living abroad : part 1 / observant nomad

Living abroad was to this day the best decision I've ever made. It gave me an opportunity to discover myself at a time when I felt pretty lost. Living in Spain was my clean slate, a fresh start, and as cliché as it is, felt like the beginning of huge chapter of my life.I think living abroad is something everyone should do if given the opportunity.

Whether your work relocates you, or you 're hitting that 20-something life crisis (or mid-life!) moving abroad is a great way to challenge yourself and grow your confidence while expanded your comfort zones.

After living in Spain for 6 months I felt like I had a pretty good grasp on traveling, being alone, and exploring. And by then I'd seen plenty of people swing through town and end up feeling frustrated about one thing or another. So I decided to let you in on some of my personal philosophies I developed when I moved abroad, so others can avoid the same pitfalls - whether you're moving or just visting, these all apply.

The first rule: forget your expectations. Destroy them, bury them, burn them, shelf them. Whatever you have to do - let them go. Expectations have no place when you visit a foreign country. As the great Osho said, "Expectation is the mother of all frustrations."And when you experience a new place, culture, and people for the first time - it's a good idea to let go of any assumptions you have.

Assumptions could be anything, like, I think the cab will be here on time, the grocery store is open all day, waiters have to give good service to get a tip, or that place/person/experience is going to be cold/warm/friendly/rude/fun/boring.

Here's a solid example. Several Americans and other non-Euro kids I know had big frustrations with the dynamics of waitstaff in Spain. In the US we're used to doting waitstaff who work hard for those tips. They make close to nothing otherwise because our society allows waitstaff to get paid cents on the hour. But that's our culture and there are many 'norms' we've created because of that situation. For instance a bad waiter will (usually) still receive a 10-15% tip because it's customary.

In Spain it's very different. Because of their socialist-economy, waitstaff are payed a high minimum wage and most waiters make a decent paycheck - without tips! So in Spain you don't tip the waiter. The most common tips you leave is the change on a bill. I've seen Spanish waiters chase Americans out the door telling them they forgot their money in the restaurant!

Ok, what's the point? Well because waitstaff makes good money - they don't wait on you hand and foot. They don't have to work so hard for a tip. Instead, you have to snap your fingers, raise your hand, give them a nod, or get their attention somehow to get service.

Most Americans feel really uncomfortable and rude doing this - but it's normal for the Spanish (don't worry they're not offended, as long as you're respectful doing it). So a lot of foreigners end up feeling really frustrated about dining out, because they expect the experience to go a certain way. They're not used to having to grab a waitstaff for service and feel like they're not doing their "job".

Here's what they might be missing out on with those expectations: Because of this custom, eating in Spain is a leisurely and relaxed experience. Lunch is usually a 2 hour experience, and tapas can be even longer. This is because the waitstaff isn't trying to rush you out the door, they make the same money if you're there or not. Want to sit with friends out of the rain and enjoy a bottle of wine? Go ahead! No rush.

During meals, wine comes included with your order, the food pours out, and friends take their time enjoying each other and laughing. There's no awkward moment where the waiter interrupts your embarrassing story. Or asks you with a fake smile a hundred times if you want to refill the 2oz missing in your water. Instead you can get service when you want it.

And it will happen everywhere. Your expectations will be challenged and changed at every corner - and that's ok! Expectations covers everything from daily cultural norms (like eating out) to traditions (bullfighting anyone?) and even social interactions (flirting is different everywhere).

To avoid this, first allow yourself to acknowledge all your expectations about where you're going. Write them down, think about them, anything. Just get it out. Cover everything. Then try to imagine how you're going react when those assumptions are broken. Then one by one feel the freedom when you mentally let each one go.

Another good idea is to read up before you go! I highly recommend the Culture Smart book series for quick reference on the go. Or Culture Crossing seemed to get a lot of Spanish norms right (even the drinking behaviors!)

all photos by observant nomad

Living Abroad 01 : Expectations

Living Abroad 02 : Saying Yes

Birthday Getaway in Keystone, CO