Blog Posts - Roaming Brit

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

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!'

Welcome Home Mollie!

12/7/2020

Mollie has arrived from Australia, where she has been for the last two years. Like most of our personal belongings she was shipped to Perth when we left Spain in 2018 and that is where she stayed. I asked Darrell if he would post her several weeks ago as my life isn't the same without her. This grand old lady has travelled with both of us, all over the World and I thought it was about time she came back home.

The truth is, Darrell and I haven't decided where we want to stay long term, but it looks likely to be somewhere in Europe, when this Pandemic is finally over, so Mollie would have to return to this part of the World one day. She was one of the few possessions I kept when we left our home in Gran Alacant, and she is a big part of my life, containing many memories.

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This is the picture I commissioned when the actress Mollie Sugden died. She was the lady I grew up with on the television set, as I sat down to watch 'Are You Being Served' with my Mother in the 1980s. Of course, it wasn't until later I understood much of the meaning behind the comedy that was a part of the show, but that didn't stop me laughing at sketches that still resonate today.

Like most comedy shows of the 1970s and 80s, they weren't particularly politically correct and would never be instructed today, but 'Are You Being Served' echoed a different Age, that seemed far more innocent than now. Mollie was an actress who never failed to make me laugh and a house full of laughter is the most important aspect to life. Happiness at times of stress and upheaval is the key to success, which is why Mollie is home where she belongs!

Photographs of Hope - Family Toast!

11/7/2020

Inspirational photographs at a time of crisis, creating positivity for the future!

We've been doing our family toast for ten weeks now, throughout the duration of the first wave of this pandemic, and like most families we have done our best to keep in touch, despite the difficult circumstances. I still haven't seen all of my relatives, even now, because I don't want to put anyone at risk.

The last time I saw my Father, was in January of this year. It has been hard not seeing him, especially at this time, but I don't feel it is appropriate quite yet. I work in Tesco, a pub and have a voluntary job with Cancer Research, all of which are customer facing roles. I come into contact with many members of the public daily, that's a lot of people; so I really don't want to put my Father or any other member of my family at risk unnecessarily. I do speak to Dad every week, and he seems to be in good spirits, but this is also a lonely time for him and all of us who are separated.

This week we were able to welcome back Aunty Sue, to our family toast, after a few weeks away. Sue hasn't been feeling on top form recently and decided to take a break. To be honest I don't blame her; there were times I wish I could have just disappeared for a while, hoping this year would just go away, but to no avail. Aunty Sue hasn't been too well and having to shield for weeks on end has taken its toll on her, but fighting fit as ever, she has returned, joining in the weekly toast!

I was reading an article online this morning, talking about living with Coronavirus long term. It looks like it will be awhile before we can all get back to normal and enjoy life as it used to be. Until then, we will have to continue making the best of this situation; our weekly toast will be here for a while yet, which is no bad thing. Family up and down the country are coping remarkably well and all of us have used our ingenuity to focus on the relationships that remain important, despite the distance between us. I guess sometime next year, we will all be able to hug each other once again; until then we have our weekly toast to one another, showing everyone, no matter where they are, that we continue to care about them and lives we share!

Bosnia Herzegovina - The Majesty of Mostar!

9/7/2020

Visiting Bosnia in 2014, was the highlight of my stay in the more recognised state of Croatia. This relatively new country was formed in 1992, after the Bosnian public voted to break away from the old Yugoslavia, shortly after the Communist eastern block nations began to crumble. Between 1992 and 1995, war raged in the region following the vote for independence. Bosnian Serbs supported by the new Serbian Government and the Yugoslav Peoples Army fought to secure the country. This was a war that split families, saw the death of thousands through ethnic cleansing and perpetuated the shelling of towns and cities. As we drove along the Dalmatian coast towards the Bosnian boarder, I felt apprehensive, not knowing what to expect, after all this was a country still recovering from conflict; conjecture ran riot inside, as we entered this undiscovered land.

Mostar was our destination, the fifth largest city in the country, named after the 'Mostari' or bridge keepers, who guarded the world-famous 'Stari Most,' or old bridge, over the river Neretva. This 16th century bridge was our destination, one of the most important landmarks in Bosnia. It is a physical crossing between the Islamic and Christian halves of the city. This is a place where East literally meets west.

I was struck by the wounds that still litter this city. Standing outside the Gimnazija Mostar, looking around the vast open space before me, I was overwhelmed by the number of ruined, derelict buildings, left as a reminder of the Bosnian War. Much of the destruction had been replaced by new, modern structures, well-kept and looked after, but there were however mnemoric reminders of a traumatic past. Badly bombed tectonic shells, daubed with bullet holes, shrapnel damaged and adorned with gaping holes. It was a rather eerie scene, that constantly reminded one of this great cities recent past, a memorial to a time before the conflict. I'm not sure whether these were left as a permanent aide-mémoire of just left untouched, undeveloped from twenty years prior, but it certainly brought home the nature of Mostar and the history that still lived on in the architecture that protrudes around every street corner!

Walking through the Islamic sector of the city, you could be forgiven for thinking you are in Marrakesh or Algiers. We passed through a number of small souks, as we walked around the historic cobbled streets. Beautifully made handicrafts, herbs and spices punctuating the air, Arabic jewellery, ceramics and carved wooded mementos. This is how I imagined the Islamic World to be, and I wasn't disappointed.

We sat in a small traditional Turkish kahve dükkanı and had some thick home ground coffee. As I looked out across the narrow street towards the market stalls beyond, absorbing the atmosphere, sights, sounds and smells of the emporium, I noticed the locals, traditionally attired in Islamic dress, young children playing happily with friends and the odd tourist bartering with a stallholder; all this in complete contrast to the war that left its mark on Mostar. After a spot of shopping and some photographs on the bridge we headed towards the Christian side of the city; the feel was distinctly European. Islamic treasures were replaced with more familiar western postcards, religious icons and cafés selling alcohol. Once again we stopped, this time for a much-needed ice-cold beer and a glass or two of wine, followed by an evening meal in a restaurant tucked neatly away behind a tree covered court yard, a welcome break from the searing Balkan heat.

Mostar is a beautiful city, despite being disfigured by war. I felt relaxed and safe walking around its streets and have many fond memories, spending time with family, surrounded by hundreds of years of history. This Balkan gem unfamiliar to most, will most certainly be a tourist destination of the future. The breathtaking views were a reminder of my travels in Italy and like Sorrento and the Amalfi coast, I fell in love with Mostar and the life it encapsulates. Despite my British credentials, I will always be a European at heart; the freedom to travel unhindered at will, is important to my sense of well-being. Visiting Bosnia, even briefly, was a life-changing moment and one I hope to repeat; seeing more of this magical, inspirational, historic region deep in the heart of Europe, as it comes of age, is a journey for another day!

Cancer Research Returns!

6/7/2020

Cancer Research reopened today, after closing its doors nearly four months ago, just before the pandemic took hold in the UK. I will be returning to my voluntary job next week, but wanted to pop into the shop today, to see what measures are in place when I finally start on Monday morning. Not knowing what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised at how organised everything was. By their very nature, charity shops, create the feeling of cluttered disorder, so working in such an environment will be yet another challenge to overcome in the age of COVID.

I stayed for about an hour chatting to Zerina and Sam, as they navigated this new World, which remains alien to them on their first working day. Of course, having worked for Tesco for the last four months during the height of the virus, I am well-used to the social distancing measures in place to protect staff and customers; Cancer Research have done well to get everything ready and in place for the reawakening today.

It was great sat talking with Zerina once again, having only spoken to her on the phone; I have always enjoyed her company and as with the Newcome on Saturday, it felt like I had never been away. She was her usual jovial self and realistic about the difficulties ahead. My biggest concern is accepting donations from the public and what procedures are in place to limit exposure to any potential danger. By next Monday, I will be working in three front facing, customer orientated roles and that leaves me at a higher risk than most, so anything that can be done to protect me at this time is important. I am a natural worrier who suffers with anxiety, so reassurance and peace of mind are mandatory to my sense of well-being!

All donations will be stored for 72 hours before being displayed in the shop, in case of any contamination. There are of course gloves, masks and visors, should I need them and like most other establishments, a one way system is in place. I feel confident enough to return and once again next week and want to play my part at this crucial time. Too much Cancer research has been put on hold and with a lack of income, charities have suffered more than most, so as someone who has volunteered for many years, I feel it is right to continue to help raise funds, for a cause that is dear to my heart.

I would like to wish everyone at the shop the best of luck for the future, and look forward to playing a small role in the perpetual success of this friendly shop, at a time when the World needs all the help it can get!

Stay safe everyone!

First Night at The Newcome!

5/7/2020

It was back to work at The Newcome last night, as the pub opened once again. After 104 days of closure the doors were finally opened and with restrictions in place we all welcomed back our customers into the fold.

I was nervous at what to expect, but with so many familiar faces I soon felt very much at home. After nearly four months away everyone had changed in looks - Big hair and even bigger stomachs. In some cases, others had even lost weight, looking fitter and trimmer, using lockdown as a springboard to exercise and lose a few pounds. It was strange to see everyone after such a long period of time, but within half an hour, it was like I had never been away!

The evening went well and the locals came out in force to support the pub. I am still very apprehensive given the circumstances we all still find ourselves in. The virus is still circulating in the community and all of us need to remain circumspect going about our daily lives.

Listening to the news this morning, it seems the antisocial behaviour, that alcohol consumption breeds is well and truly back and that really makes me sad. At a time when the country should be pulling together, to fight Coronavirus, the usual suspects are out and about causing mayhem, drinking heavily and fighting in the streets. My biggest fear when lockdown ended was this kind of thing happening once again; infection rates will rise and deaths will surely follow. The number of fatalities in this country are still in the hundreds, while the rest of Europe seems to have the outbreak under control, that is most concerning of all.

I will always do what I have to, to keep safe and continue to follow the social distancing regulations. I can't say that everyone else is doing the same. Working in a public house is high risk, and it is easy to see why. Drunken customers can find it impossible to socially distance, which is why all members of staff must make it even more of a priority and remove repeat offenders. These are only the first tentative steps towards the new normal, but they are big steps in the life of The Newcome Arms. The next few months will determine the shape of COVID-19 in Britain and all of us hope we don't see a spike in the coming weeks. If we want to get through this, we will have to do so together, helping one another and always, yes always doing the right thing!

Photographs of Hope - Family Toast: Remembering Great Grandad!

5/7/2020

Inspirational photographs at a time of crisis, creating positivity for the future!

During this week's family toast we celebrated Aunty Karen's Birthday and the installation of a new headstone for Great Grandad Thomas and other members of our family from Liverpool. I don't know much about my Great Grandfather and his death in 1930, but have come across various snippets of his life, while researching my family tree. He was tragically hit by a tram and killed at the tender age of 39, leaving my Grandmother behind, who was looked after by other members of the family.

It has been difficult finding out information from my Grans side of the family, which has made me more determined than ever to continue with my genealogical research. Family have become a lot more important to me during recent times and I think it is necessary for all of us to understand our roots and where we came from. Family stories, recollections from bygone times, rumour and intriguing tales have always been a part of our history. Bringing together all this information collectively and apportioning its relevance to different aspects of my tree has been a salient part of my motivation, in deciphering the clues that make all of us who we are.

As a point of interest, I have included the letter sent to my family after the death of Thomas. My Great Grandfather was blind and this short note has been instrumental in allowing me to piece together just what happened to him and why.

When we make a toast to one another as a family, we also remember past generations and their place within our narrative. I never knew Thomas, but, he has become integral to the search I continue today. His place within the family tree is crucial to the direction I am currently following, as I continue with my genealogical research.

Once again I would like to offer my love and gratitude to everyone who takes part each week, keeping the 'flame of family' burning strong at this time. The people we salute today will be the memories we toast tomorrow!

Croatia (Hrvatska) - A little piece of family life on the Adriatic sea!

2/7/2020

Family Home, Podgora!

Croatia has been a home from home, for Darrell and I for many years now, since our first trip to Pula in 2006. Darrell's family originate from the Dalmatian coast and many of his relatives still live in this beautiful part of the World. In 2008, we made our first trip, to visit his Great Aunt and Cousins in Podgora, his home town, and neither of us were disappointed. Darrell had told me much about his relations and the picturesque village where they came from, but nothing prepared me for stunning countryside, views across the clear blue Adriatic and welcoming nature of people, we had only just met. Of all the places I have visited over the years, my annual holidays with family in Hrvatska were by far the most relaxed and special. These were important times for Darrell also, as he finally got to know his Dalmatian descendants!

For the next five years, we spent time with Marin, Vlatka and Bartul in their apartment in Split, returning frequently, integrating perfectly and exploring this great city from wall to wall - the old town steeped in history, tiny narrow lanes, buildings huddled on each side, washing hanging across cobbled streets. In awe of the medieval architecture, a powerful statement of this cities culture and past, Diocletian's palace, built in the fourth century AD and the small family owned restorani in every square, I felt a connection with this place through my love of history, European culture and Croatian cuisine. Family aside, Split had everything I wanted from a holiday destination - antiquity, Mediterranean lifestyle, urban excitement, art galleries and museums and access to clean, well-kept beaches. This is somewhere I would return to time after time, year after year; this was a little piece of family life on the Adriatic Sea!

Marin and Vlatka's life and work took them away from their roots in Dalmatia to the large city of Split, but that didn't mean a break from family traditions further down the coast. Every year, during our visit we would drive along the rugged coastline, through tiny Hrvatski sela, (Croatian villages) past the larger settlement of Markaska, where Marin's family had a home and finally into Podgora. This is where the large family home is situated. The traditional imposing four/five-story building sits at the far end of the village, overlooking fishing boats in the harbour and is partly rented out to eager foreign tourists during the lucrative summer season.

Walking along the promenade between the ancestral home and the Medora Beach Resort you are struck by the phenomenal scenery, white sandy beaches and towering green lush mountains behind. This is where the old town of Podgora is perched, along with the original family home that has been restored to its former glory, after an earthquake destroyed it decades before. The story goes, that when the Earthquake struck, the Communist Government at the time, decided to rebuild the town at the bottom of the mountain on the coast, reconstructing it in traditional style, as beautiful as it ever was. All the residents were then relocated, settling into their new homes, away from the treacherous mountain pass!

This is a location with a resonance that echoes through my husbands heart, a destination that he and I both adore, and a big part of our life. Everywhere you look, you can see his family name emblazoned across the entrances to shops or restaurants, and the character of those who live there is reflected in his personality and mannerisms. This is very much home to Darrell, and he feels at peace and happy in the company of loved ones, who are important to understanding his heritage and links to Europe.

The food, laid back perpetuation, family links and dynamic outlook are a perfect recipe for an unforgettable vacation, which is exactly what we experienced every time we went. After our move to Spain, we were unable to travel to Croatia and with the World in lockdown and Darrell's Mother unwell, it is unlikely we will journey there any time soon, but the current situation does not detract from the fondness and love we both have for this important part of the World. I will often look at photographs taken over the years; family times spent together in a country both of us call home; memories of better, happier times. Darrell and I will always be travellers at heart, but there are very few places we will ever return to again and again; Hrvatska, however is the beating heart at the centre of family life!

Newcome Returns!

1/7/2020

On Saturday the 4th July The Newcome Public House reopens after three months of forced closure. The Government is finally allowing pubs, bars and restaurants to open, even though the UK's death and infection rate remains high. Hospitality venues up and down the country have to make difficult decisions, as they decide whether to open or not. This has been a difficult time for many businesses and in order to survive the coming months they need to restart where they left off and finally welcome back customers, after a traumatic few months away.

Like most people I am apprehensive about the next steps towards the new normal. I have worked public houses, whether here in Britain or Spain for around four years now and have never experienced such a stressful, debilitating time. I have always enjoyed serving customers, chatting over the bar and the social aspect of working in a pub, but today I just don't know what to expect, as The Newcome opens its doors once again and I start my shift on Saturday night.

I popped into work today to see how the preparations are going and Ellie seems to have everything in hand. New entrances and exits, hand sanitizer at every door and posters advertising the new rules and regulations to patrons, will now be common place. There will be no sitting at the bar, no disorderly conduct and no contact with staff. We are entering a new untested era, where the pandemic has taken over our everyday lives in a way we have not known before, so it is natural to feel nervous, just as I was working for Tesco during the first few weeks of lockdown.

Tesco's response during this national crisis has been exceptional. The safety of staff has always taken priority and it wasn't long before I felt safe enough to carry on working in a job I love. The Newcome is also introducing new measures and codes of conduct that have put my mind at ease somewhat. As long as customers behave sensibly I am confident this adjustment period will be a success.

It is crucial that local taverns open as soon as they are able. They remain the lifeblood of local communities up and down the country and without them, all of us will suffer, losing a major contribution to neighbourhood life. Support The Newcome however you can, be mindful of the staff who serve and understand the limitations this pandemic perpetuates. All of us will welcome you back with open arms, without the touching of course, and hope you will play a part in making The Newcome the success it always was!

France - A Place To Call Our Own!

29/6/2020

I have always had a rather strange relationship with France; like many British people, I had a view of its people that wasn't entirely favourable. Of course, as individuals we all form stereotypical perspectives of cultures we don't understand; that has always been a British failing. As our nearest continental neighbour, France was my first experience of foreign travel, a place I visited frequently and a country I like to think I know well. In the late 1980s, along with my classmates, I travelled to the French city of Arras, our base for a week, while we toured the First World War battlefields. This was the beginning of a love/hate relationship that still lasts today. France is like Britain in so many ways, but its customs and traditions seem a world away from our own, making it a strange, alluring and intriguing place to visit.

Between 2000 and 2004, Darrell and I lived in the beautiful village of Whiteparish, on the Hampshire/Wiltshire boarder, running a business twenty-four hours a day. Initially this was a particularly productive time for us, and we were able to do many things we hadn't done before. Despite the long hours, we managed to find the time to travel to France once a month, driving from our home in Salisbury, to Southampton or Portsmouth, crossing by ferry to Caen and other regional ports, stocking up on cigarettes and alcohol, as many Brits did back then. Both Darrell and I were heavy smokers and paying just £1 for a packet of twenty cigarettes was the draw both of us needed to continue making the journey to France each month. It wasn't too long, before both of us fell in love with this Country and started to make plans for our future.

During our time traversing Northern France, we managed to investigate the local property market, discovering just how cheap it was to buy a home there and when the time was right, we bought a house direct from Hamiltons international Estate Agency, in the UK. During the early 2000s, foreign property was selling to British buyers fast and with our business taking priority, we decided to bite the bullet and buy a small country cottage without viewing it. Not something I would advise anyone else does, but these were different times, and we were determined to jump on the European property ladder, before prices rose too high.

Le Coix, as the house was called, was situated in the beautiful, historic village of Le Lande St Simeon, near Fleurs in Swiss Normandy. This small stone structure was an empty shell, split in two, one half still used to keep animals and the other half for human habitation, although unused for many years. Visiting our new French Petite Maison, I was struck by the sublime, charming countryside that surrounded the small hamlet where our new house sat, detached, unfettered in half an acre of land. As the name 'Swiss Normandy' suggests, this was a region that looked and felt very much like Switzerland, the views were breathtaking and the feel distinctly relaxed and laid back. As we drove down the narrow country lanes into the village, I immediately felt de-stressed and nonchalant, breathing in the clean air, taking in the characterful surroundings, listening to the sound of silence.

Both Darrell and I had big plans for this tiny chalet and were determined to restore it to its former glory, but time constraints and life took us in a very different direction. We no longer had the willpower or determination to finish the project and with the business taking more and more time, we left the property in the same state we bought it. Within six years we had sold our French dream as our sights became fixated elsewhere.

Darrell and I have continued to travel to France when we are able - visiting Paris on a misty day in February, sat outside a chic café, overlooking the Eiffel Tower, drinking a cup of coffee and smoking a well-earned cigarette. The odd day here and there in Le Havre or taking my late Grandmother to Calais on Le Shuttle, was part of the course; so many times, we have travelled to our French neighbour, that it has almost become a part of our life together. The food, history, architecture and attitudes have always been a major incentive to return to this inspiring part of the World, again and again. Buying a property, also showed the negative aspects of French life - the red tape, corrupt officials and time-consuming stupidity that made our vision so much harder to achieve. However on the whole this is a welcoming place, that holds some special memories for us both; somewhere I will return to at any given opportunity.

France was my first glimpse across the water, it was the appetizer that introduced me to the wider main course, spread across continents, oceans and time zones. My interest in travel stems from that first trip to Belgium and France, observing how differently our European cousins lived and just how necessary it is to have a broader sense of the wider World. My links to France through family and heritage, will always ensure a fondness that goes beyond my personal views and opinions. The door to Europe has become a catalyst for the journey I am on today, a small piece of familiarity in an ever shrinking globe!

Photographs of Hope - Family Toast!

26/6/2020

Inspirational photographs at a time of crisis, creating positivity for the future!
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It's been a week since our last family tribute, another Thursday toasting the importance of family during this pandemic and a tradition that has become a part of life for us all, during this difficult time. With lockdown rules relaxed further this week, all of us are continuing to rebuild our relationships with friends and relatives alike. On July 4th, more businesses will reopen and life as we know it now, will change yet again. Until we get back to the way things were, we will continue to remember loved ones, every Thursday; a day to remember the importance of family life!

We were delighted to be joined by my Mother-in-Law, Mary this week, at home with my husband Darrell in Perth, Western Australia. Mary continues to undergo a gruelling timetable of chemotherapy in order to treat her cancer diagnosis. It was wonderful to see her looking so well, despite her continued ordeal. All of us wish her well and are thankful for her good health.

Stay Safe y'all!