another language what you need them to look for.
Money and Finances
Finances have been difficult to manage, but interestingly enough, have not been as much of an issue as I thought it would be. I have only been stuck twice over all my travels where I didn’t have any money because of a bank issue or because of miscalculations on my part.
The cost of living varies from one country to another. For example, meat in Patagonia (in Argentina) is very expensive, but meat in Galicia (in Spain) is very cheap. I believe the average salary in Spain is about $1,790/month. This seems very low for most Americans because the average monthly wages in the US are around $4,600, but you can live comfortably with the average monthly American wage and even a lower.
Fitting In and Dating
Sometimes it is uncomfortable to be the only Black person in a room full of Spaniards. I normally try not to think about it, but every once in a while, I wish there was another nonwhite person in the room. Although the Spaniards I associate with may not think about my skin color, they are always double-checking themselves before saying anything about a person who has darker skin when I am around. Sometimes I question them about their comments or what they mean when they say ignorant comments about darker skinned folks.
A lot of times when Spaniards want to call out White Americans on their racism, I mention how they treat the Romani people. Sometimes, when I am normally out for a night on the town, there is always the ‘semi-drunk’ Spaniard who says the n-word because they think it is cool or that’s what Black people are supposed to be called.
White American expats in Spain appear to desire friendships, but they want to ignore the racial injustices that exist at home. I like to remind them on occasion that just because we’re both foreigners in a new country that does not mean that I stop being Black and that I don't experience racism.
Dating in Spain comes with its own issues. Many Spaniards do not mind if you’re a lighter complexion, but there are many that will say they have a thing for Black men or that they want to try out the Black stereotype. My friends with darker skin have complained that some Spaniards have mistaken them for sex workers or expect sex after a few drinks.
I am currently in a relationship with a Spaniard and I haven’t had too many problems with family members. But that’s only been my experience, which may not be the case for many other Black Americans in a relationship with Spaniards.
Homesickness
It’s easy to tell when I am homesick because I subconsciously eat my mother’s favorite foods like ice cream sandwiches or sweet potatoes. I tend to get most homesick when I am at home in the United States. It’s an odd feeling to miss a person when you are with them, but being with them reminds me of how much I miss their presence.
Has It Been Worth It?
I’m happy I took the plunge and moved to Spain. Spain isn’t this luxury paradise that you see in the over-the-top white traveler’s blogs. It’s a real place with real folks. Ultimately Spaniards are human like me.
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