Polish Workers

[Mixter]

Thats the snag. The vast majority of immigrants to the UK attempt to carry on leading their lives as if they hadnt left their home countries.

[Valencia_Paul]

Surely we could say the same about British immigrants in Spain.

I'll bet the percentage of Poles trying to learn English in the UK is far higher than that of the Brits in Spain trying to learn Spanish. Sure we see some specialist Polish food shops but how is that different from Brits opening stores in Spain to sell our old favourite foods?

[spanish hopes]

SPOT ON Paul, and does it really matter? I don't go looking for English food when I am on holiday, but when I move over permanently, who knows what I will miss?

[Valencia_Paul]

I must confess to going to Dr Watson's Brit owned pub when I'm in Oliva and the temptation of pasty, chips and gravy gets too much!

[masterob]

Surely we could say the same about British immigrants in Spain.

Absolutely right, Paul! But then some Brits moving to Spain don´t regard themselves as immigrants preferring to think of themselves as "ex-pats"! Such folk frequently bemoan the number of immigrants flooding into the UK!!

[Retro P]

Master Rob agree with your points particularly religion.
I had a funny experience a few months ago, I was in a bar in Malâga talking to a university teacher who happens to be a professor of humanities, he told me that although most of us (brits) were totally oblivious to it, we are actually the pakis of Spain, I know this man well and know that he is not a racist, and what he said was in jest and totally tongue in cheek, but thinking about he's 100% right.

[Retro P]

Sorry all, my use of the word "Pakis" in my previous post was not meant to be offensive or racist but was used in the original context of the conversation.

[Heston]

RetroP

I know u didnt mean any offensive and it made me chuckle!!!


espceially with some part of the costas having an English corner shop on every corner I can see his point!

What ever happend to "As in Rome..."

[sueb]

thanks to all you that have said a good word for the Polish, and you are right about the wars, after the 2nd ww the Pole (my father and his brother included ) were given the opportunity to settle in an allied country as they were unable, like many thousands of Poles, to return to their native country because they would have been sent to Siberia. (my father having spent three years there already). He chose to settle in England, his brother settled in France, many more moved to Ireland. They all tried to integrate as much as possible and to work hard to start a new life, difficult given the circumstances. My father was never allowed home to Poland for fear of being arrested and never saw his mother or sisters again, any correspondence we received looked like a paper doilly!!

[masterob]

RetroP, it made me chuckle also! The sad thing is that some Brits on the Costas would never ever be able to understand the comparison!!

[Colinm]

Exactly, what is the definition of an 'ex-pat'? Is it an immigrant whose body is in the new country, but whose brain and aspirations are still in the 'old country'?

Sorry, this is a serious question, I am not being rude

[Beachcomber]

I think that's a 'saltpiel'.

[katy]

Colinm, think you are about right. An ex-pat usually keeps strong links with their "home" country, may send their children back to be educated etc. They live in a country either for retirement or because their job took them there. Sure there will be other takes on it though.

[nevada smith]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expatriate

[mike507]

Of all immigrants in the UK the Poles are extremely well respected and are always bright hard working and honest - no wonder they have taken over the building trade ! I just hate the small minded, lurking rascism behind most of these remarks. As it has been pointed out, you, living in Spain are no different! Ask yourselves what you are contributing to the Spanish way of life. We are all Europeans so lets get into the spirit and make it work - it's great that we all mix and enhance our cultures - stop being nationalistic! it only leads to hatred and in the end violence - Europe has seen enough of that in it's history!
Mike

[polaris]

Thats a bit heavy Mike, but your train of thought is spot on.

[concreteman]

I had no idea that my topic would actually create such interest and varied and intelligent comment. I think I have gained something from reading every ones notes which must be good. I was unaware of the numbers moving to Spain and that quite surprised me but then I suppose over here (Uk) we only hear one side of the story - the sensational line supported by the press. I would agree that yes we are all Europeans but I think it is important that individual countries do not lose their identities as this would be so boring. Far better that races and cultures live in harmony together as it brings colour and individuality to life. I also feel that if an individual can contribute and lead a good and honest life then that's all that matters really. As for religion, it should never be forced on someone but whilst I am not religious I would be the first to support the ten commandments as a doctrine for life.

[Heston]

Concreteman u did open a can of worms..but like you I enjoyed reading other peoples views and comments ( as I do on most of the postings)
I love living in Spain but havnt tried to create a little britain around me because i came here because I loved the Spanish way of life and their values.....I dont rush to English shops ( mainly cos there arnt any near us thank god!) but I am the first to admit my visitors always have to come armed with cadburys chocolate and salad cream! We have tried to intergrate as best we can and have far more Spanish friends than english but thats why we come as we were tired of many things in our "english life" I kind of think people should be allowed to live where they like as long as they are contributing ( if able) to that country and they shouldnt try and change things that perhaps have been tradition in that country for years. It does sadden me that this seems to be happening in England and England may soon loose its identity as a nation...yes lets all live alongside each other but I have said it before..when in Rome...
Theres nothing more embarrassing when I hear Brits livining here moaning that no one speaks English and they cant get a good meal!!!( get a grip) these people are the first to moan about the immigrants in England( in quite a hard racist way too!) so I promptly remind them they are the same in Spain..learn Spanish and stop moaning or begger off back to the UK!

[Campo Kenny]

I reckon you can live anywhere in the world you want to in harmony if.....

1) you can afford it, pay your way and don't take the **** out of the country you choose

2)You don't pull the PC card when things go against you

3}Adhere to that countries rules

4) Support Everton wherever in the world you may settle

[polaris]

so are we going to the polls on this topic sorry