I am tempted here to write a long and lengthy entry about my return to blogging. After all, is it not obligatory to make a “return to blogging” entry after such a lengthy absense?

But I wonder, what is the etiquette for these things? I’ve been gone so long you see, barely four of five token entries in the last twelve months. Should I first apologise?, or should I offer some short of excuse for all the feeble attempts I have made to re-open the site during the course of the last year?

The truth of the matter is I was either caught up elsewhere working on numerous websites, or was unable to access the internet due to lack of a useworthy computer. I’m saving for a new one at the moment. In the meantime entries are likely to be sporadic until I do raise the necessaries to buy a new pc that will allow me to return to the world of the web, and ultimately the world of website design.

Blogging is rather ironic really.  At a time in your life when finally you have something to really write about, you simply don’t have the time or inclination to formulate those crucial entries. Its no secret that the last few years have been an emotional roller coaster. The current year has been no different. I’ve made one of the biggest moves of my life, and its been amazing, awe-inspiring and downright terrifying. It wasn’t one of those smooth, nothing goes wrong moves you see on TV. Things went wrong, and still are doing. I’ve been reduced to tears, screamed with frustration and wanted to return to the safezone of the UK so many times.

But I’m still here.

After sixteen years in the planning, after sixteen years of talking about nothing else, I have finally made the move to Spain. I live in a small rural town in Andalucia, Southern Spain. A town specially chosen for its location in the moutainess region, where few people speak English, and even fewer English people live here. There are less than 20 English people in the whole town, which despite protestations to the contrary has been both a blessing and a curse.

During the last five months my language abilities, my patience and my endurance has been pushed to the limits. I’ve cried. I’ve laughed. I’ve wanted to return home. I’ve hated it. I’ve loved it.

I’ve partied all night at the fiesta two yards from my door because trying to sleep was a waste of time. I’ve had to escape my cocoon lifestyle and venture out into the world, had to learn to actually say “Buenas Dias” or “Hola” to perfect strangers I meet in the street. Even stranger to get used to was learning to say “Hasta Luego”, or regionally “Ta Luego” when you meet someone on the street, they tend to use this as a greeting and a farewell all in one. I’ve been so very lonely too. Its been hard, but its been the most amazing experience of my life.

I am passionate about Spain. I love the culture [even the band playing outside my door at 4am]. I love the food. I love the people.

Would I return to UK? Unlikely.

Can you believe? I´ve realised a dream! I am now a resident of Spain. I live in a small town in the very heart of the Granada province, Andalucia!