What is it like living in Spain? That's my second most asked question, after "Can you raise me funding?" I've lived in Spain for nearly five years now with my young family. Here's the honest version.
Language, schools and making friends
- The language. I try hard with the language and the locals appreciate it. You don't need to be perfect, but it pays to master the basics. In my experience hardly anyone speaks English.
- The schools. The local schools are amazing, filled with a lot of love. The teachers hug and kiss the kids; it's really beautiful. The curriculum where I live is in Catalan, which makes it harder to help with the kids' homework. But the girls speak 3 languages, so I'm not fussed.
- Friends. I have met a couple of nice people who I play sport with, but finding friends has been difficult. I think a lot of expats share this.
- Your personality. In England, especially with my friends and family, I'm a funny person. I'm quick and love to make jokes. In Spain my personality has died; they must think I'm deathly boring. I can make people laugh, but it's not the same. You have to accept that you have a different personality here, and that's fine, but it's noticeable at every birthday party.
The frustrating bits
- The police. The local police are stressful, but there isn't a bailiff culture here like in the UK, so it balances out.
- Bureaucracy. Almost impossible to navigate. Expect a 6-week process to take 6 months.
- Power cuts. The wifi is amazing, but I struggle with the power at times. On random days you can be without power or an explanation, and that's just life here. I find that a challenge, especially as I work to a busy calendar. Missing a day can be a killer for the week.
- The banks. I hate the banks. Luckily you can use a digital bank. Be careful when moving over, though, as you need a Spanish IBAN to pay for your wifi and other bills.
Why it's worth it
- Less consumer culture. Stepping out of the UK consumer culture has had a massive positive impact on me. Christmas and birthdays aren't about how big you can make a pile of presents.
- Healthcare. The private healthcare is amazing. We pay 200 euros per month for the family and it's like a 5-star hotel. We still have access to local doctors, so it feels excellent and far more available than in the UK.
- The climate. It's hotter in summer and colder in winter than you could ever imagine, but that's part of the fun. The climate is sensational and I'll never get over the feeling of that mid-August heat.
- The food. The diet is brilliant; everything is simple and fresh. In comparison, every meal in the UK seems elaborate. In Spain a sliced tomato, a slice of cheese and some bread is a great dinner. You don't need to spend £300+ a week in a supermarket. A UK breakfast is everything you can cook that will fit on one plate. In Spain, we rub some tomato on a slice of toast.
- The beach. Nothing beats going to the beach after school in summer. Wow.