Learning the Rhythms: One Family’s Journey After Relocating from the US to Spain

A Bold Move Across the Atlantic

For many, the idea of uprooting a family to start a new life in a foreign country is the ultimate dream. For Brian Hodge and his family, that dream became a reality about 18 months ago when they decided to sell their home and most of their possessions in the United States to settle in Spain. Now in their 40s, the parents and their two children embarked on this journey to step outside their comfort zones, but the transition has been marked by a series of cultural lessons learned through trial and error.

The Challenge of Spanish Time

One of the most significant adjustments for the family has been navigating the Spanish approach to time, particularly regarding dining and retail. In the US, convenience is often king, but in Spain, the pace is dictated by local customs that prioritize leisure over speed. The family quickly discovered that attempting to eat dinner at 7:30 p.m.—a standard time for many American families—often results in finding restaurants still closed for the evening, forcing them to settle for snacks like olives and ham at home.

This reality was punctuated by an early experience where the family arrived at a restaurant only to find the staff still preparing for the shift. The hostess, still removing her motorcycle helmet, gently suggested they return later with a reservation. It was a stark introduction to the reality that in Spain, dinner service rarely begins before 8 p.m.

Navigating Business Hours and the ‘Siesta’

Beyond dining, the rhythm of daily errands has required a complete recalibration. The family has learned that the reliability of ‘always-open’ stores is not a feature of their new home. Sundays often see local supermarkets shuttered, and the bustling Mercado Central is closed on Mondays, leaving those who didn’t plan ahead without access to fresh produce or fish. Furthermore, the traditional ‘siesta’—a mid-day break where businesses close for several hours—often catches the family off guard, resulting in locked doors when they least expect it.

Embracing the Culture of ‘Sobremesa’

Despite the initial frustrations, the family has come to appreciate the intentionality behind these cultural norms. The Spanish café culture, where sidewalks are filled with neighbors of all ages, has encouraged the family to adopt a more laid-back attitude. They have learned that eating while walking or commuting is considered poor form and that rushing through a meal is unnecessary.

They have also embraced the concept of sobremesa—the tradition of lingering over conversation long after a meal has finished. While they initially struggled with the need to flag down waiters to receive their check, they now recognize that the lack of pressure to leave is a positive aspect of the local lifestyle.

Unexpected Wins in Translation

Not all mistakes have been negative. During one of their first outings, a misunderstanding regarding the language led to a delightful surprise. Intending to simply ask for a menu, Hodge inadvertently ordered a menú del día. Instead of a single item, the family was treated to a delicious three-course meal for approximately 14 euros per person. The experience was so positive that they now actively seek out these fixed-price menus, proving that even language barriers can lead to rewarding discoveries.

A Successful Adventure

While the family remains uncertain about how long they will stay in Spain, they view the experience as a success. By trading the convenience-focused lifestyle of the US for the deliberate, slower pace of Spanish life, they have learned to plan more effectively and appreciate the beauty of slowing down. For the Hodge family, the bumps and bruises of the first year have been a small price to pay for the growth they have experienced along the way.

Source: businessinsider.com