Q & A with Joe Cawley discussion

Do you think expats read up seriously enough on their adopted country in terms of literature and culture, as opposed to practical information?

On the whole, I don't think they do, Maureen. I know I certainly didn't. Having said that, I think if I'd applied a bit more thought to moving abroad I might not have actually taken the leap! For me, ignorance was bliss, and I do think that finding out first hand is part of the excitement of moving abroad.

I´d actually read all the wrong things, Spanish literature, which I thought wasn´t really "about" Spain. Boy, was I wrong! I should´ve paid attention to all that Golden Age Lit! Now I like expat books and would encourage anybody making the leap to read them.

I tried to when I lived in England but yes, the best experience is going and learning. I had a friend in England tell me we speak the same language but not really.

I don't know if I'll ever become an expat. If I didn't have family here I might. I get the feeling I should have traveled a lot more when I was younger.

Sometimes there is nothing to plan for because the universe just takes over anyway. LOL I mean, really we can't control everything.

That's true, Ellen. Sometimes fate intervenes... despite your best and most resolute intentions.

This is very interesting to me since one of my goals is to move overseas in the next 5 years. I tend to keep an eye out for great places to live for cost of living. I am looking to live somewhere in Spain. I admit I haven't read your book yet, but it is now on my list for sure. Any suggestions?

Depends what you're looking for, Cassy. What are your reasons for moving, and what do you expect to get out of your new location?

I can´t honestly say that Spain just now is a land of opportunity. Unless you set up something tourist-based to take advantage of Spain´s phenomenal natural resources, or you are a seasoned business-person, don´t even think about it. This country is in free-fall in a way we Brits have never had to deal with. If you have a great deal of capital to invest in tourism go ahead - but if you´re the average Joe Soap with the idea of a better life, forget it. It´s all uphill, all crazy and disorganized, all anti-foreigner, so unless you have bags of cash don´t do it. You´ll live to regret it.

Joe, I enjoy the European lifestyle and the culture. For me a Spanish speaking country would be the easiest since I am know enough to get by...and will only get better. :) I work from home and can work anywhere I wish so finding work is not an issue. I am looking for places where it is great to live on a certain amount. There are articles about this all the time which recommend places.

As Maureen says, Spain is in a bad way economically, but I don't believe that stops individuals from enjoying life there. It's a question of expectations. If you know how to be happy with less material possessions, you can be happy anywhere.

I agree. I have lightened my load and need less and less as I get older and older. I am looking for quality of life, simplicity, and richness in culture and relationships. Living abroad will also make it easier to travel to many of the countries I have longed to see. I have several friends I have made I would love to see again. They live throughout several European countries. I do believe there can be some prejudice towards Americans, but my purpose is to embrace the culture and honor it. In my experience I find people are warm and welcoming when you do.

I agree with you Cassy. For years, I have traveled 'army style' I have a 50 lbs. duffel and a 30 lbs. back pack for a carry on and I am always ready for the plane. Surprising, people are envious. My life is basic, I am free to plan and go. I have been living between Guam and Miami for two years. Shortly, I will move on my boat and as much as I can.

Joe, How do you select your topics? There are different ways to approach a blog. One could be self debasing about live on a small boat (like Wild). Joe what do you think?

I have thoughts about wellness following change. Does this ring true to you? Jane Pixie posting from Guam

Hi Jane
Damn... your life sounds intriguing! Sounds like you have the ultimate freedom. Is that how it feels?
I wouldn't narrow yourself too much on the blog theme. From what you say I bet you have an interesting tale on life in general. Maybe you have some life hacks, as well as personal narratives. Let me know if and when you get a blog going and I'll follow.
J
x

Thanks, Joe Thinking in the now, the question for a nook owner is how convert your book to the nook. My guy is the ultimate 'techy'. I'll let you know how it goes. It might help you. I like my digital library and Barns and Nobel.
This book is making me laugh out loud, Let's Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson. People love her blog.
In what country are you living? My happpiest time is living in Madrid in the 70's.

Jane Pixie posting from Guam

I'm in the hills of Tenerife, in the Canary Islands. Know them? Also lived in England, Scotland, Italy and the US of A.
I've never done a Nook conversion, always stuck with Kindle and their KDP Select programme. It might reek of a monopoly but it provides by far the most sales for More Ketchup Than Salsa - Confessions of a Tenerife Barman

Glad to report some success, More Ketchup than Salsa is now on my desktop.Books purchased on kindle can not read or converted to a nook or other ereaders. You may want to consider other sources of distribution, eg Sony, Kobo and Nook. I am not interested in a Kindle. I would not have found the book without your Goodreads club and my own person dear techy. Technolgy really requires being in the now. I'm looking forward to the read.
I like that question about ultimate freedom and how I feel. I love this question. It is inspiring. There will be writing but being 'alive' can be a compass. Freedom is both internal and external. I feel free when I see new places and meet the people. So many great people.

In Spain in the 70's my Bibles wre the Michelin Guide and my Laurie Lee. What are other good reads about Spain?
Jane Pixie posting from Guam

Chris Stewart's books about Andalucia are quite amusing - Driving Over Lemons etc. I also enjoyed Ghosts of Spain by Giles Tremmlet.
Big fan of Bill Bryson too.

I really liked Tremlett´s book too. However my all time fave is John Hooper´s "The New Spaniards."

Will have to have a read of that one, Maureen. Thanks for the heads-up.

Hope you enjoy it!

Let me see reads, Spain, I've mentioned author Laurie Lee; Hemmingway, From whom the Bell Tolls, puts me right up in the mountains, Michners has a couple about Spain, I enjoyed 'The Drifters'. Lately, I've been reading Zafron. Thanks for the suggestions.
Reading gets more complicated depending on the country about Japan, 'December 6th', Martin Cruz Smith does lots of research, Memoire of a Geisha, Murukami is a prize.
Guam were I spent many years is smaller and has less options, on my table I have 'The Brothers of the Fire Star' to read. Jamaica also, is on my reading list. I guess I do read about the places where I live. I was going to say, just live it, smell it, taste it, the reading is richer. posting from Guam I am enjoying now 'More Salsa Than Ketchup'.