About Us
The story behind Coming to Spain
Hey there! I'm Laetitia 👋
I'm the face behind Coming to Spain! Back in 2018, I packed my bags after living over 9 years in London and made the leap to Barcelona. (Best. Decision. Ever.)
If you're reading this, I'm guessing you're either:
* Planning your own move to Spain (exciting times!)
* Already here and trying to figure things out (I feel you!)
* Or maybe just dreaming about Spanish life (warning: those dreams might become reality!)
Whatever brought you here, know that you're not alone in this journey. I remember exactly how overwhelming it felt when I first started planning my move - the endless Google searches, the late-night anxiety about paperwork, the "am I crazy for doing this?" moments. Sound familiar?
How Did I End Up Here?
Funny story - Spain wasn't exactly a random choice. I'd been low-key obsessed with Spain for years, but I never thought I'd actually end up living here! Then this amazing job opportunity popped up at a Spanish company in Barcelona, and I was like "okay universe, I hear you!" I've been with the same company ever since, and honestly? It's been incredible watching both my career and my Spanish life grow together.
The Real Talk
Let me be honest with you - those first few months in Spain? Pure excitement! Everything was new and amazing, from my morning coffee with freshly squeezed orange juice to those endless summer nights on rooftop bars. I was living the dream!
But then... reality started catching up with me.
You know what I mean - the honeymoon phase wore off, and suddenly I was dealing with the nitty-gritty of real life in Spain. The bureaucracy started feeling less like a quirky adventure and more like a never-ending maze. Finding an apartment? WAY harder than expected (nobody mentions you need like 5,000 documents just to rent a place). And don't even get me started on the days when the language barrier felt like hitting a brick wall.
But here's what I wish someone had told me: all those challenges? They're totally worth it. And more importantly, they're manageable when you know what to expect.
That's exactly why I'm here - to help you avoid the rookie mistakes I made (like trying to get anything done in August... just don’t)'.
Plus, once you get through those initial hurdles, you start discovering a deeper, more authentic side of Spanish life. The kind that goes beyond tourist attractions and Instagram-worthy paella pics. You learn to appreciate the small things - like how your local barista remembers your coffee order, or how your elderly neighbor always saves you a spot at the neighborhood festa.
My Spain Highlights (So Far!)
Remember when you'd make those "what I did this summer" presentations in school? Well, here's my grown-up version of life in Spain:
Became that girl who travels solo around Spain. From getting lost in tiny villages to figuring out local bus schedules (still a work in progress), I've discovered that Spain is actually perfect for solo female travelers. And yes, I'll share all my safety tips and favorite hidden spots with you!
Ran my first marathon in Barcelona! Never thought I'd say this, but training along the Mediterranean coastline made those long runs actually enjoyable (well, almost 😅). There's something magical about running through the city streets early in the morning, watching Barcelona wake up, and high-fiving other runners along the way. If you're into running, this city's got your back - from beach runs to mountain trails.
Had a baby! Yep, went full-on Spanish mama mode. Navigated the healthcare system, learned all those pregnancy-related words in Spanish (fun times), and now I'm raising a tiny Spanish-French-English speaking human. If you're thinking about starting a family here, I've got your back - from finding the right doctor to understanding maternity leave.
Why I Started This Blog
You know those moments when you're lying awake at 3 AM, wondering if you're the only one struggling with Spanish bureaucracy? Or if anyone else finds it weird that dinner starts at 10 PM? That's exactly why I created this blog.
I remember feeling so alone during my first months here. Sure, there were plenty of travel blogs about Spain, but where were the real stories? The practical advice? The "here's how you actually get your NIE without losing your mind" guides?
What You'll Find Here
Think of this as your virtual Spanish bestie who's been there, done that, and is happy to spill all the tea. No generic advice, no sugar-coating, just real talk about:
* The actual process of moving here (paperwork and all - sorry, can't help you escape that!)
* What it's really like working in a Spanish company (office politics, Spanish style)
* How to travel solo without losing your mind
* The whole pregnancy and giving birth experience in Spain
* And basically everything I wish someone had told me before I moved
Let's Make This Journey Together!
Whether you're just starting your Spanish adventure or you're already knee-deep in the expat life, I'm here for you. Think of me as your personal cheerleader, your Spain survival guide, and your go-to person for all those "is this normal in Spain?" questions.
Got a specific question? Need advice?
Just want to share your own Spanish adventure? I'm all ears! Drop me a comment, slide into my DMs, or join my email list. I promise to keep it real, share both the ups and downs, and maybe make you laugh along the way. And hey, if you see me around Barcelona, come say hi! I'm always up for a coffee and a good chat about life in Spain. (Just don't suggest meeting before 10 AM - I've fully embraced the Spanish schedule 😉)
PS: If you're wondering if moving to Spain is worth all the hassle - spoiler alert: it totally is. Even with all the paperwork, language mishaps, and cultural confusion, I wouldn't change this journey for anything. And I'm here to help make your transition a little smoother and a lot more enjoyable. ✨