From Urban Press
Living Abroad
The people down here are more real. In Monchique it's rather the gin and tonic type they are in the main retired colonial and service people.
("Doreen" in King et al. 2000, p 145)
There is a different outlook between colonials like us and - with due respect - the Brits as such. We survived by getting out and taking an interest in the world around us. As colonials, we have a more outgoing character and that has allowed us to transplant here more easily.
("Murray" in ibid, p 145)
The 'Spain' with which British residents identify is a construction in which Britain is 'bad' and Spain is 'good'. Britain signifies dullness, boredom, greyness, cold, old age, crime and lack of respect for the elderly. Spain signifies the opposite: warmth, sunshine, sociability, good health, leisure, safety and respect for older people. 'Bad news from Britain' fills the British newspapers and satellite television, but very few British are watching Spanish television or reading Spanish newspapers, and therefore receive little bad news about Spain.
(King et al. 2000, p 145)
