Living abroad tips and hints for money savers

droopsnout

30-ish km SE of Agen.

droopsnout

A maid asked for a pay increase.

The wife was very upset about this and asked: 'Now Maria, why do you think you deserve a pay increase?'

Maria: 'Well, Senora. There are three reasons why I deserve a raise. The first is that I iron better than you.'

Wife: 'Who said you iron better than me?'

Maria: 'Your husband said so.'

Wife: 'Oh.'

Maria: 'The second reason is that I am a better cook than you.'

Wife: 'Nonsense, who said you were a better cook than me?'

Maria: Your husband did.'

Wife: 'Oh.'

Maria: 'My third reason is that I am a better lover than you.'

Wife (really furious now): 'Did my husband say that as well?'

Maria: 'No, Senora. The gardener did.'



SHE GOT THE RAISE.

Happychappy

Thanks, we had a look at a property just north of you on the way to Bordeaux, the area was lovely and very french without a lot of expats which was nice, the only reason we considered Spain or the Peloponnese is for the warmer winters, I also have a boat so need somewhere to moor it up.

You are right though to raise concerns about the everyday cost of living, and do your homework, especially the way the pound has fallen and interest rates on savings will also soon head south ; )

I have been looking for a couple of years at various places, just now I really want to make the move before the last one out of this country has to switch the lights off ; (

droopsnout

By the way, happychappy,welcome to the thread.

I notice you call England "Englandistan". I guess that's because of the immigrants to the UK from countries whose names end in "-stan". But if you move to Greece or Spain yourself, you too will be an immigrant.

Isn't there a degree of irony here?

Happychappy

There is ; ) it is just unfortunately the area I live in the Midlands has had a massive influx of Kurds, Turks etc, and the whole place really has "changed" some areas you hardly hear english spoken.

I really want to find somewhere for the warmer climate and quieter pace of life. I dont need the ex pat type of communities such as in southern spain, I am prepared to learn the language which is the problem here, few do.

I have been sailing and holidaying for a fair while around the greek islands and love the people and relaxed pace of life, but whether the winters will be the same,? Holidays are not really something to base a decision of up sticks and move over ? so looking now at a 6 month or so let, and live there this autumn onwards.

droopsnout

Happychappy wrote: »

Thanks, we had a look at a property just north of you on the way to Bordeaux, the area was lovely and very french without a lot of expats which was nice, the only reason we considered Spain or the Peloponnese is for the warmer winters, I also have a boat so need somewhere to moor it up.

Yes, it is lovely countryside here, but there are loads of Brit expats everywhere in France, more or less. I'm puzzled now, though, as you don't want to live with either foreigners or Brits! (Just teasing!)

The winters in our little area are not so much cold as rather grey and a bit damp. Bit of irony here, too, as the French regard Britain as foggy, but there are far more fogs here than I recall seeing in various places around the UK where I lived!

Oh, and yes, anywhere on the French coast will cost a fortune.

Happychappy wrote: »

I have been looking for a couple of years at various places, just now I really want to make the move before the last one out of this country has to switch the lights off ; (

It does seem at times that the populations of European countries are shifting like the dessert sands! There are just ten people per hectare in our commune. Crowds should stay away, please!!

droopsnout

Happychappy wrote: »

looking now at a 6 month or so let, and live there this autumn onwards.

Very wise!!

iris

Hi

Droopsnout, I found your posting regarding cost of everyday food items and petrol very useful as we are off to Provence on the 13 May. We have our caravan in storage in Vaison. However, this year we shall be bringing it back to the UK. So with the cost of petrol in France, together with the motorway tolls, it looks like we shall have a hefty credit card bill:eek:

Iris

seven-day-weekend

Please be aware that the winters are cold even in southern Spain, especially where we are at 1000m above sea level.

It's usually nice and sunny though.

seven-day-weekend

Welcome Iris!

Lovely! Lots of new posters on this thread - maybe they all wish to share their experiences of living or thinking-of-living abroad?