There are a lot of weird people on Spanish Expat forums, thats for sure.

Most are retired people who give advice due to there perceived life experience, rather than actual experience.

I always write about negatives, only because the positives are pretty obvious to most people.

I always advise that Spain will not improve life as much as people believe.

The issues in the UK are in Spain, if your unhappy with the UK, your likely to find out that the same/similar announces are there as well. Most expats find out once they`ve learnt the lingo.

Spain should never be seen as a long term solution, I `ve yet to hear from an Expat who moved, worked and lived all there life and died in Spain.

I was a migrant worker, I never planned to live forever in Spain it was an experience, not always pleasant.

I`m sure you`ll be fine.

one or 2 points.

Santi - 16 July 2009 10:04 PM

The Spanish can have Gibraltar if they give Spanish territory back to Morroco.

Ceuta has never been under ‘moroccan’ control.
the visigoths of spain controlled it, followed by the Caliphate of Cordoba. Then by the kingdom of Fez (kingdom located partially with the borders of modern day morocco), then portugal and finally Spain.
So for the government to claim some ownership seems a bit farfetched.
Melilla i am not that familiar with.

Gib is different case.
The treaty of Utrecht states:
Article X
The Catholic King does hereby, for himself, his heirs and successors, yield to the Crown of Great Britain the full and entire propriety of the town and castle of Gibraltar, together with the port, fortifications, and forts thereunto belonging; and he gives up the said propriety to be held and enjoyed absolutely with all manner of right for ever, without any exception or impediment whatsoever.
http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Peace_and_Friendship_Treaty_of_Utrecht_between_Spain_and_Great_Britain#ARTICLE_X
(hope this link is ok moderators)

I beleive the same applied for Minorca (article XI in the link).

Either way in a democratic age should the not the citizens of Melilla, Ceuta, Gibraltar, etc… be entitled to self-determination?

Let the people decide!

EDIT: Santi, don’t disagree with you sentiment, just though the different ‘legalities’ should be pointed out.

I have a Gibiltarian Mother and English father and I think it is often the case that the English and Spanish make a play for Gibraltar….................but isn’t the real question what do the Gibiltarian’s think. It is their life that will change.

They should be deciding not the rest of us

Andrew Belles - 05 August 2009 06:26 PM

EDIT: Santi, don’t disagree with you sentiment, just though the different ‘legalities’ should be pointed out.

Interesting take on it.

Although both countries hold either side of the straits for security and military reasons.

The USA wouldn`t be happy if the UK gave Gibraltar to Spain.

Having heard the reports on the condition of Gibraltor and the rumours from Spaniards about drugs, I doubt they`d want it back.

Gibraltar should definitely stay British - it is an absolutely integral part of its identity.  I voted yes in the poll but think the high numbers of votes for No is because of the way its worded.  It’s not a Yes No question.