“They don’t like showing off.” Russian woman about life in Spain, the pros and cons of the country

Spain is a very beautiful and diverse country, about which many people know quite little, although they believe that this is not so. The average Russian is not aware of many interesting and beautiful places in Spain. Do you know what Extremadura is, where Asturias is, or maybe you know a little about Galicia?

If not, in this article I will tell you about interesting but unknown places in Spain.

Everyone knows that Spain is a country located in the southwestern part of Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula, and borders on Portugal, France and tiny Andorra, whose only income is tourism and ski resorts, and its small size does not even allow it to have its own authorities, so Andorra is governed by France and Spain.

The population of Spain is about 47 million people, and the territory is about 505 thousand square meters. km. The capital is Madrid, and the second largest city, but the most popular among tourists, is Barcelona.

The history and modern culture of Spain are closely connected with the Arab Moors, who ruled the country for several centuries, and were completely expelled from Spain only in 1492, leaving a huge number of beautiful architectural monuments. The process of reconquering Spanish territory is called the Reconquista.

Although it is believed that the period of Arab rule in Spain was an occupation, no negative effects occurred in the country; the Moors successfully developed trade, as well as the Spanish cities themselves. Arab influence is especially felt in the south of Spain, in the region of Andalusia, where they ruled for the longest time.

The beauty of Andalusia

Andalusia is one of the most beautiful but lesser-known tourist regions of Spain, which is rich in examples of Arabic architecture, has a completely different culture than the rest of Spain, as well as a very different accent of Spanish, which some call a separate language.

The region has many beautiful cities that are worth visiting. Below you can see what makes each of them stand out.
Granada

The city of Granada is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, in southern Spain. The city is rich in its architecture: it is home to the Alhambra Palace, which is considered the most famous monument of the Islamic heritage of Andalusia. Moreover, the city was founded back in 500 BC, and to this day you can see traces of all the peoples who ruled here.

Seville

Seville is the capital of Andalusia, which is located west of Granada. The city is divided by the Guadalquivir River into parts Seville and Triana, which are very culturally different from each other and successfully complement each other, making up the integral culture of Seville. Here you can also see many palaces and cathedrals built either in the style or during the time of the Moors, and you can also go to one of the many bars where performances of the spirited flamenco dance, which originated in this region, are held.

Malaga

The second largest city in Andalusia, it is located on the Mediterranean Sea, giving it a relaxed, resort town feel. Just 5 km north of the city, lies the Malaga Mountains. This combination of mountains and sea makes Malaga one of the most beautiful cities in Spain.

Lost Extremadura

The Extremadura region is perhaps the least known part of Spain. It is located on the border with Portugal. The population of the region is quite small, largest city has a population of only 55 thousand people. The region's features include mountains, forests, lakes and national parks, such as Cornalvo and Monfrag.

Although the 'extrema' in the region's name translates to 'external', the word 'extreme' is a much better word for the region. The average temperature here in summer does not fall below 28 degrees, and is more often around 40, while in winter it snows periodically.

Traditional Asturias

The Asturias region is also unknown among foreign tourists, although it is well known among the Spaniards. Located in the north of Spain, it is another place full of natural attractions such as mountains and national parks. In addition, the region borders the ocean and is also home to interesting cities, full interesting traditions and different from Spanish culture.

Asturias has its own culture, cuisine, also a different accent, which the locals consider a separate language, as well as a developed economy, despite the virtual absence of international chains and brands.

Visit the city of Oviedo if you want to feel like a resident of a medieval Spanish town of the 16-17th century, because here people live the same way as hundreds of years ago.

Rough Basques

The Spanish Autonomous Region, located to the west of Asturias, is the most remote from the rest of Spain, since it is, although partially used Spanish(mainly due to the oppression of minorities by the Spanish dictator Francisco Franco), but the main language is Basque.

I would describe local residents as a nation of rockers due to the fact that most of them have piercings, cropped and dyed hair on the sides, wear jeans almost exclusively, and are burly and athletic.

The Basques have long been fighting for independence from Spain, since the Basque Country is the second most developed region of the country (out of 17, after Catalonia). Healthcare, education, and finance are highly developed here. Bilbao is the capital of the region, but not its most interesting city. Better yet, visit San Sebastian on the seashore near the French border, where the famous film festival is periodically held.

Rich Catalonia

Catalonia is a more famous region of Spain, where our fellow countrymen love to relax on the snow-white beaches near Barcelona. Popular beach resorts include small resort towns near Barcelona, as well as Alicante and Benidorm.

In addition to the well-known Barcelona, I advise you to visit Valencia, the second largest city in Catalonia, no less rich in attractions, but not so crowded with tourists and more pleasant for a relaxing holiday under the warm sun.

Another city worth visiting is Girona, where low-cost airlines often fly. The town is small, but also very interesting. Moreover, some parts of the series “Game of Thrones” were filmed here.

This was my list of interesting but unknown places to visit in Spain. I hope that I have helped you learn more about this diverse country and now you will diversify your travels. Check out 50 Budget Travel Tips from 15 Experienced Travel Bloggers Now!

About the author
Roman, creator of the blog RomanRoams.com about travel, interesting and unknown places in various cities and countries, as well as tips for travelers, as well as the website Visit-Belarus.com about beautiful places and useful information about Belarus.

Let's also remember about the famous castles of Spain: here, and here. Let's not miss the most beautiful and tall one. And there was also such a curious incident and

NB: This post was written in 2014 as an answer to frequently asked questions. Some things have changed since then, and in any case this text cannot be considered as a guide to emigration (it is anything but a guide to emigration!) I may edit it later to make it more relevant to the moment, but for now, allow for time and purpose of the text please.

I wrote this post more than one day, but in my head, probably, more than one month or even a year. Every day I get asked many questions about how we ended up in Spain, how we live here, how we left. I’ll say right away that I can’t or want to answer everything, and our story is too atypical to be used as a recipe. And so I will tell everything that I consider necessary, simply as a story from my life. Let's just say that there will be a post that I can show in response to all questions :) I hope that you will be interested in reading about it, because this incredibly important step largely determines my life and who I am today, and also this a little about the fact that everyone dreams of completely different things, which means there is enough in the world for everyone.

Let me start with the fact that until I was 23, I almost never traveled outside of Russia. I worked a lot, some people know, and some even remember how it all was - my family never even had the opportunity to go on vacation abroad, and when I was left on my own, then, of course, I immediately provided for myself I couldn’t travel. In general, I didn’t even think about them, it was so beyond the boundaries of my reality at that time. Just around the age of 23, I began to slowly get out of my problems, including financial ones, and later I met my husband, who at that time had been an obsessed traveler for many years. So not only one person came into my life, but also the whole world along with him. A period of long and numerous trips began, mostly, however, along Southeast Asia, we were constantly on suitcases, or rather on backpacks, and visited a lot of places.

But in my husband’s head for a long time there was an idea to leave Moscow somewhere where life is calmer and slower, where the climate is warmer, somewhere closer to nature, but with a European mentality and general high level comfort. At that time, I just didn’t love Moscow that much (forgive me, dear fans of the capital, I am with you in many ways and will return to the topic, but Moscow for me is not a city where I would like to live), so I was skeptical about the idea of moving with enthusiasm, but give your answer to the question “where exactly?” I couldn’t yet, because I hadn’t seen much yet.

UPD from the future. Now I understand that the desire to travel a lot, as well as the desire to move, was in many ways an escape from a reality in which it was quite scary. Unresolved family conflicts followed me, which I still spend a long time and painfully sorting out in therapy, but then physically eliminating myself seemed the simplest and surest (and in many ways this is true). And I was ready to go anywhere, although Spain, of course, was and remains an excellent option.

My husband was a long-time fan of Spain and traveled almost the entire country; he once even thought about moving to Barcelona, but then he didn’t dare. Around 2009, when I was still at university and my husband sometimes traveled without me, he saw the place that has now become our home.

You often ask where exactly we live. It will be enough to say that this is the province of Cadiz and the Atlantic coast to understand the spirit of this place, washed by a calm, but still ocean, looking at Africa through the strait and thoroughly salted by a humid wind. Moreover, this is a comfortable village under pine trees, in which it is quite cozy and safe to live and raise children. There are many tourists here during the season, mainly English, Germans and, of course, Spaniards. In the low season it is deserted, almost deserted, but at the same time quite warm (and in comparison with Moscow - generally hot), but the summer here is also moderate thanks to , again, the ocean and pine trees are only 5 kilometers deep, and it will already be 5 degrees higher, and 50 kilometers from us - and all 10.

In general, then all the lengthy conversations and abstract ideas began to take on real shape. We decided to move and began looking for a house. Our move was not planned as radical - we did not “leave everything behind”, did not sell real estate, did not quit our jobs, we did not move abruptly in one day: a couple of years passed from buying a house until my husband moved here completely, I I lived in 2 countries for more than 3 years, constantly shuttled between Russia and Spain, and it was a separate, not the easiest period for both of us. Now our life is completely focused here, this is our home, and we are happy in it. But, of course, we have family and friends in Russia, and therefore we come regularly and keep in touch.

Here's the story. Now I will try to answer the questions that many people have.

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WHAT DO YOU LIVE ON?

As much as I don’t like such questions and consider them extremely tactless, this topic cannot be avoided. My husband ran more than one successful business in Russia for many years in order to later choose what kind of life and where to live. This allowed us not to go into mortgages and choose a place that is not a compromise for us, but suits most parameters. Now we both work remotely, I have an online blogging school, which takes up all my time.

UPD: As you know, temporarily or forever. But in 4 years I saved enough money to afford this break.

In general, our case is not the most common, and I am definitely not the person you should turn to for advice on emigration or how to settle here and find a job.

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WHY SPAIN AT ALL?

I repeat, my husband has long been in love with this country, and this place especially, and I understand him well :) And if we talk about more mundane things, since we don’t earn money here, it matters to us that the price level here is still lower than in many European countries. At the same time, it is important for us that Moscow remains within reach (therefore, for example, Australia or the States were not considered at all) and plane tickets, although not cheap, are still available. Well, I think everyone already knows about the climate, the ocean and clean air.

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HOW DID YOU CHOOSE A LOCATION AND BUY A HOUSE?

After my husband visited here, there was still no clear understanding that this is where we would be moving. We considered alternatives, for example, Costa Brava and other places on our Costa de la Luz. But in the end the choice fell where it fell. We pedantically toured the places we had our eye on in advance, choosing houses on real estate websites and making inquiries about specific urbanizations. Here we looked at 100,500 houses, left in thought, returned again, negotiated on several options and unexpectedly bought this house. By the way, it was this one that was shown to us first, but then it didn’t fit into our budget, and we just watched it “for general development", but then the price dropped sharply, and we made a deal.

To be honest, regarding the house I didn’t have any love at first sight and the feeling “I want my children to grow up here,” well, how do they film about this in Hollywood? The local architecture still continues to puzzle me, and the general arrangement of everyday life is not entirely clear to me. And therefore any choice would be a compromise. Despite the renovations that we did in the first year, the house still requires serious alterations and improvements and will still never look like the pictures I pin on St. Petersburg. But I love him, and this experience teaches me to accept things as they are.

Firstly, good place– not necessarily a famous place. Moreover, if you don’t want to live in a Russian ghetto, it’s most likely exactly the opposite. If, on the contrary, you want, then your choice is much simpler; the places loved by compatriots are well known. Try to narrow down your geography via the Internet by wandering the streets via Google, reading forums and scrolling through Instagram using geotags. But some things can only be understood by seeing them with your own eyes. Other people's assessments, most often, are almost completely at odds with my perception, and perhaps yours will be the same.

Secondly, if you are targeting a specific location, it would be a good idea to see it in different seasons. If the place is touristic - especially. You may be very surprised and even change your mind, and both the high season and the low season can scare you. If you have the opportunity to rent a house and live for a while, you will get the most accurate idea of how everything will be in reality. You may decide that you don't want to buy but would rather rent. Maintaining a home is quite expensive, sales and purchase taxes are high, the real estate market is growing slowly, and if your peak residence season is during the low season, renting is not the worst solution, giving you not only financial benefits, but also more freedom. However, from the point of view of obtaining a residence permit, renting is not always a good idea.

Thirdly, there are some features of life and construction that you may not know; try to make inquiries about how life works in the country and even the specific region where you are going to move. (Living in rented housing, by the way, will also help a lot with this). For example, if we saw wooden floors somewhere, we could fall for them, and we ourselves wanted to make them, but the truth of life is that here it is very impractical due to high humidity, and we could get into a lot of trouble with them, although this is not the worst thing. And there are no window sills here, they are external, to reduce the heat exchange between the street and the house in the summer heat (I hope I worded it correctly). Well, many other moments are unusual and not ideal for me. All this saddens me, but this is a given, with which there is no particular point in fighting. You can even build your house from scratch according to your design, but in the end it may not meet local requirements dictated by climate and communications.

Fourthly, the procedure for buying a house was not very difficult for us, thanks to our excellent realtor, through whom almost all the houses in our village are sold. He spoke English, and I was able to conduct all the negotiations myself, without an interpreter. But if you don’t know the language, I think that a translator would be very useful for you - when signing, and for preliminary translation of the contract. Most likely, you will first sign a pre-contract and pay some kind of security deposit, which will expire if you change your mind. And do not forget to take into account all the costs of taxes, notary, etc., etc., which in total will amount to more than 10% of the value of the property. If you are interested in a mortgage, then its terms will depend on the region where you are buying real estate, on the willingness of local banks to work with Russians, and their familiarity with Russian “papers” (I can’t even imagine how it is now). In our village this turned into such an epic that we abandoned this idea, even despite the favorable conditions.

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ARE YOU LONELY?

This is one of the most important questions. In general, no. I'm an introvert, I'm fine alone with myself, my husband is my best friend, and we understand each other well on most fundamental issues, and also respect each other's right to personal time. I need him. In huge quantities, to be honest. It is quite difficult for me to be surrounded by people for a long time. Social isolation is our conscious choice. Of course, from time to time I need communication, I love my family and friends, I miss them, I like meeting new people, and I miss quality communication and shared leisure time. Of course, in an ideal world, all my loved ones would be next to me (and not me with them). But this bothers me less than the need to constantly be among people, which exists in Moscow. In the end, you can always buy a plane ticket and fly to Russia or go somewhere on a trip with a friend - everything can be overcome.

UPD: Over time, I began to miss regular communication with loved ones more, but it was also easier to relate to new contacts. Everything flows, everything changes.

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DO YOU KNOW THE LANGUAGE? HOW DOES SOCIALIZATION GO?

More on the issue of socialization. No, I practically don’t know the language. I'm ashamed. All these years I have been ashamed to answer this question, I myself am horrified by it. But the truth is that I don't really need it yet. I don't strive for socialization and almost never find myself in situations where I need to communicate, and not just ask how much oranges cost (I can do that). In general, I have no motivation yet. I think that as soon as it appears, the issue will be magically resolved - I’m good with languages, and I think everything will be fine :)

I don’t use local services, I don’t go to any interest clubs, clubs, etc. I have nowhere to communicate and meet people. I'm not eager to make local friends yet, but I think this will change over time. But now I don’t need it, and I don’t have any urgent need to seek any services yet. I am not a frequent visitor to all these magical places in Russia. Therefore, I cannot compare either health care systems or bureaucracy (oh, it’s there, it’s called in one word mañana, that is, tomorrow, and tomorrow is not the next day after today, it’s some uncertain day in the future).

Have I already warned you that I am probably the worst person in the world to discuss emigration with? :) Do you believe me now?

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WHAT DO YOU LIKE AND DISLIKE ABOUT SPAIN? WHAT IS DIFFERENT FROM RUSSIA?

I have already written a lot about what I like. This is the climate (although the humid, even, I would say, wet local winter tends to be exhausting), this incredible diversity of nature (the Spaniards don’t really travel around the world, but why? There’s everything here!), this is the simplicity of life, these are fresh food and clean air. This is a measured life and just a different level of basic comfort and peace, at least as I understand them.

There are many points where I cannot speak about Spain as a whole, just as it is difficult to speak about Russia in general, for example. It is even more strange to compare the capital of Russia and a Spanish village. And in general, “notes of an emigrant” and all these observations and comparisons are not my path. I know what I know, but I don't know much. Where I live, I really miss cultural life. We live in an agricultural resort area, and although 150 km from Seville, for example, is not such a distance, it is not the same as taking a taxi or metro. And Seville, dearly loved by me, is not Moscow. I really, really miss cute places with an idea - the Spaniards are very undemanding about the surroundings, most establishments are traditionally decorated and cannot boast of an original menu. And I just don’t have enough something within walking distance, although I have the ocean within walking distance, and that’s cooler.

Not enough interesting projects, courses or master classes (to have a reason to learn the language, in particular). There is Ashtanga yoga, horse riding, surfing, languages or guitar and flamenco classes, from all this magic list except that horses attract me, but I’m still a little afraid and I’m still maturing.

It can also be difficult to buy something - finding relatively non-standard furniture, clothing, cosmetics and much more in our district is almost impossible, you need to order delivery or go somewhere far away. Our relationship with delivery is tense, I like to feel everything, so I also suffer a little about this.

I also hate Spanish food. Well, yes, many people write that they like it, but usually upon further questioning it all comes down to jamon and gazpacho. I can’t eat in local restaurants, and every time I have a tasty meal in Spain becomes a special date on the calendar (there are only a couple of them so far). I cook at home 3 times a day, and we eat out only when necessary. It's hard sometimes. But even pizza from a box, which I occasionally succumb to out of laziness, is better for me than local food. May all connoisseurs and lovers forgive me, even though I don’t know how to choose and have bad taste. Well, this is my blog and my experience :)

But the undeniable advantage of local (and any European, in my opinion) catering over Moscow is an adequate markup on drinks, and it will not be easy to drink a fortune in bars here :) By the way, here you can also get behind the wheel after a glass of beer or a glass of wine, here. Not very relevant for me, because I don’t really drink or drive a car, but it’s a fact!

I miss, of course, many of the products that I am used to. But I’ve almost changed my mind. Everyone suffers from a completely standard set of kefir, Borodino bread, buckwheat and borscht :) In general, I have something like that, only I don’t like borscht, but my bourgeois soul yearns for red caviar. It’s also difficult here with good tea, as well as with tea drinking culture in general. So I always need good green tea and you can always give it to me, send it and all that. But the abundance of fresh seasonal fruits grown somewhere 30 kilometers from the store, fresh fish and seafood - I really like all this. Well, and good coffee from every iron for connoisseurs.

I suffer especially greatly from the lack of central heating and the inability to heat the house with appliances (it’s not just expensive, it’s really not particularly possible, since the heat easily escapes - this is how these houses are designed for hot summers). Also, I always don’t have enough sun in my house, even in summer, well, it’s like turning the house around, ours was clearly built by connoisseurs of coolness :) In other areas, in apartment buildings, in new houses, the situation may be slightly different, but electricity will always be expensive, and you will always have to heat It won't be budget friendly. If someone has never actually encountered a fireplace and thinks that they can use it to heat, then I will disappoint you - this is more about the surroundings and about warming up by the fire.

UPD: We recently installed a cast-iron fireplace, it changed the situation somewhat, it became warmer, and we adapted a little; +17 in the room is quite comfortable for us. When I come to Moscow, I am exhausted by the dryness and heat in the rooms.

The Spanish are incredibly noisy. I think everyone who has been to Spain knows this. Sometimes you hear a swarm of bees humming, if you look closely, 2-3 people are talking, but they literally create a curtain of noise. This, of course, has its own charm, but in general, I love silence :) And I’m glad that we live in a quiet corner of the village. But the friendliness and willingness to help or enter into a non-binding dialogue and constant smiles are very pleasant in contrast to Moscow. Well, no matter what they say about southern slowness, I haven’t come across any sleepy clowns at the cash registers or “Chenado” chicks in the windows here, they work quite quickly and are always kind. There’s another problem here - you can always be distracted by chatting or lisping with someone else’s child, and everyone is extremely loyal to this. The queue will never be nervous or rushed because of this; rather, it will join the conversation. Spaniards and I have a different sense of time and its value, so I learn to breathe out and not rush in such moments.

And you also know about siesta. Well, lunchtime nap from 2 to 5. I used to happily make fun of the lazy Spaniards. But the reality is that in the summer it is really so hot during the day that it is impossible to do anything. And sleeping under air conditioning is the only sure way to survive this time and continue activity in the evening and at night, when the heat subsides. Working hours here start early, often Fridays are a short day, before lunch. Nothing is open on Sunday except restaurants. You also need to get used to this. The need to plan all purchases and trips somewhere in advance is not a skill developed in Moscow, because everything is available there 24/7. But now I’ve almost changed my mind and just live like that.

I would like to say more about the Spaniards, but... well, you remember :)

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In general, you probably understand that it is theoretically possible to live in approximately the same way, only with snow and “Russian” cheese, in the Moscow region or somewhere else deeper. The main thing is not to turn on the TV, just as we don’t turn it on here either. But for some reason I like it better here - with the ocean and Manchego cheese. And the point, of course, is not only about the cheese, but also, for example, about the reasons why this cheese is not on supermarket shelves. I am never talking about politics or patriotism, and I will not support these discussions if they suddenly arise. I respect any choice you make and ask you to respect the one I make. I am sure that everyone has their own place on Earth; it does not have to coincide with the place of birth in the passport. And it seems to me that every person has the right and should strive to feel harmony in their life. Here I feel it, despite all the “buts”. And I wish you the same with all my heart.

I probably didn’t say anything about it because I had already stopped noticing it as something special. If you have questions, write, and I will answer them here if possible, and at the same time I will add to the post. Thanks to all those who have overcome it, who are with me and who support me when that same loneliness rolls in (extremely rarely, but it happens to me too). This blog is one of the most powerful things that supports me and opens a “window to the world”, motivating me to work on myself and my life. You are my great inspiration and motivation, and I am grateful for every letter and comment with kind words, for all the warmth you give me, and for the changes you make in your life, maybe with just a little bit of my participation!

P.S.: The first photo was taken by my dear Marina Muravnik, and I clumsily processed it, and the rest are from my archive.

Modern man settled on the Iberian Peninsula about 35 thousand years ago and was the source of the genes of the majority of the modern population of Europe, at least in the female line. 1200 BC the coast began to be developed by the Phoenicians. In the V-III centuries. BC the Celts came here and mixed with the Iberians.

After Punic Wars(III-II centuries BC) the Romans began the conquest of Iberia, which lasted over 200 years. In 19 AD under the Roman Emperor Augustus, Spain became the second most important center of the Roman Empire after Italy itself.

The Romans built many military roads across Spain and established numerous military settlements (colonies); the country quickly became Romanized and even became one of the centers of Roman culture and one of the most prosperous parts of the Roman Empire. Trade flourished, industry and agriculture stood high degree development, the population was very large (according to Pliny the Elder, under Vespasian there were 360 cities here). Christianity penetrated here very early and began to spread, despite bloody persecution.

At the beginning of the 5th century, Alans, Vandals and Suevi entered Spain and settled in Lusitania, Andalusia and Galicia; The Romans temporarily held out in the eastern half of the peninsula. In 415, the Visigoths appeared in Spain, first as allies of the Romans, and gradually ousted all other Germanic tribes. In 711, one of the Visigothic groups called for help from the Arabs and Berbers from northern Africa who were later called the Moors.

In 711-719 almost the entire territory of Spain was conquered by the Arabs, who included the country in their Caliphate. The Moors turned Spain into the most beautiful, comfortable and populated country in Europe. In less than one century, they plowed up uncultivated fields, created a wise irrigation system, and achieved unprecedented harvests thanks to their knowledge of climate, soil, and the development of plants and animals. They introduced the crops of rice, mulberry, banana, pistachio trees, palm trees, sugar cane, unfamiliar flowers and fruits, which later spread throughout the continent. Mining, which had been abandoned since Roman times, was revived and improved with high-performance machinery.

The capture of Granada by the Catholic Kings in 1492 marked the end of the last Islamic state on the peninsula. A significant Muslim population was subjected to (mostly forced) baptism (Moriscos). IN early XVII centuries, the descendants of baptized Arabs and Moors were subjected to total expulsion from the country, along with the remnants of the unbaptized.

is a seaside resort located south of Barcelona and known for its clean and child-safe beaches.

TO Torremolinos and visits to Benalmadena and Fuengirola.

On the site of the former mosque, in 1538, according to the design of Diego de Siloe, the construction of a cathedral began, the construction of which lasted more than two centuries.