Blog Archives

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

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!'

Christmas Memories - Bethany Shave!

27/11/2023

My favourite Christmas memory is when I spent it with the whole of my family. No one was at work, everyone sat around eating Christmas dinner, then presents and games after. With my beloved grandparents sat at the top table, just watching over their children and grandchildren, it's probably my most favourite memory!

Bethany

Meet Akira!

25/11/2023

On Monday, Darrell and I went to see a new addition to our family, a male cat called Roger (newly named Akira). He is nearly ready to be rehomed, after being looked after by Perth Animal Rescue. Now if I am honest, I really didn't want another cat, after what happened with Picante and Marigold, but after talking to Kerrie, who we got Pippa from, she reassured me it was a good thing to do and not to worry so much.

Our cat, Pippa, is particularly timid and anxious, and she really does find other cats difficult to bond with. She isn't adverse to other felines herself, but, as in the case of Picante and Marigold, they took an immediate dislike to her, and she suffered from constant attacks and bullying while they were with us.

I am of the opinion, that she will be much better off with a kitten in her life, a companion she can bond with from a much earlier age, before learnt behaviour sets in. All the photographs I saw of Pippa before she arrived at our house, were of her content, happy, and in the company of other kittens. One has to remember that when Pippa was rescued, she had only recently given birth, so hopefully there is still a Mother cat instinct inside, just waiting for a small kitten to bring it out.

Akira has been looked after by Joanne at her home in Ginginup, in the hills around Perth. We drove forty minutes from our house in Midland, through typically rugged Australian countryside, to be met by Jo at her home, full of fostered cats. These animals are well cared for and so loving and friendly. You can see Jo spends a lot of time with them, and they want for nothing.

As soon as we saw Akira, we both fell in love. He is absolutely adorable. We are just hoping he will bond with Pippa in a relatively short space of time. Of course nothing is for certain, but we know Pippa is fine with other cats, so that is half the battle won.

We should have Akira in just over a week, and I will of course let all of you know how he progresses. As we both open the door to a new addition to our family, it seems our life in Australia becomes more established each day that passes. It is true to say our direction has changed out of all proportion, but at our age we are happy to live quietly on the other side of the World. This first year in Perth has been a success in every respect, let's hope it continues, very much in the same vein.

It's a tad hot today, as bush fires rage in the hills!

23/11/2023

The summer has arrived in Perth and it looks like this year is going to be a hot one, very hot. Fires are already burning in the hills around Perth, and the wind blowing in from the east is scorching!

This year's summer down under is expected to be hot, and already the bush fires have started. As I walked to work this morning, I was struck be the strong wind outside. This was unlike anything I have experienced before. The wind was indeed strong, but strangely it was hot. You know when you open the oven door, while cooking an evening meal, and you get a whoosh of heat from the warmth inside, well this is exactly how it felt.

Now I love the heat, more than anyone I know, but this was something else. Last year's summer was nothing compared to this, so for me, it was a bit of a shock to the system. However, I am doing what I can to stay safe, following emergency advice on my bush fire app and making sure I am prepared for every eventuality.

It isn't until you live in another country, that you realist just how different the weather can be. Australia has particularly harsh conditions at times, and it looks like we could be in for the hottest summer we have had in many years.

For now, life goes on, and like all Australians we just have to live life as normal, until we are told to do otherwise.

Stay safe wherever you are!

Christmas Memories - Julie Yeates

22/11/2023

Well we had the most beautiful Christmases at home - there were 5 of us, 3 girls, 2 boys. Every year was magical; Mum would make sure we all had something we asked for. We all took an old sock to bed with us - I couldn't stay awake, to stay up, lol. The oldest sister, Sue, and younger sister could.

My auntie had a shop that had fruit veg, and we were the lucky ones who had lots. Mum would collect stamps from the milk man, and get us pop called Corona of all things, as well as cakes and biscuits - so we felt rich.

Christmas morning, we all would get up together and look to see if our socks were full first; to our surprise they were. It was so magical - we had an orange, apple, nuts and a few sweets, but it was the best thing to us. After we looked at them, sat on our beds, all excited, we then lined up and went downstairs. Mum and dad were at the front room door, and we would cover our eyes, then open them, and see a pile of presents for each of us; we all watched each other open them all up, so happily.

Afterwards we would clear up, and get ready to have Christmas Dinner. We would keep aside the wishbone from the turkey, and mum and dad always pulled it. We would eat up our Dinner, then play with what we had from father Christmas; we believed in him! Furthermore, we would pull crackers, put the hats on, tell the funny jokes from them and just sit and have a fun day.

Later we would get crackers, turkey sandwiches and all the bits out for tea. We were all, so full, and had the best family time; then we all chatted about our day! This was our Christmas every year; every part of it was amazing - just spending it with family.... We truly had the best Christmases, which I'm so grateful for. xxxxxxxxx

Julie

Christmas Thoughts - Denise Dunkley

21/11/2023

'My fondest memories of Christmas are everyone around the table with hats on, pulling crackers with both my parents, filled with laughter. But my best memory is having my daughter's first Christmas and my first Xmas as a mum!'

Denise

Flies, Midges and Spiders!

19/11/2023

Christmas Memories - Caroline Machin!

17/11/2023

Here's one from 1984, the year my son was born, and my eldest was 3.

I was living in Burghfield Common just outside of Reading, my hubby who was a MOD policeman was stationed in Portsmouth dockyard at the time, so we were separated over Xmas due to his work and the bad weather.

I was only 24 and money was very tight indeed, and I was isolated from shops etc - it was a very small village with just a post office. Anyway, that Christmas day consisted of me and the kids sat indoors with just Weetabix for our Xmas dinner as I was saving some sausages for Boxing Day, as my hubby was home that day. Even though that sounds dismal and very sad, we actually had a lovely Christmas and Boxing Day - my baby boys first Xmas, and it was even snowing.

Caroline

Christmas Memories - Lorraine Dale

15/11/2023

Lorraine

'My all-time Christmas memory was from when I was about 8, and my sister who was 15yrs older, would have the most wonderful house parties and would be playing records on her Dansette record player (splish splash) Bobby Darin.

There would be a house full of her friends there. I was in awe at all the fabulous dresses and six inch stilettos the women wore, and they wore their hair in a French bun (so elegant). I used to sneak downstairs and watch them all dancing, until I was found out, and sent back upstairs - Wonderful times!'

Australia really is an expensive place to live - Looking after my health!

12/11/2023

If I'm honest, it's been quite a debilitating week. I had a visit from the big boss in Sydney this week, so have been busy making sure everything was in tip-top condition. I have a wonderful team at work, so I had no reason to worry - the place was looking fantastic. As a business, we passed with flying colours, and I was delighted to accept the praise we were given on behalf of the shop. It goes without saying, how pleased I was with the outcome, and it makes all the hard work I have put in worth it. I have worked long hours since I arrived in Australia and finally my dedication and commitment is paying dividends.

On top of my busy week, I have also been suffering somewhat. Last Monday, I went to the Doctors about a few health issues I currently have. The one good thing about the health system in Australia, is I can pick and choose the Doctor I want to see. Paying to see a GP does have its advantages; it may well cost me $120 a time to see one, but I was able to see a Doctor on the same day I booked the appointment, and as an added bonus, the GP I chose, specialises in men's health; fortunately, I was able to see him, without any difficulty. Unlike the UK, I was allotted a half an hour appointment and was able to explain the various symptoms I have been experiencing, in an understanding and unhurried environment.

As a person, I have always been prone to cysts, they are literally all over my body. These tiny lumps and bumps come and go, and many of them have been with me for years. Since losing weight, I have also become more body aware, and if I get a new lump, I notice it straight away. I also know what a cyst feels like and if I need to see a professional.

Over the last few months, I have started to get some strange lumps on my head, particularly on the crown. I have done everything to get rid of them, but they just will not go. Last week, they had got so big that I just had to go to the surgery. Obviously, living in Australia is a concern, because of the possibility of skin cancer. Having had a skin check done recently and given the all clear, I wasn't unduly worried, but nevertheless, I could not continue walking around with an open sore on my head - a trip to the clinic was most certainly in order.

The new Doctor took one look at the lump and instantly knew what it was. According to him, I had a streptococcus infection, that usually lies dormant in the body, but sometimes, on occasion, comes out in skin infections, similar to acne. Now, I have never had acne in my life, but I can definitely vouch for how bloody painful it is.

In truth, I have no idea what Streptococcus is, but he briefly told me it was MRSA, the super bug that was all over the news in recent times, infecting hospitals in the UK. Suitably alarmed, I asked him what could be done about it. He has put me on a course of antibiotics for four weeks and prescribed a medicated head wash and antibiotic nose ointment. I literally came out of the pharmacy loaded with drugs and at a cost of $80, it wasn't cheap.

On top of the medication, I have also bought zinc tablets to help boost my immune system as well as some extra strong probiotic tablets, for the duration I am on medication. All in all, I am out of pocket by over $300 - it isn't cheap to be ill here, but hopefully it won't be too long, before the strep infection is cleared up.

Today we have been out and about shopping and having lunch, even though I am feeling decidedly under the weather. I have never liked antibiotics, and they really are playing havoc with my system, so tomorrow I will just be taking it easy before my dentist appointment on Monday, and yet more money to pay out!

Australia really is an expensive place to live, but for now at least, it is home!

Christmas Memories - Linda Nicholls

10/11/2023

'I loved Christmas as a child and still do. I remember when I was little, sitting round the open fire opening our presents. I nearly always got a colouring book and pencils and sometimes a doll if my mum could afford it, as she didn’t have a lot of money. However, I appreciated everything I got; I always enjoyed the Christmas dinner, and I enjoy cooking them myself now. It’s so lovely having all of my family together at Christmas.'

Linda