Brexit Frustration!

The interesting aspect of working in a bar in Spain, is the people you meet, on a daily basis. Gran Alacant has a core resident population, a good proportion of which are British; we do however have a large transient populous who come and go; seasonal workers, holiday makers and second home owners. All of which make for an interesting place to live. 

Even in  November, we have our fair share of tourists through the door of LoungeD, all of them happy to chat and pass the time of day. Meeting people is always a pleasure; I am interested in the stories they tell, the lives they lead and of course the news from back home in Britain. I still class the UK as my home, even though I no longer live there, not because I miss it, but because that is where my roots are. In time as I establish myself in Spain, I am sure that  will change.

The news from home isn't great at the moment; everyone I have spoken to recently appears downbeat. When I left the UK in January 2016, I had concerns about moving to Spain, a country of high unemployment and lower wages. Today, I am happy to be here rather than there. Despite the problems in Spain, politically or otherwise, those I know, Expats and Spanish, are positive about the future, looking forwards, rather that backwards.

LoungeD has been open for nearly four months now. when you look at our 'Familiar Faces' photo album on the facebook web page, you will see hundreds of people, enjoying themselves in the Spanish sun, getting away from the problems in the UK for a week or two. Talk always turns to Britain's future and everyone has a view, some more vocal than others. People are fed up with the endless hours of talking  and no tangible results to show. A common theme is 'Britain backed into a corner' and 'Europe is punishing the UK, for daring to vote out of the EU.' These statements may or may not be true, we are not privy to the real bona fide facts; governments on both sides of the channel only tell the rest of us, what they want us to hear; the reality is, we know no more now than we did  a year ago. There seems to be plenty of chatter, not all of it accurate or helpful and very little doing; the frustration everyone feels is understandable!

I rarely watch the British news these days. I find the BBC biased, detracting attention from the real issues, patronising and politically ignorant. Instead I speak to the tourists and people with views that matter, those who really understand the mess Britain is in. Writing my column 'Chatter' for the 'Gran Alacant Advertiser,' has brought me in contact with many wonderful characters, all of whom have a voice and want it to be heard. I include many comments from those who live in GA, because they are important; more so than the BBC. Friends, neighbours and those just passing through Gran Alacant are always a joy to talk with, without their words of wisdom and thoughts on the times we live in, my job as a columnist would be that much harder; opinions, whether I agree with them or not are essential. I have changed my views many times, just by listening to others. As an Expat, living in Gran Alacant, I am part of a community, more diverse than any I have lived in before, we are a melting pot of beliefs, ideas and conviction, so much so, we are all willing and able to speak our minds. Expats are a strong breed, have many concerns, yet less representation than our British counterparts. We need to be listened to during this Brexit debate, so far our plight is being ignored; this has to change. Our future is in question, more than the bureaucrats and politicians in Westminster or Brussels, without our contribution to the Spanish economy, places like Gran Alacant would not exist. Stay vocal, keep chatting, stand up for your rights and above all keep up the pressure on those who will shape all our lives and future direction!

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