1. The brightest first step of retirement is choosing Catalonia in Spain where the weather is better, the climate is more stable, and the Mediterranian lifestyle and fresh food daily is second to none. And it so affordable, as is the excellent health care coverage through CatSalut.

2. There are many low cost carriers now flying from all over Europe into Reus (our local airport) or Barcelona or Valencia. So you can get in and out easily.. and return to the old country as needed. Even from the USA or Latin America, there are plenty of flights to Spain, either direct to Barcelona or connecting through Madrid. Plus, of course, you can drive from anywhere in Europe. We loaded the van in UK and drove down.. with Grandma squeezed in the middle seat.

The original ferry still sails safely across the Ebro at Miravet

The expanse of the Ports Mountains seen above Fontcalda-Terra Alta

3. Many a visitor, and even some of the settlers, get by without learning much Spanish, but actually it is very easy to pick up. And even though many locals here speak Catalan, they all also speak Spanish. Being a Latin language, Spanish actually shares a lot of root words with English. Similarly, Catalan often sounds like French with a Spanish pronunciation. Put a copy of Rosetta Stone Spanish on your computer today, and soon you will be chatting with the locals.

4. Either rent before you buy, or make many a trip here before you buy. When you rent a place you "live Spain". We did. Even a short rental will give you time to draw breath and diffuse into the ways of village, town, country or seaside life of tranquillity and a refreshing understanding of new cultures. Remember you are retiring and need to slow down. You need to consider if this new "home" will still fulfill your needs in the coming years as you mature in your golden eras. Plus, of course, you can rent out your own property and just use it a few weeks a year until you are ready to retire full time.

One contented retiree among the oleanders

Señor Tomas or Snoaring Siesta "Sam" - this is the life!

7. Shopping and cultures in Catalonia-Spain, just waiting for you to embrace and enjoy them. Except you need to experience it on a "split shift" with lunch out during the siesta (oh tsk! You can live with that.) Take the train, avoid the strain - Barcelona and Valencia are equal distances apart. Castellon is on route to Valencia, another shopping meca. But while you are finding your feet jump in the car and head for the ever-growing retail parks around Reus (near Tarragona) or down the N340 to Vinaros. Also ask the villagers you come across as to what is the traditional craft there - ceramics or what? But do not try and venture out shopping during the siestas, fiestas nor on Sundays, because everything shuts down. However, good Sunday markets can be found on the outskirts of Tarragona and the "British" carboot sales are springing up everywhere. All villages and towns have their own markets on different days. Some are purely agricultural, others are mixed. The indoor markets will also have fishmongers and butchers. Missing something from "home"? Don´t worry - look in your online shopping trolley for it.

8. While you will surely stay in touch with family and friends back home, it is equally important to meet Spanish friends, as well as other foreign expats, when you retire over here. The Spanish are very friendly and helpful and by and large welcome new immigrants. Our Spanish lawyer told us the best advice he could give us when settling here was: " Know your neighbour.Your neighbours must become you "best friends". How true that is! Besides, you will pick up the language so much faster and also learn that gardening methods in UK´s green and wet climates don´t apply here.

9. Motoring in Spain is different and fun but need not be daunting. Just be sensible and courteous. Check your route plan before you set off and squash the stress. If you are going on Toll roads ensure you have a reasonable amount of change before you set off. Switching to left-hand drive is a smooth change over as the pedals and gears are still in the same order of play. Try out the country lanes and you will come across some amazing spots.

10. Want to retire to Spain but not get stuck in a rut. Sure Why not? You can live in this sunny locale of Catalonia and still re-invent yourself. You may even have tried retiring overseas before to Turkey or Florida or Katmandu and it has not worked out. You can still have the chance to start over again here in this diverse comarque of Catalonia with ample opportunities to still tour the countryside and discover the real Spain and see what works for you. Folk who are out here say it is the best experience of their lives. They have not looked back! Let alone thought of going back "home".

11. You may or may not both be at retiring age and feel you still need to be mentally charged and do challenging and innovative things. Fabulous! Imagine if you could earn an income touring through mountain villages in Spain searching for hand-carved, wooden figurines or traditional leather crafts; or meeting with a women´s group for exquisite lace and tapestries; towns displaying intricately embroidered linens for a song or tracing down unusual ceramics in neighbouring villages and excellent pieces of artwork. You could so easily set up your own export business. But you will do it so much smarter if you read International Living´s tried and tested article on "How to start your own Import/ Export business..."

12. If you retire early are you crazy or "loco"? Take the decision when you are feeling strong. Do the sums. (But remember, take independent financial advice.) Is your partner fully on board with you? Take a sabbatical first if you are not sure, before you plunge in. Remember, retirement is not the same as being on a long holiday for life. Some days may feel like a vacation. Others may not. Read and digest each step. Email us with your queries, knowledge or experiences. It may be quite a cultural shock to you - but a pleasant one.