Hello, and welcome to Sandra In Spain. The clue to what this site is about is in the title – it’s all about my life in Spain, the good, the bad, the ugly but most of all the quirky and the enjoyable. I’ve been living in Algorfa on the Costa Blanca for 12 years now. In that time, I’ve learned a lot of stuff that could be useful to others, and had some great experiences that really should be shared. And that’s what I want to do here.
What this website is all about
Looking for a Regurgitated Guide Book? Then this site isn’t for you, but if you’re looking for a personal, no-nonsense take on what life in Spain is really like, then you’ve come to the right place. I talk to other expats who have made their lives in Spain, and often made new careers for themselves, or done things they only ever dreamed of. Sandra in Spain, for instance – I always wanted to be a writer, but my mother said I needed a ‘proper’ job. Here, in Spain, I’ve finally realised the dream I’ve had for most of my life.
More about me
I moved to Spain in 2008 with my husband Tony for two main reasons – the rising cost of living in England, and the fact that life in beautiful but damp Devon was not doing any favours for our joints. Here, near the Salt Lakes of Torrevieja, we’re so much more comfortable and active. Oh, and I lied – there’s the third, obvious reason anybody comes to Spain, which is the weather. 320 days average sunshine is a pretty powerful reason to relocate.
I think I must be a Secret Senora who was born in the wrong country, because I actually feel more Spanish than English. Love the food, the lifestyle, the culture and the language, and I feel that Spain is my forever home, even after just 12 years. I hope that comes across in my posts.
Tony passed away in April, 2020, after 86 years of living life as only he could, and 30 years as my friend, partner and husband. Paddy died in tragic circumstances in March, 2019, so there has been some recent heartache, but I came through with faith, strength and positivity. I have much to be grateful for.
One of those things is Luna, my rescue dog from Spain, who literally turned up half a mile from my home in July, 2019. She’s a mixed blessing sometimes, and I think that maybe that’s because I’ve found out Luna is actually short for ‘Lunatic,’ as well as meaning ‘Moon’ in Spanish. It’s girls together, loving life, from now on!
What I do for a living
I’m a freelance writer and blogger on all things Spanish, and anything else that takes my interest. Expect the unexpected every now and then. If you want me to write for you, contact me and we’ll talk about it. And please tell me what you think by commenting on my posts. If you don’t, I’ll be talking to myself, and then the men in the white coats will be along to take me away.
