $3.99.

I have just finished the July 2015 edition, which should be out tomorrow. Click on the photo's to purchase.
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A reminder, that if you go to the 'books for sale' section of 'spanish views', you can purchase all the books, currently on amazon!

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One Week!

29/3/2017

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It's one week before Darrell leaves Spain, once more.  Not so long this time, only a few months; just enough time to sort out paperwork, before our new bar opens in Masa Square. I am used to him, not being here, so it wont be too much of a wrench. Living apart from one's partner isn't for everyone. Although I love Darrell very much, this is all part of the course for us now; a necessary evil, something we  have to do, in order to stay together for the long term!
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Bipolarcoaster - May 2015

29/3/2017

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Paperback version
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The second in the series; paperback, Bipolarcoaster, May 2015, is out now; at Amazon.com. Click on the picture, to the left, to take you to the page, to purchase a copy. Priced at $6.99, the ebook edition, is also available to purchase at $2.99.

I have just completed the June 2015 book also, which should be available tomorrow and aim to have all of my blog, recreated in book form, within a couple of months.

Thank you to everyone, for their continued support!
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Bipolarcoaster - April 2015

28/3/2017

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​It is coming up to the two year anniversary, since I started blogging.  To celebrate, I have been asked to produce a number of books, containing entries from my initial blog, 'Bipolarcoaster.' My first publication, detailing the events of April 2015, is out on ebook and paperback now. These can be purchased through Amazon.

I aim to produce a series of volumes; each one containing a single months worth of transcripts from my blog.  The writing remains unrefined, written at a time when I was unwell.  The language is sometimes colourful and challenging; I would therefore suggest a reading age of 18+. I decided, not to change the wording in anyway, preferring to keep the blog entries, contained in each book, as  authentic, as the day they were written. Unlike today, there will be mistakes within the pages. As a blogger, I believe one should always write from the heart, even if the words do not necessarily come out, as intended. The errors, are all part of a traumatic time in my life!
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​Click on the book cover, to the left, to take you to the Amazon page, where you can purchase this first in the series ebook; 'Bipolarcoaster, The Ride Of Your Life - April 2015!'

$3.21
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​Click on the book cover, to the right, to take you to the Amazon page, where you can purchase the first in the series, paperback book; 'Bipolarcoaster, The Ride Of Your Life - April 2015!'

$6.99
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Zest - Sunday Lunch!

27/3/2017

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Myself and Darrell went to Zest, for Sunday lunch. It was their first time, cooking for the masses, this Mothers Day. We paid 13,95€ each for a three course meal and a bottle of wine, which in my opinion was an absolute bargain. We were also given 50,00€ vouchers each. Every time an individual attends an event, they will be given a token, to be used at a time of their choosing, bidding on items at regular auctions, hosted by Zest. I have never heard of this concept before, but what a wonderful idea, for the local community, encouraging them to return to Sierra Mar, time after time!

​The food tasted wonderful, one of the best Sunday lunches I have had, in Gran Alacant. For my starter, I had liver Pâté; followed by a main of roast turkey; finally I had apple crumble and ice cream; huge portions, all home cooked, piping hot. We stayed there to the late evening, and had a great time, as we usually do at Zest. The place did have a different feel to it last night; great atmosphere and good vibes.  

Thanks to everyone at Zest, for their attentive service and the warm welcome they gave; I look forward to booking next Sunday! 
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Westminster Attack!

24/3/2017

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What a few days it has been in Britain, after the attack in Westminster, on 22 March. I don't really know how to express how I feel, without someone, calling me a racist, which I am not. I have written many times about Islam and Muslim extremism  and will continue to express my views, however I feel,  appropriate.  The reality is, for me at least, I am sick to death of hearing about religion; it has no relevance in the modern world or my life. I am a deeply spiritual person, however I am not religious, nor do I worship a profit or God, whose words are irrelevant, sexist, homophobic and 2000 years old. How can I possibly believe in something, the teachings of which, cause so much harm, to other people. Those Muslim radicals, who preach hate, are not God fearing, good, or indeed moral, in the same way, most decent people are. Faith should be about love, respect and equality. Do you really think, for one moment, terrible acts of terrorism, are part and parcel of religious doctrine?

In London, a British born Muslim, rampaged along Westminster bridge, trying to cause as much destruction as he could; finally he stabbed a dedicated Policeman to death, outside the House of Commons.  We are told, he was a lone man; Isis referred to him, as one of their own and many arrests have been made, in relation to this attack. Personally, I do not believe this man acted unaided.  He may well have carried out the attack solo, but there were many others complicit, in this dreadful atrocity. This British citizen learned to kill from somewhere or someone; whether online or in mosques and meeting places. The teachers, preachers and Imams, leaders of the religion he held dear, are all equally responsible. These instruments of evil are still walking British streets, spouting the language of loathing and revulsion, yet Britain stands by and does very little!  

It is all very well, having freedom of speech, in a liberal democracy, as Britain is, but we have people who do not conform to our shared values, living among us.  They don't follow the same rules, as you or I, consequently, we need stronger measures to deal with these individuals.  We are losing the battle against radicalism, because we are too bothered about upholding the civil liberties we enjoy, at the expense of protecting the vast majority of the British public. We are leaving ourselves vulnerable to attack, because our political correctness refuses to allow us, to do more.  Surely it is time to deal with these people head on.  If we have the slightest belief someone could hurt others, they should be removed from a civilised society.  The guy who caused this murder and mayhem in London, was on a watch list, yet was free and not considered a threat.

When the clean up is over and inquires are finished, we will be told, this should never happen again, the Government will introduce new security measures and life will go on, much the same as it did before. The trouble is, there will always be others, waiting in the wings,  to commit more crimes and murder more people, in the name of Allah. We still wouldn't have dealt with the cause of religious zealotry and these people will still be our neighbours.

After every attack, of this nature, we always review our security, yet these assaults still happen.  Surely it is time to rethink our strategy. Europe's open door policy, allowing refugees and terrorists into its nations, unable to distinguish between the two, is dead in the water.  The only way you are going to stop these appalling tragedies from occurring, is by dealing with all those, who attempt to enter Europe, in the Countries, from which they are fleeing, before they reach European boarders; stop bringing the problem home. Then of course you have home grown terrorists.  These are more difficult to deal with.  Here it is time for re-education, harder policing of the internet, restricting all extremist sites and accounts and controversially Government inspectors to inspect Mosques, unannounced, checking on standards of teaching; reviewing those who attend such meetings and the immediate closure of all those establishments that do not meet Government guidelines. As with schools, who full below required standards, a team of professionals, from the Muslim community, approved by The Home Office, should be sent in to improve ethics, ideals and morals, removing any harmful influences.

I do  not believe Islam is entirely an evil religion.  I disagree with everything it stands for, but in an open, liberated society, we have to have freedoms to practice whatever belief we want, even if I disagree with it. Closer monitoring, removal and detention of extremists, re-education, closure of boarders, until stricter immigration rules are introduced and a no tolerance policy, on anyone considered a threat should be used to help eradicate this problem. If we fail to deal with these issues now our children will not forgive us, for the mess we leave behind. All religious extremism needs to be outlawed; we need to start the process of change now.  This problem demands radical ideas.  All sectors of society should be asked to contribute to  a national debate, a consensus reached and solutions implemented. All our futures depend on the path we take today, not tomorrow!
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A message of support, from the guardia civil, displayed on the n332, in alicante!

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Trials and Tribulations!

24/3/2017

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Darrell will be leaving Spain, at the beginning of April, for a short period of time. We have a lot of paperwork to sort for Darrell's residencia, which will be easier, finalised outside of Spain. I will of course be staying here, while we go through this process.  All part of the course, of starting a new life in Spain.
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Molly Malone's!

24/3/2017

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We went to Molly Malone's, Irish pub in Carabassi, yesterday evening. On a Thursday, they have a get together of Spanish, British and other residents; chatting in their own language, getting to know new people; predominantly, wanting to learn Spanish. Darrell was determined to go this week; we had been busy for the last two. I decided to sit this one out, instead, spending time with Gavin and David, the owners of this welcoming bar in Gran Alacant.

I have spoken to Gavin before; he is always a great source of inspiration and advice, something I am very grateful for, especially while both Darrell and I are going through 'newbie nerves', living in Spain, as well as jumping through those 'Spanish Hoops', to get where we need to be. It is always good to talk to like minded individuals, who understand the problems, you face on a daily basis.

It was the first time I had met David, who is a thoroughly decent chap. Davis is around about the same age as myself and Darrell, although looks decidedly younger.  I can only guess, that a combination of the Spanish lifestyle, fresh food, warm sun and of course the family genes has worked wonders. David is a likeable personality, friendly and a pleasure to talk with; it is always great to meet new people; you can never have too many fiends in Gran Alacant!

​Back home to Casa Caprice, it was time for Aunty Linda's Scottish Stovies; now one of my secret pleasures!
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Westminster Terror Incident!

22/3/2017

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Just watching news from London, of an attack on Westminster bridge; pedestrians being mowed down by a car and a Police Officer stabbed, within the Parliament estate. Members of Parliament, have been confined to the chamber of the House of Commons and are in lock down.

It was only a matter of time, before such an attack happened in the capital. Until Governments, of all western nations, get to grips and deal with Muslim extremism, countries, such as Britain, my old home, will continue to suffer at the hands of these people.

I hope we will finally wake up and remove these individuals from civilized society; then and only then will we all sleep soundly in our beds!

​My thoughts are with all those involved!
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    51-year-old Author and professional blogger. Expat formerly living in Gran Alacant on the Costa Blanca! Currently, residing in my adopted home of Perth, Western Australia.

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    A place to call home
    Finally, a place we can call home.  A community of like minded individuals, who used to call Britain home.  Now Spain is our choice, an altogether gentler, happier, sunnier and safer experience!
            Luke Feb 16
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  • Blog
  • The Story Of Us
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    • Forever Enduring Cycles Blog 2015 >
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  • My Writing
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