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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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This Middle Age Life We Both Inherit!

6/12/2020

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Despite living under tier 2 restrictions, Ramona and I were able to meet up for our monthly get together as usual. Ramona has become a bit of a lifeline during this pandemic and without our catch ups, life would be even harder than it already is. To all intents and purposes, both of us are in the same social bubble, allowing us to continue seeing one another whenever we can.

Before I met Ramona, I had yet another appointment at St Mary's Hospital in Portsmouth. More diagnostic tests to try and determine the source of pain I am constantly feeling and another procedure to untangle the GI Jigsaw that dominates my life. Today is a perfect example, to illustrate how I feel, without digressing too much. I am plagued by issues that I am finding difficult to fathom; since I woke up this morning, I have been feeling off kilter, dizzy and light-headed, quite common for me. I have tried everything to alleviate symptoms, that have become an ongoing mystery for so long now, to no avail. Blood pressure monitoring, reducing medication, eating different foods and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, have all failed to yield answers. I have been very proactive in almost demanding further investigation and have discovered many small, irritating ailments that seem to be contributing to my continual malaise, but nothing major or significant, life changing or sinister.

With more tests arranged, I am hopeful I will find the origin of my current state of health soon. Presently, the dizziness I am experiencing, since my possible COVID symptoms in March, has been the most significant. Unable to pinpoint the reasons I am feeling so unbalanced, I have taken it upon myself to try and palliate the problem alternatively, without the use of anti sickness tablets. So far nothing seems to be working and this ongoing hindrance, just seems to linger stubbornly, as a consequence of all the other conditions I am being treated for.

It felt fantastic to get that off my chest and after more of the same bluster on Friday, it was good to spend a few hours with a friend who understands me more than most. Walking around Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, we were once again able to put the World to rights and offload our respective health concerns, a topic of conversation, both of us' articulate perfectly. When you have known someone for thirty years, you often recognise aggravations they can't always determine themselves. Friends are a great source of fortitude, especially at times of stress and Ramona is a tower of strength, especially today.

We hope to see one another once again next month, after the Christmas season, hopefully in a more intimate setting. For now, we will continue to help one another, as we navigate the implications that surround COVID and our own inimitable, characteristic, personal journey, trying to understand the middle age life both of us now inherit!

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Time With Friends!

29/9/2020

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I have been fortunate to spend time with friends during the last week. Usually I am working non-stop and get very little time to myself, but having two weeks off, with nowhere to go, I have been able to make time for people who matter. I am very 'picky' about those I choose to mix with these days; based on previous experience it is a necessary fact of life. Having said that it was great see two people who mean a lot to me.

Last Thursday I was able to spend the evening with my mate from work James, someone I have grown very fond of over the last few years here in Portsmouth. He makes me laugh and always holds a good conversation. He was someone I always looked forward to seeing, until he moved departments about a year ago. Both of us have been meaning to get together for a drink, so I am grateful I had the time this week.

Ten cocktails each at Gunwarf Quays in Southsea, plenty of gossip and chatter and for the first time in months, I felt relaxed and happy to be in the company of someone other than family. I have to find more time to spend with friends, I know that, but with Darrell in Australia I do find it difficult. James cheered me up no end and put a smile back on my face, which was most definitely needed!
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From a relatively new friend, to someone I have known for many years.  I met Ramona in 1992, nearly thirty years ago, and we hit it off almost immediately. Attending University together, we were inseparable, spending every free moment together. I suppose Ramona knows me nearly as much as my husband; our history goes back a generation; we spent many happy times together.

I haven't seen as much of Ramona as I should in recent years, our lives went in very different directions. She was most certainly the sensible one and managed to reign me back from oblivion on many occasions. During this pandemic, we once again got in contact and very much continued where we left off, as we always do.  Meeting on Sunday was probably just what we both needed. Many of my issues resonate with Ramona, and we were able to talk about subjects only we could understand.

It was great to get out of Portsmouth for a bit as well and go for a wonderful meal at The Chilworth Arms, my favourite gastro pub, near Southampton. The food is always delicious, beautifully presented and piping hot. Although the price is a little more expensive at £17.95, compared to a typical Carvery for Sunday lunch, the experience is worth every penny. It was the perfect atmosphere to chat, catch up, remember the last thirty years and enjoy each other's company, as we always do.

Back in Portsmouth, we were able to take a brisk four mile walk along Southsea sea front, perfect for blowing away the cobwebs. It was reassuring to speak to Ramona about my current thoughts and feelings, something I can't often do with others. She has always been a good listener and great at giving advice, even if I didn't always take it. Being reminded of the past, especially now is comforting. It is certainly a reminder that things won't always be this way and the World will eventually get back to normal. Unable to hug as we used to, we have at least made arrangements to see each other once a month, as long as we can; friendship is important now, more than ever, COVID is testimony to that!
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Bye Bye Chris and Maria!

11/4/2018

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Yesterday we said farewell to Chris and Maria, after spending the day with them in Gran Alacant and Santa Pola. Lunch at Zest, a trip along the old coast road and drinks with Tony and Joan from the Leprachaun. In the evening we popped to Rogers for a few pints and had a lovely meal in the GA Centre!

It was fantastic seeing family in Spain before we leave this beautiful country; it's just a pity we wont see friends and relatives here again. Having said that, our door is always open in Australia, despite the distance.

We will be seeing these two and other members of the family at the end of May, until then we wait with anticipation.....
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Cousin Chris and Maria!

9/4/2018

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Cousin Chris and his wife Maria arrived in Gran Alacant from the UK yesterday. They are staying in Sierra Mar, on a fleeting visit, before we both depart for Australia. I haven't seen my Cousin for about 30 years; a long time by anyone's standards, Despite the years that have passed, it was good to sit down and chat after so long.

What does one talk about after so many years apart, well family of course, what else! I haven't heard much about my kinfolk at all in recent times, so it was good to catch up on how everyone is. Happily they are well, though Christopher's Mother, my Great Aunty Ronnie, sadly passed away this Friday; sad news from back home.

I met Chris and Maria at Zest, a hundred yards from their apartment; we spent the afternoon talking about old times growing up as kids and the success and failures of what at one stage, was the biggest family in Hampshire. It was good to hear, that all my Cousins, Aunts and Uncles are enjoying the success of their labours; even though the same can't be said of me. I have never really been a master of anything, battling and struggling most of my life. Having said that I am still with the person I love, after 23 years; that is all the success I need!

Chris and Maria are here for another three days and I will try and spend as much time with them that I can. I am working tonight at LoungeD, but along with Darrell hope to spend the day with them both tomorrow. We do have a lot to catch up on and very little time to do it. The reality is, I am unlikely to see family again for many years, if ever. This is my last chance to interact with all those who are important and make up for lost time!
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Alicante!

25/1/2018

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Christopher is returning home on Saturday morning, so Darrell and I decided to take him out for the day yesterday. Once again the weather was fantastic, so we hopped in the car and drove to Alicante; a city Chris hasn't seen before.

We had a walk around the rather compact city centre, showing Chris the sites; the marina, castle and beach. We sat outside a local cafe bar and had a few pints, overlooking the sea. It was hot and the beer was ice cold, but expensive. I certainly wont be going back there again. In Gran Alacant, I pay 2€ for a large beer; at this beach side destination, 4.50€; astronomical by Spanish standards, even with the free scraps of Crisps in a bowl. These were British prices, something I am not used to paying, so being presented with a bill for 27€ was rather shocking.

Next it was a stopover at McDonald's on the promenade, for a quick lunch, before moving back to Gran Alacant, for drinks at Roger's. Suitably watered, we headed towards home and the GA Centre, where we had a few drinks at Barloko, followed by an Indian; sat chatting with Paul and Natalie. It was a lovely relaxed evening. The fog was thick on the way home, as the temperature dipped to a rather chilly 8 degrees. Finally through the door I collapsed on the sofa, headphones on, listening to a bit of cheesy pop before bed!

So Chris is returning to the UK, after his three week stay. I know he has relished his time in Gran Alacant and enjoyed meeting everyone here. He hopes to return again in a few months, at which time it should be far busier. It is rather quiet at the moment, so we look forward to welcoming him again in the spring! Both Darrell and I have enjoyed having Chris stay with us, despite the expense. Have a safe trip, see you soon!
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Health, Health, Health Darling!

23/1/2018

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It was another hot day in Gran Alacant. Darrell and I were up early today; I wanted to get a few hours walking under my belt, as part of my new healthy lifestyle. We must have walked about an hour an a half in total, down to Carabassi, stopping off  at Molly Malones for a fresh orange juice, half way along. When I got home my blood pressure had fallen to a far more healthy 127/81; slightly higher than it should be, but far lower than what it has been.
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To be honest I'm not sure what I made today; Lemon Chicken with capers; a dash of white wine, served with noodles. It's the first time I've had capers and I actually quite liked them; salty with a taste of mustard.

Tomorrow, a trip to Alicante, before Chris returns to Britain on Friday!
It was a quick pitstop at Mercadona on the way home, to buy some healthy ingredients, making my own diet meals for the freezer, containing my five a day. There is no point doing exercise, if you continue eating rubbish!
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Goulash!

16/1/2018

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It was a quick trip to Dialprix this morning,  to get ingredients for a goulash I was making. Chris popped along with me, mesmerised by the array of English products on Offer. I have to say, Dialprix is perfect for all those British essentials, hard to get elsewhere. He found a few things, he hasn't seen before as well; namely the 'Brocolli Flower,' in the photo above. So it`s been an old fashioned day of cooking for me, as Darrell slept after his night shift. I've got three days off, so can't think of anything better to do; that and writing, of course!
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Roast!

12/1/2018

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Cooked a roast last night; despite Chris only being here for a while, it's been good to cook for someone else other than  Darrell and myself. When Chris lived with us ten years ago, I was always looking after his culinary needs; best of all he actually quite likes my cooking!

We were talking last night about various different aspects of life, both Christopher's and ours and I was surprised to hear, Chris is nearly 30 years old now. I think myself and Darrell met Chris in his teens, so we have known him nearly 13 years. Time really does fly so fast, the older you get.

Despite moving to Spain, I am lucky to have so many amazing friends, back home in Southampton; people that visit often, Just like Chris. Yesterday, I crossed off another week on the calendar, as someone else booked to stay with us in June. I am happy that we receive so many guests; they still offer that link to home, which is important for me, living my life as an Expat in Spain! If you fancy a visit, just drop me a line; don't be a stranger!
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Hanging is an understatement!

10/1/2018

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It's a quarter past six in the evening and I am finally able to sit down and do some blogging. For most of the day, I have literally been hanging, after popping out for a few drinks last night; a rare occurrence for me, since I am normally working every night. 

Darrell dropped us off at Zest in Sierra Mar, on the way to work. He is currently working nights; apparently he enjoys the night shift more than the day. Personally, I couldn't think of anything worse. I have worked nights in the past myself and never enjoyed them. In fact my sleeping pattern is still out of sync now, just because of the job I had at the time!
I haven't been to my old local, Zest in a very long time; I just haven't had the time. Steve was behind the bar, a lovely guy, who comes from the same part of England as me. Gran Alacant has a lot of residents from Northern Britain, so it is great having a chat with someone whose southern credentials shine through. It was a quiet night at Sierra Mar Square; so we decided to have just a quick pint and move on to La Piedra, on Av Escandinavia; one of my favourite bars in Gran Alacant!
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Even La Piedra was tranquil yesterday. The evening was colder than usual, as the warm winter nights have given way, to a more chilly hue; not as cold as it was in November, but certainly noticeably colder than it has been for a while. 

Like Zest, I haven't been to La Piedra in a while either. Since moving to the bottom of the hill, near the GA Centre, venturing up, especially in the depths of winter can be a bit of a chore, so I do tend to avoid the difficult decent to the strip, at least for now.

​I was lucky enough to find Stella on draft, my favourite lager. I haven't had a pint of this since leaving the UK, two years ago.
Funny enough, it actually didn't taste the same as I remember and was rather disappointing. I think to be honest, I have lost my taste for the stuff, oddly preferring Spanish Mahou these days.

Natalee was on shift, finishing at 10.30pm, so we stayed chatting with her and Eduardo late into the night. I actually had a thoroughly great time; relaxed and chilled; finally dropped off home at 2am.
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I was rather drunk when I got home, which isn't surprising after a night on stella. Had I stopped there, I would have been perfectly fine this morning.

Sat in the lounge, chatting with Chris and Paul, I decided to open the Christmas bottle of whisky; bad mistake!

Finally I staggered upstairs to bed at 3.30am, where I spent the next two hours listening to cheesy pop songs, something I only tend to do, when I am in this state. I woke up at 10am, laptop still on my stomach, earphones on, Cher blaring away; which explains why I drempt about her, wearing a tight black leather mini skirt, walking down the red carpet with me at 'The Golden Globes;' go figure!

I felt rough alright, rougher than usual, not wanting to get out of bed. Darrell had just finished his night shift; bad tempered as usual; I thought it best to go down stairs instead!
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After a morning of feeling sorry for myself, I finally left the house this afternoon; showing Chris around the Gran Alacant Centre, as well as getting some shopping. Chris certainly knows how to eat me out of house and home.

Initially I went to Mercadona; I wasn't in there too long; the prices were far too expensive for my liking. 3'49€ for 3kg of potatoes, was daylight robbery, when Lidl had the same ones for 1'69€. It really does pay to shop around in Spain; never pay over the odds for anything!

I've just cooked dinner; Hungarian Goulash, Darrell is just off to work and I am going to have an evening in front of the TV. Whatever you are doing, have a lovely night!

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Visit From Home!

7/1/2018

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For the first time, in a long time, I haven't blogged for twenty four hours, I left that pleasure, to my Scottish friend Rab and his thought for the day. I have been busy myself; it was Dia De Los Reyes (Three Kings Day) yesterday, in Spain; traditionally the time, when Spanish Children are given their Christmas presents, in complete contrast to Britain's Christmas Day, on 25th December.

The Monte Mar Bowls Club, also had a fun day in Gran Alacant on Saturday; LoungeD was the venue for drinks and refreshments, during their breaks from the various activities, taking place at the bowling green opposite Plazor Mayor, where LoungeD is situated. It was a long day for me, arriving at work at 8.45 am and eventually getting home at 9.30pm. It was, however, lovely to see one of my favourite customers, David at LoungeD, with his son, who had returned briefly this new year. One of the most difficult aspects of life living in Gran Alacant, is the transient nature of those who come and go; David returns home today and I am looking forward to seeing him again in February. After work, a large bottle of Rioja was due and duly drunk. I had a slight hangover this morning but slept like a rock; the end of a successful day!

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On 5 January, Christopher, a close friend from Hythe in Southampton arrived for a visit. His brother Kiefer had stayed with us in the summer and we were more than happy to welcome Chris after two years. Chris has lived with us in the past, all of us having a close bond, formed over many years. He seems delighted to be here. The weather in the UK has been particularly bad and with most of the news travelling across the continent also downbeat, depressing and frustrating, Britain doesn't seem to be a great place to be at the moment. In fact, I have just been looking at the news from back home on the television, this gorgeous Sunday morning. The newscaster was talking about the winter Hospital crisis in the UK, bed closures and lack of investment in the British National Health Service. This is a regular occurrence at this time of year and one reason I am happy living in Spain. The NHS crisis highlights everything that is wrong with my old home and why Chris is eager to spend time away this winter. He isn't the only one; a lot of Brits, Expats and otherwise, choose to spend time on the Costa Blanca during the winter months; I'm sure Chris will enjoy the welcome change in temperature.

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With yesterday being 'Three Kings Day,' it was a Red Day or Bank Holiday here in Spain. Darrell and Chris drove into Elche, while I was at work, forgetting what day it was; everything was closed. As one resident told me: 'The Spanish are very militant about their holidays; nothing, absolutely NOTHING will be open.' After a drive back, they both spent the day in the square at Plaza Mayor, drinking cocktails at 'Rogers.' Still it was a great way to get Chris acquainted with Gran Alacant and meeting new people.

It is good to have Chris here; I know he does find it difficult at home sometimes, so he can use his stay as a much needed break, from the drudgery of life. Chris is also writing a book, so he can use his time to finish it, something he has been wanting to do for a while. Gran Alacant, is a great introduction to Spain; he may decide to go further afield and explore the glorious topography, this country is famous for; equally he made decide to return to the south coast of England!

I am happy to keep good links to the past and mine and Darrell's life in Southampton. Not everyone I knew back then are on my priority list of friends to remain contact with. I got an email the other day, from someone I knew back home; someone I wasn't entirely comfortable with. They wanted to come out and stay; probably to get a free holiday; needless to say I am not replying to the message. I am very choosy who I keep in contact with these days. My absence from those in Britain has fortunately allowed me to reassess situations, circumstances and people. Two years ago I had very clouded judgement about those who were supposed to be close, believing people to be friends when they weren't; moving away from these influences has shown me, who they really are.

Chris has just popped up to meet Natalee before she starts work, if he manages to find where she lives, which gives me time to cook dinner and get ready for my shift. Darrell is still in bed; he has work tonight and Mollie and Wildling are in hiding, not happy with our new guest. It is another glorious day today; this winter really has been warmer than usual, perfect for Chris to have a wonder around Gran Alacant, getting to know the place. Tomorrow is another Red Day in Spain, even more time to chill and discover, just what this place has to offer!


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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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