[XGoFivk7]

Thanks for the pics, PRODIGY Looks like a relaxing trip, and as predicted I'm super jealous. I can't say that I blame you about wanting to move to a place like Spain, but as some have mentioned, you will likely find that the very problems you are trying to escape also exist there, and are in many cases worse. Spain has been perhaps the hardest hit country in Western Europe by this financial crisis; its economy was based heavily on real estate and construction, which has quite literally tanked, especially on the Southern Coast which is very heavily dependent on investment from expats like yourself. And while that may mean good deals on housing (purchasing anyway, renting in Spain is still notoriously expensive, from what I have heard), good luck finding a decent job to pay for it. Plus, under a socialist administration I think you will find that the tax structure is very unfriendly as well, although the myriad of social services one would expect can offset that to a degree.

Sorry to hear you're unsatisfied with the state of things in the UK. In any event I hope your trip was a breath of fresh air, something to keep you going and keep you optimistic. Spain is such an enchanting place and, like you, I wouldn't mind retiring there or having a house there myself. Although I'd prefer a place with some history--in Madrid, Segovia, Toledo, Hondarribia, Avila, or somewhere in La Rioja

Thanks again for sharing!