The pace and quality of life, the people, the weather, the wine -- these are only some of the things Englishman Chris loves about living in Almerimar, Spain. Here he describes aspects of expat life in Spain, and also shares with us some of his business plans, as well as advice on what to keep in mind if you are planning to relocate to Spain.	Chris Marshall

-Where were you born?

I was born in England.

-In which country and city are you living now?

I am living in Almerimar, Spain

-Are you living alone or with your family?

I live with my wife Sands and our three cats Moreno, Saidi and Oscar.

-How long have you been living in Spain?

Full time 4 years, but owned and visited for 8 years

-What is your age?

45 

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Spain?

I always thought we would end up living abroad, just didn't really know where. For a long time I thought it would be America as I had been to school there and we had a family property in Florida.

Then I got involved with a company that had business over here in Almerimar. I visited the project a few times, and liked the area. In particular it seemed full of potential and a good place to invest in a second home in Europe.

Bought 'at the right time', and started visiting more. I then got involved in running a company in Barcelona, so for two weeks of the month commuted from the UK and for two weeks from Almerimar.

Then decided that I really didn't want to be in the UK and working, so sort of semi-retired to Almerimar. Of course, the first thing that happened is I got a contract to work in the US so was in the US for 6 weeks and Almerimar 6 weeks for about 18 months. 

Finally managed to get here full time, where we live a simple, cheap life with our cats and friends. I do some internet-based work, and run a number of sites of my own. 

-Was it hard to get a visa or a work permit?

Not at all.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

Not at all.

-How do you make your living in Spain? Do you have any type of income generated?

I earn my money on or through the internet. I have a number of successful blogs that I run, and I provide advice, hosting and content for a number of clients.

I also run Google Ad Words campaigns for a number of clients, and advise on Internet use, exploitation and marketing.

My clients are spread all over the world, which is the beauty of the internet and a good job as well as in my experience Spain is not as addicted to the Internet as many other parts of the world.

My tolls are the broadband connection (way too slow and expensive in Spain), a number of Mac computers, my iPhone, Camera, CamCorder, Microphone and Mixer, and my two Harley Davidsons which I use when I am involved in running bike tours around Andalucia. 

-Do you speak Spanish and do you think it's important to speak the local language? 

I can get by in a restaurant or bar, but no, I am not fluent. We have embraced the culture and traditions fully though, as in my view that is crucial, and the most important aspect of living abroad!

-Do you miss home and family sometimes? 

Never. I could happily never go back to the UK ever again! I have a very small family (just my parents) and they are in good health, so they like coming out here to see us, which is great.

-Do you have other plans for the future? 

Grow old and drink red wine!! I think planning is over rated and just stresses people out. We are more than happy here, so for now that is good enough. I will continue with the blogs and work that I do for as long as it interests me and then I will stop and either find something else that interests me, or just sit and watch the world go by!

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it? 

We own a three-bedroom penthouse apartment overlooking the golf course, marina, nature reserve and mountains.

We paid around £60,000 for it before the introduction of the €.

-What is the cost of living in Spain?

It is pretty cheap, but is extremely good value. We get tapas included with the drinks here in Almerimar, and with the Menu del Dia and abundance of local fresh produce, it is a good place to live within a budget.

-What do you think about the Spanish? 

I love them. This is their country and I am grateful that they are happy to share it with us. So long as you embrace their cultures and traditions and try to communicate, they are fine. 

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Spain?

Positives: sun, climate, pace of life, quality of life, cost of living, people, traditions and cultures, the diet, the wine!!!

Negatives: none 

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Spain?

Do not come over and bring your old way of life with you. You will be disappointed and disliked. Embrace the opportunity that living in a new country offers you.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Spain?

Well of course my own:

• www.almerimarlife.com is a blog on our life as an expat in Spain

• www.almerimarlifestrays.com is a blog my wife runs to help support the stray animals here in Almerimar

• www.chrismarshall.ws is my personal technology based blog

• www.morenosworld.com is the blog we set up for our cats!!!

And as a general site for expats I love:

www.expatlifespain.com, which gives good news, tips and advice.