5 More Reasons Why You Should NOT Move To Spain
Spaniards work hard and party harder
Three months ago, I wrote an article about 5 reasons you should not move to Spain. The story was well-received, both good and bad. As a result, I’ve composed a sequel.
Most readers believe the negatives were no drawbacks, and many were convinced some phony allegations mentioned in the article can’t be true.
However, I am just writing my observations from the past 4 years living here. I write what I see or hear. I have no intention of making up stuff. I do, however, believe that if you are aware of the less attractive aspects of Spain, you will be better prepared for life here or visit.
Spaniards work hard and party harder
Many people who move to Spain, expecting an easy lifestyle where they can lounge around on Mediterranean beaches all day, are in for a shock. Spaniards work hard, typically putting in long hours Monday to Friday. And then, when the weekend comes, they let their hair down.
If you’re not used to rowdy nights out, Spain may not be the best place for you. If you are an introvert, you will suffer. Spaniards are loud and love to talk.
Always.
If you are more on the quiet side, you may not be served in the restaurant or in the fresh market. You need to speak up. If you want things done, you need to have a small talk with almost everyone. Otherwise, it is rude. And you won’t get far.
People don’t take a shower every day here
The first time, when I moved to Spain, from sweat to marijuana or cigarette odor, I often noticed people smelling. Later I discovered, people take weekly showers here or have natural showers without using soaps, but only water.
At first, it bothered me, but not anymore because I belong to the once-a-week club too.
So, now nobody smells.
Water in Southern Spain is a high commodity, and people are frugal with it. I adapted well. Maybe in the big cities such as Madrid or Barcelona it is different, but in Andalucia, water is an asset. Also, you discover human odor. In the States, people shower twice a day, and I forgot people even have an odor.
You need to be used to walking
After I moved to Spain from the US, I couldn’t believe how many kilometers I could do in a day. Some days, I walked up to 20 km and didn’t even notice. Especially in Granada, walking is faster than driving because there are so many shortcuts, hidden pathways, and narrow streets, only humans can fit in.
Also, you stay in shape, no gym membership needs to be paid. I know North Americans are used to cars and their car culture, but in Spain, walking culture still exists. Get used to it.
My daughter walks from school to her horse riding stables for 55 minutes. Nobody chaperones kids in their cars. Parents, after they pick up their kids, take a stroll around the city, stop for afternoon merienda (snack) at a local bar.
Spaniards aren’t obsessed with technology
In America, people are obsessed with their phones, the latest technology, or gadgets. Instead of talking and socializing, they consult their phones every 2 minutes. If they jog, they have headphones to always be connected.
In Spain, people love to talk. They don’t need technology to feel connected. They are genuinely interested in their friends and family. If you go out to dinner, the entire table is talking and nobody is on their phone. It’s refreshing. It is vulgar to have a phone in your hand, or a baby watching an iPad.
Of course, Spaniards have smartphones and gadgets, too, but they aren’t using them every minute and everywhere.
Instead, they talk to each other. You may share something on the phone but not ignore your company. Even teenagers know and keep the habit of no technology at the table. The children are taught from an early age to watch passing by people, or run after pigeons, not staring at the screen.
So, if you’re looking for a country where the obsession with technology is high and people are glued to their phones, Spain may not be the right place for you.
I find it rather positive than negative.
Buying a home can be a nightmare. Don’t build
In Spain, you need to be very careful when buying a property. Many don’t have deeds and are built illegally, especially in the villages and rural areas. Built illegally means they never had permission to be built.
Another thing to look out for, especially in Andalucia, is water. What kind of property you are buying if it is Tierra riega or Seco (irrigated or dry) land? A second most important difference is that it all depends on your experience with neighbors. If you aren’t friendly, and agreeable, you will live in a hell of a situation. As they say, neighbors can make it or break it for you.
The paperwork and bureaucracy of slow-moving deals can drive you insane. This isn’t North America, where the sales are done ASAP and keys are handled within a few days. In Spain, especially Andalucia, it may take months, sometimes years.
Please read by Kim Baker article about buying a property in Spain.She speaks about the current experience.
If you decide to build a house, it may take years to get building permits from the city council.
Here is another fine checklist article before you move to Spain by Janet Christian