Our First Day in Spain: Chaos, Culture Shock, and Coastal Views

Welcome back to the Expat Livin blog, where we help you get from where you are to where you want to be. In this post, we’re rewinding the clock to share a very personal story, our first 24 hours in Spain.

If you’ve ever wondered what that first day really looks like when you move abroad with your entire family (four kids, 13 bags, and a dog!), buckle up because we’re about to take you through it all: the travel stress, the jet lag, the cultural curveballs, and the surprising joys.

From New York to Spain: Our One-Way Ticket to a New Life

It all started like any epic relocation story, with chaos at the airport. Picture this:

• 13 suitcases (including one just for fishing gear)

• Four kids, each with overloaded backpacks

• A dog in a crate (our Goldendoodle Chewy)

• And no idea what we were in for

We’d sold our car, hitched a ride to the airport with Guillermo’s dad, and were immediately overwhelmed trying to get everything to the check-in gate. Then came a long delay while they interrogated the dog crate. Let’s just say, Chewi got a thorough screening.

Lost Kids and Missed Connections: Our German Layover Nightmare

The next leg was even more eventful. After a layover in Germany, we were short on time to catch our connecting flight to Madrid. We split up in the terminal, and in the confusion, we lost one of our kids.

Our son Xavier was left behind during a sprint between gates. Thankfully, we found him, tears streaming, only a few minutes later, but the panic was real. That experience left a mark. (Spoiler: he’s now very punctual and asks detailed questions before every flight.)

Arrival in Madrid: The Dog Came Out on the Luggage Belt?!

You’d think the hard part was over when we finally landed in Madrid. But no.

As we waited for luggage, we asked where to pick up our dog. The airport staff kept pointing to the baggage conveyor belt, repeating “la cinta.” Turns out, they weren’t joking. Chewi came out on the belt, next to our suitcases. We were shocked, horrified, and laughing all at once.

Oh, and the moment we opened her crate? She peed on the airport floor in front of everyone. Welcome to Spain.

Locked Out and SIM-Cardless: Our First Cultural Lesson

Danielle stepped outside with the dog to avoid further accidents, and then wasn’t allowed back into the airport. We had no cell service, no SIM cards, and no way to communicate.

Inside, Guillermo was stuck juggling four kids, 13 bags, and three overflowing luggage carts. It was a nightmare.

Fortunately, the relocation specialist we hired back in the U.S. showed up just in time. She helped us with the bags, coordinated two cars for transport, and made sure we arrived safely at our new home about an hour north of Madrid.

First Meal, First Lesson: Yes, Siesta Is Real

By the time we reached our town, we were starving, but it was a local holiday and nearly everything was closed. Our relocation helper had picked up some basics (milk, bread), but encouraged us to grab a meal before siesta began.

We rushed to a beachside restaurant for our first Spanish meal, and it was incredible. Fresh fish grilled on open coals, stunning sea views, and surprisingly affordable, our entire family ate for under €40. It was the first moment of calm after a wild day.

Our Cliffside Home: Gorgeous But… Not So Practical

After lunch, we headed to our rental home. It was stunning, perched on a cliff above the Mediterranean, with dolphins leaping in the distance. We sat on the patio that evening, completely exhausted, but overwhelmed with gratitude.

Still, in hindsight, we would have done a few things differently:

What We Wish We Knew Before Moving Abroad

1. Don’t sign a one-year lease right away.
We loved the view, but the house was too far from town. The kids couldn’t walk to school or meet friends easily, and we had to drive everywhere which was something we wanted to avoid.

2. Prioritize location over aesthetics.
The town center had more community, walkability, and freedom for the kids. Our cliffside home felt more isolated than we’d imagined.

3. Scout the neighborhood, not just the house.
We focused so much on the house itself that we overlooked the neighborhood layout. If you can, rent for a month before committing long-term. Better yet, hire someone to send video tours of both the house and surrounding area.

Final Thoughts: It Won’t Be Perfect and That’s Okay

Looking back, it’s hard to believe how much has changed since that first day. It wasn’t smooth. It wasn’t seamless. But it was the beginning of everything.

So if you're thinking of moving abroad, just know: the first day doesn't need to be perfect. It just needs to happen.

💬 Let’s Hear From You

Have you had a chaotic arrival story when moving abroad? What would you do differently?

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