Category: Easy Horse Care

Settling into Expat life, in Gran Alacant!

5/1/2023

Walking down Heart Attack Hill!

We had a house full of furniture and two cats to bring from the UK, to our new home in Gran Alacant. The easiest option for us, was for Jamie and me to fly from Southampton Airport and for Darrell and close friend Dale to drive from Britain, down through France, into Spain and onto the Costa Blanca; two days in a van with me, Darrell and the cats, was likely to end in bloodshed otherwise.

This was a journey that took Dale and Darrell several days to complete. In France, halfway through the journey, they stopped at a cat friendly hotel and rested as long as they could, before completing the journey. When they arrived, it was a frantic few days of unpacking, before Darrell dropped off the van in Alicante, and we could finally start to live our lives, far away from the troubles of the past.

Sitting in the tiny lounge, surrounded by boxes, slightly shivering on a cold February day, I remember how happy I was to finally be away from Britain. Our last few months there were not the best, and Spain was just the new start all of us needed. None of us knew the area at all, so once Dale had left for the UK, the three of us began to explore our new home of Gran Alacant.

The 'Rehab,' or 'Recovery train,' (recovering from life in The UK) was our first venture into this quiet urbanisation. This miniature train, on wheels, would circumnavigate Gran Alacant several times a day, and we could hop on and off as and when we liked. After a particularly wobbly walk down Heart Attack Hill, to Molly Malone's Irish Pub, the first pub we visited in GA and one of our favourite haunts, We caught the train, just outside the bar and travelled the short distance to the Centro Commercial. This modern town had everything you could need, including several supermarkets, Mercadona and Lidl, the obligatory tobacconist, where I would by my Mojito flavoured cigarettes at 4.35€ a packet, half the price they were in the UK, and of course plenty of bars and restaurants.

Barloko, as it was named then, was situated at the top of the main shopping centre and during our first few weeks we went there several times. We hadn't yet found our own neighbourhood local, Sierra Mar, which was actually hidden away in a small gated community, down the bottom of a rather steep incline, a few minutes from our house in Calle Canarias.

At Barloko, or Roger's bar as we liked to call it, we met many of the locals at this popular venue and of course the amazing Roger himself, who was always a friendly face, even when things weren't going our way. He would often sit and chat with us, explain a bit about Gran Alacant and help us find our way around. Roger is one of those characters you just can't forget, and it was always lovely to see him.

We also spent a lot of time in Alicante itself, just a forty-five-minute bus journey away. This cultured city, full to bursting with architectural wonders, a beautiful castle and our favourite part, the marina, was just what we needed to get over the UK. It was a World away from the drudgery of Britain and even in winter, we could sit in our preferred venue of choice, 'Soho Mar,' just passing the time of day, forgetting our worries and feeling every bit like we were on holiday.

Of course, we weren't on vacation, we were there to start a new life in the sun and by the beginning of March, it was time to start building a future, and looking for work in Gran Alacant.

Out of the three of us, I was the first person to find a job in GA, at 'The Easy Horse Care' Charity shop in Plaza Mayor, at the bottom of Heart Attack Hill, a fifteen-minute walk from Carabassi. I worked several days a week and was paid a small wage to keep me going while I looked for something more permanent. The charity did what it said on the tin, rescuing horses and donkeys in the local area; this magnificent shop, consisting of furniture on one level and clothing above, was my first real foray into the neighbourhood of Gran Alacant. At first, I was a bit dubious about taking on the position, after my bad experience working for a charity in the UK, but my reluctance soon passed, as I made friends, worked hard and began to integrate into a community that welcomed me with open arms.

The Charity shop opened my eyes to the well established Expat community, and it wasn't long before I began to venture out more and more. Sierra Mar, was a short walk from my house on the hill, so I wandered down to this friendly square whenever I had the chance. It wasn't long before 'Zest,' a newly opened bar, became my second home. Lee and Brett were the perfect hosts and always welcoming, as were Steve and Paul behind the bar. Along with Aunty Pam, who cooked the best comfort food and was always free for a hug or two, they soon became akin to family in Spain; these were familiar faces in an unfamiliar World. When confronted with a new beginning, it is important to find your niche, somewhere to feel relaxed and at home and for me at least, Zest was it.

It wasn't long before I got to know the locals and when Darrell was called away to Australia, a few months after we arrived, these were the people that got me through. Darrell's Mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2016, and although we didn't know it then, our time would be cut short in Spain because of her illness. With Darrell travelling back and forth to Perth, I made the best of a bad situation. Settling into life in Gran Alacant was the most important factor, in me staying there for as long as I did. Had it not been for my Mother in law's illness, in all probability we would still be there now.

Of course, part of settling into a new neighbourhood is establishing lasting friendships. Luckily I met long term friends Andy and Katie, who lived just around the corner from me and then there was Paul and Michelle, who were instrumental in making me feel a part of their lives, especially when Darrell wasn't there. It is true to say I went into myself a lot more and became very withdrawn at times, but when you see your dream ebbing away, it is all you can do to cope with the changing landscape.

Gran Alacant was an easy place to settle down, it had everything I ever wanted and more - people I cared about, a community of like-minded individuals, helpful friends and local residents, and the perfect location on the Costa Blanca that worked for us. It wasn't in the throng of Benidorm, it offered a more relaxed place to live, but with a busy social scene that came into its own, especially at night, making you feel you were actually somewhere bigger. With so many nationalities living in one place, it was the best choice for us, and I am so glad we lived there, even if it was for only a few years. The memories I made, and the friends I still have today, are a tribute to the place I was honoured to call home, and a fitting homage to the Expat community who looked out for me, in a way nobody had done before!

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Donations!

19/2/2019

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I've had a pretty busy morning at Cancer Research today. Despite the usual selection of fun filled photographs, there were a lot of donations to go through, from munificent members of the public, who continue to do what they can to raise money for the fantastic charity. This evening I wanted to say a few words about donations and encourage readers of 'Roaming Brit' to donate generously.

All charities rely on gifts from the general public, Britain has a proud tradition of Charity shops and a great deal of money is generated from the sale of unwanted items. Cancer Research in Portsmouth is a large unit, the largest such establishment I have ever worked in and consequently has a lot of stock to categorise and catalogue. Volunteers and Managers alike have to assess and evaluate huge amounts of contributions. Eclectic in nature and in many cases unique on the high street, all are given free, in the hope they will realise some much needed capital, so Cancer Research and other institutions can continue to carry out their good work.

Today I was sorting and pricing electrical goods, others were tagging clothing and many more were sorting through general donations. Around eighty percent of donations are sold in store and a well trained and focused work force continue to get the best prices they can. I myself give when I can. When I left for Spain in 2015, I gave most of my belongings away to the British Heart Foundation and when I returned to the UK last year, I donated the rest of my personal effects to 'Easy Horse Care,' a charity I used to work for in Gran Alacant. This Spanish trust, rescues horses and donkeys across the Valencia region of Spain; many are injured or mistreated and badly in need of care. I have never just thrown saleable items in the bin, I know from previous experience, just how important a gift to a charity can be.

Everyone has a personal cause to champion, one that is close to their heart, so I would encourage all of you to give something, as often as you can. I was amazed at the generosity shown by people as I opened sacks today, valuable, freshly laundered and neatly folded clothes. We are also given items we can't sell, things that really should have been disposed of and I would also stress the importance of vetting the items you give. No volunteer wants to sort through a black dustbin liner of soiled garments. We had a few such bags today and it can be stomach churning at times. Nevertheless everyday is like Christmas when you work in a charity shop, you never know just what you will find.

My boss Zerina wanted me to thank everyone for their continued support and pass on her best wishes to all those who read my blog, following our shop in Portsmouth. Writing about my charity work is an important aspect of my life; I know many of you who read 'Roaming Brit,' are also interested in this side of me. I would like to end this entry today, by asking you all to help Cancer Research in its work by donating what you can. Equally if you have some spare time, why not pop along and have a chat with Zerina, Jo or Sam and do some volunteering yourself; you wont be disappointed!

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Charity

17/8/2017

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I have written much about charity and my negative experiences working for Oxfam; sometimes too much. The past has clouded my judgement on future charitable endeavours and has often made me turn away from exploits, that would have been good for me and the recipient. Negative experiences with anything tends to live clear in the mind, far longer than the positive, that is a fact of life. My escapades with Oxfam will remain with me for a very long time; a burden I accepted long ago. Reading my blog entries, one may assume I have only had difficult encounters with the charitable sector; in reality, nothing could be further from the truth. My life was tainted by Oxfam, but not entirely. I have many fond memories from more advantageous adventures.

My earliest engagement; raising money for good causes, was 'Operation Scarlet' in 1994; making red ribbons to sell, for AIDS research, at a time when this dreaded disease was claiming lives and the outlook for those who had contracted the virus was bleak.

In 1994 the treatment for AIDS was in its infancy. I knew many people who had contracted the disease; being able to do ones bit, allowed myself and others the privilege, of giving a little back, to the community in which we were apart. We spent many long evenings in a friends apartment, turning red ribbon into badges to wear with pride, supporting all those hoping for a second chance, a new lease of life through the advancement of research into this appalling scourge. Luckily today, many of those who had contracted HIV at this time, are still alive and well. Medical advances have given lives back, rather than taken them away.

Raising money for any good cause is a part of British life, ingrained in our national psyche; from HM The Queens devotion to good causes, Patron of many charities to the volunteer in a charity shop sorting out unwanted clothes. Without dedicated people, with no agenda, just a desire to do good, many trusts would be unable to carry out the work they do.

I am often asked what I think about 'charity' after my rum brush, with the darker side of Oxfam. I am instinctively drawn to the rejection of such organisations; if Oxfam is corrupt, then any number of other similar groups could also be. Equally I am reminded that not everyone is the same. Over the last eighteen months my views have mellowed, today I remain philosophical about the role of charities and although I would never give money to these trusts personally again, I would give up my time, working for an organisation, I felt represented my aims and beliefs as an individual; Oxfam however, would always be out of such an equation.

As readers to my blogs are aware, I worked as a mentor and advocate for 'Action For Children;' I also gave up my time working for the 'Easy Horse Care' charity here in Spain; supporting this fantastic organisation in its work, saving horses and donkeys from this region of Spain. These are two charities, carrying out work, close to my heart; the protection of children and the preservation of animals, abused and in many cases left for dead. There is dishonesty and deception in every charity across society; in the case of Oxfam, I dug too deep and knew too much. I found out about terrible injustices; I became embroiled in a scandal, that I would never forget. My consequent experiences of other organisations has not shown such disregard for human dignity so I could never pass judgement on others, preferring to believe that corruption only exists in Britain's biggest charity, Oxfam, as naive as that seems!

Like most people I have also given money to various groups, raising funds, in the past; I sponsored a child in Brazil, paying for his education; gave money towards a cat called Ashley, at the RSPCA in Milton Keynes, who was suffering from FIV, cat AIDS and had various direct debits coming from my British account each month, towards many different causes. Stopping the trickle of funds was a personal choice, built on experience; it doesn't mean you should do the same; I do however want to give you some advice.

Research the charity of your choice comprehensively; look at the statistics and most importantly, the percentage income distributed, to those who are in desperate need. Read and investigate who exactly this organisation is, make sure it practices what it preaches and above all speak to others who have had exposure in your chosen cause. If it doesn't live up to your expectations, there are many other groups that need your help and support. Finally after my ordeal with a large multinational charity, I would say, stick local and make sure you see where the money goes; not all charities are the same!

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The Fork - Part II

2/1/2017

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The Fork - Future
Direction?

There are times in ones life, when one feels desultory and directionless. This morning I was watching ‘New Life Down under’, the BBC programme, that shows how different ones life could be, relocating to Australia or New Zealand. Funny enough they were in Darrell’s home city, Perth. Now I have lived there a few times before, and am always interested to see just how much the place has changed over the years. In 1995 and 1998, I felt unable to live in Australia; maybe I was just too young, or maybe, there were other deep rooted issues, that I had, at the time, that prevented me from staying!

The Television programme was an eye opener for me today. I was looking at a place, I didn’t know any more. Property prices had gone through the roof; rather like they have in the UK. The cost of living was also completely out of the reach of people like me. I am of course always interested to see if I could live back in Perth, but the revelations, made clear on this show, put the breaks on that idea; I was going to say dream, but in truth, living in Australia has never been a dream, it has always been something I would have done, if necessary, in order to move forward. Well and truly out of my reach and in a way, I was glad of that, because, when one considers the options available, whilst determining future direction, the more paths there are, the harder it is to choose.

I have no regrets about trying to live in Australia, it is a beautiful country and there are many opportunities out there, for people with the skills to negotiate their way through life. Australia is beginning to suffer, at the hands of, the World economic crisis, and there are many difficulties associated with trying to build a new life there. Australia does not recognize mine and Darrell’s marriage, the main reason I am still living in Spain. I would have no legal status down under and that is not acceptable to me, after being in a relationship for twenty one years. The difficulties involved in trying to establish ones self in a Country that does not accept ones sexuality are a complete no go, a non starter! I am not saying all Australians are homophobic, but from the ones I know of, I believe a good proportion are. That is a terrible indictment on this fine country!

The United Kingdom, has always been my home, so leaving it and coming here was a huge wrench. I have lived in Spain now for a little under a year, but could Britain still be the future for myself and Darrell? Well the circumstances of our arrival in Gran Alacant are well known, so for the foreseeable future we are unable to return to the UK. There will be a time, when we have to, but that is a long way off at the moment. There is much I love about Britain, I miss the good wage packet each month, the convenience of city life, going to the theatre, eating in good restaurants and of course the biggie, the friends I left behind.

If I look back at the time in Britain, did I ever really have a sense of direction? Well yes I did; for the ten years prior to moving to Spain, I had a good job, working with a charity I loved and people I adored. I had many friends in my personal and professional life and felt that I could finally achieve all the things I wanted to, moving up the corporate ladder as it were and achieve good things. Of course, in life, that is what we all desire; given the right opportunities and working environment, all my ambitions were perfectly achievable. I obviously didn’t bargain on having a Sociopath for a Manager, who not only gave me a false sense of hope, but also, endangered my physical and mental wellbeing. I thought I had a sense of direction at that time, but maybe, I didn’t, maybe it was all smoke and mirrors, a mirage. The false sense of security, I thought I had was nothing more than what others wanted me to believe.

To be honest, I haven’t given up on Britain; maybe one day in the future I will end up back there. I have spoken about the future many times before, not least in this blog, and it does change all the time, depending on my current thought process. The one thing that tends to stay the same, is the possibility of returning home at some stage, mainly through practicality and necessity, not because of desire!

So it does look like, for the time being at least, myself and Darrell will be staying on in Spain, for a good few years minimum. It was always our dream to live in Europe at some stage, loving the many wonderful occasions , we spent in countries, from France to Italy and Hrvatska. Continental Europe has always been a draw for us and unlike the UK and Australia, there are opportunities here, that just do not exist in either of the other two countries.

Lets look at what I have managed to achieve in the first year, briefly, as I have covered this before. I managed a charity shop, something I did in Britain, worked in a professional kitchen as a chef, write for a magazine, teach in a school and in March will open a new bar. Personally I don’t think that is bad going, for my first year living here. I have achieved far more in Spain, than I ever did in the UK or Australia, For these reasons alone, I have to give this place a chance. I want to be a success in life; at the moment I can gain at least some of what I desire, living and working here. Spain has been good to me, it’s time to give something back!

I have no doubt that I will reach many others forks in the road and will have many more decisions to make in the future, but for now, my life, it’s direction and future are firmly grounded in Gran Alacant. For the first time, in many years I have focus, able to take command of my own destiny and can finally see success, just around the corner!

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Benidorm!

15/3/2016

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Easy Horse Care

Had to work until 2pm on Saturday. I still have to start sorting out a new rota when the two shops are combined in a month or so. It will make for easier Managing, especially in the busy summer season.

Having two sets of staff for each shop, is also illogical, when the two should be working a lot closer together. I know the two shops can only get better and better as I take it on to bigger and better things.

After work, Darrell picked me up, as we were heading to Benidorm for the evening. We wanted to pop and see Martin, before the summer season starts, who has lived and worked there for about two years now. It was only going to take an hour to get there and we are still hiring a car, so it was the perfect opportunity!

Benidorm

Now most people who know me, understand I am not the biggest fan of Benidorm!

To be honest, whilst walking around ´The Strip` I can categorically say, I felt safer walking around the streets of New York than I did Benidorm. Maybe this is just my impression, but I stick by it. The place looks and feels tired, it´s dirty, run down and in need of investment!

Martin

Benidorm was not the reason we were there. We went to see an old friend who has been living and working in the City for nearly two years now.

Had a great time at The Showboat. A traditional gay drag show, with one of the funniest drag artists I have seen. The food was traditional British, well cooked and presented, with plenty of it on the plate, who could ask for more.

Martin watched a bit of the show with us, before he had to go on to another job. We met some great people there, a few of which, we will keep in contact with.

We hope to go again soon, maybe after the busy season here. I already have four jobs lined up and will find it difficult to get away now, but look forward to going back soon!

PEACE AND LOVE ALWAYS!

It was a hot Saturday afternoon in Alicante, something I am getting used to, and enjoying, if anything for the novelty of it all. Coming from The UK, where we hardly get hot days to an area with 320 days of sunshine in a year, is a big culture shock, but extremely welcome, after the last year in The UK.

This is going to sound very snobbish, but the type of people who holiday in Benidorm are really not the type of people I want to associate with. Don´t get me wrong, I am not branding everyone with the same brush, but as a rule, from previous experience, I just do not like the place.

Arriving in the centre, and my views had not changed and I am really glad I decided not to move there or anywhere close to it. After speaking to many different people, we most certainly made the right decision moving to Alicante!

When making that decision to come to Spain and choosing a place to live, work was also a priority for us, as it would be for anyone. Initially I thought Benidorm would be the place to go, because of the amount of holiday makers and how big the city is.

The biggest problem in Benidorm is the amount of people chasing every job. In some cases it can be as many as two hundred. Yes the jobs are there, but it is a full time occupation, just looking for one.

The restrictive employment laws, the difficulties in hiring and firing and the seasonal nature of work here, all account for a volatile job market.

We met Martin at The Show Boat, one of his jobs in Benidorm. The Showboat is a Cabaret, Restaurant and Bar in the old town. We booked to have a meal and see a show. One of my favourite Drag Acts was on, Stella Artois. She is fantastic, as you can see from the videos I have included in this blog!

Martin looks well, very well, which is great to see. Like us, he had it rough before he came here!

The Showboat

Sunday

It was a great weekend all round, the weekend before we really start to work hard, the weekend before the season starts and the weekend we finally realised, Spain was home!

Happy Finally!

Woke up on Sunday morning with a massive hangover, after our night in Benidorm. We had booked a table at Molly Malone`s for Sunday Dinner. One of my volunteers cooks there, along with her husband and had recommended it. I haven´t had a roast dinner out since I left Britain, so thought we´d give it a go!

The food was beautiful, cooked perfectly and steaming hot, just how it should be. If you come to Gran Alacant, we highly recommend Sunday lunch there.

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Elche!

11/3/2016

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After talking to the guys at work, we are now hiring a car for a while. Here on The Costa Blanca, you can hire a car for €4 a day, why the hell wouldn´t you. So in the mean time, before we actually buy something, we at least have a car to get about in.

Personally I don´t shop in Primark, though Jamie has just said to me, it´s kinda posh out here. To be honest, the type of customers that frequent it at least in Elche are very different to those back in The UK.

Jamie´s clothes mainly consisted of track suits, caps and hoodies. I´m not quite sure who´s influenced him in the wardrobe department, but to be honest, it needed to be changed. He was adamant, that on top of his new life, he wanted to change everything about himself. Not a bad thing to do, once in a while, when one considers, just how much all of our lives have changed for the better in recent times! So change it was!

Natalee Michelle

Jamie had an interview on Wednesday morning, for a local restaurant here in GA. The interview went well, and he is happy that he will be working in a few weeks. Working will be great for positive thinking and will motivate him on to bigger and better things.

He popped into the shop afterwards to do a shift with me and spent the afternoon working with the girls, rearranging ornaments and sorting out men´s clothes. So happy faces all round! The Ladies to like to Mother our Jamie!

We decided to go to Elche, about 20 km from where we are, so Jamie could go to Primark and sort out his lack of wardrobe. Primark doesn´t really exist here in the same way as it does in the UK, but there are some British Malls here and there dotted around Spain!

Jamie spent about €60 and practically got a whole new wardrobe. He has to be one of the most awkward people to shop with ever. With a waste size of 26 inches, he is practically child size, so finding stuff that fits is a real chore. Still at least he managed to find some clothes that fitted!

To my horror we had lunch in Mcdonalds, which is even cheaper here, than it is in The UK. I hate burgers as a rule, but Jamie wanted a Happy Meal, yes a happy meal!

We skyped Natalee Michelle when we got home from shopping. It´s always great to talk to her. Jamie showed her his new outfits and we had a chat about life, the universe and that. We are hoping she is going to come out and stay here with us for a bit, I think she would fall in love with the place! Missing this girl loads. She has done so much for all of us, that we truly owe her the World.

Another wonderful, happy and glorious day on The Costa´s. #stilllovingspain

10 March 2016

A gorgeous photograph of myself and Jamie this morning, after I woke him up early, thinking he was working with June today. Got the day wrong and he wasn´t happy!

A photo of Rosa and I. A stalwart at The Horse Care Centre.

Bought myself a sarong for the summer!

Weight loss and keeping fit going well!

Peace and Love Always!

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Tuesday!

9/3/2016

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It has been another great day. The sun has been shining and everyone has had a smile on their face. That is the biggest difference here, between Spain and The UK. The happy grins, satisfied expressions and relaxed persona. It really does make for a far more enjoyable life!

Bought our Jamie a little present today. He had been feeling under the weather. The one day of rain we had in a fortnight and he was out in it. Probably just a cold, but unlike those of us, born a generation before, they find it difficult to cope with the slightest sniffle these days!

I´m going to include a News bulletin on a regular basis, so people back home know how we are all doing. Jamie has an interview tomorrow at 10am and a date in the afternoon. Darrell is handing out CV´s and I am fabulous, as ever. Enjoying life!

Darrell came in to work for me today. He is going to do some voluntary work with us. He is as passionate about the cause as I am!

Jamie made pasta carbonara tonight. I taught him how to make a white sauce from scratch, made a rue and the rest was easy. Jamie is actually amazed, just how easy it is to cook!

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Saving Oscar

9/3/2016

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I wanted to just include a quick but extremely important Blog from my boss, Sue! We are all working hard to prevent Oscar being handed back to his abusive owners. Laws are very different here in Spain and Rod and Sue´s Foundation is doing wonders throughout Spain to save the lives of horses and donkeys, in a similar fashion to the RSPCA in Great Britain! Please message your support to The Rescue Centre or myself to pass on to Sue.

                                                   Thanks

                                                                Luke

                        Attached are photo`s of horses and donkey`s that we rescued from the place in San Louis that you are telling us that Oscar has to go back to. Also a photo of a dead horse that we were to late to save from there.
Also Oscar had shoes on which if they owned him for two years he was being ridden or used to pull a cart. He was also skeletal as shown in the last photo taken the day he arrived at the centre. As previously stated this horses legs have been destroyed by over work. His tendons have lost their elasticity and therefor causing the joints to slowly collapse. With out medication he will be in a great deal of pain and with out specialist shoeing and medical care the joints will collapse much quicker. Even in our care he will only have two or thee years at the most then he would have been put to sleep humanly
If he is not receiving correct veterinary care it would be kinder to put him to sleep now.
Monday he will still be having a blood test to determine why he is drinking so much water. Dorothea thinks he possibly has kidney problems that will also require daily medication.
If this horse is handed back to these people by the authorities that originally asked us to save him it would be a tragedy for him and a big step backwards for animal rescue in Spain.
Regards
                Rod and Sue Weeding           Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre

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Positive Vibes!

6/3/2016

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Home!

Jamie was a complete mess, a disaster zone, when we arrived here in Spain, after only having a couple of weeks to prepare to leave The UK for good. Well Mr Hough has changed a lot during that time. I have never seen someone change so much!

Jamie has put on a stone in one month. He has been eating better, sleeping far more and actually turning a better shade of colour in the warm Spanish sun, as are we all. It is really true to say that the sun does bring out the best in people, in all respects.

Depression

I just wanted to say a few words about depression. Oddly, I haven´t mentioned it much in this particular blog and there is a reason why. I actually have not suffered from depression since I have been here, at all. In fact Bipolar has been far from my mind. I have been enjoying life here so much, the weather, people and of course the lifestyle that I have never felt better.

It has been a pleasure to get to know The ´Gran´ Ladies here in Alicante, they really have been a fabulous bunch, People here are very different to those back home and do go out of their way to help whenever they can. A bit like England of olden times if you like!

Teaching Jamie

One month on, after we arrived in Spain and Jamie is doing fantastically well. He looks 100% better! It has all been worth it, just to see him, look the way he does now. It has taken him a lot of hard work!

Jamie has given himself two months to get back on track. He wants to be fit and healthy and then start to look for work and find himself. To be honest due to the seasonal nature of employment here, it really does not matter if he works or not at the moment.

June

I wanted to say thank you to June, without who´s help we would have found it much more difficult here in Spain. She has been a great source of support and information, always offering to do her best.

New Job

This has been the first week in my new job and I am enjoying it tremendously. I am working with some of the best people you could ever imagine. A group of volunteers, who are working towards the same goal and are giving their time and experience to help create a better environment for horses in Spain, who need care and help!

They are a great bunch of people, many of whom have worked for the Horse Charity for years, some since it was formed by my boss Sue. Sue is one of the hardest working, most selfless people I know. She works seven days a week and does everything, for the horses and donkeys she so loves!

There is a small army of volunteers, whose dedication is far and above what I have seen before. I have of course worked for several charities in The UK and all of the volunteers are fabulous, but the people who work for Easy Horse Care are really, over and above anything I have come across.

These are mainly a group of expats, who have either come here for a better quality of life or retired here in their later years. They are working for a charity they hold dear and they feel strongly about the cause they are championing, so much so, many of them also work at the Rescue Centre as well!

Fish and Chips

It´s fish and chips night down The Square on a Thursday!

June was down The Square and we had a long chat about life here on The Costa´s, the future, work and life in general. June is always a great source of inspiration and has this knack of making things feel better, creating those positive vibes!

It is a real privilege to Manage two of Sue´s shops, which are all kept extremely well. Everyone´s hard work and positive outlook has paid dividends and all of the shops are making money. I am currently running between two closely situated shops and relishing the new opportunities ahead here in Spain!

I´ve collared Jamie into doing some shifts at the shops as well. It will give him something to do, before the season starts and I have a feeling, the older workers will Mother him. They will certainly look out for him. They are also teaching me Conversational Spanish and once more, we have been welcomed with open arms!

Went down to Zest with our Jamie in the afternoon for the weekly ´Battered Cod.´ Best in Alicante by far. The sun was out and it was hot, boiling hot. At one stage it was 32 degrees in March. I am still not used to these temperatures, especially at this time of year!

Everyone we have spoken to, said it was the best idea, coming to Spain in January, so we get to adapt to the Spanish climate!

Working

Just back from work and it really has been a hot one this week. Thoroughly enjoying my new role and have lots of plans. The pace here is much slower and the energy I now have is huge. I am out every day, walking, keeping fit, loosing weight, learning Spanish and getting a tan. Life finally feels good!

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First Day at work!

2/3/2016

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Met Jamie at the bar, after his bingo session with the ladies. Sadly, once again Jamie didn´t win, although he won a bottle of wine again in the keys in a bag challenge, by picking the wrong key, again, yes again!

It was nice to see everyone out on a sunny, hot, Tuesday and meet some new faces. Jacqueline from Portsmouth, who met a friend, Martin, living and working in Benidorm on the weekend, mentioning us both. It really is a small world.

June was out as usual and the others, whose names I have forgotten already. I´m sure in time I will remember everyone, but I have met so many people today, that names are just not staying in my head.

Just a quick blog tonight, as I am tired, but just to say, a big thank you to every one for all their support!

Had a fantastic first day at work today. Couldn´t have asked for a better bunch of people to work with. I was welcomed with open arms and feel very honoured to work for The Horse charity here in Spain. There is a lot of hard work to do, but I know with the help from the team and support from Darrell and Jamie, things will go well. I really have not felt this happy in many years. I am even enjoying the walk over the mountain early in the morning. I am feeling better than ever. Thank you to Sue for having the faith in me to make the changes necessary to bring success to our new shop and its sister shop.

I want to do so much there, so we can care for all the animals the charity looks after. I know we can build on what we have to continue the good work!

Big hugz to everyone back in The UK for all their kind words. A special thank you to Sara Bowgen, Melissa King and Gavin Manning for their messages over the last few days, it really does give me the motivation to continue moving forward in life.

Finally thanks to Jamie for his kind words. We are really proud of you, for all you are achieving!

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

Settling into Expat life, in Gran Alacant!

Donations!

Charity

The Fork - Part II

The Fork - Future
Direction?

Benidorm!

Easy Horse Care

Benidorm

Martin

The Showboat

Sunday

Elche!

Natalee Michelle

10 March 2016

Tuesday!

Saving Oscar

Positive Vibes!

Depression

Teaching Jamie

June

New Job

Fish and Chips

Working

First Day at work!

Author

Contact Luke.

Categories

Archives

Telephone

Email

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

The Fork - FutureDirection?​

Easy Horse Care

Benidorm

Martin

The Showboat

Sunday

Natalee Michelle

10 March 2016

Depression

Teaching Jamie

June

New Job

Fish and Chips

Working

Author

Contact Luke.

Categories

Archives

Telephone

Email

The Fork - Future
Direction?