At 40, I moved my family of 4 to Spain. We spent that first year abroad learning from our mistakes.

Detailed summary

After moving my family from the US to Spain, we've spent the past year learning new lessons and making mistakes around local culture and food.

I should've known that we were too early when we had to duck under the partially closed metal awning. We'd arrived after the restaurant's posted opening hours, but my suspicions were confirmed when we were greeted by a hostess who was still taking off her motorcycle helmet. Definitely too early. She suggested we come back later, with a reservation. Welcome to the struggle of finding dinner in Spain before 8 p.m. About a year and a half ago, my family and I made the bold decision to leave the US, sell most of our belongings — including our home — and move our lives to Spain.

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