- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2021
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That was my fear, like will I always want to just follow the pilgrims out of town haha, or can it feel like a real little city where I volunteer and work, and yes, walk, even out of my own town. I do wonder though about the balance. Would love to hear from others about the reality of actually living on the Camino and balancing a normal day-to-day life. Thanks so much, everyone!I think you'll find there are quite a few members here who have followed that Dream.
For some it worked out.
For others not.
Perhaps rather like Holiday romances?
A number of people here have done that, and if you search "moving to spain" here, you will find a number of threads that will give you a sense of what you are up for if you do this.Would love to hear from others about the reality of actually living on the Camino and balancing a normal day-to-day life.
NICE! Love the simplicity of this message. Really love it. Thanks!A number of people here have done that, and if you search "moving to spain" here, you will find a number of threads that will give you a sense of what you are up for if you do this.
Anyway, other people are other people. You won't really know until you go yourself. It might be perfect. It might be a bust. But more likely a mix. Who knows?
Good luck!
Heard about this visa! My friends are on it in Valencia and loving life. Absolutely LOVE this quote. You're right. Just go, figure it out, or let destiny provide. Done. Ok, ok, I'm done thinking about it. Just needed a push hahahha. THANKS!View attachment 115136
Just go for it @Michelle_McA.
It won't be easy (I'm planning to move to Spain for a period of 2-5 years...depending...under the NLV scheme)...but nothing worthwhile is!
What an opportunity; how could you not?!
It doesn't have to be a 'forever' move.
I hope you'll keep us posted on what you decide & then through the actual undertaking...assuming..!
Best wishes, sempre avanti!
Happy to oblige Michelle...& good for you!Heard about this visa! My friends are on it in Valencia and loving life. Absolutely LOVE this quote. You're right. Just go, figure it out, or let destiny provide. Done. Ok, ok, I'm done thinking about it. Just needed a push hahahha. THANKS!
If you have a job opportunity, I'd say go for it. But check the tax rates for "remote" employment, I think this is something new, just to be sure it's worth it. Have done a lot of research on moving to Spain over the years, what I found is that for a foreigner Spain is a good place to live in (relatively cheap, good infrastructure, nice people, etc, compared to other EU countries) especially if you know the language. On the minus side, don't expect to find meaningful employment outside of the services industry, plus red tape. Overall it's a good place to live in if you have already saved enough for retirement before you moved there. Good luck!Hi pilgrims, I'm wondering about anyone who's decided (or trying to decide) to go and live in Spain alongside the Camino. I have a job opportunity (remote w/visa) and am considering a life in Pamplona or Burgos. Does anyone live there now and do you feel close to the Camino and the passing pilgrims? Any stories of folks moving to be closer to the Camino and how's it going? Seems like a dream
Only you’ll know if/when it feels right! All the bestHi pilgrims, I'm wondering about anyone who's decided (or trying to decide) to go and live in Spain alongside the Camino. I have a job opportunity (remote w/visa) and am considering a life in Pamplona or Burgos. Does anyone live there now and do you feel close to the Camino and the passing pilgrims? Any stories of folks moving to be closer to the Camino and how's it going? Seems like a dream
People move abroad to live and work there all the time. Some like it, some don't and move to elsewhere or back home. Recently, the Spanish government announced and/or launched a special program of tax cuts and visa for digital nomads but I've not looked into it, just happened to see it in the news. Perhaps of interest for you or other readers who work in the digital economy. Here is one randomly selected link, there are many others: Spain introduces special visa for digital nomads. This aims to attract non-EU citizens.I have a job opportunity (remote w/visa) and am considering a life in Pamplona or Burgos
Recently, the Spanish government announced and/or launched a special program of tax cuts and visa for digital nomads
Were with you there, we’d love to live in Burgos. I think you’d enjoy reading Kelli’s blog about her and Jeff’s life before and after buying a property on the Camino Frances near Palas de Rei. It’s called Viva EspanaHi pilgrims, I'm wondering about anyone who's decided (or trying to decide) to go and live in Spain alongside the Camino. I have a job opportunity (remote w/visa) and am considering a life in Pamplona or Burgos. Does anyone live there now and do you feel close to the Camino and the passing pilgrims? Any stories of folks moving to be closer to the Camino and how's it going? Seems like a dream
A very good piece of advice. I have read that after 6 months, you are considered by Spain to be a Resident. So understanding what that means is very important. I am Canadian and live in Mexico. It was very different for me as a Canadian than for my American friends from a tax perspective, so the country you are moving From is also a consideration. Lots of people ask about credit - cards, mortgages, vehicle loans - and find out that cash is king. It takes many years to establish credit in a new country, so being financially secure is important. And what is the going interest rate if you do get credit? So many questions. And are you mentally and emotionally ready for the stress of the first year? Remember that you must assimilate into their culture, not vice versa. I could go on... Would I do it again? Absolutely! As they say, you only live once...As a retired person with more than adequate income and reasonable fluency in Spanish I'd like to give it a go if/when I can convince my spouse. But I would certainly start out with a lengthy trial period before burning all my bridges back in the home country. Some years ago I came across this topic in another forum and some ell-informed person contributed a very long and detailed list of considerations/hurdles/problems associated with taking up residence in another country. I wish I had coped it, because even though I and my family lived for more than 20 years in eight different countries during my working years it was always under sheltered circumstances, and although the adjustments to language, food and smetimes driving on the "wrong" side of the road (LOL) were easy this guy's list included a lot of things I had never considered -- dual taxation, getting a driver's license, health insurance, inability to keep established credit cards and bank accounts because of changed residency, along with difficulty opening new ones, restrictions and legal entanglements relating to property ownership, etc., etc., etc. I suppose there are sources out there that cover these things in detail, but I haven't seriously looked into it. If only the good woman would relent I'd be doing some serious research, though.
My favorite quote!View attachment 115136
Just go for it @Michelle_McA.
It won't be easy (I'm planning to move to Spain for a period of 2-5 years...depending...under the NLV scheme)...but nothing worthwhile is!
What an opportunity; how could you not?!
It doesn't have to be a 'forever' move.
I hope you'll keep us posted on what you decide & then through the actual undertaking...assuming..!
Best wishes, sempre avanti!
Hi Michelle, Pamplona and Burgos are epic Camino towns, but they are also different in many ways. Pamplona is the regional capital of Navarra, whereas Burgos is part of Castilla-León.Hi pilgrims, I'm wondering about anyone who's decided (or trying to decide) to go and live in Spain alongside the Camino. I have a job opportunity (remote w/visa) and am considering a life in Pamplona or Burgos. Does anyone live there now and do you feel close to the Camino and the passing pilgrims? Any stories of folks moving to be closer to the Camino and how's it going? Seems like a dream
Relent good woman, relent! But of course, as husbands we must obey....As a retired person with more than adequate income and reasonable fluency in Spanish I'd like to give it a go if/when I can convince my spouse. But I would certainly start out with a lengthy trial period before burning all my bridges back in the home country. Some years ago I came across this topic in another forum and some ell-informed person contributed a very long and detailed list of considerations/hurdles/problems associated with taking up residence in another country. I wish I had coped it, because even though I and my family lived for more than 20 years in eight different countries during my working years it was always under sheltered circumstances, and although the adjustments to language, food and smetimes driving on the "wrong" side of the road (LOL) were easy this guy's list included a lot of things I had never considered -- dual taxation, getting a driver's license, health insurance, inability to keep established credit cards and bank accounts because of changed residency, along with difficulty opening new ones, restrictions and legal entanglements relating to property ownership, etc., etc., etc. I suppose there are sources out there that cover these things in detail, but I haven't seriously looked into it. If only the good woman would relent I'd be doing some serious research, though.
Where did you hail from originally, and what did you find with regard to taxes, purchasing property, healthcare, job (or not), etc.? Renting or did you buy? If you bought, what are utilities like in terms of cost/month?Does moving to Portugal count? I walk a small segment of the Caminho do Mar/Fatima route every morning, and the thrill is still there. I've waxed so enthusiastically about my Camino adventures that I'm taking a group of my friends here on a short Camino next May.
Great Idea!Hi pilgrims, I'm wondering about anyone who's decided (or trying to decide) to go and live in Spain alongside the Camino. I have a job opportunity (remote w/visa) and am considering a life in Pamplona or Burgos. Does anyone live there now and do you feel close to the Camino and the passing pilgrims? Any stories of folks moving to be closer to the Camino and how's it going? Seems like a dream
We'd lived in Los Angeles for most of our adult lives, so coastal Portugal was perfect weather- and lifestyle-wise. We're on the NHR plan re taxes: 10% for the first 10 years, and there's a tax treaty which offsets US/Portuguese taxes. We purchased an excellent private health plan for a fraction of what our healthcare would cost in the US. We're retired, although we both still do some freelance writing. Currently renting, and undecided whether to buy or continue to rent. We're entered the country on Portugal's D-7 visa, and now have residency. We've been here since April - so far, so very good.Where did you hail from originally, and what did you find with regard to taxes, purchasing property, healthcare, job (or not), etc.? Renting or did you buy? If you bought, what are utilities like in terms of cost/month?
Though we are retired, we often say, "Where next?" However, the idea of leaving for good is a leap of faith...not sure I can do it. However, renting somewhere for four or five months year would be nice while still having a foothold in the States.
There is an American gentleman who looks after the church at Molinaseca - looks like Colonel Sanders. He told me that he moved there after walking the Camino.Hi pilgrims, I'm wondering about anyone who's decided (or trying to decide) to go and live in Spain alongside the Camino. I have a job opportunity (remote w/visa) and am considering a life in Pamplona or Burgos. Does anyone live there now and do you feel close to the Camino and the passing pilgrims? Any stories of folks moving to be closer to the Camino and how's it going? Seems like a dream
Here’s a linkSorry, I spelled Rebekah's name wrong, and the book is: A Furnace Full of God
Haha! Amateurs! (My home country is … FranceSpanish bureaucracy has been mentioned here. Someone posted a funny video about this to the forum that I have reposted several times. Watch and learn.
Good luck.
My uncle arrived, alone, in Christchurch, ANZ with three shillings in his pocket. He was aged 12. I guess that he had the advantage of being somewhat able to communicate with the locals as he had arrived from the UK on the boat. He did okay.I’ve lived in Athens, Warsaw and Paris when working and whilst my work was conducted entirely in my native English. I functioned in the appropriate local language (sufficiently) socially and domestically.
Some do make a successful transition to another country; unsupported by a well-funded employer as I was; but I wouldn’t mind betting it’s a minority.
Terrific advice. I like you alreadyView attachment 115136
Just go for it @Michelle_McA.
It won't be easy (I'm planning to move to Spain for a period of 2-5 years...depending...under the NLV scheme)...but nothing worthwhile is!
What an opportunity; how could you not?!
It doesn't have to be a 'forever' move.
I hope you'll keep us posted on what you decide & then through the actual undertaking...assuming..!
Best wishes, sempre avanti!
Hola Rubia,We'd lived in Los Angeles for most of our adult lives, so coastal Portugal was perfect weather- and lifestyle-wise. We're on the NHR plan re taxes: 10% for the first 10 years, and there's a tax treaty which offsets US/Portuguese taxes. We purchased an excellent private health plan for a fraction of what our healthcare would cost in the US. We're retired, although we both still do some freelance writing. Currently renting, and undecided whether to buy or continue to rent. We're entered the country on Portugal's D-7 visa, and now have residency. We've been here since April - so far, so very good.
You bewdy...a New Best Friend!Terrific advice. I like you already
Very good point. My great grandfather also from Italy as an unaccompanied teenager.My uncle arrived, alone, in Christchurch, ANZ with three shillings in his pocket. He was aged 12. I guess that he had the advantage of being somewhat able to communicate with the locals as he had arrived from the UK on the boat. He did okay.
Plenty of others arrived from France, Netherlands and what used to be Yugoslavia without speaking a word of English and most of them turned out okay.
Without going into more details of definition and so on, I think that there is a difference between what is often called immigrants vs expats.Nevertheless - I agree with your clarification.
I want to know a lot more about your uncle. In the meantime, does the film 'Shine' ring a bell for anyone? It is one that touched me deeply. You can pm me, @Dougnut NZ, so as not to let the thread go off kilter.My uncle arrived, alone, in Christchurch, ANZ with three shillings in his pocket. He was aged 12. I guess that he had the advantage of being somewhat able to communicate with the locals as he had arrived from the UK on the boat. He did okay.
Plenty of others arrived from France, Netherlands and what used to be Yugoslavia without speaking a word of English and most of them turned out okay.
Hi @kirkie I’ve sent you a pM about Shine, though I don’t know if it’s the same film you’re referring to.I want to know a lot more about your uncle. In the meantime, does the film 'Shine' ring a bell for anyone? It is one that touched me deeply. You can pm me, @Dougnut NZ, so as not to let the thread go off kilter.
We are in Cascais, which is approximately 25 kilometers west of Lisbon on the Atlantic coast. Beautiful town - we live on the ground floor of a villa that was built in the 1890s for the wealthy people who accompanied the King of Portugal to his summer retreat.Hola Rubia,
Where in Portugal do you live please?
I missed walking the Camino Portuguese this year ( instead walked the shorter but tough Camino Ingles this last Oct 2021. Have sailed in to Portugal years gone by and drove to The Algarve years gone !) so thinking too on a shuffle between Spain Portugal Sweden and my place in Mashobra ( Himalaya). Every Best Wish, Vivek( Bonnie)
Hola La Rubia!We are in Cascais, which is approximately 25 kilometers west of Lisbon on the Atlantic coast. Beautiful town - we live on the ground floor of a villa that was built in the 1890s for the wealthy people who accompanied the King of Portugal to his summer retreat.
I once heard the Ingles described as the "Cardiac Camino," and whoever coined that phrase wasn't kidding, were they?
Sorry, it seems like no one is really answering your specific question, but as a general reply on moving overseas:Hi pilgrims, I'm wondering about anyone who's decided (or trying to decide) to go and live in Spain alongside the Camino. I have a job opportunity (remote w/visa) and am considering a life in Pamplona or Burgos. Does anyone live there now and do you feel close to the Camino and the passing pilgrims? Any stories of folks moving to be closer to the Camino and how's it going? Seems like a dream
You have an income source that is a plus. You can always change your mind if, for some reason, it does not work out.Hi pilgrims, I'm wondering about anyone who's decided (or trying to decide) to go and live in Spain alongside the Camino. I have a job opportunity (remote w/visa) and am considering a life in Pamplona or Burgos. Does anyone live there now and do you feel close to the Camino and the passing pilgrims? Any stories of folks moving to be closer to the Camino and how's it going? Seems like a dream
And to stray further off-topic....After reading @Stephan the Painter's post above it occurred to me that you will probably be paid in dollars deposited into a US bank account and then a transfer of all or part of the funds transferred to a Spanish bank. It may have to be with a new bank anyway that may be able to handle transfers easily or cheaply.
However, I think Spain requires a Spanish bank account early on to get residency. I don't know what they expect to be in there and when or if they expect regular deposits or how deposits are made. ATM withdrawals and then bank deposits may be okay but that's for someone with experience to say. Oh yes, make sure the Spanish bank you choose can work with your US bank. Expats may know of good combinations.And to stray further off-topic....
Actually, if one is being paid in US dollars, I would try to leave it in the US and just use ATMs to withdraw money and live a cash life. It’s really complicated to set up a foreign bank account for US tax nationals. Not worth it unless you are staying. You can easily find a US bank that does not charge overseas ATM transaction fees.
All major US banks have what are known as correspondent bank relationships usually with both nostro accounts (our bank's money held with, say, a Spanish bank); and vostro accounts (the Spanish bank's money held by our bank). Back in my banking days (Rainier Bank/Bank of America) and specifically as it related to Spain, we had correspondent banking relationships with Banco de Vizcaya, Banco Bilbao, Banco Santander, Banco Central, et. al. Many of the banks have consolidated over the years. I would recommend Banco Santander as it is Spain's largest commercial bank—you see their retail branches all along the Camino Frances. They also have branches in the US with about 20,000 employees. Your USA bank can also provide a letter of introduction to your Spanish bank assuming there is a correspondent bank relationship. I work part time in Hamburg and am paid in Euros, so I maintain accounts with Deutsche Bank. With my DB debit card I paid my expenses while on the Camino. Your employer should be able to help you also, Michele. Full disclosure: I am a shareholder in Santander.However, I think Spain requires a Spanish bank account early on to get residency. I don't know what they expect to be in there and when or if they expect regular deposits or how deposits are made. ATM withdrawals and then bank deposits may be okay but that's for someone with experience to say. Oh yes, make sure the Spanish bank you choose can work with your US bank. Expats may know of good combinations.
I do command the English, German, Spanish beginner level A (Enough to survive easily in Spain), all Scandinavian languages, and I have surprised the Greek with some phrases (self-study & experience with Greek friends).I’ve lived in Athens, Warsaw and Paris when working and whilst my work was conducted entirely in my native English. I functioned in the appropriate local language (sufficiently) socially and domestically. More than 20 years have passed and whilst I can function in French (and more recently, Spanish) I could barely order a drink in Greek or Polish now.
Well said, Alexwalker!I do command the English, German, Spanish beginner level A (Enough to survive easily in Spain), all Scandinavian languages, and I have surprised the Greek with some phrases (self-study & experience with Greek friends).French: I don't understand anything.
I attended a 1-month beginner course in Spanish in Alicante some years ago, and it has helped me tremendously. I highly recommend www.enforex.com : They can be found in many places around the world; friendly and helpful teachers, albeit very intensive learning curve, (which is good money value for you).
But if I were to move to Spain, which I am more and more seriously contemplating, I would continue my language control by more schooling. I would not advice moving to Spain without any knowledge of the language. IMHO, it would also be rude and impolite. And yes, I would settle on or near the Camino (Frances). It is in my blood now.
My BNP Paribas account in France has no connection to any bank in the US. Granted a SWIFT Code will allow me to tranfer fund back and forth, but I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about.All major US banks have what are known as correspondent bank relationships usually with both nostro accounts (our bank's money held with, say, a Spanish bank); and vostro accounts (the Spanish bank's money held by our bank). Back in my banking days (Rainier Bank/Bank of America) and specifically as it related to Spain, we had correspondent banking relationships with Banco de Vizcaya, Banco Bilbao, Banco Santander, Banco Central, et. al. Many of the banks have consolidated over the years. I would recommend Banco Santander as it is Spain's largest commercial bank—you see their retail branches all along the Camino Frances. They also have branches in the US with about 20,000 employees. Your USA bank can also provide a letter of introduction to your Spanish bank assuming there is a correspondent bank relationship. I work part time in Hamburg and am paid in Euros, so I maintain accounts with Deutsche Bank. With my DB debit card I paid my expenses while on the Camino. Your employer should be able to help you also, Michele. Full disclosure: I am a shareholder in Santander.
Amazing. Do you find you're in a state of Camino essence living right on it? Can you describe what's rewarding about it? Looking for the invisible things, the feelingsMy husband and I moved to a camino village in 2006 (he is English, I am American). An increasing number of expatriate people are doing this now. Some of them temporarily, and a few permanently (so far!).
It is not easy, but it's very rewarding.
Perhaps I wasn't clear enough in my explanation, Don. The relationships are bank to bank and the nostro-vostro accounts exist to facilitate certain payments with customers of the bank in their respective countries. BNP was one of our oldest correspondent bank relationships with mutual accounts having existed for decades. I was responsible for these relationships and BNP was one of the first banks I called on in Paris in 1980. I would be very surprised to learn they have been abandoned. In Cincinnati, your former home, the Fifth Third Bank of Cincinatti has hundreds of correspondent banking relationships around the world. If you were (are) one of their clients, you could inquire about the bank's relationship with BNP Paribas. These days, I'm just a simple hiker and it is quite possible you are more current than I am, in which case I'll have to concede I don't know what I'm talking about. Best wishes for the holidays, John.My BNP Paribas account in France has no connection to any bank in the US. Granted a SWIFT Code will allow me to tranfer fund back and forth, but I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about.
Nice sentiment, Bob—my fellow Kilimanjaro summiter . . .Michelle,
While walking so many miles across Spain in solitude one has the opportunity to have "many" thoughts, dreams and fantasies. Many of which pertain to moving to a place where they are experiencing a life changing experience amongst others who have the common interests.
I would venture to say a vast majority of pilgrim visitors to Spain have had the exact same thoughts you are expressing here.
My 2 cents worth is to say follow your heart. We only get 1 chance at life.
Just to insert a contrary viewpoint, I have walked five of the longer caminos in Spain, loving and growing through my experiences, but I have never had any desire to move permanently to Spain. I have lived abroad in Ireland, Britain, and Australia and expected the last two of these to be permanent, but I was never really at home anywhere but Canada. I am very happy to have my almost ninety days in Spain each year, and equally happy to come home. I don't really understand how it could be possible to choose another home. I suppose that those of you who have experienced this would say that you were chosen by it.I would venture to say a vast majority of pilgrim visitors to Spain have had the exact same thoughts you are expressing here.
Does anyone live there now and do you feel close to the Camino and the passing pilgrims?
The best description you are likely to get of her experience is in her book some have recommended above, A Furnace Full of God.Amazing. Do you find you're in a state of Camino essence living right on it? Can you describe what's rewarding about it? Looking for the invisible things, the feelings
This is the news I've been waiting to hear, Karhar!na! Thanks so much for posting this. I had heard that Spain was considering a Digital Nomad visa but I didn't know it would happen this soon. I need to recalibrate my plans!People move abroad to live and work there all the time. Some like it, some don't and move to elsewhere or back home. Recently, the Spanish government announced and/or launched a special program of tax cuts and visa for digital nomads but I've not looked into it, just happened to see it in the news. Perhaps of interest for you or other readers who work in the digital economy. Here is one randomly selected link, there are many others: Spain introduces special visa for digital nomads. This aims to attract non-EU citizens.
I've read Rebekah's book and really enjoyed her sharing candid experiences of living and owning an albergue on the Meseta.The best description you are likely to get of her experience is in her book some have recommended above, A Furnace Full of God.
"A state of Camino Essence" sounds very metaphysical! and I am a material girl.Amazing. Do you find you're in a state of Camino essence living right on it? Can you describe what's rewarding about it? Looking for the invisible things, the feelings
I think every word of this is perfect insight, gleaned from someone in the middle of it all. I appreciate the real talk. I'm gonna keep reading this a few times and get grounded, but really perked up about having feet in both worlds, about not idolizing the Way, and interesting to see your evolution w/passing pilgrims. This is precisely what I was wondering about from someone already there (living, though not necessarily walking). Thank you for your time and words."A state of Camino Essence" sounds very metaphysical! and I am a material girl.
When we first came to Moratinos we immersed ourselves in the Camino scene as well as the village community, soaking it all up like sponges, serving pilgrims at home as well as volunteering as hospitaleros elsewhere and making occasional walks.
Our involvement in the Way has evolved over time. We have much fewer pilgrims in the house nowadays, but I continue to serve in a more executive and comprehensive manner, upholding the network of shelters and volunteers that offer traditional hospitality. We see pilgrims every day, but we no longer engage with them like we once did. It's not just us... the pilgrims are no longer so interested in engaging with locals. (you can't hear a 'hello' when you're plugged into your headphones.)
Living and working on the Camino, and the opportunity to help ensure its future, gives me a real sense of purpose. Offering "radical hospitality" in a place with a pilgrim tradition fulfills my vows as a Benedictine monastic and a functioning Christian.
I have seen many, many people come to the Camino and try to make a life here with and for the pilgrims. Sadly, many make an idol of the Camino, attributing to it qualities and gifts that are more appropriately attributed to God, or the almighty, or whatever you want to call her. They feel a call and make great sacrifices to make it real, but ultimately find the Camino is a cruel mistress. She does not pay back their investments of time, money, and spirit... the Camino is a place full of juju, but it cannot provide the spiritual relationship their souls long for. (and it won't pay the bills, either.)
Getting my head around that has deepened my faith dramatically in the past few years.
I think you have a wonderful opportunity to live in a Camino setting while living a wage-earning life. I think it's healthy to keep a firm hold on the larger world, and not get sucked into Planet Camino.
That "camino magic" will always be there, so long as pilgrims are still walking through. The path is always there for you, when you have time and inclination to walk. Live your life to its fullest, on and off the Way -- it is not an either/or proposition.
"The invisible things, the feelings?" Those are up to you.
Offering "radical hospitality" in a place with a pilgrim tradition fulfills my vows as a Benedictine monastic and a functioning Christian.
I have seen many, many people come to the Camino and try to make a life here with and for the pilgrims. Sadly, many make an idol of the Camino, attributing to it qualities and gifts that are more appropriately attributed to God, or the almighty, or whatever you want to call her. They feel a call and make great sacrifices to make it real, but ultimately find the Camino is a cruel mistress. She does not pay back their investments of time, money, and spirit... the Camino is a place full of juju, but it cannot provide the spiritual relationship their souls long for. (and it won't pay the bills, either.)
so how did you accomplish this I have always thought of moving there. I have eleven Camino's would like to try to live there is it difficult to get a visa? Merry Christmas.Hi pilgrims, I'm wondering about anyone who's decided (or trying to decide) to go and live in Spain alongside the Camino. I have a job opportunity (remote w/visa) and am considering a life in Pamplona or Burgos. Does anyone live there now and do you feel close to the Camino and the passing pilgrims? Any stories of folks moving to be closer to the Camino and how's it going? Seems like a dream
Maybe the OP will answer you, but it sounds like she was offered a job and they helped her get a visa. So start applying for jobs with Spanish companies or companies that have a presence in Spain. I had an American cousin who worked for UPS and lived in Madrid for years working as management in the office there. I think this is a rarity, though.so how did you accomplish this I have always thought of moving there. I have eleven Camino's would like to try to live there is it difficult to get a visa? Merry Christmas.
There must be some kind of relationship with US-based banks, or at least the Bank of America. We can use our BofA debit card while traveling at ATMs belonging to BNP Paribas, Deutschebank, Barclay's (and possibly Santander) without any inter-bank fees. Maybe it doesn't work in reverse, though.My BNP Paribas account in France has no connection to any bank in the US. Granted a SWIFT Code will allow me to tranfer fund back and forth, but I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about.
Agreed, I have used my BNP debit card at ATMs in the US and never had an issue or a fee. With the advent of SWIFT in 1973 transaction between most major banks in Europe and the US are done quickly and usually without onerous fees, although they can get cagey with the exchange rates sometimes. Using my BNP debit card at banks in Spain is not always free of charge, I normally have to pay whatever the rate is for such transaction to the cardholders of that bank. The same way it happens in the US. The term Correspondence Banking is something of an anachronism.There must be some kind of relationship with US-based banks, or at least the Bank of America. We can use our BofA debit card while traveling at ATMs belonging to BNP Paribas, Deutschebank, Barclay's (and possibly Santander) without any inter-bank fees. Maybe it doesn't work in reverse, though.
If you don't mind living on limited funds, you could get a letter from an albergue promising to feed and house you in return for working there. But you'd still have to pay for health insurance and incidentals. Maybe you could get them to do that as well, but that's a stretch.Hi pilgrims, I'm wondering about anyone who's decided (or trying to decide) to go and live in Spain alongside the Camino. I have a job opportunity (remote w/visa) and am considering a life in Pamplona or Burgos. Does anyone live there now and do you feel close to the Camino and the passing pilgrims? Any stories of folks moving to be closer to the Camino and how's it going? Seems like a dream
Amazing. Do you find you're in a state of Camino essence living right on it? Can you describe what's rewarding about it? Looking for the invisible things, the feelings
Agree. Lived in Kenya for two years. Great experience. Wonderful memories. Do it before things get in the way. Really live your life.If I were a young woman, I'd move to Spain in a minute!
I'm old now, with sons and grandchildren here in the Pacific Northwest, so for me, that time has passed.
But you... I'd say GO for it!
You're young enough that if you don't like it, you can always move back.
Life is short.
Grab it by both horns and RIDE, Cowgirl!
Hi! I have many years experience working for big company brands so have built up my resume over 15 years and can work remotely in this new world of ours. I also followed my favorite boss (align yourself to someone who knows what you're capable of and who can make things happen) to a new company and she knows working abroad was my #1 priority. So that's how this is happening for me. I also interviewed at a Canadian company that allowed sponsorship of visas for Spain or UK. In the end, my goal was the visa and the alignment with a terrific boss. You can google which companies have offices in Spain and embark on a campaign to interview & get the job. Not easy, but worth it, as we all knowso how did you accomplish this I have always thought of moving there. I have eleven Camino's would like to try to live there is it difficult to get a visa? Merry Christmas.
How's it going? Are you right on a Camino? Thanks for sharing....Moved to Portugal from the UK but having second thoughts to be honest.
Places are never the same when you live compared to when you visit.
Fantastic Michelle. Maybe you’ve heard and will hear people say ‘you’re so lucky’. And indeed I would feel lucky too in your shoes. But your story reminds me of that saying attributed to the Roman philosopher Seneca.Hi! I have many years experience working for big company brands so have built up my resume over 15 years and can work remotely in this new world of ours. I also followed my favorite boss (align yourself to someone who knows what you're capable of and who can make things happen) to a new company and she knows working abroad was my #1 priority. So that's how this is happening for me. I also interviewed at a Canadian company that allowed sponsorship of visas for Spain or UK. In the end, my goal was the visa and the alignment with a terrific boss.
The essence of the Camino Garry.My wife and I arrived in Hospital de Orbigo early one afternoon to find ourselves at the preparation stage for a medieval celebration complete with jousting. Tourists from all over were there and "rooms at the inn" were sparse and our Spanish couldn't cope with the negotiations for a room. We were sitting forlornly on a doorstep trying to take stock when an American lady and her Spanish husband saw us, took pity on us and asked if they could help. The American lady's Spanish was very good and she connected with a friend in the town who had a hotel and sorted a room for us. She and her husband had completed the Camino themselves and she decided to stay and live in Hospital de Orbigo. Her husband made little wooden Camino shells as fridge magnets and gave us one as a present.
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