This is an excellent website to share experiences of becoming an expat. Well a bit about me:
I have lived in London all my life and summer 2009 I had to setup the IT infrastructure and configure a new office based in Spain for our lawfirm. I absolutely loved being in Madrid as the people are so friendly and people drink to socialise and very rarely see fights (unlike I use to see in London). I was made to feel really welcome and when it came to the end of my secondment I decided to stay here permanently. It has been a good life change, as much as I miss my family and friends I hope to achieve this again in Spain.
The main reason that I came to this site was to find out if anyone else has struggled to make friends. The biggest problem I have experienced is the language barrier which I am trying to overcome by learning spanish. But wanted to find out if there were social events and how others have overcome this. And it is good to see that there are many more people in my situation.
Well that is a bit about me and wish everyone the best is settling in their new country of residence.
Good evening to all expats
Welcome to Expat-blog, gowmadrid 
That was a nice introduction.
You could go through the Madrid forum to have an overview of discussions. Also, view the discussion "Cultural Association- Thanksgiving dinner". It seems to be the latest social event taking place.
Regards,
Sheetul
Thanks Sheetul.
I will take a look at that discussion as sounds like it could be a good social event.
I have already viewed the Madrid Forum and am loving it, it is the next best thing to facebook :-)
Welcome to Spain, glad you like it! I came here to study and after graduating from my home school returned to stay...20 years ago! I am married and now have children here, so met many friends through my sons' school, but another good place is the gym, the local library (book groups). I have met many "friends" at bars, but find a true friend is usally made through a common interest or activity.
The Thanksgiving meal sounded like a great way to meet people, but since I'm now the only American in my group of friends I always have to make the turkey at home! I will keep my eyes open for another ex pat meeting.
Patri
BTW, ¡felices fiestas!
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