Whether you call it being an expat or an immigrant, the experience remains equally enriching. In this post, I’ve compiled 8 reasons why I adore being an immigrant in Valencia.
I’ve never been shy to admit to the realities of being an immigrant in Valencia. Moving abroad is challenging. But for those who have taken the risk find out that there are also advantages of living somewhere other than the country that you were born in.
You know, being an immigrant isn’t exactly a new experience for me. I was just 12 when my family packed up from the Philippines and settled in the UK, where I’ve spent pretty much my entire life. It was quite a journey, leaving behind everything familiar—family, traditions, culture—all at such a tender age. Those early years were definitely a rollercoaster, navigating through a new school, trying to get the hang of a new language, and basically figuring out life in a whole new world.
Our Transplant to Valencia
I suppose moving around a bit does toughen you up. So, nine years back, my family and I took a leap of faith, saying goodbye to our life in the UK and diving headfirst into a new adventure in Valencia, Spain. Sure, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing—being far from loved ones definitely has its moments, made even tougher this past year. But you know what? Despite the challenges, I’m all about finding the silver linings. So, in this post, I can’t wait to share why I’ve grown to love my life as an immigrant in Valencia, Spain.
8 Reasons Why I Love Being An Immigrant In Valencia
Spanish culture
They say you’re never too old to learn new things, and that’s how it is living in Spain. I still get excited to learn new things. Whether it’ll be a new custom, new food, a new word, it certainly keeps me on my toes! Every time I visit a new place I’m always in awe of its history, and beauty.
Self-discovery
Moving abroad can change you in many ways. I realised that this is a personal journey, though it doesn’t seem obvious, after a few years I looked back and realise how much this experience has grown and changed me for the better. I have discovered the importance of being patient, which is inevitable when you have to deal with Spanish bureaucracy and the mañana attitude on a regular basis.
Speaking another language
Speaking Spanish makes me appreciate and understand the history, their values, and culture. Even though I had my own struggles of speaking Spanish I believe that life is so much better as an expat when you can communicate. Even if it’s just asking the local market vendor how to cook a certain ingredient or asking the neighbour about their family. There is a deeper connection that forms when you can communicate with the locals in their native language.
A new perspective
Those small annoyances that I have back in the UK seem frivolous. After 9 years of dealing with bureaucracy and cultural hurdles certainly put things in perspective. Living in Spain exposes you to a new set of social and cultural differences that you didn’t know about. Instead of moaning about things, my focus has shifted to enjoying the moment and appreciating how lucky I am to be living somewhere that I love!
A ‘new me’
I wouldn’t say that I’m a completely different person compared to when I lived in the U.K. But I have certainly changed in some ways. I have taken up yoga, something I never thought I would do. For certain that the relaxed way of life had influenced me to take on something good for the mind and body. I don’t care much for designer handbags or shoes anymore, shorts and flip-flops are my new must-haves for 6 months of the year.
More opportunities to travel
Living in Spain gives you more options to explore the continent. A road trip to France or Italy? No problem, just get in a car and away you go! It’s also great to know first hand when the cheapest places are and when to go. With many beaches and places to explore, who needs a holiday anywhere else anyway?!
Making new international friends
Living in Valencia I’ve been lucky enough to meet so many people from around the world. Knowing people from different backgrounds gives you a more detailed insight into their cultures. This also has allowed me to talk about where I came from, and break certain stereotypes that I may have formed before I lived here.
Inviting friends and families over
As much as I love going to the UK to visit family and friends, I much prefer them to come over and enjoy our home. Inviting family and friends to stay for as long as they want is one of the best things about living in Valencia. It allows me to be their own personal tour guide and show them the best places to go and the best places to eat. Most of all it gives us the best family bonding together, while also enjoying sunshine, amazing food and sights that Valencia has to offer.
Final Thoughts
Even though moving to Spain has its fair share of challenges, it’s not made me want to pack up and leave. I guess 9 years of living here proves that. Yes, there have been times out of frustration when I thought “In England, it would be easier to do xxx ….” but we are not in England and adjusting is the key to a happy and fulfilled life if you choose to live in a new country.
The truth is, being an immigrant in Valencia has given me the chance to open my eyes to see different ways of living. Living in Valencia for this long has allowed me to truly immerse myself in the local lifestyle. Of course, the hours of sun, the Med life, diet, and relaxed atmosphere contribute a lot to enjoying life too! After 9 years, I have certainly adapted to life here and at times it feels that I have been here forever!
Do you live in Spain? What do you love about being an immigrant? Let me know in the comments below!
1 comment