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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 have to be made. Illness, family bonds and a Change of heart all make for challenging times in a life of a 'Roaming Brit!'

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Visitors!

31/8/2016

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Jean and Myra!

My old friends Jean and Myra have arrived in Spain.  They flew in to Alicante Airport on Tuesday for a two week holiday in Benidorm.  Things didn't quite turn out how they should have done however.  

When they finally got to Benidorm, the hotel they booked, knew nothing about their reservations.  It seemed that Myra had paid the cost of the hotel to an unscrupulous person, who took her money and ran.  I've heard about that sort of thing before.

I had a frantic phone call from Myra, asking if they could stay with me in Alicante, at least for a period, while she sorted out the implications of what had happened.  Since I was travelling to see them in Benidorm anyway, I agreed to put them up, for as long as they need!

It is actually great having some old friends, here in Spain.  Me and Jean go back at least twenty years, having worked together in Southampton. We were talking about the old times, last night, while getting to the bottom of a bottle of vodka on the terrace.  

Catching up with the important people in ones life is a must.  Many of the fond memories they mentioned, I had forgotten, but immediately I heard them, they came flooding back.  It's wonderful to have them both here!
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Oxfam - Oxscam!

29/8/2016

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Heard some great news about my old discredited employer this evening! Nothing I can print at the moment sadly, but hope to very soon! It looks like a lot of chickens are coming home to roost!


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Evening with Lily!

29/8/2016

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Poor Lily was looking every inch her age  today. She is laying next to me on the sofa.  I've just cleaned her eyes and put some more eye drops in her ear, which she hates having done.

Lily was a rescue cat, used for breeding and kept in a cage all her life.  When we got her, she didn't even know how to walk on a floor.  She is the most placid cat you'll ever meet! 
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Jamie!

29/8/2016

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Jamie has been in one of those moods today!
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Thumbs Down!

29/8/2016

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I Was chopping chicken for dinner this morning and took the top of my finger off with the sharpest knife I have ever come across.  Will not be using that again.  My first reaction was to put my finger in my mouth, as one does. Yup, raw chicken in my mouth.  Counting down the hours to food poisoning.

Managed to bandage myself up, and finished cooking dinner; washed up with a condom on my finger, one of Jamie's, don't touch them myself
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Are You Being Served!

29/8/2016

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So the new version of 'Are You Being Served' hit the British TV screens on Sunday evening.  Let me first say, I love the original 10 series show, which ran for nearly ten years, from 1973.  I have memorabilia, autographs and every DVD on the greatest comedy ever made, in my humble opinion.  I am an authority on this show, and everything it stands for!

​I grew up with 'Are You Being Served' on the television.  The show, unlike the remake, wasn't politically correct, unlike this most recent attempt, by the BBC.  Had it been, it would not have worked.  The new remake was a poor copy of the original, the comedy wasn't funny, the characterization was terrible and the actors, well below the standards, one would have expected. Minus one or two exceptions. like Sherrie Hewson, the performance was not great!

Don't try and remake old 'CULT' comedy shows.  Leave them where they are;  in the annals of television history; funny, unique programmes from a different era in history.  Don't try and change format's that worked; clearly this time they didn't!
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Saturday, Zest day!

29/8/2016

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Traditional  drinking sesh down Zest on Saturday.  What I mean to say is, we popped out for one and ended up staying all day.  Michael and Tim, brought out that bloody game, where you end up getting cream in your face.  Naturally we all had a go, some came off worse than others!

Had a lovely afternoon with Tim and Michael.  Have to say we don't do it enough.  These two are lovely and always great fun to be around.  As usual I ended up at Carabassi, for fish and chips at Aquarius, and more drink.  Andy then drove us to Masa Square, which I don't normally frequent, due to a dreadful experience with one of the staff,working in one of the local establishments; she who shall remain nameless;  I think you know who I mean!

I spent all day Sunday throwing up, after ten hours of drinking.  Decided to go tea total and detox for a bit.  You can certainly have too much of a good thing!  
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Southampton Pride!

28/8/2016

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It was fantastic to see all the photographs and videos, from Southampton's first Gay Pride celebrations today.  As a campaigner for Gay rights myself, it was wonderful to see my home city embracing the continued struggle, for equal rights, through an annual pride festival. I recognised many faces and landmarks.  It is at times like this, I do tend to miss home more.

I hope the celebrations went well.  Love to all my friends in Southampton, from our little gay family, in Alicante, Spain! 
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Thank you!

27/8/2016

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I really don't know what to say today, except, thank you to all my friends in Gran Alacant.  I have been finding it difficult without my husband, very difficult.  Today I was feeling down and lonely and the amount of people that invited me out was beyond belief.  You all really cheered me up!

Thank you to Andy and Katie, for getting me out of my Casa and giving me a lovely day.  You are two special people.  With Andy leaving to work in The UK soon, I know Katie and myself will be a great source of support for each other.

Thank you so much to Denise for all your kind words and inviting me around, as ever.  You are so welcoming to newbies like me and make my life so much easier.  Equally to Cindy and Josh; bless you both of asking me round.  You two have been nothing but supportive at this time.  I really appreciate all you do, especially for Jamie.

My life has changed out of all proportion, but certainly for the better. From Danielle and Chloe at Zest, Bret and Lee, Roger, June and the numerous people I have met, you have all made me feel so comfortable. I spent a lovely afternoon with Michael and Tim today.  You are all very special people, who I owe a great deal too.  You should all feel proud of yourselves.

I am not used to such a wonderful community  I have no experience of such things.  Everyone looks out for each other and that makes me smile. So many people could learn from that.  Good for you GA, you are a unique corner of Spain with such fighting spirit and a loving nature.  We were lucky to come here!

Gran Alacant, is my home, but the people who live here, make it a place to cherish.  I love living here; wherever I am in the future, this place will always be where I lay my hat!

Well that's enough of emotional me.  From Aunty Pam, Linda and Sammi, you all have so much to give.  The best bunch of charaters I have ever met.  This is indeed a wonderful place, lets keep it secret, not everyone needs to know.  Love to all of you, you are my World now, so you have got me, warts and all,  Thank you, for everything!
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Home!

26/8/2016

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A short video, from GAsbags, Gran Alacant Forum about Alicante, my home!
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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
  • Other Blogs
    • Forever Enduring Cycles Blog 2015 >
      • Forever Enduring Cycles
      • Bipolarcoaster
      • Books For Sale
  • Gallery
  • Spain
    • First Month
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    • 2 Year Anniversary
    • Spanish Views
    • Gran Alacant >
      • GA Advertiser
      • Gran Alacant News
      • LoungeD
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