"I am firmly convinced that Spain is the strongest country of the world. Century after century trying to destroy herself and still no success.” — Otto Von Bismarck
Reading through this, the familiarity strikes me. Everything from envy to complaining about everything is so in line with my very own culture. It's not to say that problems don't arise that cause all the anger, but if you can't be happy for your neighbour, how do you expect to see any change? Of course, this doesn't deter me from Spain at all, as these traits are common in lots of countries, and I do hope to visit Spain one day and scratch it off my bucket list.
what a fun peek inside of your home country, your mindset, and your willingness to make a drastic change that felt right to you. it reminds me of derek sivers decision to leave america and even revoke his citizenship so he can never return. ive been blessed to travel to several foreign countries but have never lived abroad. whats been the most unexpected benefit? and downside?
Portugal feels a lot like Spain. The most unexpected benefit has been meeting other Spaniards that left because of the same reasons I wrote above. I knew there were a lot of foreigners in Portugal, but I wasn't expecting to meet many Spanish people.
The downside is bureaucracy. Spain is inefficient, but I think Portugal reaches a whole new level on this regard.
Agreed, it's a serious problem, but it's extremely unpopular. The government course of action so far has been raising taxes to make up for the demographic imbalance. But it's only going to get worse.
I live in Spain right now, but am from Germany and if you had exchanged the words Spain and Spanish with German and Germans, the same Post would work perfectly. I was lucky to be invited to an exchange in the Air Force from Germany to USA, then stayed another 22 years to build two companies and now look at retiring partially in Europe (Spain) and keeping my businesses in USA. There are a number of things I find much better in Spain, first and foremost safety and respect for the elderly, but that's another article you could write. 😊
Exactly and at least for my wife and I we find the cost of food especially so much more affordable at mostly better quality. Something has broken in the US around 2018 and prices kept getting really crazy. I even, just to prove the point grew some cucumbers and tomatoes in the back yard of our house in San Diego during COVID. Not sure of that's everywhere in the US but now that I am in Albir, it is a joy to be able to indulge in all the goodness and not worry about the cost, especially when buying seasonal offerings.
The other thing for us was the reintroduction of culture, historic building, historic and religious events and community. Maybe we are still just flashed after 30 years away and now 15 months here, but there is a lot to say about your country that good.
I liked the culture index you shared. I think the US and the UK stand apart anyway so maybe an apples and oranges comparison. How does it compare to Japan for instance? Thanks for sharing. 'Watch the English' is an interesting reference read I can recommend.
I understand that. It can be difficult to fit in if you don’t share the same values. Though I do love Spanish people. They’re fun, warm, and friendly overall.
Reading through this, the familiarity strikes me. Everything from envy to complaining about everything is so in line with my very own culture. It's not to say that problems don't arise that cause all the anger, but if you can't be happy for your neighbour, how do you expect to see any change? Of course, this doesn't deter me from Spain at all, as these traits are common in lots of countries, and I do hope to visit Spain one day and scratch it off my bucket list.
Where are you from? Spain is great, you should definitely visit. And I should write about the good things too.
Canada, but have a middle eastern background. And yes please do! Looking forward to hearing all the good things.
Courageous article. I feel that an Italian and a French should write something similar.
Yes, I think most of this applies to countries in Southern Europe
what a fun peek inside of your home country, your mindset, and your willingness to make a drastic change that felt right to you. it reminds me of derek sivers decision to leave america and even revoke his citizenship so he can never return. ive been blessed to travel to several foreign countries but have never lived abroad. whats been the most unexpected benefit? and downside?
Thanks for the comment Arman!
Portugal feels a lot like Spain. The most unexpected benefit has been meeting other Spaniards that left because of the same reasons I wrote above. I knew there were a lot of foreigners in Portugal, but I wasn't expecting to meet many Spanish people.
The downside is bureaucracy. Spain is inefficient, but I think Portugal reaches a whole new level on this regard.
That is great getting to meet some fellow countrymen/women. Always nice to find out you arent alone in your perspectives.
Haha Ive never heard anyone who has wished for more bureaucracy but Im sure its even worse for foreigners.
What you said about pension in Spain (and pretty much anywhere in Europe) is exactly what I believe about this scheme.
Given the demographic problems EU faces this will be a huge problem soon. And bringing in low paid immigrants won't solve the issue.
I would like to read a comparison between Spain and Portugal. One of those could be an option for me for retirement.
Agreed, it's a serious problem, but it's extremely unpopular. The government course of action so far has been raising taxes to make up for the demographic imbalance. But it's only going to get worse.
Taxes can only go up to 100% "fortunately".
I live in Spain right now, but am from Germany and if you had exchanged the words Spain and Spanish with German and Germans, the same Post would work perfectly. I was lucky to be invited to an exchange in the Air Force from Germany to USA, then stayed another 22 years to build two companies and now look at retiring partially in Europe (Spain) and keeping my businesses in USA. There are a number of things I find much better in Spain, first and foremost safety and respect for the elderly, but that's another article you could write. 😊
That's true. Spain has so many good things, and one of them is that it's a safe country that treats the elderly very well.
Exactly and at least for my wife and I we find the cost of food especially so much more affordable at mostly better quality. Something has broken in the US around 2018 and prices kept getting really crazy. I even, just to prove the point grew some cucumbers and tomatoes in the back yard of our house in San Diego during COVID. Not sure of that's everywhere in the US but now that I am in Albir, it is a joy to be able to indulge in all the goodness and not worry about the cost, especially when buying seasonal offerings.
The other thing for us was the reintroduction of culture, historic building, historic and religious events and community. Maybe we are still just flashed after 30 years away and now 15 months here, but there is a lot to say about your country that good.
I liked the culture index you shared. I think the US and the UK stand apart anyway so maybe an apples and oranges comparison. How does it compare to Japan for instance? Thanks for sharing. 'Watch the English' is an interesting reference read I can recommend.
Thank you Jayshree.
I’ve no idea about Japan, but I’m fascinated by this index too. It explains a lot of things. Thoughts, values, social expectations…
I thought I'm the only one left Spain for this things. I'm not alone.
To me, the problem in Spain is full of Spaniards. That aside, is a great country.
I understand that. It can be difficult to fit in if you don’t share the same values. Though I do love Spanish people. They’re fun, warm, and friendly overall.
I'm spaniard
Excellent post. Its always deeply interesting to hear about different countries and cultures, so thank you for your take!
Thanks Dylan! I’ll try to share the good things next time
Looking forward to it!