American Expat Living in Galicia - Interview With Ali

Ali’s the literary lovechild of David Sedaris and Carrie Bradshaw. Born biracial and raised bicoastal, her life has always been unconventional. However, after a series of serious breakups, one involving a celebrity, she decided to quit her job, move to Spain, and write. Little did she know it would be the best decision she’s ever made. She currently lives in Northern Spain with her Spanish “boyfresband” where she works as a teacher and writer. Her book a beautiful mess, comes out this month and like her blog is about laughing at life’s sticky situations. Ali’s expat blog is Ali Berlinski (see listing here)

Here's the interview with Ali...

Where are you originally from?
I’m a bi-coastal American. I grew up in-New Jersey/New York and Northern California.

In which country and city are you living now?
Now I live in rainy Galicia, Spain.

How long have you lived here and how long are you planning to stay?
I moved here in the fall of 2010, fell in love with the region and then a guy shortly thereafter. Now I’m pretty much here indefinitely.

Why did you move and what do you do?
I’ve always wanted to move abroad and learn another language; I just never gave myself the opportunity. Like most people in their early twenties, I found myself ready for a change of pace, something quieter and simpler than New York City. Plus, I always wanted to write a book. Moving to Spain just seemed like the best way to do all these things.
Now I teach at an English school in Coruña and write as a freelance journalist for various publications. I’m also proud to say that my first book, a beautiful mess, comes out in May.

Did you bring family with you?
Sadly, my suitcase wasn’t big enough to smuggle them in.

How did you find the transition to living in a foreign country?
My transition has come in waves. At first it was challenging, but the good kind that makes you appreciate life and feel like you’re growing. However, once I made the decision to stay, I found that I started becoming more critical of Spanish culture. Since then, I’ve tried to take it day by day and that helps, but it’s definitely a love-hate relationship.

Was it easy making friends and meeting people; do you mainly socialise with other expats?
Quiero café, is basically all I could say in Spanish when I first moved here and obviously, that’s not a good way to make friends. So despite wanting to assimilate, I found myself hanging out with a lot of American foreign exchange students. Since we were all away from home an on our own, we became really close. In a way, my friends served as a surrogate family. It made the biggest difference in terms of transitioning.

What are the best things to do in the area; anything to recommend to future expats?
EAT! Galicia is known for having great food and I’d wager to say, it’s the BEST food in Spain so eat everything.

What do you enjoy most about living here?
The simplicity.

How does the cost of living compare to home?
I used to think it was cheaper here, but now I’ve realized the cost of living isn’t necessarily higher but rather, that the style of living here is lower, thereby making it seem cheaper.

What negatives, if any, are there to living here?
A New Yorker at heart, I’m accustomed to 24-hour everything and above all convenience. Very little about Galicia or Spain is convenient and it’s hard to accept. The endless paperwork and terrible customer service doesn’t help either.

If you could pick one piece of advice to anyone moving here, what would it be?
Be prepared to endure endless rain. Buy waterproof everything!

What has been the hardest aspect to your expat experience so far?
The Spanish aren’t the most heterogeneous society, especially where I live up North. Being biracial (Polish-Filipina), I definitely stick out and often get confused for being Chino. Having lived in really diverse areas my whole life, I’ve never really had to deal with ignorance, so it’s been difficult for me. Plus, I miss seeing different people and enjoying different cultures and foods. Hopefully in time, Spain will continue to diversify.

When you finally return home, how do you think you'll cope with repatriation?
I haven’t been back home for more than 2 weeks so luckily it hasn’t been a major challenge although I expect it would be.

What are your top 5 expat tips for anyone following in your footsteps?

1. They speak 2 languages here, Spanish and Galician. While I love the accent and the Galician language, it can be frustrating if you don’t know Galician so be patient or find a Galician tutor.
2. Galicians are known for their curt ways so don’t be offended if they are very frank. They’ll say it with a frown but mean it with love.
3. Try their liquors! They’re delicious!
4. Take advantage of the little sun you’re going to get.
5. Almost every pueblo or village has it’s own food festival too so be sure to take advantage of those. But don’t expect them to advertise the festivals, rather, make Spanish friends.

Tell us a bit about your own expat blog.
My blog focuses on making complicated situations comical. My mantra is that I help people say yes to their mess. Obviously my expat status and personal life provides me with a lot of fodder for my writing.

How can you be contacted for further advice to future expats coming to your area?
If you’re ever in my area please don’t hesitate to look me up via fb or my blog. I’m always happy to meet new people and help out.

Ali blogs at http://www.aliberlinski.com which we recommend a quick visit if you haven't been already. Ali Berlinski has an ExpatsBlog.com listing here so add a review if you like! If you appreciated this interview with Ali, please also drop her a quick comment below.

Copy and paste code to display the Featured Expat Badge:
<a href="https://www.expatsblog.com/articles/1550/american-expat-living-in-galicia-interview-with-ali"><img src="https://www.expatsblog.com/images/badge-featured-expat-150.jpg" alt="Expat Interviews" border="0"></a>

• 
• 
• 
•