Spain update - A bit too confusing

[@welshtoro3256]

What never gets discussed in these city lists is what part of the city you live in. If you live in the pleasant old parts you experience a completely different way of life to the poorer run down parts. I'm off to Valladolid next week to catch up with my wife's family who come from there. Her aunt and uncle live in a house built in the 1930's by her grandfather. It's an old style house with a wonderful walled garden and an out building used as a primary school until the 80's. It's completely out of place because it is surrounded by tower blocks and sheltered housing. Nearly all the cities in Spain have that look. The development of the cities after the Civil War was driven by the need to erect monstrous buildings at haste to cater for the population surge to find urban employment. Buildings were made on the cheap by a massive amount of corruption which has left its mark to the present day. Santander can look quite attractive from the seafront but you don't have to go far to see some of the most run down neighbourhoods and disgusting architecture you can imagine. The 'Green North', which is often discussed on this channel, suffers from some of the most unattractive urban environments in the country. The criteria Stuart mentions for quality of life would put Barcelona and Madrid at the top of that list but they rate at the bottom. That's because they are massive and people live in barrios so far from the old districts which have nothing in common. The tourist guides tell us how wonderful Seville is but I've seen deprived neighbourhoods with crummy housing and poverty in that city, away from the centre where the tourists go, that are extreme. Granada, a city I love and most enchanting, doesn't look so great when you look down from the Alhambra to the barrios real people live in. It's the same in every big city and not just in Spain of course. I agree with Jose Antonio in the comments. I prefer smaller cities, towns and even villages for the best quality of life in Spain but with personal considerations where. WT

[@joseantoniodavila2752]

Yes. Much more to say. In any case, nothing is ugliest and less practical than American suburbs. I've always lived in pretty places in part by chance but also because I looked for them, even in Canada with not English at all. I'm well aware it is not as easy nowadays than 20 years ago unless you are rich. It's an important point. I don't know what's worse, if going to Valladolid now or in winter =) My ex is from Valladolid Valladolid. I find Semana Santa the best time to go.

[@charlytaylor1748]

Zaragoza and Bilbao aren't that small. In the top 5 for population. And Zaragoza is pretty good for air pollution, largely because there is a Mighty Wind that blows through it most of the time! I moved from there to a town of 10,000 in the Pyrenees and I'd say life quality is way better here. As I express it to friends "there are some days when I see more eagles than cars".

[@dond499]

what do you think about the mentality of the people in Zaragoza ? are people more reserved there ?

[@charlytaylor1748]

@@dond499 Pretty friendly and also pretty 'rough and ready'. And provincial in their outlook.

[@joseantoniodavila2752]

@@charlytaylor1748 Perfect explanation!

[@charlytaylor1748]

@@joseantoniodavila2752 gracias

[@morrisminors9750]

I visited Vigo in the November before lockdown. The Christmas lights were incredible - best I've seen anywhere

[@robbiekop7]

This year maybe not so good 😩

[@lornahiggins2926]

Thanks for another great video! We spent 2 weeks in Málaga city recently and loved it, Alicante too! We loved Cadiz and we are going back to Valencia soon for another 2 weeks as there is so much to see/do that the earlier 2 week holiday was not long enough! We had a fortnight in Barcelona which was great fun! However, the expensive apartment was not as described ... and we had actually to climb out through a window to access the "roof terrace" ... which was a roof with graffiti and broken furniture! Loved the city!

[@welshtoro3256]

Malaga has been the big transformation city in the last 20 years. People used to go on package tours to Seville, Cordoba and Granada. These days, however, Malaga is absolutely in the mix. I also love Cadiz, Jerez, Antequera, Ronda and....oh dear, the list goes on and on (and we haven't even left Andalusia).

[@sandratessem9980]

It is a shame. I hate it when people leave garbage in the desert too.

[@joseantoniodavila2752]

The best city to live in is a personal choice. Some love the sea, others the big cities... I prefer small cities, Alcalá de Henares over Madrid, Cáceres over Barcelona, Kingston over Toronto, Ciudad Real over Madrid. Those are the choices I made in the past to live in and have no regrets, but para gustos, los colores.

[@welshtoro3256]

I completely agree Jose Antonio. Have a look at my comment and see what you think.

[@mtm4a]

I have lived in *Fuengirola*, Málaga province, for the last eight years with permanent resident status. I am a senior citizen, and in my opinion the quality of life here is excellent. The public transport is good, many facilities such as medical and dental care are within easy walking distance, there is a variety of good-quality shops in the town, and an excellent shopping mall at Parque Miramar which again is within walking distance but also on bus routes. There is a frequent train service between Fuengirola and Málaga, for easy access to Málaga City itself, Málaga Costa del Sol Airport, and numerous routes into central Spain beyond that. The town is beautifully kept and looked after by the local Town Hall who keep the streets immaculately clean every day of the year, as well as providing numerous and colourful floral displays along many roads in and out of the town. There is also an excellent English theatre, the Salon Varietes, which has a thriving social calendar, hosting many excellent shows and plays during most of the year. Because we are on the coast, we have the benefit of gentle sea breezes which keep the extremes of the summer temperatures at an acceptable level most of the time. I don't think I could imagine a better place to live! By the way, I am a private citizen and not sponsored by any local enterprises!

[@tonybullion2537]

I totally agree with you, we moved to Fuengirola 5 months ago and love it. Although the bins are emptied in the early hours and the streets swept and washed down a short time afterwards which can interrupt sleep, it is great to go out first thing in the morning to clean surroundings. Also have to give the Ayuntamiento credit for being very helpful in all my dealings with them.

[@ingo.loftus8471]

That sounds Fantastic. I would love to retire there or somewhere along the coast. I've been researching for some time. It would be nice to be self sufficient. 😁

[@paulnipper]

How would the Aircon temperature regulation be enforced, will the local police be swooping on an establishment and checking the thermostat? I think not.

[@robperezvidal]

Wow, one guy ripping off that much ham. What was he thinking? He must consider himself a real "hamburglar". In any case, I was also surprised by the price of jabugo, but it is produced by a rare type of pig. Anyway, good job in reporting the news in Spain. Very helpful and appreciated.

[@ingo.loftus8471]

😆 Love it !

[@OGillo2001]

Hamburglar?

[@bdwon]

Save energy by turning off lights? Lights do not use much energy. Not if they are LED. Aren't LED lights required?

[@rolandkel7696]

Great session.

[@primemutton]

The air con rule does seem a bit short sighted. PM Sanchez talks about shopping malls being too cool , and while he may be comfortable in 27 C , is he aware that 27 c is far too hot for Northern European tourists? I am now considering alternatives to Spain . As much as I like Spain , boiling everywhere apart from my hotel room is too much for me.

[@kenjohnson3174]

Just because you stop to admire the view in a small campervan does not mean you are camping, according to Spanish law. Camping is when the owners start putting out tables and chairs, BBQs, levelling blocks etc. The minister for transport stated over ten years ago that a camper van is able to park legally just like any other vehicle and local parking restrictions can not over rule national law. Many of these campervans are broken into and the guardia and local police are not interested. Portugal welcomed campervans & motorhomes only a few years ago. As for the sign you saw I would bet it has no legal mandate to be there. A good few years ago many owners parked near a beach and walked along with a rubbish sack picking litter etc of the beach. I myself have collect 3 garden sackfuls of one small beach in an hour including food, garden chairs tables parasols BBQs and god knows what else. I stopped doing it as I was starting to be harassed by the GC. Spain does not have enough campsites to cope and never have had and many are in the middle of nowhere and then wonder why they fail. Even in the UK you can find a small CI site to park for £10.

[@pedrofmc0000]

In Spain there are 1,190 campsites, which annually reach 40 million overnight stays, and have a demand that grows each year by around 19%, according to the Real Estate Campsite Market Insights study by Deloitte. The sector is undergoing a transformation process and is emerging as an attractive option for investors in the last 2 years. Europe is the region with the greatest demand for campsites, with 280 million overnight stays per year, and Spain concentrates 40 million of these, experiencing growth above the average for the whole of Europe: +19%. Only France and the United Kingdom exceed Spain but if we look at the number of inhabitants of both countries the conclusion is obvious (67.39 million inhabitants and 67.22, compared to 47 in Spain) Talking doesn't cost money! ...!

[@mikemonroy1]

Best city in Spain:. Playa Sardinero (Santander Cantabria)

[@kerryburns6041]

The canyon I live in is called Paraiso by the locals. At 750 metres above sea level, there´s usually a cooling breeze, and rather than all that traffic and concrete I prefer to be surrounded by trees and wildlife. I think some of the reasons for having cities are obsolescent , and the builder´s truck going past me further up the mountain with increasing frequency tells me that there is a move back to the campo. With solar power and a garden full of fruit and nuts, and awe-inspiring views wherever you look, I think the standard of living here is pretty damn good.

[@georgefarrington895]

It’s very tasty, everyone should give it a try.

[@richardhaughton4303]

Very interesting video thank you so much 😊

[@bluceree7312]

27 degrees? is that for private houses as well? I wouldn't be able to sleep. I used to put the aircon at 18 or 19 degrees.

[@James-tz5kh]

Worried re the 27 deg rule, it so easy to show your Aircon is set at 27 deg, simple to cheat it, 27 is too high, decision made with no regard for northern EU guests, want your euros. The best way is insulate most houses are poorly insulated in Spain, insulate insulate insulate it makes a huge difference and u will save alot of money if you have any left after paying for beer and coffee. New AC units are super efficient far better than gas boilers, provide heat and cooling but u must keep the heat or cooling by insulation.

[@jasdavsim]

Looks lovely there stu enjoy your walks

[@martindouglas9839]

Hola Stuart mill gracias por el vídeo with all the sun 🌞 Spain 🇪🇸 has and the technology around these days they should be energy rich hasta pronto

[@kathleenirvine8360]

Aw, Mia is so lovely 🐶😍

[@From_Heller]

Can someone please share the link to the OCU article? I xan only find a report from last year and this would be very useful for my relocation plans. Thanks!!

[@sandratessem9980]

I loved Valencia.

[@martindouglas9839]

Hi Stuart I think Granada is a very nice and interesting city .no need to go to a restaurant there every time you have a beer 🍺 you get a tapa good tapas at that .so I tend to eat a lot when visiting Granada 😆

[@Malbailey670]

Hi Stuart Does this new law include signage over shop fronts?

[@craphead9842]

Santa pola is my favourite place in Spain to live...valladolid comes a close second... With cuenca in third spot..... Tony cuenca

[@welshtoro3256]

Hi Tony, I'm interested that you like Valladolid that much. Have a look at my comment because I'd appreciate your perspective.

[@sandratessem9980]

I'm surprised about Barcelona. I loved it when we were in Barcelona.

[@welshtoro3256]

It's a fantastic city but different if you have to live and work in it, especially outside the historic part. Take a look at my comment. Cheers. WT

[@davidjames3787]

A high crime rate.

[@queva3062]

@@davidjames3787 the police is only interested in seeing blood or else you're on your own

[@DonTobias]

I'm in Rota!!! Good to be back in Spain. Now like last time, I'm going to need a couple of days to recover, before I can actually begin enjoying it. Getting old sucks, but so far it is beating the alternative. See you soon Stuwart.

[@arthurcompton7341]

Have you come across Lomo a favourite of mine and also quite expensive exceedinly so in England . Enjoy your sojourn in Portugal.

[@alyndaponder2832]

Are supermarkets exempt?

[@harriettt9857]

Don’t think so.! I’m a little worried about fruit n perishable goods going off / bad faster than they should !!

[@stpete2madrid960]

The air and noise pollution in Madrid is pretty bad. Great services and choices here, but it comes at a cost. Bilbao and Valencia are much more livable in my opinion. 😎

[@monicacruz3041]

What about airbnbs?

[@johnperrin914]

I've just recently started watching your videos and enjoy them a lot. Perhaps a bit off topic, but I was wondering what the greatest differences there are between living in Portugal and Spain. If you have already created such a video I'd much appreciate you directing me to it. Thank you and keep making these very interesting videos!

[@joseantoniodavila2752]

The language and the loudness it is spoken. And the coffee.

[@johnperrin914]

@@joseantoniodavila2752 better coffee in Portugal and louder dialog in Spain? Thank you for your reply, Jose🙂

[@GodiscomingBhappy]

@John I have lived in both places, fuel, food and many items are pricier in Portugal but the wages are lower in Portugal on average. Land costs (got land in Portugal too) is more expensive but as a foreigner you can bend the rules a little more in Portugal (not following the wide and abundant red tape there is for EVERYTHING (one needs to have permit for the government for the silliest of things) .... you just don´t comply and for now nothing happened to me. Customer service I found it better in Spain (on average) and services like car repair, spare parts and certain machinery, Spain wins again. It's very easy to go across the border, we go often as there is more choice and cheaper prices in the supermarkets and shops. Workers are more serious in Spain too... in Portugal when you turn your back as a foreigner you are likely to pay double or have the job poorly done. I found Portugal a little like South American countries.... lovely but you are a walking dollar waiting to be stolen.... beware.

[@craphead9842]

No Logic or Brains ... Who is going check on all the businesses in Spain with this new law...????Tony cuenca

[@jonmartin1272]

Hi Stuart. On the issue of no camping signs. I personally don’t camp where there’s a sign saying no camping. But would point out that that van was there in the evening in an empty carpark, so doing no harm. They might well be in a local bar or restaurant spending money on food and drink and supporting the local economy. In the last few years many places that we used to park overnight in in both Spain and Portugal on the coast have popped these signs up. Now we spend our money at different bars inland where we are allowed to park. We spend 11 months of the year travelling both in Southern Europe in our Motorhome and Asia backpacking, we spend thousands in the local economy. As you can imagine, local restaurants don’t know we’re camping in a £60,000 Motorhome and spending on average £50 a day in the local economy. On the other point of great city’s Valencia has everything and for m is number 1. Been to nearly all cities in Spain and many in Portugal. Thanks for your informative content.

[@philiplindley7384]

Looks like some nice English weather over there Stu, we're getting some (nearly) Spanish weather in the UK right now. A bit too much.

[@seanflewin9803]

The free campers aren't bothering you so why bother them they're clearly out to do no harm so leave them be,I have a holiday home near torevieja and have heard complaints about them living on the cheap and I say .good luck to them so long as they dont leave a mess behind and so far I've not seen any from them when I'm walking the coastal paths,the more freedom the better I say, within reason of course, now I've had my rant, great show.

[@karischloss46]

Bilbao rocks!

[@FlamencoOz]

I'm moving to Spain in a few weeks with my family. Chose Madrid but secretly want to live in Bilbao.

[@hirwaaxel9656]

What a beautiful view im watching from Rwanda

[@James-tz5kh]

Lovely place Rwanda enjoyed Kigali alot, went yearly for 20 years,. Great place

[@James-tz5kh]

I know love the place many people have no idea I travelled to over 150 countries and many ask me about nice places I always say Rwanda very enjoyable time there

[@hirwaaxel9656]

@@James-tz5kh that's cute , welcome back

[@alyndaponder2832]

Hi Stu, enjoy the beer! Alynda from Mississippi.

[@michelecorbin2536]

Spain Speaks but you are in Portugal

[@joseantoniodavila2752]

and speaking English

[@manuelfg2902]

And?

[@misty66669]

And what? Was that not clear?

[@joseantoniodavila2752]

@@misty66669 Also Stu is Australian =)

[@misty66669]

@@joseantoniodavila2752 Exactly

[@stuartbedwell8576]

It was of course much warmer in southern Spain in 1930s. No air con them - maybe a bullet hole from Franco's mates. That's why John Lennon paraphrased, " A Spaniard in the Works". We know it and they dont. Cheers Stuart.

[@welshtoro3256]

My property, in a tiny Andalusian village, would have had electricity from the mid 70's. Before that it was a completely different way of life which people today can barely comprehend.

[@joseantoniodavila2752]

I lived my earlier years in a house in a not so small town with neither tap water nor electricity. I'm 55. Home worked as a sailing ship and my mother was the captain: raise those blinds a little, lower them completely, open that susshades and close the ones on the other side of the house, open those windows, close those others, draw water from the well, cut wood for the stove, take the excrements for compost... Nowadays we don't move so much or at all but eat the same and worse.

[@welshtoro3256]

@@joseantoniodavila2752 Absolutely. I'm a 1969 vintage. Totally different. My 95 year neighbour has an epic biography in her. A Spanish way of life that has vanished. Her own grandchildren cannot relate to it at all but she talks to my Castilian wife. My wife and I talk to her to extract amazing local history. She was a girl when Franco's troops arrived at the village. We also talk to he about life in the aftermath and after. 1940-1960 ate epic epic times in this part of Andalusia. She's tough as nails and survived Covid. Is life better today? A serious question. Cheers. WT