From Florida to Spain: One Family’s Bold Leap into Expat Life

Expat Livin’ Podcast – Episode 1 Recap

What does it really take to pack up your life, leave everything familiar behind, and start over in a foreign country? In the premiere episode of the Expat Livin Podcast, we dig into that very question with our special guest, and close friend, Chris Chiaro, an American expat who’s been living in Spain since 2020.

Chris’s story is both inspiring and relatable. Like many of us, he felt the tug of something more; more adventure, more connection, more time with family. But making the leap? That’s not so easy. In this episode, we walk through the real-life decisions, challenges, fears, and breakthroughs that led Chris and his family of four (plus their dog, Ace!) to leave Seattle and start a new chapter in Madrid.

The Dream to Move Abroad And How It Became Reality

Chris had always dreamed of living in Europe. After growing up in Florida and spending nearly a decade working in big tech in Seattle, he began to feel the pull of something different. His love for travel and curiosity about life outside the U.S. planted the seed, but like most big changes, it didn’t happen overnight.

In fact, it took years of “subtle nudging” (as Chris calls it) to bring his wife Julia on board. But when the timing aligned, both in his personal life and professional career, Chris got the green light. His job offered him the chance to transfer abroad, and within a few short months, what once felt like a dream was suddenly becoming very real.

And then… 2020 happened.

Amid a global pandemic and international lockdowns, Chris and Julia made the bold decision to go for it anyway. With two school-aged kids and a beloved dog in tow, they stepped into the unknown.

Preparing for the Move: What No One Tells You

Making the leap isn’t just emotional, it’s logistical. And in Chris’s case, it was anything but simple.

Even with the help of a corporate relocation department, the paperwork was overwhelming. From visa applications and apostilled birth certificates to school research and figuring out how to transport a dog across the ocean, it was a full-time job.

“We didn’t have anyone on the ground in Spain to help us,” Chris shared. “The borders were closed. We couldn’t fly in ahead of time to scout out schools or neighborhoods. It was all blind research and Google searches.”

They made mistakes, especially with school selection, but they learned, adapted, and kept going. The most complicated part? Transporting their dog, Ace. With limited international flights, pandemic restrictions, and extreme heat in Madrid, Ace didn’t arrive until a month after the family did, driven by van from Barcelona at 2:00 AM. (Yes, really.)

First Days in Madrid: A Mix of Relief and Culture Shock

When Chris and his family finally landed in Spain, there was relief… and then, reality.

Madrid had just emerged from a strict lockdown, and while life was beginning to reopen, it still came with curfews, mask mandates, and limited services. Their first weeks were filled with navigating temporary housing, figuring out the metro, learning where to grocery shop, and scrambling to finalize school enrollment just days before classes started.

“It’s humbling,” Chris said. “Going to the grocery store, something I’ve done my whole life, suddenly felt foreign and confusing. Everything from labels to layout was different.”

There were moments of humor, like discovering that milk is often stored unrefrigerated on shelves in Spain, and moments of stress, like driving in circles through unfamiliar tunnels and realizing how much of daily life depends on language.

Finding Community Abroad: How Connection Happens

Despite all the challenges, something beautiful began to happen. They found their people.

From a spontaneous encounter at a café with fellow Americans to making friends through mutual acquaintances (yes, even at Costco!), Chris and Julia slowly built a community. One family invited them to dinner. Another helped them find a pediatrician. These early connections made all the difference, and they’re now paying it forward for other new arrivals.

That, Chris says, is the magic of the expat experience. “It’s this ripple effect. You find one friendly face who helps you… and then you become that friendly face for someone else.”

The Realities of Expat Life: The Good, the Bad, and the Growth

Expat life isn’t always dreamy sunsets and weekend getaways. Chris opened up about the ongoing challenge of learning Spanish, especially while working remotely in English.

“My kids are fluent now. They had to be, school was full immersion,” he explained. “But for me, working from home, speaking English all day, it’s harder to immerse. It’s something I’m still working on.”

But with the challenge comes transformation. His children have gained a global perspective. They speak a second language, navigate public transportation confidently, and have had experiences their U.S. peers only read about.

And while Chris misses things like barbecue, root beer, and the convenience of 24/7 services, there’s so much he doesn’t miss: the work-obsessed culture, the anxiety around school safety, and the constant pressure to do more.

“In Spain, the focus is on family, free time, and enjoying life. You’re not defined by what you do. You’re defined by who you are.”

Advice for Families Considering the Move

If you’re reading this and wondering, Could we really do this? Chris’s answer is clear:

“Jump. Just do it.”

You don’t grow by staying comfortable. You grow by taking risks, trying new things, and embracing the unknown. Chris reminds us that you don’t need all the answers, you just need a vision and the courage to take the first step.

Bonus: Chris’s DIY Life in Spain

In addition to building a new life abroad, Chris also runs a home automation YouTube channel and wrote a book called Home Automated 101. He covers everything from smart devices to DIY renovation projects in Spain, from tiling walls to dealing with waterproofing issues in Madrid’s dry climate.

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