Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions people have asked me so far in preparation for my trip:
What am I doing?
I’m going on what I’m calling an “exploratory” trip to Spain to see if I can/want to live there long term. I will be doing some traveling, but primarily living in a few cities and seeing where I can find a job and what feels like a good fit.
When do I leave? May 25, 2011
Why Spain?
That’s where my dad is from. I grew up going there, and I absolutely love it there. I’ve always wanted to try to living there, and this is the year!
Do I speak Spanish?
Yes. My Spanish is not perfect, but I speak it well enough to get around, make friends, and hopefully get a job! I hope to improve my grammar when I’m there. Plus, I’ve been speaking with Mexicans primarily for the last year, so I’m going to have to switch back to using some different words and a different accent as it’s pretty different in Spain.
What I am going to do there?
I will be visiting some friends and extended family that I’ve never met before, trying to find work and making a go at being a freelance travel writer on the side. I will continue to improve my Spanish, not sure yet if in a formal class setting. I of course do plan to travel, relax, enjoy some siestas, have fun and hopefully take some flamenco dance classes!
Am I going alone?
My sister and 3-year-old niece are flying over with me. We will travel together and visit extended family we’ve never met before for my first three weeks. Then, I’ll remain on my own, but hopefully with some friends or extended family.
How can I quit my job and travel?
This answer requires a few blog posts of its own. Here are just a few of the reasons I can do it. More specific details on some of these topics to come in the future!
- I’m willing to take a risk
- I’ve saved money
- I’m debt-free
- I have free lodging (more or less)
- I am not married and don’t have kids
- I have a great supportive home base to come back to if it doesn’t work out
What kind of VISA am I getting?
I’m just going in on a tourist visa, which lasts 3 months and from what I’m told by friends living there, no one really enforces it if people end up staying longer. When I arrive I will be applying for a Spanish birth certificate/citizenship since my father is Spanish. This process could take 6 – 12 months. I do not have to renounce my US citizenship to do this. I’m not sure if I’ll be allowed to work legally while I’m waiting for my paperwork to be processed. Now teaching English on the side, or working at a restaurant under the table is another story….
I am not applying for a work visa as those are basically impossible to get currently given the high unemployment rate in Spain (21%!!!). To get one, I’d have to prove why my specific skill set is needed and how there is no one in not only Spain, but all of the European Union who can do the same job I can. Highly unlikely!
What do my parents think of me going?
They are and have always been supportive of and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. They know I haven’t been back to Spain in 10 years and are happy that I’m finally getting a chance to go back…short-term. I think my parents are in some form of denial about the possibility of me staying there long-term. My dad doesn’t think I’ll be able to find a job and/or that I’ll get sick of being in Spain. My mom thinks I’ll miss my niece and nephew too much. So in sum, they think I’ll travel and be back in about 2-3 months.
How long will I be there?
Indefinitely. I did reserve a return flight in time for Thanksgiving, which will make the trip about 6 months. But, it’s a frequent flyer mile trip, so I can change it somewhat easily and come back sooner if I need to, or stay longer. If I decide to stay long term, I still plan to come home for the holidays and return afterwards if possible.
Did I not like being in Tulsa?
I didn’t really move back here intentionally, but it has been wonderful living near my family for the first time in 7 years. I really cherish the time I’ve had here and the new friends I’ve made. I really loved my job here and I got a lot better at Argentine Tango. So I have been content here. But yet…restless. Tulsa is comfortable and safe, which can be great things, but it can also lead to being stagnant. Going overseas for me is a great way to face fears and challenge myself to grow more in many ways instead of settling down into “normal” or “status quo” life. I’m just not ready for that yet.
How do you pack for a trip like that?
Very carefully. My challenge on this trip is like no other I’ve had before. I will be traveling around, living in different cities, so I have to be able to carry all my luggage on public transport by myself. Plus, I’m not just going a grungy backpacker trip. I need to bring clothes for interviews and decent clothes for actually living there too, in addition to my hiker hippie backpacking gear. AND I need to pack for summer, fall, and a bit of winter. All in one large suitcase and one hiking backpack. It’s going to be a miracle. More to come on how I finally resolve this in the future.
What’s going to happen to my dog, Gracie?
Me and Gracie at the beach.
(I have a 5 lb. Italian Greyhound who was abused and neglected before I got her 6 years ago)
She is very happy living with my parents and their dogs Chili and Blanca. She has a big back yard to run around in, and it’s a full time job for her to bark and protect the house from invading killer squirrels. She has gotten a lot better there, and almost acts totally like a normal dog now! So, she’ll be fine while I’m gone.
Feel free to email with your own questions! I’ll do my best to reply as soon as I can. I may just add yours to the FAQ list if other people are wondering the same things!