The 5 Greatest Gifts of Being an Expat in Spain
Can you believe that I was in the honeymoon phase with Spain for nearly two years? I mean, this country could do me no harm. I loved everything about it.
My original plan for living in Madrid was for 6–12 months. It’s been 5 years now. There are many reasons for staying this long, despite the challenges. No place is perfect and living in Spain has some killer wins. Those wins add up to the one biggest reason I’m still here: I have a good quality of life.
Here are the 5 greatest gifts of being an expat in Spain:
1. Oh my gastronomy!
As an American, I must say that Spanish cuisine is greatly underrated. I never hear my friends back in the states say, “let’s go out for Spanish tonight.” There are now 8 restaurants in Spain with 3 Michelin stars. Ever hear of David Muñoz?
What I love most is how much this country has mastered the art of simplicity. What matters here is quality. With just a few quality ingredients, like fish, potatoes and olive oil, you have a masterpiece.
And speaking of olive oil, move over Italy. Spain is now the biggest olive oil exporter to the US and the oil speaks for itself. Take some fresh bread, dip it in some Spanish olive, sprinkle with a little bit of salt and there you’ll have it…heaven in your mouth.
Then there’s tapas and pinxtos. I know I’m going on and on about food, but there is some serious credit due here. The act of going to picar algo, “pick at something,” has become one of my all-time favorite activities. You can walk into any bar and sample something small. It’s really difficult to overeat in Spain. First of all, in general, the portions are smaller, and with tapas you’re going to get a little plate of something to share, and pinxtos are literally a piece of bread with something delicious piled on top of it. You don’t even have to sit down. Standing with some friends and trying a few different things is the way the locals do it.
2. My palate is pretty darn sophisticated
Yes, I’ve put wine in its own category without shame. There is absolutely no competition for quality/price ratio. Spain wins hands down. Do France and Italy have good wine? Absolutely. Will you pay for it? Absolutely and then some. And between you and me, I really don’t care for Bordeaux wines. There, I said it.
Spain’s land is diverse. Each region brings their own flavor as the soil and weather conditions vary greatly. There are so many different wines in this country! Whether you choose a Rioja or Ribera, or something heavier like a Toro, a good glass of Spanish wine and a couple of slices of Manchego cheese is probably one of life’s greatest pleasures.
3. I’ve learned to better nurture my relationships
In Spain people take time to connect with other humans offline. These people truly live outside! It’s no wonder their homes are cozy and modest…they’re never there. They don’t have to be exploring the world or at their weekend beach apartment. You can find people out any day of the week all-year round (at least in Madrid) at nearly every hour. People regularly take the time to meet with each other, even if it’s just for an hour to drink a beer or soft drink. And they could nurse the same drink for 2 hours. It’s not about consuming, it’s about connecting.
4. I’m healthier
The European Union has stricter food regulations than the US, so overall food quality is better here. There are some ingredients that have been banned in Spain for 10 years that still get put on the shelves in the states. How scary is that??
There are less pesticides and processed foods in Spain.There is a public health care system here that has allowed me to take care of all of my health needs. Private health care is still very affordable and is impressively efficient.
I walk everywhere. In the 5 years of living here, I finally got a gym membership within this last year. I never felt like I needed one. Since I live in the city center it doesn’t make sense to have a car, as public transportation is on point. And I just make it a priority to walk to work and all social events, which adds up to 1–2 hours a day. That alone makes me feel more balanced.
5. I celebrate life more
Spaniards work to live, not live to work. They really enjoy time outside of their jobs. I remember when I first moved here I met a woman who was stressed out because she only had 2 weeks of summer holidays, and it just wasn’t enough time to do all the traveling she wanted to do. I thought she was nuts. Now I get it.
They’re ninjas at figuring out how to turn any bank holiday into a 4–5 day getaway. And the whole city shuts down during the month of August because everyone goes on vacation with their loved ones.
And it doesn’t have to be a major getaway. It’s spring, so let’s drive a few hours to see the cherry trees in blossom, and on our way we can stop at a castle from the 11th century and then stop for lunch in an old pueblo where you feel like you’re back in times 100 years with “grandma” making you a homemade meal. Or let’s hang out on the Mediterranean this weekend.
So there you have it. I hope I’ve inspired you to come to Spain in some capacity. If I have, please let me know!
