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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 must be made. Illness, family bonds, and a Change of heart all make for challenging times in the life of a 'Roaming Brit!'

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If something seems too good to be true, it probably is!

16/11/2022

1 Comment

 
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I had an early start yesterday, getting the train to Fremantle to hand in a CV for a job in this historic town. The hour-long journey, stopping at every station, and believe me there are a lot of stations, isn't really something I wanted to do every morning, so in many respects I was glad things turned out the way they did.

On handing in the relevant paperwork, I was asked to do a test, which should have taken about an hour. Looking at it, I was dumbstruck, this wasn't the job I was applying for, this was an A level paper, and I was not in the slightest bit interested.

I want a job that pays the bills and gives me as much time to explore Australia as possible; this test was a warning, that it was a position best avoided. So I politely made my excuses and left, practically running down the road and back into the centre of Freo. To be honest, I don't care what they thought. I was looking for a job in retail, a front facing customer service role, and this was not it; it would not have suited me at all. Still, we live and learn. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is, so next time I'll be careful where I apply!

Despite a disappointing end to the morning, I made the most of the rest of the day, sitting in the 31 degree heat, quietly passing the time with a cup of ginger and lemon tea and an ice-cold glass of water, badly needed in the scorching temperatures.

I do love Fremantle as a place to visit, but I really don't think I would want to travel in to work there every day, let alone live there. Fremantle really is just a tourist destination. There are small boutique shops, all overpriced, and expensive cafés and restaurants. Yesterday, I fell out of love with the place and left hurriedly, taking the train to Perth for a spot of lunch!


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I went into the Belgian Beer Café as usual to grab a pint, after walking up Murray street to get Darrell a couple of vapes for $50.00 (£28.47,) from the tobacconists. Apparently there is no nicotine in the vapes he buys, it is illegal, and I believe from what Darrell said, they use a substitute chemical instead. It does however seem to work for him, and he hasn't touched cigarettes since he has been back!

Now I have personally never vaped in my life, but it does feel rather odd, that you can sell cigarettes, but you can sell nicotine vapes.

After listening to a recent debate on Australian television, it appears the Government believe there is more research to be done on any harmful effects, before they even consider legalising it. This of course won't stop people like Darrell from smoking them, and prohibition only drives the practice underground, which is happening in states across the country.

The new summer menu is out at the Belgian Beer Café, so there was no Roast Beef Baguette, but Fish and chips instead. Usually at home in Britain I would have Cod, but here it's something totally different, Barramundi and Chips, which actually tasted lovely. It had a much stronger taste than the British equivalent and a considerably firmer texture than Cod; This was a meal I thoroughly enjoyed.

From Murray Street, I spent a few hours looking around the city, and ended up at The Shoe for a final pint of Carlton and a train ride home. With Darrell working, I've been getting to know Perth as best I can. Luckily it has a fantastic, cheap, transport system that works remarkably well. I quite enjoy spending time to myself, travelling around this city. After all, if everything goes right, I won't be doing it for much longer!


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Now I know it's not Marmite, but after seeing this Vegemite and cheese ready cooked chicken in Coles on the way home, it got me thinking what I could do with Marmite instead. Like most people, I use the black stuff a lot in my cooking. Whether adding it to sauces and gravy, or putting it on roast potatoes before cooking, I use it all the time.

Vegemite is a big thing over here, there are a lot of 'spin off' products that have Vegemite in the ingredients, and although I don't personally like it, it is easy to see why. Marmite could do far better. I've messaged Julio on the chicken counter at Tesco to get lubing the chooks up with the black stuff, it tastes bloody lovely, Vegemite or not.

Also this morning on 'Sunrise,' the Ozzy version of 'Good Morning Britain,' they had a feature on ice cream, in particular Vegemite Ice cream. Now that is something I'd like to try. I have tried similar products in the UK, especially the Marmite chocolate, which I enjoyed, and I used to spread Marmite on Chocolate biscuits myself as a child, but I'm not too sure about the ice cream. Nevertheless, if I see it, I will certainly give it a go!

For now, adios amigos, have a wonderful day!

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1 Comment
SARAH
23/4/2025 17:30:48

For non delay ice supply, look for <a href="https://icemachinesdirect.com.au/hoshizaki-ice-machines/">hoshizaki ice machine</a>

Reply



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    51-year-old Author and professional blogger. Expat formerly living in Gran Alacant on the Costa Blanca! Currently, residing in my adopted home of Perth, Western Australia.

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    A place to call home
    Finally, a place we can call home.  A community of like minded individuals, who used to call Britain home.  Now Spain is our choice, an altogether gentler, happier, sunnier and safer experience!
            Luke Feb 16
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  • Blog
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