British Expat Reflects on Life Turned 'Upside Down' After Relocating to Spain
Mark Danby, a British man originally from Stockport in Greater Manchester, has shared an exclusive account of his relocation to Spain, revealing how the move has dramatically reshaped his daily life. In January 2025, Danby embraced the warmer climate of the sun-drenched Costa del Sol, settling in the municipality of Manilva, located in the province of Malaga. As an IT worker and content creator who runs the YouTube channel Tapas Guy, he now reflects on the challenges and adaptations required one year after his move.
Embracing a New Routine in the Spanish Heat
Danby admitted that while he has settled into his new home and enjoys the sunny environment, he does not particularly miss much about the United Kingdom, with the exception of the traditional English pub. However, adapting to a new culture has presented significant hurdles. In an interview, he emphasized the necessity of fully embracing change when moving to Spain, particularly highlighting the extreme adjustments needed during the summer months.
"You really do have to turn your life upside down in the summer," Danby explained. "It is hot. You can’t sort of go out doing things during the day. You have to keep out the heat, take it steady. Life comes to a complete standstill here in Spain in the summer, and then you have to live your life in the evenings." He noted that these changes in routine require substantial adaptation, as many people mistakenly believe they can simply transplant their UK lifestyle to Spain with only different weather.
Bureaucratic Delays and Technological Contrasts
Having entered Spain on a digital nomad visa, which permits foreigners to live in the country while working remotely for overseas companies or as self-employed individuals, Danby encountered slow bureaucratic processes. He suggested that this could stem from a stark contrast between Spain and the UK, particularly in terms of technology adoption.
In a video discussing his biggest cultural shock, Danby remarked that Spain seems to be "about 20 years or so behind the UK" in technological advancements. "Everything takes so long. They don't go for electronic systems. They like their pieces of paper; that is the biggest shock," he said. He elaborated on his experience with visa applications, noting that everything is paper-processed, including his wait for a TIE card, which is a foreign residency card.
Danby described the process: applicants present documents at a police station, have fingerprints taken, and then wait for the card to be produced. "If they had a little printer machine by them, they could just press a button and print it out, but oh no. You know, it has to go through the paper process," he added. He pointed out that appointments are often booked solid, leading to lengthy delays.
Overall Experience and Adaptation
Despite these minor grievances, Danby previously expressed that he is having an "absolutely wonderful" experience in Spain overall. He emphasized that humans are capable of adapting to environmental changes, but it requires a conscious effort to embrace new routines and accept the differences. His journey serves as a candid insight into the realities of expatriate life, highlighting both the joys and challenges of starting anew in a foreign country.
As he continues to share his insights on his YouTube channel, Danby's story underscores the importance of flexibility and resilience when pursuing a life abroad, especially in the face of climatic extremes and bureaucratic hurdles.
