This article is not specifically about me. It's about foreigners, or "guiris", who move permanently to live in Spain, and often experience a kind of "culture shock".
Anna, a young Briton who moved recently to live in Madrid, explained her situation to the newspaper AS this week.
I too was a young Briton when I first came to Spain 50-odd years ago. I knew that Spain would be my destiny, and, although it took me nearly 40 years to make the permanent move, I have now clocked up some 17 years as a resident.
AS
Una británica que vive en Madrid revela las costumbres españolas que niega aceptar: “Tengo que luchar bastante”
Historia de Marta Tejedor
Moving to a new country often requires getting to know new cultures, learning unfamiliar languages, and even accepting certain customs you didn't even know existed beforehand.
Spain is a country that welcomes millions of tourists every year, and some of them decide to stay longer to enjoy the country's climate and cuisine, amonst other things.
Anna, a TikToker who uploads content to her account on the social media platform, annainespana, talked about three things she can't stand about Spain.
Three Things She Can't Accept
The Heat
High temperatures in summer are a daily occurrence in Spain, especially in Madrid, a city with more asphalt than green spaces. In June, July, and August, temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
Anna confesses that they don't have the same type of sunshine in Madrid as in England, and it's hard to get used to.
The Bureaucracy
Coming to Spain as a tourist is relatively easy; the problem arises when an immigrant decides he wants to live in the country. At that point, a period of paperwork and permits begins that often seems never-ending.
Anna explains that she had many problems obtaining her visa, not because she didn't meet the requirements, but because the process in Spain is slow and requires permits that often seem almost impossible to obtain.
Nightlife
In England, people eat dinner and go to bed much earlier than Spaniards. The Spanish timetable is much more nocturnal than in Britain. Going out at nine or ten at night and returning home at three in the morning is something Anna is used to from the UK, yet that seems quite strange in Spain.
In Spain, Anna has observed that people usually go out to clubs around midnight or one in the morning and return home around seven or eight at night.
“I prefer to sleep,” the TikToker confesses.
Paul aged 20
I was shipped off to Spain in 1970 for my year abroad (I was studying for a degree in Spanish and German). Our group was sent to San Sebastián to do a course for three months, followed by "doing our own thing" for a further three. In Spain of course.
I loved it and there began my dream to live in Spain one day.
Paul aged 58
After marriage, two children, a 30-year career in education, redundancy and divorce, I finally made it when I met a German lady living in Spain who became my second wife. I've been here ever since.
Paul aged 75
This year I reached the grand old age of 75. I'm in my 17th year as a resident and intend to stay put.
I shall die here. I've already reserved my nicho at the cemetery. I've also tidied up my affairs and written a new Will, which is valid in Spain, yet takes into account my current status as a British citizen.
The issues that still bother me are bureaucracy, litter, noise and the police (especially Guardia Civil Trafico).
But I shall continue to be patient, go through their processes and speak to officials cara a cara.
Conclusion
Back to the inspiration for this article, Anna, in Madrid. "Don't give up, love. Persevere and adapt. I hope you have a lifetime of happiness here in Spain."
Like I have had!
Links:
https://www.secretserrania.com/2020/11/what-i-hate-about-spain/
https://www.secretserrania.com/2020/07/why-i-love-living-in-spains-serrania-de-ronda/
© Pablo de Ronda
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