Be aware of a very step increase in housing cost, both rent and buy.
There's a massive increase in house prices and it doesn't seem to stop any time soon.
Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia. It’s a smallish country. Especially compared to US. Saw quite a bit of protests in the short time I was there. Mostly in Madrid. This was pre-covid. Weed is legal. Not sure about racism but they have a good amount of African migrants/immigrants. I could imagine some conservative/nationalist types being racist against black people. I am not white and didn’t feel any racism. Excellent public transportation in the cities. Things are more affordable than other parts of Europe. They got Real Madrid so if you like soccer/futbol you’re in for a treat. Weather is nice. Not too hot, not too cold. Tight knit families. Small houses (casitas) or apartments are more common than parts of US. Catalonia is technically part of Spain but many people there have wanted independence. Good nightlife. Pollen gets crazy during spring/summer so if you have allergies get ready with spray or whatever you need. Incredible history and architecture. Lots of variety with food. Obviously great tapas, jamon, paella and wine. Have fun! Visit southern Spain if/when you can especially during Féria. Also during Christmas time people wear traditional hoods that look like KKK in US. They are not KKK.
Also during Christmas time people wear traditional hoods that look like KKK in US. They are not KKK.
Always good to give someone a heads-up on that one 😅 Roman Catholic tradition predates the KKK by centuries. Presumably the KKK stole their look, like the Nazis stole the 卍.
It's great, got stuck in Madrid over COVID and never left.
Weed had been decriminalised. It's not legal. You can still get done for it.
The government at the moment is Socialist (PSOE), the pigs are still pretty fascist though.
In bars/restaurants you will typically get tapa with a alcoholic drink or a refresco (soda) but not with coffee for some reason. A lot of Spanish food is beige but don't let that put you off!
Also, the menus are pretty much the same wherever you go. I've had Spanish people get offended when I've pointed this out, when you arrive and start eating out, you'll see what I mean.
They still kill bulls for fun.
It's fairly early still and I've not had any caffeine so feel free to ask anything else
Just a heads-up: rent is increasing sharply here in Spain so getting an apartment near the centre of the city will be quite expensive.
Spain is a fantastic country, one of the richest culturally, historically and architecturally in Europe, definitely. And the people are, much like the Portuguese and Italians, "normal", friendly, sociable, easy to talk to, etc. I've only been there for short periods of time but I always enjoyed it. And many cities have their own cultural quirks and parties, like the Fallas in Valencia, it's just great. Weed is pretty common but you don't see fent zombies and alcoholics roaming around, at least not in the cities I was in, so that's another positive.
"Might be moving...."??? Dude, how about you check it out first, before deciding to move.
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