1) Sunshine makes an immense difference to your overall health.
2) A great day can be as simple as a beach, a cool box and a towel.
3) Children are happier when they're outside.
4) Time close to or in the sea is great for the soul.
5) You can't go against culture, only with it.
6) Eating well doesn't have to be complicated. Simple ingredients cooked well is the game.
7) Processed food is out of control in the Uk.
8) Baseline health standards are much higher in Spain.
9) Obesity is much less tolerated.
10) Big families are loved and encouraged.
11) Children are the centre of the universe in Spain.
12) Teachers hug, kiss and comfort the children at school. It's a travesty this is not allowed in the Uk and other countries.
13) Learning languages at age 5 is play. 3/5 languages by early 10's is the target.
14) 4 children can attend the best private international school for the same cost as 1 child private in the Uk.
15) Teachers are vastly underpaid.
16) Great teachers are immeasurably beneficial for your children.
17) Everything takes 3x as long, in some cases 10x.
18) The slower pace of life is enforced.
19) Paper is still the default. Digital is lagging way behind.
20) People don't f*** with the police. The Guardia Civil will destroy you.
21) 99% of the police (especially Guardia) are in incredible shape.
22) Healthcare is fantastic.
23) Attempting to speak in Spanish (even when a clear beginner) is always well received.
24) Shift from Socialist to Conservative is starting. Taxes should come down.
25) Digital nomad visas are now available.
26) Although painful, there's huge opportunity for innovation.
27) Long lunches and late dinners are incredible.
28) Being out late with your children is normal.
29) The school run is the ultimate networking opportunity.
30) Splitting twins into separate classes is extremely beneficial for their development.
31) Having 4 children in 4 classes is the social life hack.
32) Nothing happens quickly, you have to accept it.
32) If you can live in the sun, you should.
33) You will make closer friends by moving somewhere with intention as other people have done the same. Likely you share similar values.
34) Taking your children to the beach after school is one of the greatest pleasures in life. That's it for now
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Me Williams, whilst you are composing your thoughts, maybe you could let us newbies know where the what you call the British parts of Majorca are. Would we need Google maps or would a good old tapas bar unstained (unless it’s in the middle) paper place mat map suffice ? My children are starting to worry about this as they don’t want their friends to think that they are living in some sort of hell hole where they have to avoid bodies falling from a great height whilst on their way to school. My wife, who is a civil engineer, is not that bothered. I, on the other hand, as well as my kid would appreciate a prompt reply to my question. Thanks and Bon vespre
Mr Williams, again, I ask why don’t you share your profound and intimate knowledge of the island with the rest of us readers who have only recently arrived. I’m sure most would appreciate cutting their monthly expenditure by a decent amount, 50% is the figure mentioned, and receiving better quality as well. You say, quote, non British parts of Majorca, sorry Mallorca. Would this also include non German parts as well, or do they get better deals at Lidl and Mercadona ? I, for one, am willing to learn, so would appreciate, as would my wife, any information forwarded by your good self. In the meantime, have a Bon dia.
“Where things cost half and are of far greater quality” The obvious question is: ..¿ Where ?
1. Bureaucracy will try your patience but you can usually handle it with politeness. 2. Mallorcians try to be helpful if you speak only a smattering of Spanish. 3. Mallorcians are welcoming but have short arms and deep pockets. 4. It's a wonderful and easy life but keep your head below the parapet: don't ruffle feathers and remember we are immigrants. 5. It is increasingly expensive. 6. Tourist resorts are nothing like the rest of the island: you could be anywhere. 7. Many of the best and most obliging tradesmen are from South America. 8. If you are a wine-lover, seek out a good Ribera del Duero. 9. I have lived in my finca on the outskirts of the capital, Palma, for fifteen years. Other than the very hot July and August afternoons (always siesta-time) it was the best move we ever made.
1. Bureaucracy will try your patience but you can usually handle it with politeness. 2. Mallorcians try to be helpful if you speak only a smattering of Spanish. 3. Mallorcians are welcoming but have short arms and deep pockets. 4. It's a wonderful life but keep your head below the parapet: don't ruffle feathers and remember we are immigrants.
Sound like you guys haven't experienced the non-British parts of Mallorca (which constitutes the vast majority of it). You know, where things cost half and are of far greater quality. Although it's not very British. The author of this piece seems to have some experience outside of a tourist resort, and I reckon that's the basis of his commentary. The only thing I find rather British in his commentary is the typical tribal view of "Shift from Socialist to Conservative is starting. Taxes should come down". Because, well, they weren't from "our tribe". Although taxes really aren't any higher here, the previous "socialist" government actually kept things pretty stable and did a lot of good things... the quality of life (outside the resorts) is tangibly higher than many other places, which might explain the overwhelming popularity with foreign (well, European) expats who seem to be buying up property in droves. And lowering of taxes is unlikely with any government, unless they're willing to accept a decline in the quality of life, which quite measurably has consistently been a British (well, English) approach to governance. So, no, it's not very British here, and that might explain your discomfort. Enjoy the sunlit uplands. The rest of us will just have to live with the unbritishness of it all.
In my view the comments are those of someone who has found a culture in Mallorca more suited to his outlook on life. Conversely there may be many islanders who would prefer the lifestyle in the UK. It's horses for courses. One extra comment I would add to his list is that the Spanish are a very tolerant people. Generally they are Californian-style laid back about life and its irritants. A good thing if service is slow in a restaurant (they just have another drink!). A bad thing if you have a barking dog in your apartment block and need your neighbours to club together to take action against the owner (they won't as they don't like confrontation). C'est la vie!
I can't think of one thing that Mallorca does better than anywhere else. Beaches (overcrowded, try Greece or Sardinia) Food (mostly tourist tapas rubbish, try Italy or Spain). Cycling (overcrowded, try Switzerland or France). Wine (dreadful, try anywhere). Its just all overpriced and bang average. This guy must have had a rubbish life in the UK.
Having lived in Mallorca for 5 years I would say that these points are superficial. I moved back because the Island has no culture and is not a particularly fun place to be. The food and wine is inferior to France and Spain and the bureacracy and low tradesman skill levels are a nightmare. If you don't have much money then the points in the article make more sense. If you have money and choices, the UK is a far better place to live.