Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2022 12:31pm
Thank you!
I've lived in Spain on and off for 30 years, have worked here in the past (self employed) and am now retired.
The hardest things varied, depending where I was in life. When my children were little, making friends was easy as school gates are school gates around the world! Spanish life with children is much better than UK life with children, BTW, and the schools are very good - tho much more disciplined than UK ones in my experience. Where I am in my life now, making friends is more effort and I tend to miss out on what younger folk are doing. It's just different.
The paperwork and regulations, especially post-Brexit, are a pain, Spain is much more bureaucratic than the UK. But, Spaniards moan about that, too. That's why it's important to get to know as much as possible before you get here, tho it's still a pain...
You really do need to familiarise yourself with the language as soon as possible, just get to grips with basic everyday words. Even if you have a degree in Spanish, it's very different using it on the streets, as it were. Nothing heavy, just build your confidence. I have come to terms with the fact that every day brings challenges with the language, even tho I speak if reasonably well by now. It's a journey, as they say!
Spain is not a quiet country. This may sound minor but, some people really struggle with it on an everyday basis. What may be charming on holiday can become seriously irritating and intrusive if noise bothers you. I'm not making light of this, it's been enough to make some folk move house or even leave the country! You can't live in Spain and not get noise, even in the middle of nowhere.
Don't hesitate to PM me if you think I can be of help. Good luck in getting your dream in place!