I live in Spain, and these are my stories…
I never dreamed of living in Spain, but now I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
Although I have always been aware of Spain, it was never a desired destination. My well-traveled granny had shown me incredible photos of Cadiz’s dancing horses, and that piqued my interest. Still, ultimately, I dreamed of Australia or tropical islands somewhere, anywhere.
Of course, I am grateful to be here after six years, a Spanish husband, a primarily Spanish son, and a renewed residence card. We live in the Catalonia region, but I wonder if we would be happier to eventually retire in southern mainland cities like Seville or Malaga or go offshore to the Canary Islands.
The idea of retiring at some point in the future anywhere else sounds uncomfortable, emotionally exhausting, and makes no sense.
Spain is not Canada. Although there are some similarities, like good public healthcare, social services, and strict gun laws, that’s about it.
There are many cultural differences beyond the language that this Canadian was at first (of course offended); nobody says sorry. But has now grown to understand and embrace. I expect to live here for the rest of my life with maybe a few months or a year somewhere else on some exciting family adventure.
I will learn to speak Spanish very well and dabble in Catalan, or why not some Euskera to blend in when I visit Bilbao, my absolute favorite city, but I will always be a Canadian in Spain.
Culture goes so far beyond language although language is a huge part of cultural identity.
The way we move through life or even our days, how we relate to others, what we want to achieve, and our expectations of each other are just a few key points I have had no choice but first to observe and define for myself.
Although I never expected anyone to change for me, I spent the first few years disappointed and ashamed of my inability to adapt and change for them. I was overwhelmed with my pregnancy, then a new baby, a pandemic, and learning how to do a new job—teaching ESL—not exactly the best career choice if you want to learn Spanish. At first, I was hard on myself and seemed to attract others who were equally harsh.
Until I realized there was something significant about being me in Spain. There is an awareness, a delight, and a perspective that I, like other foreigners, have for our new countries that locals may have forgotten.
We are in awe of the magnificent works of art, architecture, or sea views that some locals haven’t seen in years. We enjoy devouring the local cuisine. Our unwavering commitment to learning the local language no matter how long it takes and how bad our accents may always be.
There are so many stories to tell and more yet to be experienced. So, if you’re curious about life in Spain, follow along. Some tales might be spooky or funny, sad, a little too honest, and a bit cryptic as I dance around a delicate subject, but I promise you — all will be Spanish…but in English…
