Living abroad tips and hints for money savers

brodev

asea wrote: »

went to a wine-tasting in the Rovescala region which should be about an hour's drive (but took us two & a half as there were no signs & the maps were wrong!).

I have found that not being familiar with roads made travelling difficult. My map reader, aka my wife, and I were lucky to survive some journeys without one of us murdering the other. That is when we bought a sat nav. What a difference. We actually talk pleasantly to one another on journeys that we look forward to. Personally I think they should be a MUST in every expats armoury if they drive.

droopsnout

Tend to agree, especially when navigating in big, unfamiliar towns.

rosetree

Are you resident seven day weekend? I've had fantastic health care here (I'm also up a mountain in Southern Spain!) on my EHIC card from UK. Went to Urgencias with a problem in Jan 2005 where they found a tumour. Ended up having big op but day before that they told me I had another tumour somewhere else too!! Long and short of that is that I had two ops, six months apart and even though both tumours were cancerous the tumours were contained so didn't have to have chemo etc. I have regular check ups and all ok so far! Spanish now good enough to help others in the hospital. I cannot fault the health system here. You can get doctors appointments fast, they check for anything and everything and then check again. You keep all your notes and scans so if anything gets lost it's your fault!

clearmydebts

Asea,

Sounds like you are making some positive steps and it won't be too long before you have a few good friends! Delighted to hear that and look forward to hearing about your progress.

And droopsnout is right, it is raining in the UK today!:(

donny-gal

I'm with you both on the sat-nav - we treat ourselves to a new Tom Tom One XL (the one with the big screen for old eyes :rotfl:) It gets us here time after time, and also finds us none toll routes.

DG

seven-day-weekend

rosetree wrote: »

Are you resident seven day weekend? I've had fantastic health care here (I'm also up a mountain in Southern Spain!) on my EHIC card from UK. Went to Urgencias with a problem in Jan 2005 where they found a tumour. Ended up having big op but day before that they told me I had another tumour somewhere else too!! Long and short of that is that I had two ops, six months apart and even though both tumours were cancerous the tumours were contained so didn't have to have chemo etc. I have regular check ups and all ok so far! Spanish now good enough to help others in the hospital. I cannot fault the health system here. You can get doctors appointments fast, they check for anything and everything and then check again. You keep all your notes and scans so if anything gets lost it's your fault!

Hi, welcome.

Yes we are resident and we too have had excellent healthcare - my husband spent two weeks in hospital in Granadas last year having an operation, can't fault the care he had.

We are covered for free Spanish Healthcare because my husband receives Incapacity Benefit from the UK. The EHIC from the UK is for non-residents.

Welcome once again.

droopsnout

Yes, welcome, rosetree.

I do think you would be well advised to get proper medical cover, rather then rely on the EHIC card. (If you are resident in Spain, that is).

Hope you come back and post some more!

EdInvestor

Well done Asea, you seem to have got the hang of things overnight. Sometimes it does all fall into place like that and having it confirmed by a few others that your experience is quite normal - along with some advice on the quick way to get a problem sorted - can be just what the doctor ordered.

You're now coming up to the party season so hopefully there will be plenty more social events.....
... and by the new year , maybe it will be you dispensing advice to the newbies.

Good luck and have fun.

Merrywidow

Keep up the good work Asea, all of us in different ways have been in the same situation. When I first went to Holland to live I was so miserable, but to spare you all the details it was all down to me. I lived in a crappy flat, with a miriad of problems much like you mentioned, but when I realised that it was because I was not in my comfort zone and had nothing to do with the country that things got better. I met and married a dutchman and lived happily there for 30 years.

My father was taken ill one night, but I took the first flight out and was there mid morning. How difficult is that? When you are feeling low you make your own problems and you have to solve them quick and stop blaming your adopted country.

When my husband was transferred to the London office I was horrified and 30 years later I was back in the same siutation (in my own country) I was miserable again and suicidal. Being older and wiser I tackled the problem by going out and joining clubs and such like, get some friends and off you go. Life is just what you make it, the country you choose is the bonus.

By the way - the Dutch stare at you too - try that in the London underground and you could be in deeeeep trouble - a sweet smile wouldn't help you none! Chin up and go for it.

droopsnout

A sweet smile wouldn't HELP you none - or HARM you none???