
Title: I Moved to Spain to Build a New Life – Here’s the Biggest Challenge I Faced
As I settled into my new life in Spain, I was excited to start fresh and explore all that this beautiful country had to offer. However, it didn’t take long for me to realize that there were some significant cultural differences that would require adjustment. The biggest challenge I faced was adapting to the siesta culture.
Coming from a country where the concept of taking a mid-day nap is foreign, I found it difficult to adjust to the Spanish tradition of shutting down businesses and shops during the hottest part of the day (typically between 2 pm and 4 pm). As someone who is used to constant availability and being able to get things done at any time of the day, this sudden lack of service and availability was jarring.
At first, I struggled with the feeling of disconnection and isolation that came with not being able to do what I needed to do during those hours. But, as I settled in and started getting used to the rhythm of Spanish life, I began to see the benefits of this unique culture. The siesta period allows people to recharge and refocus, which ultimately leads to a better work-life balance.
I also discovered that many businesses were open later than expected, making up for the lost time during the day. It was an adjustment, but once I got used to it, I realized that it wasn’t just about getting things done efficiently, but also about embracing and respecting the unique cultural norms of my new home.
In the end, adjusting to the siesta culture took some time, but it ultimately became a valuable part of my experience living in Spain.
Source: www.dailymail.co.uk