Living in Spain since 1998, the expat life has its ups and downs. Things aren´t always simple when you live in another country. Different ideas, different cultures and foods. On this blog I like to share advice as a long term expat to help people looking to move abroad. Often the move is maade with the best intentions but learning the local language is harder than it seems. As a bilingual speaker in Spanish and English I try to see both sides of the coin and suggest solutions that can work for both sides.
Expat Life style
There is a saying in Spanish ´hablando se entiende la gente´ speaking makes you understand people this is useful when thinking about adjusting to a new life abroad. IF you cannot speak to the locals of course it makes everything much more complicated. Over the years here I have seen people come and go.
I try to give a grounded realistic approach and keep the romantic ideas of an eternal holiday at bay. In Spain we do live in the sunshine most of the year but we still have to clean the house and work every now and then. Expat Life can be very rewarding especially on a cultural level. Learning a second or third language is a huge benefit for your brain and possibly your career but it may not come easy at first. Learning a new language takes a lot of time and discipline. Total immersion is one of the best ways to accelerate this process of course.
Healthy Living in Spain Living in Spain or moving abroad can be hard, even more so if you have kids. What if they struggle to adjust? To ease these worries, this article offers helpful advice, guidance, and tips to make the transition as smooth as possible. …
Planning ahead of time at Christmas helps to keeps the chaos under control. Expat gifts for friends and family who live overseas may need early planning. I like to book delivery as soon as I can to keep my stress levels down over the festive season. …
This year has been another tough year for everyone. Challenging times with the Cost of Living crisis, tragic news coming from Ukraine, Israel, Libya and Morocco. Perhaps you have been suffering from cutbacks at work or financial pressures like many across Europe. So even in post …
Foreign countries are always appealing to visitors. Yet Spain has a special appeal and is a country that attracts many International Students. It´s a destination for many Erasmus students and Spanish students who choose to remain in their own country for University rather than going abroad. …
50 Spain Books A list of Spain Books for all those who love Spanish food, history and culture. I am often asked for reading recommendations about Spain themes. As I read quite a lot myself, I thought I´ve created a list of Spain Books that I …
Are you new to the world of cars? Or maybe you’re looking for ways to save some money on your next purchase. Here are different ways to help you save money on your next car. Some of these tips are simple, some not so obvious, but …
Spain shoe brands are one of the countries main exports. (As well as Spanish food & wine). Spanish shoes are made with soft leather, they are comfortable and usually long lasting. As a confessed shoe addict I thought I´d share some of my latest finds with …
Shipping a Vehicle from USA Nearly 6% of all residents of Spain are expats from the UK , US and other countries. Due to the wonderful climate, it is quite a popular place to start anew with a life that is laid back and stress free. It …
Tips towards a Digital Nomad Lifestyle + Career Have you dreamed of becoming a Digital Nomad. Non location specific jobs like a Flight attendant or cruise ship worker used to be the only, or “popular,” jobs. People would take on when they wanted to travel the …
Photo via Artem Beliaikin on Unsplash Saving up for your holiday is only the start of it. Don’t forget that you’ll need spending money to take with you, otherwise how will you buy essentials like food or enjoy extra activities and bring home souvenirs? Even if …