DroomHuisSpanje
Avda. Príncipe de Asturias 92
30858 Paretón, Totana
Murcia, Spain
Ok, Spain is certainly not perfect as a country but on the other hand which country is ???? Yet living in Spain has many advantages and this experience can be very positive if you are open to adapting. Even if you are not completely adapted, life in Spain can be good and a new life in the land of the sun can be seen as a permanent holiday, especially if you are of retirement age and have made the switch from the Netherlands or Belgium to Spain and you don't have to worry financially .
As a country, Spain has a lot to offer people: the weather, nature, culture, gastronomy , relaxed life, beaches, nice people, etc. So here's a brief overview of 10 reasons why living in Spain is simply great. Do you have any tips, ideas, have we forgotten something or have comments, let us know below in a comment on this article. It's always nice to hear from the readers.
1- Climate ( Costa Calida best in winters)
Undoubtedly, many Dutch and Belgians have moved to Spain because they have had it with the gray, cold and rainy days and prefer to live in a country and region where people have an average of more than 300 days of sunshine per year. In many places along the Mediterranean Sea, for example, and the winters are mild with pleasant temperatures, one can speak of a wonderful spring and quiet autumn, but it can get quite warm in the summer. For many emigrants it is therefore absolutely wonderful to have so many beautiful, sunny and warm days where when it rains one can still speak of Spanish rain, which can be just a bit more pleasant than the Northern European rain (also because these showers are often short but be powerful).
2- Culture and nature
With 44 monuments and nature reserves , Spain is number 3 on the Unesco list and that is great if you have started living there. So there is always something to see when you get in the car and, just like the Spaniards themselves, go on holiday in their own country. From the Moorish culture in Murcia city or the historic buildings in Cartagena and not to mention the overwhelming nature of the Sierra Espuña. Spain is one of those countries where you can see something different every holiday and where you almost never get bored.
3- Gastronomy
Spain is the country of Mediterranean cuisine and known for, among other things, the healthy Mediterranean diet (dieta mediterranea) which consists of only fresh products that are healthy for you and form a perfect balance. Whether you like tapas, pintxos, paella, marisco (fish), carne (meat) or verduras (vegetables), there is something for everyone. Add to this the many good restaurants (of which several with Michelin stars) and the fact that people take a wonderfully long time to eat or dine extensively, and the gastronomy is a party. Sitting for a long time on a terrace by the water enjoying a menu del día (daily menu) while everyday life goes by is one of those things that you can easily do in Spain.
4- People
Spaniards are generally (but depending on where you live) very friendly and helpful. That will not apply everywhere, but in general that is the rule and thought of many emigrated Dutch and Belgians. If you do not master the Spanish language, people are usually happy to help you, but if you do speak Spanish (or a little bit) then a whole new world will open up for you.
5- Manana
Spain is the country of the famous “mañana” which literally means “tomorrow” but is also used for “later”. It is actually not a Spanish word but a way of life that many foreigners sometimes have difficulty with. Often (but not always) everything is taken with a grain of salt and people say one thing while showing something else. However, it is also this relaxed attitude that ensures that many Dutch and Belgians go to live in Spain, away from the hectic, haste and crowds. However, the "mañana" feeling can be tricky if you want to get something done that regularly tests your patience.
6- Social
Living in Spain is a social happening where it is very common to put everything aside to have a nice (a word that does not exist in Spanish) with your friends, colleagues or family . That can be a drink, eating tapas, sitting on a terrace, going to the beach, playing sports, etc. In the eyes of many foreigners, social life in Spain is much better than in their own country. They still take the time for each other and they also want to help each other if necessary. The family ties are also much stronger and it often happens that whole families get together during a weekend and people see each other regularly.
7- Siesta
It sounds very strange to many Dutch and Belgians who live in their own country, but closing your eyes for an hour or so during the siesta is very nice and also healthy. In today's busy society of rushing, doing everything quickly and busy, taking a moment of rest is very welcome. Unfortunately, the daily schedule in the Netherlands and Belgium is not set to this, but in Spain they are. It is admittedly less and less common and many people do not get around to it in Spain anymore, but if you can you should definitely do it ... just close your eyes for 45 to 60 minutes, phone and television off and sleep or rest. A siesta does wonders ????
8- The language
For many Dutch and Belgians, speaking Spanish is a wonderful thing. It is not only a beautiful language to speak but also pleasant to listen to. Many foreigners are fully prepared when they move to Spain and speak and read Spanish reasonably to well, but others choose to learn the language while in the country. Speaking Spanish is highly recommended if you move to Spain. It not only ensures that you will live more pleasantly among the Spaniards, a world will also open up for you if you understand everything and everyone better.
9- Affordable
Living in Spain does not have to cost a lot of money. Of course, the largest cost item is buying (or renting) a home , but beyond that the costs are not that bad. Of course there are plenty of things in the Netherlands and Belgium that may be cheaper or priced the same but better, but Spain is not an expensive country. This is already noticeable in the supermarkets where many items are priced better than in the Netherlands or Belgium. You can notice this at the gas station where filling your petrol/diesel tank will be many times cheaper. This is already noticeable when paying the road tax (compared to the Netherlands and Belgium that is a joke). It is noticeable in the restaurants and bars where coffee, soft drinks, beer and especially wine are many times cheaper than in the Netherlands and Belgium. But keep in mind that Spaniards generally earn much less than in the Netherlands and Belgium, which means that life for a foreigner in Spain can be pleasant and cheap, but very expensive for a Spaniard with a minimum income.
10- Life on the street
If you like a life on the streets then Spain is the perfect country. Of course the temperatures help a lot, but the mentality of the inhabitants of Spain is also important. It is quite normal to meet up with friends on the street and to have a drink on a terrace with tapas on the side. After the midday meal, you still see a “paseo” or walk for digestion, preferably in groups. Besides life during the day, everything really comes to life after about 7 pm, after which the shopping centers and shopping streets fill up, supermarkets are strewn with people, terraces are packed and it is still a lot of fun on the street (or rather outside the door) until long after dinner time. ).
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