Expat in Spain shares what she ‘hates’ about living there

Antoanetta, who goes by Antoanetta Now on YouTube, warned people going to Spain that they may need to change their routines based on Spanish timings.

She said: “I still cannot get used to it. You have to remember that in most places – especially in Valencia, in Barcelona I’m seeing it less – stores close in the afternoon.” The expat said that huge department stores may stay open, however.

The same can be said for restaurants, which typically close for several hours in the afternoon.

She lamented that if she wants to eat out at 5pm for a late lunch or early dinner, this is often impossible in Spain.

The expat explained: “They serve lunch from 1pm to 4pm and then you can’t get it. Breakfast you can’t get at 12:30pm or 1pm – you have to wait for lunch to get it in a specific window. Then dinner is really late.”

Essentially, non-Spaniards must learn to be flexible with their mealtime and shopping habits.

Otherwise, they “have to live on tapas” during the intervals between mealtimes, or drinks, cakes and coffee.

“But what if I want to have an early dinner, what if I want to eat at 7pm”, she asked. The expat claimed that nowhere is open apart from chain restaurants.

Antoanetta said she struggles to do her grocery shopping for the same reason, as she often finds that stores are closed on Sundays.

This can pose problems for people with atypical working hours, as they may find it difficult to visit the supermarket during the week.

Indeed, the rest period during the day – or ‘siesta’ is a major part of Spanish culture.

The Spain experts at Barcelona Exclusive Private Tours said: “The siesta, which means ‘a midday or afternoon rest or nap’, has become a big part of Spanish culture.

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