Something that hits you pretty quickly after moving to Spain? The pace of life here moves like it just had a long lunch, a glass of wine, and nowhere to be.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I love it now. I really do. There’s something beautiful about taking your time, lingering over a coffee, strolling instead of speed-walking like you’re late to everything (because you usually are). But I’m not going to lie to you and pretend the adjustment didn’t come with some seriously frustrating moments in the beginning.
Coming from the U.S., where we practically worship at the altar of convenience, I was used to things happening now, if not five minutes ago. You want groceries at 10 p.m.? Sure. Need to return something at a store on Sunday? No problem. Spain? Not so much.
Examples That Almost “Broke” Me
- The grocery store closes at 9:30 p.m., and if you miss it, that’s it. No last-minute snacks. No emergency pasta. You just sit there… hungry… with your bad decisions.
- Siesta hours? Yeah, that’s real. Businesses shut down in the middle of the day, typically from 2 to 5 p.m. Need to buy batteries? Pick up a package? Sorry. You can’t. Spain’s on lunch, and honestly, they deserve it. But still. It’ll test your patience like nothing else.
- Appointments run late. Always. A 3:00 p.m. meeting? You’re lucky if it starts by 3:30. And if you’re early? That’s on you.
- No Sunday errands. I learned this the hard way. I once mapped out my whole Sunday to get things done. Walked into town all motivated, ready to conquer my to-do list… only to be greeted by shutters, silence, and one open café serving coffee at a glacial pace. And honestly? That café was living its best life.
After the initial frustration wore off (and a few “Why is nothing open?!” breakdowns), I started noticing something: life just feels fuller here.
People aren’t rushing around like they’re being chased by time itself. Meals last hours. Coffee dates turn into deep convos. Grocery runs become casual strolls. You’re forced, whether you like it or not, to slow down, to look around, to be present. And once you stop fighting it, it starts to feel… kind of amazing.
Things do get done. Just not always when you expect. And somehow, that ends up being okay.
And not just in a “breathe deeply in yoga” kind of way. It teaches you to let go of control. To trust that you’ll get there, even if you’re running on Spanish time. To embrace the long waits as moments to rest, reflect, or just sit in silence without refreshing your email 27 times.
The slower pace isn’t always convenient, but it is intentional. And that’s something I think we forget when we’re constantly chasing efficiency back home. Spain reminds you: life isn’t meant to be optimized. It’s meant to be felt.
So, yes, I still miss the convenience of the U.S. sometimes. But now? I’m kind of obsessed with this slower rhythm. Even when it makes me late. Even when it messes up my plans. It forces me to live. Not just do.
And honestly, I think that’s the point.
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
