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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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Remembering Life in Gran Alacant - Luke Martin-Jones In Conversation!

6/2/2021

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Is Spain Really Right For Us? - The Brexit Aftermath!

2/1/2021

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I've had a number of things on my mind recently, especially over the last few days, with the dawn of Brexit. Darrell and I intended to return to Spain to live, once this pandemic is over. It is a country we both love and were proud to call it home for several happy years. I often think of my time there and the friends I left behind. Both of us worked harder than anyone to achieve our resident status, retaining our respective residency permits, even today. It does look as though Brexit may well have changed all that, and a return to our old life in Gran Alacant, is just an unobtainable dream.

After looking into the subject of residencia, it would appear our Spanish status has already lapsed, because we have been outside the country too long. This isn't entirely set in stone of course, and I have messaged a legal representative to discover if we would have to reapply for residency, or if we could carry on where we left off. Our intention was always to return one day, once our family circumstances had changed and the pandemic was over, but we just aren't sure if it is viable any more.

Both of us fought very hard for our aspirational life and neither of us want to give it up that easily, but the truth is it may not be right for us now, as it was when we left in 2016. Neither of us are getting any younger and my reliance on the National Health Service, since I returned to Britain has been palpable. I'm not sure I would be able to have access to the Spanish system in quite the same way. Navigating the health care system in Spain, was proving difficult, whilst I was living in Gran Alacant; when my social security contribution was cancelled by my employer, without informing me, I was left with little choice, but to get private health insurance, of a sort.

The expense involved for Darrell and I, having to fund my own health care, was particularly hard. Having to work in a job, that was out of my comfort zone was also difficult, especially when you have an employer who lacked the dignity, compassion and empathy of a decent organisation, with morals and a real sense of direction and purpose. Struggling on the Spanish minimum wage, having to deal with unscrupulous svengali type characters, is not something I want to have to do in my fifties.

Both Darrell and I still have our hopes for the future, and they remain very much the same as they always have done. We continue to be travellers at heart and do not want to live in the UK full time. We have never really settled anywhere, buying property in France, living in Australia and Spain as well as moving to the north. I suppose Spain became the closest to the home I have always wanted, but that's not to say we can't have that somewhere else, abroad, with a better climate, more congruous to our way of thinking.

I have a feeling that the end of Britain's membership of the EU will be the beginning of a new adventure for both of us. When things get back to normal, we will once again have to make a decision about where our future lies. Brexit may well have closed European doors, but it has opened many more as a result. There is a whole World out there and if Spain or any other Continental nation isn't a possibility, then moving further a field maybe the answer. There are many parts of the planet we haven't explored, and we may just keep travelling forever, only settling when circumstances so desire. For now all dreams are open, all destinations a probability!
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Looking To The Future!

1/12/2020

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Darrell and I have started to plan for the future, as we bid farewell to 2020. Both of us, like all of you, have had the year from hell; there has never been a better time to look forward to what comes next. I can't tell you how grateful I am, to see this year confined to the history books. This has been a time of great anxiety and stress for all of us, but especially for Darrell and I, living apart as we do, because of the circumstances that surround our life. However, this isn't a time to dwell on the past, this is most certainly a period to look forward to the future, more now, than ever before.

Both of us have a desire to reside in Europe in the long term, and that doesn't necessarily mean living in Britain. Darrell and I have remained in the UK for most of our 25 years together and when we moved to Spain in 2015, we both understood the importance of change. Our new life was supposed to be 'forever,' a choice that would allow us to finally live our dream. That desire is still there, it hasn't changed, and we still want to retain that sense of 'who we are,' - travellers, explorers and pioneers.

Looking back at my time in Gran Alacant, near Alicante, I am reminded of the mistakes we made, but encouraged by our inclination to fit into Spanish and Expat life. We eventually achieved all our goals, obtained residency and finally adjusted to our new surroundings. Just before we left, I can safely say we were happy with the path we had forged and were genuinely feeling positive, about the direction we were following. Today in 2020, I look back with fondness at the memories we made and although we had many ups and downs, for the most part, we did far better than we could have ever imagined. We began to live life again, in a way we hadn't before.

When the World returns to normal and Darrell I can be together again, I could quite happily return to Gran Alacant, that neatly packaged urbanization on the Costa Blanca. It is a place I know well, wrote about in the local magazine and has everything we need for a prosperous, relaxing future, but would that be just too easy? I am not a person who tends to return to places I have lived before; I like to journey onwards to a new, untested future; consequently, we have been looking at property further afield.

Living in Britain, I have been able to save a substantial nest egg, as has Darrell in Australia and today, we are lucky enough to be able to afford a property outright; nothing fancy, just a small villa, with enough space for us and family to visit. We would be rent and mortgage free and able to live either part or all of the year, in a country we both love. I would dearly like to remain on the South coast of Britain, working and being close to family, but also having a home abroad, more tailored to our way of thinking. In tune with our intention, to eventually relocate lock stock and barrel, to our European home, we would once again restart our life far away from these shores.

Property prices are more than reasonable in Spain, even more so in Murcia, where we have also been looking. I recently stumbled across a villa in Calle Aljibe Mazarron, a short drive from the beach, which would perfectly suit our needs. The price tag is well within our means and with only cosmetic work to do, both of us have discussed buying the Casa, site unseen. Of course this is a risk, but it is something we have done before, when we bought a house in Le Lande St Simeon, in France in 2001. It is certainly an option to consider, especially now, during a pandemic.

Darrell and I are taken with the property, and we are seriously considering the alternatives. This is of course, just one house we have seen and with an economic crash once again on the cards in Spain, it is clear there will be many more such bargains to buy. We do have to be realistic about where we can afford to live and careful not to go above our limit. I have never been great at budgeting or dealing with accounts, so I am more than happy to leave that side of our ventures, for Darrell to organise. Importantly, I am ecstatic to be feeling motivated and positive once again. Luckily I am a little more pragmatic these days and don't have high expectations or exorbitant, unobtainable aspirations; my mojo is back, and I am inspired to move forwards, even if I don't always show it!

Spain remains the destination of choice. We both have our residency cards and know the country, culture and customs well. Spain offers us the easy way to achieve our objectives, but there are of course many other options. I would be equally happy living near Darrell's family in Hrvatska, Croatia, moving closer to Australia, maybe living in Asia for a while or possibly another European nation - Italy or even Portugal being top of my list. Wherever we choose to eventually settle, at least for part of each year, you can be sure it won't be conventional. A casa in Valencia, cave house in Andalusia or camper van in Croatia, these are the possibilities to explore, the prospects for the future and scenarios for consideration. Our life will never be prevailing and mainstream and that's just how we like it; spontaneous, challenging and distinctly inconsistent!

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Surviving Alone!

23/11/2020

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As 2020 draws to a close, I have been thinking about the difficulties all of us have faced this year. Like most people I have had my own set of unique challenges to overcome, with differing degrees of success. I have definitely worried and stressed far more than usual and I have felt more alone than I ever have, probably since I was a child. Nevertheless, I am one of those lucky people who actually enjoys my own company and doesn’t have a problem spending time alone. This brings me to my blog entry today - ‘Surviving alone’

Lots of people I know have really suffered throughout this pandemic, finding daily life hard. With little or no work, all of us have had a lot of extra time on our hands and many of us have found the lack of stimulation hard to deal with. Most have had families to take care of, children to home school and gardens and homes to tend, as well as the normal daily activities of shopping, trying to keep fit and cooking for each other. For me, life has become tougher because I am not with the person I love. You would think I would be used to this by now, but the reality is, it just doesn’t get any easier to deal with.

I have just got off the phone to Darrell this morning, and we had a rather heated discussion. I suppose I was feeling rather alone and sensitive today, so sternly reminded him that we were ‘still married.’ Up until now, our conversations were upbeat and in truth we never discussed controversial subjects. I made a conscious effort to avoid issues that would make Darrell lose his temper. He has never been confrontational and has always blocked out subjects that caused him anxiety; to an extent I can see why, but it has been a year since we last saw one another and I felt we needed to discuss the seriousness of our situation.

I do feel like I am drifting at the moment, just existing, waiting for something positive to happen which never does. It appears that Darrell and I are on very different paths, pushing further and further apart, singing from incompatible hymn sheets and that is unnerving. We are very different people, with contrasting ideas, but we have always found common ground in our love for one another and desire to work through our many differences. With him living thousands of miles away, we have lost the ‘rationale’ that bound us tightly together and that makes me even more anxious.

Since 2016 our lives have been forking towards unconnected goals in distinctly dissonant countries. Two months after moving to Spain, looking forward to a new adventure, Darrell's Mother was diagnosed with Cancer, and we spent the next few years living apart. Darrell travelled between his Mums home in Western Australia and our home in Spain, time after time. I survived because of the support of friends from the Expat community, who became a major lifeline during this challenging period. They were there for a shoulder to cry on, to have a glass of wine on the terrace with and to offer advice when needed. These people became the family I didn’t have and lifted me up during some very dark days. Living apart from someone after twenty years, because of circumstances beyond your control is hard. Just when you think you have turned a corner, another obstacle is thrown in your path and once again you have to try and manoeuvre your way around it. Life becomes demanding, days seem longer and thoughts turn negative.

Despite our situation, we always knew we would be together again, even if we spent seven months apart. Planning for the future and discussing life after illness was a catalyst for positivity. On the days when I felt down, I was always able to force myself out of the doldrums, by focussing on the positive aspects of our relationship, that would surely follow. The old saying that love conquers all, was a statement I have never used so often during that period, always clinging on to hope in a World falling apart around me. This was a time I wrote, more than I ever have done and analysed my every mood, desire and fear; writing allowed me to express myself in a way I couldn’t otherwise. These were years that taught me much about myself and surviving with little or no money; this was a period of change and character building, making me the person I am today – frugal, astute, wiser and mature, all traits I had lacked before.

The new life we had worked so hard to achieve in Spain, applying for residencia and becoming a Spanish resident, had all turned to dust. On the day I left Spain for the last time, I was glad to be on my way, not because I disliked Spain, but because of the circumstances that surrounded my departure. If you ask anyone I knew at the time, they will testify as to my desire to integrate into Spanish life and really make a fresh start; the day I flew home, reinforced my failure for a dream that never materialised.

Today, nearly five years after we left for Spain, I am still living through the turmoil and upheaval that illness has wrought on our relationship. Four years on, Darrell's Mother is still battling cancer, and he is still in Australia, only this time, unable to return to the UK when he wants; this is a scenario that is beginning to impact my psyche and I have got to a point where I want my husband home, despite knowing that will not happen anytime soon.

It sounds selfish doesn’t it, wanting Darrell to return home because you miss them, yet in reality their place is with their Mother, who is suffering from Cancer. I can only say that as we move into 2021, I feel my life has been put on hold for long enough and I need to get back the sense of purpose I lost a lifetime ago.

I don’t think Darrell was particularly happy with certain aspects of my argument. We both find ourselves in a very precarious situation and arguing about events that now engulf our life is not the necessarily helpful today. After all neither of us can change what is happening in the World, despite negatively impacting on our own personal positions, which remain uncompromising. However, we still have to discuss matters that continue to shape our direction and I make no apologies for doing so.

As a couple, we will survive this period, because ultimately we have the same goal in life, to be together, happy and content, living the life, we both still dream about. The journey getting there is likely to remain bumpy for now, there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight for the uneasiness we are living through and I foresee a rocky future in the medium term. Until we get the answers we need from officials, we will have to continue fighting in the dark. The Home Office remain quiet, unable or unwilling to give us answers; solicitors are still very much oblivious as to what cause of action is best and borders remain closed. As the COVID vaccines begin to roll off the production line and the World begins to open up, we are planning a May reunion together, unless once again circumstances dictate otherwise, only time will tell!

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Changing Lifestyle!

8/10/2020

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Over the last few months I have been gradually changing my lifestyle for many reasons. As you are all aware, I suffer with chronic IBS and have a number of underlying conditions, that probably make me more susceptible to food sensitivity. These have only been noticeable since I returned to Portsmouth from Spain and probably came to the fore, because of the changes I made to my lifestyle when I returned to the UK.

In Spain, I was an expert at living frugally. It was extremely difficult getting hold of the convenience, processed food readily available here. Of course, you could visit one of the many British supermarkets, stocking such products, but these were expensive and few and far between. It was much easier living in the same way the Spanish do and with money in short supply, I began changing my whole outlook on life.

Rather than buying British food from expensive international food aisles in Dialprix, Consum or Mercadona, I bought seasonal fruit and vegetables from the market in Gran Alacant, or the more affordable grocery stores. I chose to buy meat and other products that were on offer, pairing the ingredients for a nutritious 'cheap' alternative; cooking in bulk and freezing leftovers. This worked well for me, and I was able to live off twenty to thirty euro a week. I had graduated from the wasteful existence I had in Britain, to environmentally friendly sustainability, throwing very little away and learning to live a life more in tune with my Mother and Fathers childhood in the 1950s.

In 2020, I am living my life in similar fashion, but for very different reasons. In Spain, I had very little money to live on, so I had to readjust my lifestyle to take account of a limited income. Today I continue to cook in bulk because of the busy life I lead. Spending one day a week cooking for the next seven days, means I don't have to spend hours in the kitchen each evening, when I should be resting from long shifts at work.

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My diet has also changed dramatically, since my Gastro Intestinal issues were diagnosed. I am choosing to follow a predominantly plant based diet; meat can be very difficult to digest, for me for at least, so alternatives have been a Godsend as I have tried to make my diet more IBS friendly and healthy. I have never really looked at this type of food before, let alone actually eat it, so it has been a leap into the unknown, but so far I have been pleasantly surprised by the choice out there.

As well as cooking up large pots of Quorn Stew, I am also trying out the other meat alternatives - this week, sausages, Quorn fillets and meatballs. The sausages are particularly delicious, full of flavour and better than normal sausages; yes you heard that right, I actually prefer eating them. Even the sausage rolls taste better in my humble opinion and most importantly do not have any adverse reactions with my GI issues.

However, there is a downside to all this meat free living and it is the cost. It is still far cheaper to eat animal products; if I am honest I would spend half the money I do on my weekly shop, if I could still happily enjoy it, but the truth is I can't. Eating meat is no longer compatible with my well-being and I have had to make dramatic changes to accommodate conditions that I never really knew I had.
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I have discovered many foods that I can still eat - sushi, most fresh vegetables, Brie and Camembert, so at least I can still enjoy some cheese, although I no longer eat any other form of dairy. Also, I can eat most nuts, rice, cereal and my all-time favourite Marmite, which is also great for adding flavour to tofu and Quorn. I have removed all refined sugar, including cakes, chocolate and ice cream from my diet, to my absolute horror. It does seem on the surface at least, that I don't get any enjoyment from food any more and I suppose that is partly true.

All the things I used to enjoy, I can no longer eat; I can't remember the last time I had a piece of extra mature cheddar cheese, a chocolate finger, bottle of wine or tub of Ben and Jerry's, but I have found some friendly substitutes that have helped to ease the cravings. Dairy free desserts and chocolate can be quite appetising and causes me no harm whatsoever. It feels as though my body has started to heal after a lifetime of abuse and eating food that was no good for me at all.
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Because of the changes I have made, I have been able to reintroduce some food that I couldn't eat just a few weeks ago. Until recently I have only been able to eat sourdough bread, but today I have reintroduced the normal, bog standard sliced loaf, which is about a third of the price and in my opinion tastes far better. I can also eat some pies and pastries, but not too much, so today I was able to buy a couple of home made pies from Zerina at Cancer Research and have had no adverse reaction; I am starting to live life again.

IBS is evolving all the time; one day I can eat one thing and on other days not, so I have to work my way around the complexities these ailments cause. I have taken my eating habits back to basics and gradually reintroduced a few items that I can now stomach once again, but it really has been hard work getting here. As someone who has always been able to eat what I want, I have found this process very difficult to deal with, but it has taught me much about myself and the nature of my body. It has shown me a way of living I have never experienced before, consequently making me feel far healthier and looking a lot trimmer than I was.

Over the last six months I have lost a stone in weight, I am walking a lot more and I have finally started to get to grips with my health, which does continue to cause me problems every day. I do feel fitter in many respects, but unravelling the pain that has been a constant in my life has been difficult. I have had to scream from the rooftops to see Doctors and Consultants, especially during this pandemic, but finally the results are beginning to show through. Exercise every morning and night is helping to ease the back pain I suffer with every day, and I am finally feeling positive and relieved, that I understand problems that have plagued my life for too long. If I have learned anything from this period, it's simply, I can change, adapt and make my life better. When I put my mind to something I can achieve all I want to. So far I'm half way there and thank God the light in finally at the end of the tunnel, helping to point the way to a more productive, satisfying and fulfilling life, without the mistakes of the past!
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Content With Who I Am!

16/8/2020

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It has been a difficult week, one that I would rather forget if I am honest, but like all setbacks in life I just have to pick up the pieces and move on. Work has been particularly busy over the last seven days and I have had very little time to myself, but that is my saving grace during times of stress. Sometimes I just want to throw my hands up in the air and tell people where to go. After a sixteen-hour day yesterday I am feeling tired and exhausted and just want to sleep and unwind. My IBS is so chronic right now, it is preventing me from doing things I want to do and this is the lowest I have felt in a long, long time. IBS, Diverticular Disease, Prostatitis and severe back pain, are taking their toll on my well-being and I just want the pain I am feeling on a daily basis to end.

I was recently referred to the Hospital for yet another sigmoidoscopy and endoscopy so my Doctor could try and discover what is going on with me, but with this pandemic still raging, it isn't to be. The endoscopy has been cancelled due to COVID, probably because of the backlog of patients needing similar procedures and the sigmoidoscopy would require a total of four weeks self-isolation, which isn't possible. Like most people I have to work and can not afford to take that amount of time off. On a positive note, I have been referred for an ultrasound,
after months of wrangling with my local GP practice. If you need something bad enough, especially medically, you really do have to fight for it in this country, but at least my efforts have finally paid off. I really just want to feel normal again.


Emotionally I am feeling drained and depressed; I haven’t felt this melancholy in a long time and it has of course impacted on my physical health, with my IBS reaching chronic levels. No amount of medication is helping, and I am going through each day feeling sicker and sicker. My emotional state of mind has taken a knock this week as well, after a particular stressful and upsetting conversation, centred around my choices in life, which haven’t always been the best. However, they were my preferences to make and not up for negotiation with anyone else.

In 2015 Darrell and I moved to Spain to start a fresh after one of the most traumatic periods in our life. A prolonged period of bullying, intimidation and abuse from our previous employer and the resulting isolation and depression had made us think the unthinkable and start again, away from the memories that had so damaged us. Darrell and I were very much alone at the time and after being rejected by those closest, we decided it was time to go and get on with the rest of our life together. Despite Darrell's Mother’s cancer diagnosis, shortly after our arrival in Spain, throwing our plans into chaos, I still regard this period as one of the happiest we have ever had as a couple.

Both Darrell and I felt at home in Gran Alacant, safe away from the pressures of life we had left behind and content with our more simple, frugal lifestyle. Spain was good for us both on so many levels and great for the soul. We met many wonderful characters, many of whom remain friends today and unlike the UK, we felt a part of a community, who in the main looked out for one another, especially when the chips were down. Everyone who lived there from the Expat community had a story to tell, many tales not dissimilar to our own and it was comforting to be around people who understood the difficulties we faced, able to offer advice and support in equal measure.

Of course like the story of our life, nothing is forever and both of us have had to go our separate ways for a while, while Coronavirus takes centre stage. With Darrell safely at home in Australia with Mum, and me lucky to be living with my Aunt and Cousins in Portsmouth, life remains copacetic right now. Our situation, although not ideal, works out well for all of us and has given me the opportunity to finally get to know a side of my family I have always been closer to. My Aunt and I have much in common and as my Cousin Rachel puts it, we are rather like an 'old married couple' at times, making this a very special chapter in my life, even though Darrell isn’t here to enjoy it with me.

The background to my current circumstances is clear and not something that is going to change anytime soon, but I have worked extremely hard, during the most difficult of junctures to try and overcome obstacles, that just seem to be getting worse. I have always felt like a second class citizen due to my sexuality, state of mind and unequal treatment and these feelings arose once again this week as I had my aberrations highlighted and used to justify actions that I do not understand.

I have fought all my life for equal rights and understanding of others, preferring not to pass judgement, instead concentrating on the here and now and the person stood before me, without their baggage in tow. Personally I have had to prove myself continually to others, when they have no concept of what I went through in life. Why I have to constantly apologise for who I am I just don’t know? The efforts I have made, especially over the last couple of years have really meant nothing to some and I find that hard to stomach. Both Darrell and I have had to put our lives on hold for our families, and we have been given little or no support in return.

The only reason I have a roof over my head today, is because of an Aunt who accepts me for who I am unconditionally; I feel so sorry for those who can’t see past their own prejudices, to make me feel welcome into a family fold that has always been notoriously difficult to be a part of. The inequality I have felt all of my life is still alive a kicking today; I am still a second class citizen, without the understanding and empathy we all need to flourish and grow. Too many knock backs have kept me distant and aloof from family and friends and that it seems will never change. All I can do now, is look forward to a time when Darrell and I, can be reunited and forge another new life together, away from yet more tension, trauma and unhappiness.

Neither of us want anything from anyone, have never asked for assistance, even under the most disconcerting of circumstances, like today and will undoubtedly continue to struggle and fight our way through life. I am proud of what we have achieved together as a couple; we have had no lift up or kick start to help us along this rocky road called life, we have been left to ride this roller-coaster alone, which has come off the rails many times, leaving us battling to survive, while others have been handed everything on a plate. I don’t care if I am unliked, attacked, sworn at, abused or bullied any more, because I am content with the person I am, not the person I was expected to be!
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Reconnecting With Mrs F - Mindful of the times we now live in!

19/7/2020

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Last week I managed to see Mrs F, as soon as lockdown restrictions were lifted. After shielding for the recommended twelve weeks, Mrs F felt it was safe to finally venture outside for the first time. Of course, it was good to see her, but I was and still am, sceptical about the lifting of restrictions so soon, especially for the most vulnerable in society. This deadly virus is still about  and isn't going anywhere soon.

Chatting with her, it was clear that she hadn't enjoyed her forced isolation. Like most older people, she spends a lot of the time on her own in any event, so the last three months of this pandemic have just highlighted her vulnerability. I sensed that she just needed someone to talk to, so took some time out from work briefly, to have a chat to her on her way home.

Mrs F is always a joy to talk to, with so many stories to tell and I always appreciate her company, so seeing her face light up, as I had a brief conversation was a joy to be seen. She explained that she didn't speak to family as much as she would like and always looked forward to seeing me at work. Of course working in a customer focused environment, you do come across many people on a daily basis and each of us who work in the department, have customers who come in just to see us, each day. We can and do take the time to speak with each person for as long as they need, and they value the small talk. During this pandemic I have seen many people who live alone, coming in for a quick tête-à-tête, while they pick up their essential shopping. This was a life line for many, and I am glad all of us were able to help create a feeling of normality at a time of crisis.

Last Sunday I phoned Mrs F, as I will later today, just to see how she is; I was able to spend a little more time than usual listening to her. Despite her only living a short walk away, I have said I will not come to her home, just in case I carry anything along I shouldn't. I am mindful of this virus at every juncture and continue to social distance, sanitize my hands and refrain from greeting in the usual way. When we talked a few days before, we stood the regulatory two meters apart, only elbow bumping briefly as she went about her day. This is hard for everyone, especially people like Mrs F, but it is necessary to ensure all of us are spared any heartache in the future.

I still remain unable to see my father and other family members but when the time is right I will see them all again. I no longer trust this Government or its motives - when they told us it was safe to socialise at a limited level, I continued to keep my distance, as I still do now. The way they have acted throughout this crisis is been reprehensible, moving too slow to shut down and too quick to reopen. I will continue to do what I consider to be right, even if it means I am following a different path to others.

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I was recently contacted by a friend in Gran Alacant, Spain, where Darrell and I used to live, who explained the COVID-19 situation there. It seems that the urbanization has had an outbreak of Coronavirus and local residents are being asked to follow strict guidelines in order to bring any upsurge under control. I have no idea what is going on there on the ground, but it is a pointer as to what expect everywhere across the World in the future. We have done remarkably well in Portsmouth, keeping the virus at bay, but if we are not careful we will see a second spike and people like Mrs F will once again have to shield.

I will continue to do the right thing, probably until we have a vaccine in place to stop COVID-19. However, I am lucky to work in an environment, where I come into contact with customers and can maintain friendships and relationships with some truly wonderful characters. I am happy they are returning to normal life once again but always, always conscious of the threat that still lurks in the shadows. Every one of us should do what we can to stay close with our loved ones and look forward to a time, without the presence of Coronavirus in our midst! We should also treat this virus with the respect it deserves and avoid its manipulative path at all costs, keeping safe and staying as far away from others as we possibly can. Remember COVID continues to kill at an alarming rate and all of us are potential targets!

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Steve Dale - The Planet Stupiter!

18/5/2020

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Steve Dale, author of 'The Planet Mirth Adventures One' has just had his second children's book, 'The Planet Stupiter' published. Steve's latest creation, is a charming story, detailing a dream, where Granny Beetroot, then a child, is transported to another world, meeting a girl from Earth called Princess. After telling her three Grandchildren of her adventures, they too travel to 'The Planet Stupiter,' meeting strange looking creatures, Queen Bella and the Gnomes who live there. Discovering the peculiar and wondrous World is in danger of disappearing, Niamh, Mia and Miriam hatch a plan to save the planet before hope is lost!

I met Steve, while living in Gran Alacant in Spain. I was working in a bar in Plaza Mayor, he and his lovely family were regulars, and we got to know each other well. The stories Steve told, were the tales I loved as a child and his amazing imagination was an inspiration for me, as I concentrated on my blog at every given opportunity. His words of wisdom and advice during a particularly difficult time in my life, were always accepted with thanks and I have always done my best to support Steve in his endeavours, as he has for me, commenting on my blog whenever he can.

Steve's first book transported me to my childhood and at 49 years old, I enjoyed every word. I often read children's books, for the imaginative stories they tell. Anything that takes me back to better times, especially today is welcome. As I focus on the future, I am always inclined to focus with fondness at my youth and the stories I was told and read, encapsulating a brief moment in time. These books have remained a part of my life and occasionally I will remember a saying or passage in a chapter that has as much meaning today as it did then. Steve's books are memories of the future, for children of today. In a World so ravaged by COVID-19, 'The Planet Stupiter' offers the chance to escape and enjoy the innocence that all of us crave. Children of any age, right up to forty-nine years old and beyond, will enjoy these wonderful books of magic, wonderment and an imagination running wild!

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Please click on the Amazon icon above, where you can purchase Steve's new book 'The Planet Stupiter.' Do leave a comment and of course a review of Steve's latest work. You can of course email me at Roaming Brit, if you have any questions or comments you would like me to pass on.

Happy reading!
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Gran Alacant - The Square!

6/4/2020

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Gran Alacant had numerous personalities living and working there, people who became good and close friends. There was of course a large British Expat contingent, but there were many other nationalities represented, from Norwegians, Dutch and even Russians. GA was a diverse enclave, far more multicultural than its British equivalent and despite the many differences, there was very little trouble and everyone lived together in relative peace and harmony. Whenever I think about the years that I lived there, I am always amazed by the camaraderie and common sense of purpose everyone had, living in a place that we all called home, enjoying a life style that we could only dream of in our respective places of birth. This was a time to explore and get to know the locals and establish oneself as part of this welcoming neighbourhood that was very much the life blood of this urbanization near Alicante!

Community life was centred around the squares in Gran Alacant. My nearest, just a short walk from my Casa was Sierra Mar, hidden behind a gated community, tucked away from prying eyes. Whenever I had the time, I would pop up the square and have a few drinks, chatting with the locals and staff alike; I found myself in a setting akin to home, comfortable, harmonious and full of good cheer. Like everyone else, we had our favourite bar and being the creatures of habit we are, we would spend our time settled, relaxed and chilled in our favourite setting.

Zest was our Oasis and a place where we always felt welcome. The staff always went above and beyond and in a relatively short space of time became friends to unwind with, a shoulder to cry on and a catalyst for advice when things weren’t going so well. Despite living on my own in Spain, while Darrell cared for his Mother in Australia, the customers and staff at Zest were always there to lend a helping hand. This was a location that I returned to time and time again and somewhere I miss very much today.

Saturday afternoons became a bit of a pilgrimage, as I made my way to Sierra Mar for drinks with neighbours Katie and Andy. These two became very close over my time living in GA and with both of our husbands away for a good chunk of the year, Katie and I established a great and important friendship. Katie was always on hand to take me shopping, the cats to the vets or to sit and have a glass or two of wine in the blistering Spanish sun. The square was also the perfect place to meet others and I gained many wonderful friends, while sat having a drink, many of whom still remain close today. The close-knit community wasn’t something I was used to, but it was a breath of fresh air coming from a large city in Britain. The locals and tourists did seem genuinely interested in me and were always there to offer guidance if they could. The reason we got on so well in Spain, was because of the encouragement we were given by others, when all else failed. Advice from people in the square was invaluable to us as we began to navigate our way around GA.

The square was a focal point for celebration as well as a hub for local life. Ladies Day celebrating June's Birthday, Christmas Carols around a central Christmas tree, Bingo on a Tuesday afternoon, charity events, raising money for worthy causes, including Elche Orphanage and Sunday lunch with friends at Zest. I spent more time in The Square than I did at home; this was an outdoor lifestyle that we can only dream of here in the UK and it is a time I always look back on with fondness.

Recalling my first tentative months living in Gran Alacant, I am reminded of just how important Sierra Mar was to my sense of well-being. I had arrived in Spain, shattered and broken after a year of torment living in the UK and this small square began my process of recovery and acceptance, giving me back my faith in humanity at what could have been a deeply damaging period. Within a short space of time, I felt accepted and a sense of belonging that I couldn’t have felt anywhere else. Spain changed my outlook forever and gave me back the life I lost. I long for the day when I can once again drink cocktails in the sun and enjoy the company of those who played such an important role in my life; reliving the good times, remembering the milestones and recalling events that made me the person I am today!

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Urgent Appeal For Help - Katie Stewardson, Floods in Spain!

15/9/2019

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I am making an urgent appeal for my friend Katie Stewardson. I met Katie while living in Spain. Katie became a close friend and has even written for Roaming Brit. A few days ago Katie and her family, including her two week old son Sebastián were evacuated from their Southern Spanish home, after their property flooded along with thousands of others in the region. Katie is now trying to raise money for the local community who have lost everything, trying to ensure animals and livestock are re-homed and looked after, following the worst storms to hit Spain in a century. Katie has asked me to advertise this plea for help, so she and other victims can start to rebuild their lives!

Please click on the 'Go Fund Me' picture below, to take you to her appeal!

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"Our farm was hit bad by the flooding of the 'south eastern Spanish gota fria.' Paddocks are flooded and sheds are destroyed, the kennels for the dogs are non existent and they have no shelter. We are not the only ones affected .

We are fundrasing to build new kennels for the dogs and new shelters for the goats at our finca. We are also fundraising for other fincas and shelters in the same mess as us.

Dog food to buy. Beds etc

Please help if you can, every little counts to remaking homes for the animals."


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    48-year-old Author and professional blogger. Expat formerly living in Gran Alacant on the Costa Blanca! Currently, residing in my home town of Portsmouth on the south coast of England!

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