Expats face challenges when moving to Spain

Lee Thornley's journey reveals the complexities of starting anew in Spain.

Challenges faced by expats moving to Spain

Lee Thornley, a former barrister, moved to Spain in 2008 to learn Spanish and start a new life. He fell in love with the Costa de la Luz and established a luxury hotel named Casa la Siesta. Despite the allure of the new environment, his biggest challenge was mastering the Spanish language, which took him a full year to achieve fluency. Thornley also faced hurdles in building the hotel, as the scale of the project exceeded his previous experience. He eventually found success and returned to the UK to raise his children, though he plans to move back to Spain once they are older.

Thornley's story highlights the realities of relocating abroad. While many people envision a dream life in warmer climates, the obstacles can be substantial. The transition often requires more than just a financial investment; it demands a commitment to understanding local culture and language. Thornley’s experience serves as a reminder that immersion in the local community is crucial. The journey may not bring instant happiness, but with patience and effort, expats can carve out rewarding new lives.

Highlights

As more people consider moving abroad, understanding the local culture becomes essential for adaptation.