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Living in Spain - Why it's so great

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Why I like living in Spain

I moved to Spain with my family 3 years ago to start a new life.  We wanted more freedom in our lives and to run our own business. 

We also wanted our kids (aged 2 then) to enjoy a much more "natural" lifestyle being able to play outdoors more than in the UK.  

It's been tough to say the least but 3 years later we're still here and I want to tell you about what makes Spain a great place to live.

The lifestyle

It's not just the weather

Most people when they talk about Spain they automatically talk about the weather. I suppose it's ineviable as back in the UK we always felt a little "hard done by" with the frequent grey skies and drizzle. But the weather is actually a big part of the lifestyle here. Here's my opinon:
  1. Late evening strolls. Doesn't sound exciting but the warm evenings see all the Spanish walking up and down the seafront "paseo" just....well, just walking, chatting and having a nice evening. The kids get to play in the many parks and so no more boring dull evening stuck in the house.
  2. The Spanish are so friendly to children. We have 5-year old twin girls and going out to restaurants can be difficult sometimes if they're tired or bored. But, the Spanish have an incedible tolerance to children, good or bad. If the kids play up in the restaurant it's not a problem, infact some of the Spanish will even help to calm them down. No long faces, they love kids.
  3. Lazy lunches. Although we work our own hours, the working day here is 10 - 2, then a 3 hour lunch and then back to work at 5 till 8 in the evening. OK, a 3 hour lunch seems excessive but many choose to have a little "siesta" after a very relaxed lunch with the kids. Having lunch with the kids back home in UK was never so relaxed.
  4. Beatutiful scenery. Although I do like living on the coast and going to the beach, there are some beatiful villages and area just a few minutes drive into the mountains. You get the most amazing landscapes and really pretty little villages. There are many areas even close to the coast which remain undiscovered by the holiday tourists. People should take time out to visit some of these stunning areas of Spain.

The culture

Absorbing the Spanish culture is a must

The Spanish have an enviable history of enjoying themselves. Having never been a particularly wealthy nation they have however embraced the pleasures of their "fiestas". You don't always need money to enjoy yourself.

Every town and village in Spain has it's traditions with particular festivals scattered throughout the year. Apart from the religious festivals, of which there are many, many of the "fiestas" are just a big excuse to drink lots and have a great time, with all the family getting involved, including the kids (although they tend not to get drunk!).

Most areas host a "feria" or fair once or twice a year. The kids love it going on all the rides and the adults can relax watching some of the shows which go on into the early hours of the evening.

It seems that in Spain most of the activities usually involve the whole family. Bed times aren't readily set with many of our Spanish friends allowing their kids to stay up till midnight even with school the next day. I don't actually agree with this but it is the way they've always done it and they seem happy to drag their kids to school the next day half asleep.

The Spanish are also very fond of their food. I'm a particular fan of the many fish dishes you can get although the inland "ventas" concentrate on meat dishes, which are mostly excellent too. We're always used to eating at around 1pm but on a weekend the Spanish don't venture into a restaurant until around 2:30 - 3 o'clock, so we tend to have the restaurant to ourselves when we go.

Most people have heard of "tapas" which are small plates of different types of food. These tend to be eaten more in bars over a beer. If you go out to eat in a restaurant you will order "raciones" which are much larger portions.

All in all life in Spain can be very good although what many find difficult about Spain is one of the most important parts of the Spanish culture....the laid back attitude. Don't expect anyone to rush about for you, don't expect orderly and quick queues at the bank, don't expect anyone to hurry, it's just not in their nature to do so.

So for anyone contemplating living in Spain remember to chill out, slow down and enjoy life, just like the Spanish do.

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Spanish_Eye

Hi, my name is Justin and I moved to Spain 3 years ago to set up an internet business, www.eyeonspain.com.  Today I lead a great lifestyle in this... more »

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