Concerns!

Popped out with Katie, briefly yesterday.  Don't get to go out much these days, so it was a pleasant change.  The temperature was a lovely 25 degrees, so we had a couple of pints in  Zest, followed by a meal at Katie's.  We had lots to talk about, especially feeling the way we do at the moment.

Today's entry is going to be a bit of a moany blog, but not everything is perfect in paradise all the time.

For me, there is an 'end of season blues' feeling.  Sierra Mar Square was not the usual throng of people, it had been, even up until last week.  One minute people were here and in a flash they are now gone.  That is of course the nature of the beast here: at this time of year, it can feel very lonely.  I know that has been a problem for me, just recently.  In an area that is predominantly filled with second home owners, there are times you see very few people.  Both houses either side of me are empty and will probably remain so, until the spring.  

So both Katie and I are starting to feel those winter blues, even with temperatures in the mid twenties.  It is however, not just a matter of how cold or  hot it is, it is a number of different things as well.  The job situation, is of course the biggest problem for both of us at the moment.  I have written much about the ridiculous laws in Spain, that prevent otherwise good businesses taking on staff, so will not go over it again. Last week alone, I applied for approximately twenty jobs, in and around the Alicante area.  There is  the obvious language barrier, which does hinder our efforts to find suitable employment, but there is something else, something a little more disturbing, in my view.  Spain is about jobs for the Spanish.  Discrimination is rife, unlike those Spanish who travel to The UK to find work.  I actually find that quite distasteful.  It is one of the reasons why I voted for Brexit.  In Europe there does seem to be different rules, for each Country you live in.  All Europeans, applying for jobs, should be given equal access to the market, as they are in Britain.

With both mine and Katies partner away in foreign countries, working and caring for loved ones, things back home in Spain, with us, are not as good as they should be. This is a hard place to survive; even with the fantastic community here, it can be difficult to find open doors, especially at this time of year.  In The UK, my house was always filled with people, here it is very different.  People don't tend to visit each other's houses in the same  they used to in Britain.  Most of the socialising takes place in the local squares, which is where you get to know people.  If like me you are on a tight budget and as a result, don't tend to go out as often as others, interaction can be extremely difficult.

Of course the biggest concern, is having to live apart from one's partner.  Myself and Darrell have been apart for about three months now; it has not been easy at all.  I understand his decision to return for his Mother, at this time, although I am of the opinion that the time frame involved is now just far too long.  Neither of us are happy with this arrangement and after taking advice from friends both here and in the UK, I feel it is time it changes.

Paul just popped over!  He is living out here on his own too.  Yes there are a lot of lonely people, single, living out here like me.  Anyway Paul took me to Zest for a coffee and a chat.  Obviously we have a lot in common.  I haven't seen Paul in a while, so it was nice to sit outside in the sun putting the World to rights!  It's funny, I was writing about the 'end of season and then, there was Paul talking about this exact subject.  

It is true to say, I have had a few reservations, about staying on in Gran Alacant lately, for no other reason, than the lack of opportunities here, at least during the winter months.  I voiced my concerns to Paul, who, it is safe to say, put everything into perspective.  Britain does have far more opportunities, but in reality Britain has so many more downsides, than up's.  These mainly involve costs, weather and the biggie, lack of community, so for now Paul has talked me out of moving on!

When I look out my windows, the views are truly amazing.  My arthritis has all but gone; the cost of living is so much cheaper and I do feel blessed at being here.  My long term future, should be good and the opportunities greater.  At the moment in the short term, it is hard work, on all levels.  With the help of good people, that can only change.  It is a bit like a waiting game, but games are there to be won, so win them I will!