Those things you just have to experience as a resident
A recent Facebook post asked why there were fireworks in the middle of the day. A rather snarky reply suggested the questioner should have researched their move better.
Honestly, you don’t know how it is to live in a place unless you do so. That is, a short, reconnoitering trip really isn’t enough. Some people know about Las Fallas – the week-long (or more) celebration of fireworks and parades held in March. Looks like fun.
Now it’s not a vacation anymore. You live here.
Valencianos love their fireworks and other noisemakers. The fireworks technicians do a year-round business. But there is a limit. Even some of the local residents head out of town during Las Fallas claiming it’s too loud, too long, and too touristy. And that’s before the burning of the ninots and the acrid smoke that prevades the city.
At other times, one hears drivers honking at cars blocking the streets after their owners leave to do a quick errand. It’s not uncommon to see signs in the windows of double-parked vehicles with a cell number to alert the vehicle’s user to come and move their car. Until that’s done, the constant bleating of the horns continues.
Forewarned is forearmed
What this small post is about is a caution. You’ll probably arrive with an overly romanticized view of your prospective life. You might have glossed over things such as learning a new language, finding friends, and just fitting in. It’s confirmation bias – we see what we want to see.
The first time you deal with the bureaucracy, the cacophony of your fellow Spanish diners, the occasional stare as you pass by. It can all feel overwhelming. It’s a thing here. There are also those unexpected expenses even though life here is cheaper (usually, but that’s changing) than the U.S. You must allow yourself some fudge room for last-minute costs. This year, it seemed all our bills came due in the same month: Tuition for our child, health insurance renewal, a rent increase for the apartment, and others.
For me, my task is to let go and just go with the flow. I hire gestores for complicated matters with the bureaucracy, tax preparation for the impuesto, and asked for advice from my fellow expats and others. On some level, I could handle most of these tasks by myself, but I really want to avoid the steep learning curve. After learning how it’s done the first time, it’s up to me to follow through.
There is a rhythm to the year
Finally, there’s agosto. For the end of summer, the hustle and bustle of the city fades. That’s because a lot of the citizens have left town for cooler climes. Businesses display signs announcing their closure for the better part of the month. If you want something done, you’ll need to plan ahead or just wait until September.
But the upside is that it’s quieter.
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