Follow your dreams! From California to Galicia, also known as “Galifornia”

We have all heard the phrase “follow your dreams” countless times. This motivational mantra that sounds so simple, so straightforward. Yet, for many of us, especially those considering a move to the captivating regions of Northern Spain, the journey from dreaming to achieving feels like navigating a labyrinth. The road is fraught with obstacles, uncertainties, and moments of self-doubt.

Learn how dreams can become reality by reading our interview with our client Caroline, who moved from the San Francisco Bay Area in California to O Rosal in Southern Galicia.

• Can you describe your former life in California? What did a normal day look like? And how does your day-to-day life look now?

I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. In my former life there, I was working in Biotech/Drug Development for an international Big Pharma organization where I enjoyed my work and my colleagues. In addition to my “paying” job, I’ve always been into volunteering in various capacities and recently had a 5-year docent-naturalist volunteer position within the California State Park system along the Santa Cruz coast.

California is full of many different landscapes and beautiful places to visit with mountains, sea, snow, and National Parks all very accessible. To be honest in my personal experience though, I have seen California go through a lot of change over the years. I started to feel it was becoming a bit suffocating dealing with intense traffic, the high cost of living, the crowds, and all the time I was spending in my car getting from point A to point B. Climate change has also affected California immensely. Wildfires, drought, an occasional very wet winter from the onslaught of atmospheric rivers barrelling in from offshore that could cause flooding; what had been more of a predictable seasonal pattern had changed dramatically. It left me a bit on edge especially as one of the biggest wildfires on record came within a couple of miles of my home in 2020. (Remember those apocalyptic orange skies you might have seen on the news?)

I have been visiting Spain regularly since 2016. Now that I’ve actually moved and am living here, my current day-to-day is still evolving. I’m getting used to the late sunset close to 10 p.m. as well as a more humid climate than California. Beyond that, I am regularly in awe of the stunning beauty, so many places to explore, and the vastness of Galicia. A typical day now, as I’m getting settled, involves meeting new people, excursions all around the area and to Portugal, reading, practicing Spanish, enjoying wonderful food and restaurants, never feeling rushed, no traffic to speak of, and acclimating to the culture and pace of Galicia. I’m in a constant state of “descubrimiento” and all 5 senses are satiated daily!

• Can you share with us what motivated your decision to leave the US and move to Spain?

I have been visiting Spain since 2016 on Camino de Santiago walks – 3 times doing sections of the French Way, and I also trekked along the Costa da Morte on the far west coast of Galicia. From the first visit to Spain, I literally fell in love, so it’s been a journey in the making to relocate here for about 8 years.

I found myself thinking about Spain all the time and how I could move my life from California to Galicia. The motivation for me was that having worked all my life, I wanted my hard-earned nest egg to go further and I found that Spain and Galicia in particular could align with my budget so much better than in the expensive Bay Area. I also found that my values were not in sync as they once were with the culture of the U.S. The draining political climate is hard especially in election year cycles, and the ongoing gun violence problem hurt my heart and was so unsettling.

So once the seed had been planted back in 2016, I didn’t need much in the way of motivation. What I needed was a catalyst! And that catalyst came in the form of a global pandemic that emphasized the reality that life is truly so short and we need to follow our dreams. Then along came an offer of a package from my employer. The stars had aligned, and I knew I was on my way.

• Why did you choose Galicia and O Rosal in particular?

I must admit that I’d been charmed by a lot of other areas in Spain (and I haven’t even visited the South of Spain yet!). I love Madrid and Barcelona, the Costa Brava, and many cities along the north like Pamplona, Logrono, Leon, Burgos, Astorga, so many places with incredible nature, cathedrals, landmarks, and UNESCO World Heritage sights. And I was so fortunate to be with guides who brought the Camino and Spain to life for me with their extensive knowledge and historical context of the different areas we were walking through.

But with every Camino Walk culminating in Santiago de Compostella and its vibe, history, food, and energy, I thought it would be where I’d buy a home. During the pandemic I had started to research more about Galicia and home buying but unfortunately didn’t get too far with several international real estate agencies I was engaging with. It was really when I found Caroline Harris and her services that she shared so much pertinent information about Galicia and the lower estuaries of the Rias Baixas where I have settled down in O Rosal.

• How did you find the process of transitioning from your live in San Francisco to living in Or Rosal?

For me personally, since I’d been convinced, I wanted to leave the U.S. and live in Spain for such a long time and had visited multiple times, it felt less like a transition and more like a coming home. I almost felt like I’d been living in two worlds, my fast-paced California life and then focusing on trying to make a move to Spain happen and all that goes along with that. Many aspects and areas of Spain were already known to me. So, in an interesting way, I just kind of knew that this is where I’d be eventually.

• What were some of the biggest challenges you encountered while moving to Galicia, and how did you overcome them?

The relocation itself had its challenges. It’s a never-ending to-do list and it can feel overwhelming when you’re in the middle of it. But it’s interesting, as you get through things one by one – consulate appointment, preparing your home to sell, all the visa paperwork and requirements, then they all kind of fade into the background and quickly become distant memories or great stories! Then it’s time to give yourself a pat on the back!

Now that I’m in my home there are a lot of things to get into place. My electric gate & remote need repair. There is a problem with a hornet nest. I need a T.V. and a clothes dryer. I need to get a Spanish phone number; I want to get some bookshelves built, and get my pool cleaned and filled. So, it’s one day at a time.

• What role did Galicia & Green Spain Property & Relocation Services play in helping you with your relocation journey? Can you tell us about your experience working with them?

Caroline Harris and Galicia & Green Spain Property & Relocation were exactly what I needed. I can honestly say that working with Caroline is what helped make my relocation possible. I had been engaging with other international real estate agencies and just was not getting very far. But from that first interaction with Caroline when I discovered her website in late 2022 – it was a game changer.

I had just returned from Spain and another Camino trip and had taken a few extra days to look at homes. Unfortunately, none of them were what I was looking for. Either too much work to restore, not the area I was interested in, or price was a bit out of reach. I honestly went back to work feeling I was no closer to finding a home and was almost ready to take a break and re-evaluate.

But when I reached out to Caroline with a long email – even though she was on a brief holiday – she responded with a phone call very quickly. And in that 30-minute phone call, she shared so much helpful information! She educated me on why some of the areas I was thinking about may not be the best fit, whether they were a bit isolated, the weather was more extreme, or services not as readily available. She spoke a lot about southern Galicia and its wine growing region, moderate climate, quick access to Portugal, and about all the villages along the Rías Baixas. This one phone call convinced me to not give up – and I found myself within about a month returning to Spain to see some homes. I was so appreciative that she also shared other websites so I could explore more properties online.

It was late November, and I arrived in Vigo in the pouring rain! But Vigo had just began their incredible holiday decoration show that I could see from my hotel balcony every night. It felt so festive. Caroline picked me up and drove me inland and along the coast looking at homes and I just recall being amazed at the gorgeous coastline and the restless, beautiful power of the Atlantic. The home I purchased in O Rosal was the last home on our journey. I felt that inner voice saying “this is the one” but I had to get over the fear of actually buying a home in a foreign country. There was no pressure, only encouragement from Caroline to think about it and let her know if I wanted to make an offer. The rest is history.

Not only did Caroline help with the home search but she assisted in so many other critical details. She helped me set up a bank account, hire an attorney, get my NIE (foreign identification number) and so many other details.

I’m sure a lot of people at the real estate companies in Spain have the skills and the tools to get things done. However, for me relationships are key! Caroline and I were building that relationship from the beginning. I found she was consistent and trustworthy and always was available to me, even with the 9-hour time difference. She maintained professionalism and acted with integrity throughout every interaction and was clear with her communications. It was perfect to have a Spanish and English speaker available to me, I could never have navigated everything on my own. To me, it’s more about having that relationship component and not feeling like it’s just another transaction to somebody. She checked in with me regularly and answered every question. I also love that she has a sense of humour! When you’re going through something incredibly stressful, it helps to laugh now and then!

She was also there for the signing of the papers and other details to see the home sale through. Now that I’ve relocated, she continues to be available for questions or for a coffee. I can honestly say that she, her contacts, and her knowledge are sensational. The way she interacts with clients in my viewpoint, comes from a place of wanting to genuinely help people. I feel so fortunate that our paths crossed and will be forever grateful.

• Could you share your interactions with the locals so far? How have you found the community in Southern Galicia and in O Rosal in particular?

I enjoy very much being out in the community and surrounding areas. I love engaging with new people so really the only thing that’s stopping me from interacting more with the locals is the language barrier. I have several wonderful neighbours but our conversations are very short – about the weather, about how things are going…I want to get to know them and them to know me.

Every restaurant, shop, etc is an opportunity to interact more with the locals. I find Galician people to be helpful, maybe a bit reserved at first, a little curious, but they have been gracious. I like that in Spain people make eye contact with you. Some people might find this a bit unsettling, but I like it coming from a culture where people generally don’t make a lot of eye contact with strangers or look away.

• What do you enjoy most about living in Northern Spain and Galicia in particular? Are there any aspects of the lifestyle that surprised you?

I really enjoy seeing the locals in the area going about their day. The bread deliveries, the tractors on the roads (that sometimes pop out of nowhere!) and people working hard on their properties and in the community. It’s a nice buzz of activity always going on around me.

I would say that being in my home now in Galicia I find so much of the noise has dropped away. No more crazy traffic and all the things that felt smothering in California. Living in Galicia I just enjoy the pace, the incredible nature I’m surrounded with, and the time to really reflect on my life and this next evolving phase without the added weight of so much mental clutter weighing me down. Those quiet, peaceful times taking in my awesome view, going to the sea, taking a dip in the Atlantic, walking gorgeous paths in nature – it’s the mental balm I was craving and has allowed me to be more present.

Surprises – Yes of course there are some. Adapting to life in a new country is going to include some surprises. But embracing my new surroundings rather than wishing for something more familiar has helped me to settle. Galicia is starting to embrace me back!

Is there anything that you don’t like or find challenging about living in Galicia?

I feel there’s so much to like that any challenges or inconveniences are just part of the process. It’s all a part of making a big move like this and learning about the culture and rhythm of life in Galicia and assuming your new role in it.

But on another note, a couple of the challenges are:

1. The roundabouts! Especially when there are like 7 of them…Count.1, 2, 3, etc. watch the other cars, watch for my exit… and I’ve missed a few sometimes! But the nice thing about roundabouts is that you can just go round and round until you get to the right one!
2. I need to watch the amount of yummy bread, cheese, and sangria I’ve been consuming! And all the other fantastic food. I find myself craving Spanish food now versus the sometimes-fast-food way of life on every corner in the U.S. because you just don’t have the time to linger for several hours over lunch!

• A new life in a new country is exciting but is there anything you miss from the US and California in particular?

It goes without saying that I miss my family, friends, volunteer work, and the familiar places I would spend time in all over the state. Really all of the Pacific Northwest is an awesome playground.

In a more pragmatic sense, what I really miss most is that I understood how things worked, how to get things done, systems. Living now in Spain is a dive into the deep end of the pool – and I find myself at a bit of a loss sometimes how to get simple things done, or where I need to go to take care of a particular task or issue. I understand a lot of Spanish words, but I don’t speak Spanish well enough yet so I’d venture to say some of the feelings of being lost are heavily related to the language. But as much of a challenge as the language has been, I intend to learn Spanish and I truly believe that will help me acclimate more easily. There will be mistakes, but that’s how you learn.

I think it’s a good thing to stretch yourself and get out of your comfort zone to keep growing and learning.

• Have you had the opportunity to make friends within the local community or among other international residents?

I knew a couple of people in the area already. I felt grateful that Caroline introduced me to a WhatsApp group where I have met other people who have moved to Spain from many different areas of the world. A wonderful group with so many great people sharing local knowledge, experience, and advice! I also have made some new acquaintances when out and about who are part of the local community. There have been get-togethers and lunches so I don’t feel lacking in meeting people. Everyone I’ve met has been super nice, all with their interesting stories & journeys and I’m sure this will just continue to expand as time goes on.

• How are you adapting to the Spanish language? Are you taking any language courses, and if so, how is the learning process going?

I think I have a small advantage in that my mother was a Spanish speaker, but unfortunately, we didn’t speak Spanish in our home growing up in California. So, I have an ear for the language and if I listen closely, I find I can pick out many words that I understand.

One of my top priorities is to study and learn Spanish, I think it’s absolutely critical to living in Spain. I’ve been looking into potential tutors or maybe even an immersion course where I just focus on Spanish for a week or two. No matter which route I take – it’s high on the list.

• With the knowledge and experience you have gained from your move to Galicia, what would you do differently if you were to move now?

There are SOOO many details to attend to when relocating to a new country. I found myself in a very reactive state most of the time, checking things off lists and doing what needed to be done in the moment. If I were to do it over again maybe I’d give myself more time to research all that needed to be taken care of, even though I’d been planning this for years, when the clock started to sell my home, it was a frantic sprint to deal with all my personal belongings, preparing for the shipment of stuff to Spain etc. Don’t underestimate that you will have to touch every single thing in your house and garage and make a million decisions of what to do with it!

• Do you have any tips and advice for all those who are thinking of moving to Northern Spain?

I do! Some of the tips are more practical, but several relate to mindset and outlook.

Practical tips: Start early! I have never moved to another country before and so the list of requirements and logistics felt overwhelming at times.

Plan how much time your Visa application will take and understand all the requirements. For example, I had never heard of a Hague Apostille certification until I learned I needed one, and had something rejected because it was not Apostilled. Also, much of your paperwork for your Visa will need to be translated into Spanish.

It’s a ton of work to decide what to do with all your “stuff”. I think this was a great exercise for me personally in the value of stuff (or lack thereof) and what I would pay to ship to Spain and what I would not. I gave away 95% of my furniture and much of what I owned. I sold my town home, my cars. I pared my pocessions down to books, artwork, important papers, photographs, clothes, outdoor gear, things I felt I didn’t want to or couldn’t easily replace here.

Patience: This process takes a lot of patience and when you are used to a fast-paced lifestyle like the one I had in California – practicing some humility and patience goes a long way.

Mindset and Outlook: I really had to take that leap of faith – and let go of fear.  You can get hung up on all the what-ifs and start to feel a bit scared. But then I realized I was more afraid of regretting later in life that I didn’t follow what my heart was telling me, especially as a window of opportunity had cracked open. COVID really reinforced that life is bloody short and while it appears there’s plenty of time – there’s none to spare.

I also think trusting in the process and trust in general are key to bringing about the things you want in life. I had been visualizing for years what I wanted my life in Spain to look like, and I believe that our thoughts bring about our circumstances, both negative and positive. When you let go and trust you create that fertile ground where things grow.

A word about dreams: I’ve always loved a quote from the poet Maya Angelou that says, “I believe that the most important single thing, beyond discipline and creativity is daring to dare”.

I have said to people that this entire journey has felt like jumping out of an airplane which I actually did one time in California. This is my personal metaphor for moving your life to a new country.

No airplane should have an open door at 18,000 feet, and below your feet as you stand at the edge of the door – is just an open abyss. Then the thoughts of what if the parachute doesn’t open, what is the landing going to be like, what am I doing? Then you jump! That first 40 seconds or so traveling at terminal velocity (~120 miles per hour) are thrilling and terrifying at the same time. But once the parachute opens, it’s so quiet and you’re just floating down to earth again. The views are amazing and what an adrenaline rush!

And then just like now, my feet are firmly planted on the ground. In Galicia!

Dreams are never easy to follow, life throws in some obstacles and wrenches along the way. Your family and friends may not understand what you’re doing. But you need to cling tightly to your cheerleaders – the people who encourage, support, and believe in you. You’re leaving the comfort and familiarity of your life behind for something different. My advice if you’re thinking about relocating to Galicia is to follow your dreams and what’s in your heart. You might like it

Thank you for taking the time to chat with us about your relocation journey. We hope you will keep us updated about your future adventures as you are settling into your new life in this beautiful corner of the world!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Ready to embark on your adventure and start a new life in Galicia or Asturias? Get in touch with us!

Your Galicia & Green Spain Property & Relocation Team:

Southern Galicia 

Caroline Harris @ caroline@galiciagreenspainproperty.com 

Lucie Prokopova @ lucie@galiciagreenspainproperty.com

Northern Galicia

Estefania Rua @ estefania@galiciagreenspainproperty.com

Asturias

Donna Gonzalez-Linnitt @ donna@galiciagreenspainproperty.com

How we can help you move to Northern Spain:

Get expert advice from our trusted partners @ Currencies Direct and @ Smart Currency Exchange on all things payment-related in foreign currency.

Secure your well-being with personalized health insurance advice from our trusted partners @ Adeslas, tailored to your unique needs as you transition to your new life abroad.

Please note that some of the links in this email may be affiliate links, which means that we make a small commission at no additional cost to you