Hello Everyone
I know it has been quite a long time since I have written anything but life just plods along doing the daily routine things that we all have to do no matter where in the world we live...cleaning out kitchen cupboards included ( this has nothing to do with the fact that Mum and Dad are coming over in 4 weeks time ( honestly ).
I guess the biggest bit of news we have is that Graham and I now have got our Spanish Residency, this seemed quite a daunting process but as it happened it turned out to be very straightforward with the help of Antonio the translator and legal rep who came with us. To do this we had to go to the Police station in Cartegenaand then produce all the relevant papers, have our finger prints taken, supply photographs and hey presto we are now legal Spanish Citizens.We have also sorted out our Medical Cover and are now treated the same as if we were Spanish thanks to the form S1 which was obtained via the Uk, based on tax you have paid whilst working in the Uk entitles you to upto 2 years free medical cover after which we will either have to get a job or start paying for private healthcare...the only incident whilst trying to to sort this out with the Spanish Social Security was when they asked Graham if he was a "pensionista" hehehehe. We have one more challenge left ahead of us and that is to change our UK driving licences over which we are going to do in January....
It hardly seems possible that Graham and I have been living here for 6 months come next Wednesday, time has just flown by, and I have to say...still no regrets and no desire to return to the UK.
We have taken up Spanish lessons and go once a week, although it seems difficult to remember things as easily when you get older but I am sure things are sinking in slowly, Antonio who teaches us is excellent and very reasonable rates as well as the class is only the 2 of us and he only charges us 5 euros each for an hour.
We are going out each week with our friends Mike and Gareth on discovery trips trying to find new places which is fun, even when we end up at a dead end in a field....the day we discovered the hidden lake which is shown in the photograph above, it was a lovely day out and Graham saved my life even though i thought he was trying to throw me over the mountain side....I leant on a stone pillar, Graham pulled me back by the scruff of my neck as my hand was 1" away from a snake's mouth that had reared its head up because I had disturbed it sunbathing...what is it with me and snakes !!!
Another one of our trips out was to Agulias and to the city of Murcia which Graham was delighted about as it had "Normal" shops including Primark...who ever thought Graham would get excited over going into Primark !!!! We even splashed out and had a Burger & Chips...the first "Fast Food" we have had in 6 months.
Christmas for Graham and I ......One Turkey, 2 Crackers and loads of cheap wine.....just discovered a local bottle of Port...2 Litres for 4.50 euro..it would be rude not to partake
We have friends coming Boxing day and are going out New Years Eve to friends. The one thing I have to say I am REALLY NOT missing is all the Christmas hype that starts at the begining of September in the Uk.
We would both like to send everyone our very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year and hope that it is a Healthy and Happy time for all, May all your dreams come true in 2012 as ours did for us in 2011.
Speak Next Year
Lots Of Love To Everyone
Barry , Graham, Travis , Basil & Ralph
xxxxxxx
