Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2021 4:30pm
These villages in Axarquia are not like the typical 'ex-pat' places, in that they tend not to have big, tight knit communities of foreigners that only stick to themselves, shop in places that only do 'their' food, and never mix with other communities, or Spaniards. We tend to come out of the woodwork slowly! After a while, you'll find each other. Where I live there's lots of mixing between different nationalities for everything from fiestas to petanque, nights out to language classes. That's why renting is a good option at first, it gives you a chance to see what's there and if it fits. Even a month long holiday will show you a whole different side than a couple of nights.
As for the language, you just have to bite the bullet and Do It. Make mistakes, make a fool of yourself, ask, laugh, learn as you go along. Being timid won't work. The Spanish are not offended if you get it wrong, they like helping you out. In time you'll find who can help you with official stuff, which is always useful, even if your Spanish gets good. Start now, in the UK, with online classes, there's good YouTube videos that just teach you the basics of conversation, then when you get here, use what you've learned! You just have to brazen it out, and you'll make friends in the process - even if it's the lady in the bread shop at first, it's a start to being accepted into the wider community. If you are intent on getting into life here, you'll get it right one way or another.