Making the most of the Marbella lifestyle.
The Spanish Costas in general and towns like Marbella in particular, have a lot going for them when people look to move abroad. The sunshine, relaxed lifestyle, exceptional properties, quality and variety of restaurants, excellent golf courses, warm Mediterranean Sea and superb beaches are enough on their own to guarantee a wonderful lifestyle. It is why hundreds of thousands of people of many nationalities have moved to the Costas to make a new life. Marbella is a cosmopolitan town A town like Marbella is therefore truly cosmopolitan; a melting pot of the world’s peoples all coming together to share a common lifestyle that has been called the ‘Spanish dream’. But the British expatriate who has made this country his or her home would be wise to remember that, despite so many people speaking English and the easy availability of all the home comforts, from Marmite and full English breakfasts to British run pubs and fish and chips, this is a foreign country. Rewarding lifestyle in Spain There is a whole world of culture and friendship awaiting those willing to put in a little extra effort to integrate into the Spanish community and its relaxed way of life. Do that and doors open to an ever more rewarding, and fulfilling, lifestyle. Integration starts with self-confidence – having the assurance to have a go and join in. It can be intimidating to go to what you feel is a ‘Spanish’ event at which you may think you will be made to feel like an outsider, but it can be well worth overcoming that natural reservation to get involved. Of course, it is easier if you speak some Spanish; no one is saying you have to be fluent, but good manners dictate that you should at least be able to greet someone and make basic conversation. Usually just the attempt to speak Spanish opens doors, even if the person you are speaking to replies in English! In fact, British Consular advice is for expats to learn some Spanish in order to help them integrate into Spain better and avoid one of the biggest problems people can face in a foreign country – the danger of feeling isolated. Spain is a beautiful country to live in Living abroad, away from family and friends and unable to speak the language can, in some cases, leave people lonely and insecure, but the ability to communicate with the locals can make all the difference. The knowledge you can call the police and ambulance in an emergency, or ask questions at the town hall or public utilities, in other words deal with everyday problems, can lift a huge worry from the shoulders of foreign residents. Spain is a beautiful country to live in, so why not make the most of it and learn a few words of the language? You won’t regret it.
