In theory you have a pop3 email account if you own a DSL and/or cable connection,...if you have a 56k modem or even less,...this is not an option
Done a quick research regarding a free pop3 account:
http://www.lycos.co.uk/ seems to be OK ...check it out i would say
I know a few belgian free email sites,...but I guess you would not like those,...
Actually, a hotmail adress ain't that bad if you want to block a domain or a frequent spammer,.... if you use a pop3 you have to use a spamkiling tool,....
Did you ever try "yahoo" ?
greetz