Moving to Spain means a transition in mindset and lifestyle as well as geographical relocation.  You might be immediately comfortable, or wonder if you’ll ever settle in.

But watch out.  There are signs that will show if you do – so here are 9 to look out for:   🙂

1. Flat feet. Wide feet.  Feet 2 whole sizes larger than the ones that first excitedly entered Spain.  Your flip-flops are your best friend.  No longer do you breathlessly lust over Blahniks – your high arches and post-party foot aches are a thing of the distant past.

2. It becomes perfectly normal – indeed absolutely necessary –  to shout loudly “Who was last?” as you walk through the door of anywhere with a queue.  The medico, the bank, anywhere.

3. Although there are 20 impatient people huffing behind you, the bank counter seems like the ideal spot to discuss  your impending operation in full detail, with gusto.

4. Slippers are as important in winter as flip-flops in summer.  The perfect footwear to go shopping in.  Team them with that furry housecoat and you will set off your outfit perfectly. Go for the full village experience and buy them from the travelling van with the megaphone.

5. Market clothes start to look like an attractive possibility. Elastic is a definite possibility.  Big knickers a complete necessity.

6. The neighbours have started to actually eat the food you bring to gatherings.  Of course they do, you’re using their recipes.  You have banished all manner of spice and stopped hankering for a Jalfrezi. The only Naan in your life is the one that sends you a birthday card.

7. You fully accept that inviting the neighbours round for a dinner party results in their bringing the entire clan.  Granny in the corner sucking on a bit of Jamón, 20 kids eating something lurid and staining, whilst jumping all over your white Bauhaus sofa.  Get over it.

8. Brandy or Anis and coffee sounds perfectly reasonable at 8am.

9. You have developed an interest in the Spanish TV soaps, but only at full volume. and the quiz shows, the word games.  But just to improve your vocabulary, right?  And wearing that slipper and housecoat ensemble.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you.  As soon as these signs appear, it’s too late – you’re already done for.