Quote: (01-16-2017 03:03 PM)Gótico Wrote:
En primer lloc, Baldrich, el felicito pel seu escrit. És per això que li dono les gràcies amb un punt de reputació tímid; atès que sóc basc, vostè ja sabrà que el català no és precisament el meu fort. Tanmateix, s’acaba aquí la tortura de la llengua catalana.
The care-free attitude is well-known, I would say; non-Valencians definitely seem to perceive an air of indifference, but I don’t doubt that this perception is exaggerated, for they were rather quick to react to Jamie Oliver’s terrible offence. The general friendliness I would consider true, but the fact that you have spent time in the capital and in the second-largest city, which aren’t particularity known for their amiability, heightens the sentiment. It’s a bit like a Donostiarra landing in Brazil and being marvelled at the sheer level of closeness and joviality on display.
As for the linguistic question, I’ll have you know that the right-leaning, patriotic, and strongly Catholic circles that remain in quiet existence (that is to say, those who were displeased at the Count of Godó) won’t argue that Catalan and Valencian are completely different languages; leave that to the politicastros of the castrated right, which we also despise with a passion only comparable to Gunter Sachs’ love for pussy. Indeed, one of my best friends, who fancies himself a new Palleter, laments the ‘separatist intrusion’, not the language, for it is his own. Let’s not derail this, though; this discussion would have to be suitably placed in another thread.
Onto more pragmatic matters, like taxation. I’ve been an expat, you see, for a very long time and from a very early age, but I eventually want to return to Spain, which I have been advised against. So, I must ask, how are taxes? Mind you, I know they’re high, but I’d like specifics, especially in the realm deductions and savings for a self-employed individual.
Gracies, gótico. Vostè parla català millor que molts valencians de capital. Estic aprenent més i més perquè m'agrada més que l'espanyol..
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Jamie Oliver: Yes, the ONE THING, I repeat, THE ONE THING that will make a Valencian mad as hell is their paella thing. It's like almost a religion here that everywhere else there is NO "true/real" paella. Even mothers and sons have arguments over who makes the "better or the best" paella. IT'S CRAZY. But then again I find French, Spanish and many Mediterranean people obsessed with their food and thinking it is the only good food in the world.
Yes! I agree with your analogy about Donostiarra and Brazil. I feel sometimes I'm in some quasi-tropical land...what, with all the palm tree avenues and warmish weather even in late January!
Taxes: I don't really pay taxes in Spain (or anywhere) so can't really advise you there...they are HIGH but not really a lot higher than what you would pay in the US...with all the federal, state and local taxes.
But guys don't get all nervous with the "autonomo" thing -- if you are freelance and for the first time, there is a monthly flat fee of 50 euros for several months, regardless of age. In my case, I don't do the autonomo thing unless my client is willing to pay the fee. Normally you can create bills (untaxed) for under 6000 euros I believe. If not and if you REALLY know how to operate things and have a backup job somewhere, making money under the table is very common here and relatively few job inspections.
There are several other tricks to bring money into Spain but I'd rather not comment on it here. Let's just say I've never paid any major tax here (or elsewhere). Elites do it all the time...I'm not going to be different. Only sheep pay a lot of taxes or people who have absolutely no other choice because they're too exposed.
Conquistador: Of course! I mentioned 4 bedrooms because I need large living space...it's my style to live in big houses if I can. You can get a studio in Colon area for around 500/600 euro monthly. You can get a 400 euro 4-5 bedroom apartment in some surrounding suburbs/towns. In fact if you go deep into the countryside but not too far from Valencia even a "chalet" -- which is similar to a Manor or Mediterranean villa will cost about 800-900 monthly. Yes, it is THAT cheap.
I've taken taxis even from between towns - like Catarroja into Valencia and never paid more than 15 euros AT MOST! and we're talking a fair distance here. In Valencia proper, there is a flat rate of about 4 euros I think during the day and goes up to 6 euros at night for the first few kilometers. To put it in perspective - you can go from the city center to a distance of 3 kilometers and not pay more than 8 euros(MORE OR LESS) .