International Living Community

PS: my name is Doug.

Hello,
I spent 5 years living in Spain. I'm there casually now. I don't recommend people to do things the way I do, unless they are single. I was traveling a lot at the time, and after spending three days in Barcelona, I decided to make it home base for me. It was not my first (no last) international move. It was a great city and I quickly made many friends by going to events and co-working spaces. Like every country, there are pros and cons. My recommendation is to really think about exactly what you want. Then go to both Portugal and Spain and visit several areas to find which one will be best for you.
Regards, Sally Pederson
IL Spain Correspondent

Tronadora

We lived at the foot of Mt. Ste. Victoire (a year) years ago and loved it. My favorite city/town is mentioned above: Villefranche Sur Mer half way between Nice and Monacco and just a train trip over the border to Italy. The climb to Eze and the walks to St Jean Cap Ferrat are lovely and the hilly town, great. We are spending a month, however, this time in Beziers on the west towards Spain and loving it. Places seem to be larger for less but a new up and coming town that has loads of beautifully restored, and being restored, Haussmann buildings. It was the 4th largest city in France in 1900, in the Languedoc wine region, but went downhill for decades now being renewed. The Allee Paul Riquet is beautiful, the markets great, the vibe good, people helpful and it has loads of events. The Canal du Midi runs through it with small pleasure boats and lovely walk and bike paths. It almost sounds like a sales pitch lol but we are loving it and I think it has more to go. Sharon

Hello and thank you, Tuula,
We have always enjoyed your presentations on France and we, ourselves, (Canadians) lived outside Aix en Provence many years ago.
We are currently in Beziers and loving the vibe and how much is happening here with great weather, concerts, events and friendly folk. We are wondering your thoughts on it. Also whether the IL/RETA rolodex has some folks to recommend: banks, accountants and especially property management?
Thank you for anything you might have to suggest. Sharon & Ray