A Casual Notebook

To the prior commenter and dispenser of wisdom:

I would thank you for the travel tips, but they are less advice and more of a list of problems you seem to have had.
I have lived in Spain for just over two years, and while the visa situation is not easy, it is not impossible. Nor is life impossible. Nor is it even marginally difficult. I work hard everyday and it has paid off for me. I set goals for myself, try to be smart with the money I make, and I have something to offer that benefits this country in general while not taking away from potential local employment.

And anyone looking to live in a country for longer than a backpack trip and a few hostel stays should be unaware of the necessity of learning the local language; if they are unaware or oblivious if this, then they simply deserve what awaits them.

Even during my first months living of here, my advice to anyone thinking of coming to Spain went well beyond the common bitching about bureaucracy, slowness of business transactions and the obvious unemployment. And I am the same now. There are more important (and interesting) things to advise the newcomer. Listening to complaints about these things is more cumbersome and trying than the "bureaucracy" itself.

I wouldn't say that there aren't risks and disadvantages (and pains in the ass) of living here, but if moving to Spain is a "massive gamble," I guess I've won the lottery, as I am happier here than in my prior life in sunny San Diego. And I would attribute that more to Spain than my own virtues.

I believe that living in a foreign country requires a lot of things, some of which are respect for the culture and language, patience, open-mindedness, reluctance to jump to conclusions and spout small-minded advice, and guts.

Sometimes, people look to others to help them make decisions about moving to another place. I guess am thankful that I didn't read your advice before I came here.