'I ditched UK for Spain six months ago but found it was 20 years behind'
A British expat residing in Spain has declared that the European country is "20 years or so behind the UK" when it comes to one thing.
In a daring decision six months ago, Mark Danby, from Stockport, Greater Manchester, abandoned the UK to pursue Spain's warmer weather. He relocated his entire existence to Manilva, a municipality within Malaga on the Costa del Sol.
Nevertheless, whilst enjoying an "absolutely wonderful" experience in Spain thus far, Mark has admittedly faced several obstacles, having previously discussed the intricacies of the local visa procedures.
Mark, who operates in IT whilst also producing Spain-focused material for his emerging YouTube channel, Tapas Guy, arrived in the country using a digital nomad visa. This permits foreigners to reside in Spain whilst working remotely for an external company (or as freelancers).
Yet, it seems bureaucratic machinery operates sluggishly regardless of location, as Mark also mentioned that "everything takes so long". Though this might partially stem from a notable "contrast" between both nations, reports the Express.
He highlighted one particular distinction when questioned about the "biggest culture shock" he'd faced following his overseas relocation. Expanding on this, he explained how Spain was "about 20 years or so behind the UK" in one of his videos.
He remarked: "And I describe it as being Spain being about 20 years or so behind the UK in kind of technology. Everything takes so long. They don't go for electronic systems. They like their pieces of paper; that is the biggest shock.
"They are paper pushers; they're pen pushers. Everything is paper, like when you go for your...your sort of your visa applications or your... as I'm now waiting for my TIE card, which is my foreign residency card, everything is paper processed."
Mark detailed his experience while waiting for his card, noting that they'd "already kind of accepted it". He described how applicants submit their documents at a police station, get fingerprinted, and then wait for the card to be produced.
He lamented: "If they had a little printer machine by them, they could just press a button and print it out, but oh no. You know, it has to go through the paper process and it has to.."
Mark went on: "You know, it can take another...you have to sort of make another appointment to go back. Everything's booked up solid and, you know, I've still not got it. Everything takes a long time, a very, very long time."
A TIE card is a Spanish Foreign Identity Card (or tarjeta de identidad de extranjero in Spanish), which serves as proof of legal status for foreigners in Spain and is necessary for those with visas permitting stays longer than six months.
Spain adheres to the regulations of the Schengen area, which dictate specific passport prerequisites and permit individuals to travel visa-free within the zone for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
36 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Huge changes to water companies set out this week will 'make bills fair'
Ministers have told firms they must do more if they want to restore public trust - as complaints continue to rise and half of Brits feel they're being ripped off. Water company bosses are bracing themselves ahead of a report that's expected to demand sweeping changes to the industry this week. Ministers have told firms they must do more if they want to restore public trust - as complaints continue to rise and half of Brits feel they're being ripped off. MPs and watchdogs have to wade through a steady stream of locals complaining about floods, burst pipes and loss of service. In one case, a dog was left with poisoning after playing in a polluted river. Others have seen businesses losing thousands of pounds after their water supply was unexpectedly cut off - with no compensation offered. Environment Secretary Steve Reed is set to pledge to cut sewage pollution in half within five years - promising one of the largest infrastructure projects in England's history to clean up our rivers. And it's thought the Government is primed to announce regulator Ofwat is to be scrapped in response to the Independent Water Commission's report, to be published on Monday. Water Minister Emma Hardy told the Sunday Mirror only 'root and branch reform' will restore public faith in water firms. 'In 21st century Britain, clean rivers, lakes and seas should be a basic right and not a luxury, but consumers are being failed by the current system,' she said. 'We have already ended the culture of unfair bonuses for polluting water bosses and secured £104 billion of investment to begin the job of upgrading our crumbling infrastructure. 'But we know that root and branch reform is vital to put the British public at the heart of water company priorities. They must be properly run, with bills that are fair and sustainable for households.' Monday's report, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe examined regulation, water bills and support for customers. Environment Secretary Steve Reed said: 'Families have watched their local rivers, coastlines and lakes suffer from record levels of pollution. 'My pledge to you: the Government will halve sewage pollution from water companies by the end of the decade. 'One of the largest infrastructure projects in England's history will clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.'
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Terrifying moment Boeing passenger plane catches FIRE after take off with flames erupting from the engine
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THIS is the frightening moment a Boeing passenger plane catches fire after take off - as flames are seen spitting out of the engine. The Delta Airlines flight's engine appeared to be ablaze - moments before it was forced to divert back to Los Angeles following the horrifying ordeal. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 A Boeing passenger plane caught fire after take off Credit: LA Flights 3 Passengers were stranded in the air before the plane made a quick diversion Credit: LA Flights 3 The airliner said the flight returned back to Los Angeles Credit: AFP In the shocking footage, the Boeing 767-400 jet can be seen turning slightly as its left engine erupts with a raging inferno. The horrified onlooker recording the harrowing footage is heard commenting over the concerning scenes. They say: "Oh, look at that. Whoa! "Was that a compressor stall? What's going on?" The huge aircraft continues to fly on as the terrifying fireball rages on under the plane's engine. The fire broke out as the plane was ascending over the City of Angels. It was on its way to Atlanta, Georgia, before it was forced to return to its takeoff point. The pilots managed to circle back before landing safely back on the runway. Later on in the footage, the plane is seen descending back onto the tarmac. Its landing gear thankfully comes down before the jet lands and the engine appears to be free from anymore flames. Travel chaos as TWO flights have mid-air emergencies within A MINUTE at major UK airport Emergency vehicles are then seen rushing towards the aircraft in order to provide assistance. And the jet was finally seen being escorted off of the runway back to its bay. A spokesperson for Delta Airlines told BBC: "Delta flight 446 returned to Los Angeles shortly after departure following an indication of an issue with the aircraft's left engine." The chilling footage was captured by YouTube channel LA Flights which is run by Josh and Peter. The horrifying footage emerged after another Delta Airlines flight was diverted when a passenger reportedly brought a dangerous item onboard that caused a fire. Screams rang out, smoke clouded the seats, and flight attendants rushed to grab an extinguisher after the mid-air blaze broke out, one flyer on the plane revealed. Delta confirmed that flight 1334, which was a Boeing 757 traveling from Atlanta, Georgia, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was diverted because of a battery fire on Monday. The airline said that attendants "worked quickly" to extinguish a battery belonging to a customer that had spontaneously combusted, a spokesperson told USA Today.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Maya Jama flaunts her jaw-dropping figure in a TINY bikini before packing on the PDA boyfriend Ruben Dias amid their romantic Ibiza getaway
Maya Jama flaunted her jaw-dropping figure in a tiny bikini before sharing a steamy kiss with boyfriend Ruben Dias amid their sun-soaked Ibiza getaway on Saturday. The Love Island host, 30, took to her Instagram with snaps of her loved up trip with the Manchester City star, 27, as they topped up their tans before enjoying a romantic meal. Maya looked nothing short of incredible in the tiny brown two piece as she relaxed in her luxurious accommodation with incredible sea views. She also posted snaps of a shirtless Ruben who showcased his muscles as he lit a BBQ before later heading off to explore the island on a bike ride. The couple then cosied up while enjoying a swanky meal and leaned in for a smooch as they dined with pals. Maya captioned the post: 'La isla de la magia' which translates to 'The Magic Island' and smitten Ruben quickly commented with a love heart emoji. Maya has been dating Ruben for several months and recently confirmed their romance on social media. The pair have appeared to have gone from strength to strength with the sportsman flying out to Spain to support Maya while she is filming Love Island. As she shared an album of fun snaps soaking up the sun, Ruben also shared some moments with Maya. Alongside the post Ruben confirmed his love for the star and penned: 'Sun, love, crocodiles, some fits and one advice.' And Maya appeared to approve of his sweet declaration as she commented with a love heart and fire emoji. The couple are believed to have met after the stunner caught the Portuguese player's eye when they met at the European Music Awards (EMAs) in November. Their romance was finally confirmed after they were seen packing on the PDA at KSI's Baller League event in April. And posting a snap with her new boyfriend for the first time, Maya looked incredible in a triangle bikini while soaking up some sun on a boat. She was later diving into the water while Ruben filmed her from the top deck. Maya went Instagram official with her boyfriend Ruben earlier this year, when she shared a video for the first time. The TV star was all smiles in the clip as she sat alongside the footballer in a car heading back to her house. The presenter has been seen at multiple football games over the last few months to watch Dias live in action for Man City. Footage of the pair last month showed them with their arms around each other before he leant into her neck for a peck. Ruben tried to fly under the radar and keep a low profile as he stepped out in casual clothes and a cap. A source told The Sun: 'Maya and Ruben seemed very close, very loved up and were clearly very comfortable with each other. 'They were chatting to others around them but gravitated back to each other. They seem very happy with each other.' It was the first time they were seen in public since they were thought to have started dating - though Maya has often hinted at the romance by sharing snaps of flowers she has been sent.
