This msg may be posted in the wrong forrum, if so pls advise as to correct forum. I have used the search function but have not found what I need, perhaps I am using the wrong word sequence etc...

To start at the begining: I recently travelled to Spain to take part in a program that helps spaniards improve their spoken english. I had such a great time and found the spaniards to be warm, caring and outgoing that I have decided to return and spend 6 months in Spain. I intend to return in mid-Oct 2004 and stay thru mid-April 2005. I would like to have returned sooner but need time to see my son thru Law Scool and also learn some basic language (I have about 20 words right now). My req for assistance is outlined in the following Q's:

I would like to live in either Murica Province or on the Costa del la Luz, between Huela and Cadiz. How do I find a reliable rental agency. The location does not have to be on the coast, but should be within 1hr travel time. I'm a sailor and would like access to sailboat rentals etc...

Can I live reasonably on 1200eu/mth, or should I aim to spend more. All I need is a one bedroom apt.

For transportation around the area I will probably get a scooter, or somthing similar. Do I need a separate license. I have a US licence and Int licence at this time.

Though I live in the US, I have an EU Passport. For temp health coverage will an E111 suffice.

Any input regarding phone and tv service would be most appreciated.

Before I close, I wish to say that this site was great in helping me prepare for my recent trip. After my program I stayed in Madrid for 11 days and used all sorts of info gleaned from this site. I found the Hostel I stayed at from one of the postings. If anyone needs a recommendation for a great place for backpackers try "Los Amigos". The staff were friendly and extremely helpful and the hostel itself was clean and comfortable.

regards to all

Colin

Hi Colin, your questions are varies but do include housing so this forum will do fine.

I will answer what I can.

quote:

I would like to live in either Murica Province or on the Costa del la Luz, between Huela and Cadiz.

How do I find a reliable rental agency.

Hmmmmmm... if yer coming over, best know it is "Murcia", "Huelva" and "C�diz" (sorry, once a teacher always a teacher, jejejeje).

I avoid rental agencies every chance I get since they tend to rip off foreigners (especially those who speak zero or very little Spanish).

Sorry I can't recommend any.

quote:

Can I live reasonably on 1200eu/mt

YES!!! Especially if you decide to live an hour inland. And if you meet and eventually move in with your "half-orange" , even better as you can split expenses.

Also depends on when (time of year) tou look. If it is not the summertime (June-Sept) you will get much better deals since most owners get desperate to rent their places during the off-season. Just be sure that when you take a place the contract does not say anything about rent trippling in the summer

That can happen in summertime beach towns where rent during the off-season can cost 1/4 of what it does in summer. Either they try to raise the rent on ya or try to get you out for the summer.

quote:

For transportation around the area I will probably get a scooter, or somthing similar. Do I need a separate license. I have a US licence and Int licence at this time.

A SEARCH on "motorcycles" will bring up threads with answers to this question.

Not sure but I do not think that one can use an Intnl. drivers license for motorcycles since here in Spain they have special licenses for motorcycles/scooters. Ok, if the scooter is under 50cc (called a "ciclomotor") you need an easier to obtain license. If it is over 50cc, you need a motorcycle license.

This is the extent of my knowledge on motorcycles and scooters.

All the info you need on driving licenses is at http://www.mir.es/trafico/traftramconduct.htm and the info on different vehicles at http://www.mir.es/trafico/traftramvehiculos.htm (sorry, Spanish only).

quote:

Though I live in the US, I have an EU Passport. For temp health coverage will an E111 suffice.

Lucky dog!!! I did a SEARCH on "E111" and came up with one thread --> HERE.

quote:

Any input regarding phone and tv service would be most appreciated.

Can't believe ya did SEARCHES on telephone and tv and nothing came up???

Those are 2 topics that have been discussed to death on the board.

Also not to be missed is my phone advice page at www.multimadrid.com/practical_info/mad_phoning.htm
Glad my site helped so much Colin.

Yeah, Los Amigos is sweeeeeeeeeet!!!

Saludos,
jer...

Jer, Thanks for your reply. I'll watch my spelling next time (just washed my hands and could not do anything with them )I should
have searched on motorcycles rather than scooters, scooters only came back with one reply and that was not relevant. My concern with the E111 is related to the length of my stay and that does not seem to be addressed in the threads. If I stay 5-6 months will an E111 suffice. I think my search problems about a number of Q's are related to how I search. My Q's are either too specific or not specific enough. I am trying to determine what land line telephone service is available(for my computer) and is it possible to get short term satellite TV service. In what forums are these covered? I intend to buy a cellphone from you just prior to my trip, though I will only be using it for 5-6 months each year.

Thanks again for your input

Regards and seasons greetings

Colin