Adjusting to life abroad
Today marks four months since my arrival in Spain. Time simultaneously moves at lightning speed and a snail’s pace. I remember my first glance at Vigo. My bilingual coordinator picked me up from the airport and gave me a condensed tour of the city on our drive to the Airbnb. She provided recommendations of places to visit, food to eat, and central neighborhoods to live in. I retained very few of her suggestions but starred in awe at the horizon. Was this really my new home? Mountains, ocean, and beaches all in one.
Initially, the city appeared daunting to me. Vigo has a population of approximately 300,000 inhabitants but the city limits span far beyond walking distance. Over the first few weeks while navigating the new terrain, I felt like a baby walking for the first time. Readjusting to a Spanish schedule, remembering that stores are closed on Sundays, and learning my way around the city were endlessly frustrating tasks. For several weeks, I would wake up on Sunday mornings expecting to complete my week’s grocery shopping until I realized that everything, except the 24-hour convenient store across town, was closed.
For a while, day-to-day life felt difficult.
Finding my footing in a new city
However, as with any new thing, little by little I found my footing. I started grocery shopping on Saturday afternoons. I stopped relying on Google Maps to find my way around the city. I discovered short cuts to work that shaved five minutes off my morning commute. Slowly, without even realizing it, I had developed a rhythm and routine.
Fast forward to present day, I marvel as I look back on the challenges of my first few weeks here. I appreciate the journal entries recounting my initial days in Galicia. They all serve as a raw account of the emotions and setbacks experienced. They make me especially grateful for how far I’ve come.
Building home here in Galicia
Today, I am happy to report that what was once a foreign city now feels like home. I love the life I have created for myself here and the community of friends that serve as my support system. My job is deeply fulfilling to me. My students are some of the most inquisitive, curious human beings that I have ever met. I love the teacher’s lounge during a recreo when we all gather to gossip about the previous class periods’ shenanigans. I love sipping a Cortado at the local café down the street. I stare mesmerized at an evening sunset as the sky paints itself technicolored and the sun slowly dips behind the horizon.
I simply never grow tired of exploring this city – there’s always a new corner begging to be uncovered.
Looking back, if I could give myself some encouragement it would be that every good thing takes time. I would remind myself that it’s not supposed to be easy right away. The challenges and discomfort are an indication that I am moving in the right direction. No te preocupes – everything will be all right.