British mum moves to Spain and can't get over school run difference
With unpredictable weather and the expensive cost of living, it's easy to see why some Brits think about moving abroad. Spain is always a popular choice for relocation thanks to its great food, range of activities and, of course, sunshine-filled days. One mum has opened up about how moving to Spain has "altered her brain chemistry" as she highlighted the many things which are totally different from UK life.
The mum-of-two, named Becky, was fed up of working just to pay bills, being stuck with mortgage repayments, paying off her car, and feeling like she had no time in her day to spend with her family.
Fed up, she and her partner made the decision to relocate to Alicante, on the Costa Blanca. They sold everything and moved, and now they get to enjoy "family time every day" and a "minimalist lifestyle", Becky said.
Taking to TikTok, the mum said: "We sold our home of nine years. We sold nearly every single thing we owned. We needed to try for our boys. We were fed up of working to pay bills. We moved in with family - one bedroom for all four of us and the cat. We applied for our visas. Then the long wait began."
Becky has opened up about some things that are totally different about day-to-day life in Spain compared to the UK.
The mum, known online as @bex_from_rain_to_spain, noted that school drop off is a lot more relaxed in Spain. She said there are "kisses on cheeks from teachers" and "parents casually hanging around the gate". She also said there is "no chaotic morning rush" like often seen in UK schools.
She also said that local police help control traffic in school areas, and aid children crossing the roads. She did note that the eating schedules "make no sense" in Spain; lunch is at 2pm and dinner is at 9pm.
Now, after dropping their sons off at school, Becky and her partner are able to enjoy romantic walks on the beach. Becky also said after school time is different; she sees people go to the park at 8pm and it's "normal".
Brits who have also moved to Spain shared their observations in the comments. One mum said: "Kids' birthday parties that start at 7pm and end after midnight." One other commented: "I went to visit my friend in Spain and tell me why we were eating dinner at 10pm, we didn't finish until midnight."
Another said: "I love all these things about living in Spain, except the meal times! I just can't get in the rhythm! But school drop off is such a vibe."
One other said: "It's freedom and less stress for parents, our nervous system loves it." Another wrote: "Spanish school and the school run was the biggest culture shock for us too. I love it though...school just seems a little more fun here."
"We are moving this year, can't wait," added one other.
Becky has noted that the UK is more modern in some ways. She claims that you "need seven documents for one task". Becky said: "Life in Spain is amazing...but don't come here thinking it's plug and play. It's more...unplug, photocopy, replug, stamp and hope."
Would you ever consider moving abroad? Comment below.
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