As soon of you know, on June 15, my husband and I became "homeless." Don't pity us - we did it by choice and long term plan.My husband and I launched an "eeeevil plan" to spend a few years living and teaching abroad once Thing Two graduated from high school, which occurred on June 13. After 23 years (the age of "Thing One") of being responsible parents, homeowners, etc., we decided that we were entitled to be selfish and do what we wanted to do, when we wanted to do it. We also have known too many people who made plans to travel "when they retire," but were never able to do so because one or both of them became ill, impaired, etc. We make a living online, so we don't really have to live in any one place...no, we are not lottery winners or trust fund babies, we still work every day to fund our needs.
On June 16, we embarked on the first leg of our journey - Madrid, Spain. The unemployment rate in Spain is 18.2%, and is projected to be 22% by year's end. There are huge swaths of closed businesses everywhere. We've learned not to go looking for a particular store, restaurant, etc., because there is no guarantee it will even be open. There is a large group of unemployed men who hang out from 10am til 3am each morning at the square opposite our apartment. Crime is way up, beggars are prolific. Musicians of all ages play on street corners and in subway stations for tips - I've seen several elderly couples performing together for alms. The police roust the homeless out of parks at sunrise so that the areas can be cleaned before the few tourists arrive to see the sights.
Everything is taxed. Basic food staples are taxed at 4%, other groceries at 7%, and everything else at 16%. Here in Madrid, there is a pretty diverse culture, with many immigrants from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The government is actually paying immigrants a lump sump in unemployment to leave the country and not return for at least three years.
Madrid is a very beautiful city. Despite the economic crisis, we have enjoyed our trip here. I'd highly recommend Spain as a "must see" place to everyone.
We've got photos posted at http://www.facebook.com/... and http://www.facebook.com/...
On Wednesday, we're off to Morocco for a month, then, we'll be spending a few weeks in the South of Spain.