Family comes first
I agree that the level of respect shown to elders is much greater here than in the UK. However, it's respect across all the family members. I remember going out for a meal with my children in the UK. Now I know I'm biased but they are not particularly noisy. However, the glares and stares we received from other tables if they deigned so much as to open their mouth were borderline offensive. It's the polar opposite in Gran Canaria where I live. However, I do take issue with Graham's claim that people prefer Spain over the likes of North Africa and Bulgaria because it's less different. The expat communities in any of these locations would cushion the impact of relocation. Which is why I choose to live away from them. Spain/Turkey/Wherever is different: adapt/live in an expat bubble/return to your home country.
