British expat John moved from England and is now living with his wife in Alicante, Spain. He gives an overview of what he likes about living in Spain, and advises others who are thinking of moving there to adapt to the local culture and accept certain facts about Spanish life.	John and Mary Middleton

-Where were you born?
Leicester, UK

-In which country and city are you living now?
Formentera del Segura, Alicante, Spain

-Are you living alone or with your family?
Husband and wife, daughter lives close by.

-How long have you been living in Spain?
3 years

-What is your age?
57

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Spain?
About 10 years ago decided we would like to like a Mediterranean life style, climate and quality of life.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
No

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
We are registered for state health care.

-Do you speak Spanish and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
We are always learning, and think it is important.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
We sometimes miss our family, but with distances no object these days it is not a problem to return to visit.

-Do you have other plans for the future?
Maybe in the distant future we will move to Australia.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
We own our 1-bedroom apartment. Property prices are now falling in Spain and a 1-bedroom apartment close to the coast is easily obtainable for about €80,000.

-What is the cost of living in Spain?
Compared to the UK it is very much lower.

-What do you think about the Spanish?
The locals are great and are often nicer people than fellow expats.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Spain?
The climate is better, it's cheaper to live, it has a more outdoor lifestyle, better healthcare than the UK.

Negative - the attitude to animals, the constant new building when there are already thousands of empty unsold properties.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Spain?
Adapt to the local way of life, eat the local food, dont try to buy "British". Accept that Spain is a noisy country.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Spain?
A Brit in Spain, http://a-brit-in-spain.blogspot.com, is a blog of events and information in the lives of two Brits living on the Costa Blanca in Spain

AngloINFO Costa Blanca, http://costablanca.angloinfo.com/forum/, is an information website, with forum and information.