Thread: How plans can change

Originally I was meaning to move to Malaga, however, just by viewing many sources and chatting with lovely people it just seems to rich in expat life. Now I am considering madrid rather, I am kind of lost, between a rock and a hard place if you will.
When I make the move, I would like to dropped right in the middle of Spanish culture, I know it might seem rude for lack of a better word, but I do not want to intergrate with many people sharing the same culture as me. Althoug I am South African, my family is however english. I want a new life, new experience and if I feel homesick or missing my own culture I will have the choice to be surrounded by it, not still living in it.

What would everyones opinion be on this.
By the way as an update, I registered myself with a Spanish bank and did my first deposit today
Also, the ball has started rolling for my NIE

Come to Extremadura, it doesn't get much more Spanish than this!

I just did a search on Extremadura and it looks really beautiful, however I am still a very city type of guy, been born and raised in a major city. I think I will get extremely homesick without traffic jams, people bumping you etc...
They always say the things you hate the most is what you will miss

Sorry, can't help you with traffic jams, or big city stuff, or crowds, or rushing, of loads of ex-pats, or urbanisations, new developments, or English pubs.

Just traditional, rural, Spanish, laid back way of life - and affordable stable property prices!

It won't suit you here in the mountains of the Sierra Sur de Jaén if you want traffic jams although I'm sure, if you are really desperate, Domingo will oblige by keeping his goats in the middle of the road for an hour or two - that should hold up a half dozen cars or so. Even the main carretera between Granada and Córdoba (N432) has only a few vehicles on it even during rush-hour. But then apart from the locals those of us who have moved here have done so precisely for that reason - a quiet life, no rushing about, no rat-race, just peace and quiet! In fact it is a little bit like Extremadura.

HI there

If you want traffic jams, Barcelona's pretty good. But it is jammed with expats!

Valerie

I live in Valverde, the capital of the island of El Hierro.Where the climate was described by Ptolomy as the islands of eternal springtime. Spanish culture here,albeit Canarian and I do not know any one on the island from South Africa. Pay us a visit, I'll buy you a beer............

Madrid has what you are looking for, + very expensive accomodation, too hot in summer too cold in winter and no beaches. If you want to be in the middle of the country, why not look at Toledo.

CD

Valencia could be an option, its a city but not too big that its uncomfortable and not over run by expats. It has a good climate, "nicely" hot in the summer, sufficient rain to keep it green, and mild winters. Lovely coastline and beaches. People extremely welcoming and you will need to learn the language.