I am an American expat living in Paris. We’ve been here almost 5 yrs and love it. Year one was tough…I liken it to learning how to be an adult all over again. But now that we are settled, I am so glad we took the plunge. Our kids (9 & 13) are now completely bilingual and have a global perspective/exposure to so many other cultures. Enjoy your time in Spain to the fullest. You are giving your kids the best gift!
What an amazing thing you’ve done for your family! The education and memories are priceless. My husband and I lived in Costa Rica, and then Panama for 6 months each, and then Guadalajara Mexico for 2 years. We don’t have kids but the hardest part was dragging our pets around and making sure they were ok and not traumatized. 2 cats going there and then country hopping. Then we left Mexico and moved back to Florida with the 2 cats and 2 Mexican dogs that we adopted. Beautiful experience, wouldn’t trade it for the world. But, not easy. I believe everyone should get the chance to experience life in another culture other than the US. It’s brain and heart expanding.
Erin, I just love how you always speak from the heart. Just like when you did your menopause series, I just feel like you are a real person sitting down and being so genuine with us. You’re not giving us the typical influenser BS. I can trust what you are saying. My husband and I plan to be expats after we retire, so this was very helpful information. Also, your family is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing!
I agree, I like how Erin is real and honest, and funny too. I've just watched the video on avoiding frumpy styles and it was very funny as well as being very helpful!
I did what you did a few time. Everything has to be planned carefully, at one time I had to get 2 cats and 2 dogs organised for trave...phew. No company doing it for me. My husband died in car crash and getting into another country meant survival for my son and myself. My son was 12 when we first left and he already spoke 2 languages(more or less fluent). He went to school in Canada then we moved back to Europe. He studied in Scotland and for the time being we are staying...here! My son speaks 4 languages, I 5 (for me it is my job). Life most certainly is entertaining.
Hola Erin, mil disculpas por hablar en español, mi inglés es básico, lo que no me permite decir todo lo que quisiera. Te felicito, me alegra mucho que todo haya salido bien, te sigo desde hace un tiempo y no sabes cuantas veces quise compartir contigo mis gustos, experiencias y un montón de cosas por las cuales te sigo, te envío un fuerte abrazo y deseo lo mejor para ti y toda tu familia!!, cariños 🤗
I really enjoyed this Erin. I can see that it is such a fantastic opportunity for your family. I know there are challenges, but what you are doing for your children is absolutely invaluable. And they will grow from this and it will give them more confidence than you can ever imagine. They will be able to handle so many challenges that come in their lives and the poise they will gain will always serve them well. And I absolutely feel with children if they have their family with them and that security, it really doesn't matter which country they live in. They have you and Chris and they have each other. I've written a book, but please know this is absolutely a fantastic opportunity you are giving them. Much love! Melissa
What an amazing growing experience! The benefits outweigh the negatives for sure.Your kids are going to forever be grateful for the language, you can never fluently learn a language if you don't live in the country for abit.Well done, you are a brave family, sending you love from Greece.
Madrid is such a beautiful city! My husband and I loved it and marvelled at how clean it was. Your children have not only learned about language and culture, but I'm sure they have also learned a thing or two about being empathetic when meeting future newcomers when they arrive back home in their own country.
This is an amazing time to be in Europe. The Christmas Markets are so gorgeous, especially in France and Germany. Not sure if they are still happening with Covid but we lived in Europe for three years and the Christmas Markets are one of the experiences we treasure most. The City Centers are decorated so beautifully, the food, the one of a kind Christmas ornaments and decorations for sale, the music...
Hi!! A spaniard that randomly get here to improve his english. I just wanted to say how beautiful you family is and how brave you all are!! Moving your entire family to another country, culture even continent!!! WOW! You all have my respect!! And yeah! what an experience for the kids!!. I've been listening other foreingers (younger people without family) who come here in Spain and a common point is that they think they should have had a higher level of Spanish before coming. I wish you have a really good time here.
Loved this!!! I would do this in a heartbeat, but most Americans, I know, have no desire to even visit Spain. You and your family are truly on a learning curve, and 100% understand your need to cut back. It is essential to learn the culture. You have given your children a gift and like you said tools they now have for the rest of their lives. Bravo! Please share more about their culture, I would love to learn more. I also look forward to European fashion, believing we all could learn from our European neighbors.
@@BusbeeStyle I felt so sad for you when you said you were so overwhelmed with the intensive language classes on top of everything else. I also laughed, though, because I can relate. I started taking French this year through work and ended up bagging it because I wasn't able to focus on studying and practicing it outside of class. I got behind and just truly sucked. LOL. But hey, life is short. I'm so glad you punted and started using that time to more joyfully experience (or less stressfully experience?) your expertly planned great adventure!
I do not think that most Americans are not interested in visiting or moving to another country, it is more the fact that most Americans can not afford it. Besides not getting enough vacation time.
I really enjoyed this as well. I took a small hiatus and all of a sudden you were in Spain. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and tribulations.
Hola Erin! I'm a Spanish expat living in the UK.. Just wanted to send you lots of love!! It is all exciting, magical, brave and beautiful, but also very challenging and sometimes it does get lonely. I can assure you though that it does get better, and soon you realise you are growin into a much more open minded, thoughtful and generous person. It's a very humbling experience. Making friends was the most difficult part for me, but nowadays there are many apps to meet people. You'll be surprised of how many women (expat and locals) are out there looking for like-minded friends!!
Wow. Love Madrid!!! The best way to learn a language is to be in the country where people speak that language. I´m from Argentina and I´m a former spanish proffesor. You have El Corte Inglés , Erin!!!! Madrid have those little places. The cons is the food Hahahahahah. It´s so good. You all are so brave. Your children are going trough a huge experience that is going to change the way they see the world. Don´t be so exigent with you, Erin. Let you enjoy what you can do and live what you cannot do. It´s all right. Estamos aqui para escucharte y apoyarte. Cariños
Erin, you and Chris are a good match. I am a risk taker as well. There are folks who are not confident, self sufficient to take on this challenge. I continue to move places where I know no one, am single and I start all over again learning where the post, grocery, pharmacy are and making new friends. I would guess 95% of the population can’t or won’t do this. Good on you!
The honesty, emotion, and authentic advice in this video are greatly appreciated. You've laid a foundation of growth, risk-taking, acceptance, and adventure for your family. Thank you for sharing.
What an absolutely incredible experience for your family! Thank you for being honest about it as well. You are definitely showing your kids that being brave and courageous leads to great things!
As a USA expat in Ecuador: Thank you! Erin! Beautifully stated video! I truly believe your children will reap unimaginable benefits of living abroad for the remainder of their lives! Learning Spanish will open doors for them forever personally and professionally! Excellent parenting!! In 2013, Zero Spanish, single at 66 yrs old, I sold everything in the US, landed in Cuenca, Ecuador at 8500 ft elevation, (currency is US dollar), with six suitcases, live on 66% less per month in a luxury 18-story high-rise. I will never live in the States which I deeply love because the Ecuadorian culture is welcoming, kind, respectful, like it used to be in the USA decades ago. Usually around two years we expats find the Honeymoon phase is over and experience “culture shock”, because *everything* is different here. EveryThing! This is not even Mexico-like. Ecuadorians don’t process USA logical thinking. And there’s No mail service in country. No Amazon deliveries from the States. No Starbucks no Walmart. As a 16 yr international flight attendant, thought I was prepared. Being a tourist is Nothing like living as a full-time expat visa- holding resident. We pay Ecuadorian ‘Facilitators’ who assist in apartment/home rentals, legal matters, healthcare, banking etc. The culture here is centered around Family, not shopping, not consumerism, not to-do lists. Family. So happy for you and your family taking a well deserved time out in beautiful Madrid, Spain, and fun side trips. You may even miss Spain and be forever changed when you return Stateside. Happy Trails 😘
I did a year of full-time French immersion (40 hours a week) at a Francophone university in Montreal when I was a young adult. I have always said that it was harder for me than undergrad or law school. I completely empathize with how taxing you found your Spanish studies. I think it is wonderful you have been able to give your kids this amazing immersive experience in Spain.
How wonderful! Wish did this with our daughter before she grew up. We love bringing her to new places and we were actually in Madrid right before the pandemic. Now that we’re back to traveling, we went right back and this time spent a few weeks in Portugal before going back to Spain. Hopefully, you have visited Portugal or have it on the list. It’s spectacular. I also recommend food tours as they allow for a quick deep dive into the culture of a new place. Enjoy your travels with your beautiful family (and just know, you’re not missing anything here 🤦🏽♀️)
You are doing a wonderful thing for your children. I was 9 when my mother got a job at the swedish embassy in Washington D.C. I did not know a word of english. I was fluent after about four months. It has been such an advantage my whole life. I am now 66 and my spelling is not as good as it used to be but I still read mostly english books. The trick is to keep it up after you leave. We stayed for 2 years and here in Sweden it is easy because we have subtitles and only use voice over in childrens programs. Good luck
As I’ve been listening, all I can think about are my newcomer kids in my school. I have appreciated hearing your perspective and better understand what my kids must be going through. So thankful.
Erin, It's great seeing you so happy and excited. It's definitely not easy to put yourself out there and explore the unknown. Enjoy the rest of your stay in Madrid and I hope you have an easy journey back into your new home.
Erin, I think the opportunity you are giving your children is priceless! I grew up in Central America, married and Englishman and worked in Russia for several years. Travel is therapy for my soul and my brain and has shaped me into a well rounded individual, if I do say so myself! Your children will learn other cultures, other languages, other foods and make many unforgettable memories along the way! Congratulations!
Moving to another country is stressful, but worth it. We moved to California from Ireland 28 years ago, with a 2 yo and a 3 month old. Crazy. We also brought our great dane - leaving him behind was not an option - and that was so stressful, with paperwork, timing etc. We were seriously afraid he would not survive the trip, like you, I read all the horror stories. Glad you are settling in, wonderful experience for the whole family.
Welcome Erin, we retired to Spain from England when we were just 47. Still here and listening to you realised just how much of a challenge it was. We don’t have children but had 2 dogs. We also built our own villa but quickly learned we had made mistakes. We moved to the Costa del Sol but now live in an apt by the beach in Costa Blanca. I still get home sick after 18 years here and love going home but, once you live here you adapt, it becomes your way of life. We also have a Motorhome so we have travelled a lot around Spain and Europe. I love your honesty about how your settling in and great fashion advise. I went from shopping in London to a small place in Spain and I struggled to even find shoes that fit me. Anyway enjoy your journey and I look forward to watching you evolve into your new surroundings and live style Stay safe have fun and enjoy Happy New.
I might have already posted this 🤔 but I had an incredible experience in high school. It did help I went to an international school. I was sent when I was 16, turning 17 to live with my boyfriend’s family (we were watched😂). It was amazing. They sent me all over to live with every aunt, uncle and cousin. I lived with a fashion model in Paris, in Lyons with a car engineer, Marseilles, etc. I went with the grandparents to live in Barcelona and Valencia. It was amazing and I patiently waited until my boys were in early teens. They’ve seen Croatia, London, Paris, Normandy, Italy, and now we are looking at Japan and they didn’t bat an eye when i mentioned it. One’s in college and one a junior in hs. We have one rule…they are required to pick three things to see in each city so they have to do their own research. It’s been great because honestly I probably would have never spent a day 🤣 at the Churchill War museum or gone to some of the things that my engineer son sees. I think though, that they will continue this and you are doing just that! Creating memories and lessening the fear of visiting new and strange places where you feel out of your element but you embrace it rather than dread it. Kudos mom!
Thank you for sharing all of that with us! I myself have lived in more than 12 countries over the past 35 years and I can tell you that it was a very enriching experience for me and the kids! An excellent way to learn a new language and about other cultures and traditions. I have also been to Madrid, a lovely city but I felt it was a bit crowded in certain areas. You forgot about telling us what kind of visa did you get to go live in Spain and if it was difficult to get etc? Enjoy your stay there and make the most of it’s you already are. God bless. 🤗
I enjoyed your story greatly. After living in Florida for 65 years we moved to Berlin 6 years ago. We love living here and still feel like we are on an adventure vacation since we both don’t work. We can walk to visit our family and get to be with our grandchildren often. Our German born grands are bilingual, speaking English at home and German in school. We never dreamed of living abroad but I certainly can recommend it.
This video could have been me discussing our move to Belgium. Someone finally gets what we went through… the dog traveling, the language barrier & the culture shock. Thank you for making this video. I definitely feel like a stronger woman after the experience.
Wow..how I wish I could do the same. I used to live and work abroad (USA, Ireland) and I loved it. Now, when I am married I have to respect my husband's feelings and opinions and he, unfortunatelly, isn't as brave as me :( I wish you all the best Erin, keep my fingers crossed for your family :) I cried with you when you mentioned your kids (I am a mother of two boys ) Looking forward to your new videos! :)
Thanks for sharing your experience with us and for giving us a "peak behind the curtain" and being so open about how your move has impacted the entire family.
I'm from northern Spain (Galicia) and go back every summer for a month. My son moved from the States last year to go to University there, and he absolutely loves it. Enjoy everything we have to offer!
I found this so amazing. Our children are adults and I wish we had done something like this when they were young. Fabulous path you have chosen!! I love manifesting and I work so hard at keeping my mind in that space. What a story you will have and no regrets 🙌🏻🍑🧡Lisa
I know basics in Spanish I took 2 years of Spanish in high school from living in southern California as young person and then later as a nurse I’m near fluent, with 2 great phrases to know “Como se dice” “how do you say it” and “donde esta” where is it. Great experience for your children and perhaps they will have way more opportunity doors as adults as a result. Kids will adjust and they will become more resilient once they adjust.
I've been following you for a while and it's a very nice surprise to have you and your family here in Spain. A very warm welcome to all of you, I hope you'll enjoy the experience. I'll keep enjoying your videos.
I watched your manifestation video and absolutely loved it!!! I truly believe you can manifest what you want!! Thank you so much for that video! And for this one too!!
Thank you for sharing your amazing story. Your kids will look back on this and say remember when we lived in Spain and the different culture they are learning will give them a great outlook on life. My freshman son who has special needs has been learning Spanish for two years and loves it. My daughter is 19 and is fluent in Spanish. You have a beautiful family❤️
Erin, this was so lovely of you to post! I enjoyed every moment of this video and the real talk about this family adventure . It’s understandable to have so many opposing emotions, that being so grateful for this opportunity but at the same time being homesick. Your children are incredible for adapting to this time and they will carry this experience with them forever . Thank you again ,this was wonderful ! ♥️👏👏👏👏Pam
I am so glad you are back! Spanish is my first language and I am flattered that you and your family wants to learn it! I wish you and your family a lot of success! Blessings E.
Amazing experience for The family! You did great! Glad you found a bakery you like and take- out food to your liking. Make sure and take your kids to the museums there, showing them Picasso's Guernica and talking about the background of the war he painted about is a good tangible history lesson. Make sure and sign up for "Free walking tours" of the city. You'll learn so much more than what's in a history book, they're very entertaining, your kids will love it, they're tailored for all ages
Good suggestions. The International Women’s Club did a lot of tours and talks on history, lots of museums, churches. When my brother visited, dare I admit, we took a Segway tour around Madrid, and I really got my bearings after that! 😁 It was actually a lot of fun. We went mostly on the west side of Madrid.
I lived in Spain for one year during college and I have been so interested to hear how you are doing there and what your impressions are. I 100% agree that living in another country (even when you speak the language well) takes a lot of brain bandwidth, and I really noticed it when I came back to the States; like, oh, I don’t have to mentally rehearse what I’m going to say to the clerk at the post office or the pharmacy all the time anymore. It’s a lot to deal with every day. But I also agree that it is a life changing experience and you learn so much about yourself, above and beyond the culture and language. Thank you for sharing this with us, I love hearing about it and I look forward to your thoughts on Spanish and European style. I have loved prints and patterns for many years and I credit my time in Spain for that! Wishing you and your family the very best, and applaud you for making this choice to “disfrutar”!
Hi Erin congratulations for your channel it’s so great. Here in Mexico we do the opposite, we try our kids to become fluent in English sending them to bilingual schools. It’s nice to know people who like spanish language. Greetings.
Muchas felicidades por tus logros, soy nueva en tu canal y estoy fascinada con todos los tips & tricks, fan del canal!! Saludos desde SD California ♥️😘
Thank you for being so real Erin! Lots of love to you and your family - it is awesome to share the lessons learned for any of us thinking about doing the same thing.
LOVE this! You answered so many questions I had! I was in Alaska until I was a teenager so I also took French and then....we moved to Arizona 😆 I feel ya! Please keep these videos coming! It is so fascinating! And thank you for being so honest and sharing the good, the bad and the ugly. Your amazing kids are a testament to their amazing parents ❤
Hi Erin! My family and I were in Madrid this past August dropping our daughter off to a study abroad program. It’s a such a beautiful city! You are so fortunate to enjoy this experience as a family. The best gift you could ever give your children. Buena suerte y bendiciones para todos ❤️
In big pharma, we are very conscious of being "US-centric", and therefore arrange meetings to accommodate the global timezones as much as possible. What an adventure for you all!
HI Erin, very good video, very informative. Me and my husband just retired and we are planning to move to France, so we will be expats (We are originally Dutch / Caribbean) . Have so many things to arrange and a couple of hurdles in the way. We have two dogs that we are planning to take with us, but like you mentioned that is also a whole chapter in itself. We wish you and your family all the best for this Holiday season and a Healthy, Happy New Year.
Your advice about pairing back and having room for experiences resonates with me- as in processing a stimulating and unfamiliar environment. So refreshing that you admit to being overwhelmed at times, and thank you for sharing how you care for yourself to manage and overcome those feelings. We appreciate you and your team❣️
What a wonderful experience!! My husband and I are thinking of spending time in Portugal once he retires, about 5 years or so. I am completely fluent in Spanish and hope that helps even though I realize the language of Portugal is Portuguese. Thank you for sharing! Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃❤️👍🏼😊
Portuguese people are very good at speaking foreign languages. They usually speak English fluently and many people speaks French and/or Spanish. I can't say the same about Spanish 🙊😄 people
I moved to USA in 1987 with my family from USSR and I was 16yo at the time. As hard as it was to be in two schools and to deal with culture shock, it was still easier on me than my parents, who were in their middle to late 30s and had to learn English through work and just other people. My dream is to retire in the Mediterranean some day…I guess life will show me how realistic it actually will be and when and how it will happen. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Such an amazing experience! I wished everyone had the opportunity to live in another country. I think it would help people understand each other more. I moved to the Netherlands for love. Been here for 25 years and will never leave. Still need to venture to Spain though 🙈
Hi! Both my husband and I are originally from Romania, but we have been living in the States for over 40 years in his case and about 20 in my case. We have twin daughters and 14 years ago we bought a house in Spain, close to Marbella. Every summer we spent it there and from there we took trips all over Europe. I think it was/is magical and our girls enjoyed their childhood summers by the beach in Spain. They played tennis there, enjoyed the food , the bullfights in Seville and the overall different cultural experience! Our life is richer because of it and our little adventure well worthed. I am excited for your adventure and I commend your bravery and stoicism of your move! Enjoy and Bravo!
What an awesome experience! My family moved us to Australia for 4 years when I was a kid and it was an amazing and integral part of my childhood. You guys have given your children the gift of a lifetime.
I know a woman who is considering moving to a Spanish speaking country with her young children and their dog. This video will be a wonderful resource for her, thank you so much,
My family moved to Kobe, Japan when I was only 7 years old and we lived there for 8 years. It was the best childhood memories and experiences my parents could ever gifted me and I am forever grateful. Believe me, your children would thank you for this very special time of their lives when they are older. Thank you for sharing your resources and experience so far. You are truly inspirational in many ways 🥰😊
Thank you for sharing your experience in Spain. Kudos to you and your husband for prioritizing such a rich cultural experience for your family. I am a graduate student in counseling and I’m looking forward to hearing about your experience with EMDR. Are you seeing someone virtually or in person in Spain?
Your manifestation video is my favorite video!! I still have goosebumps from it. Thank you for this video! It was so insightful. I can’t wait for the upcoming videos!!
We just returned from a trip to Spain - Valencia and Barcelona. How lovely to stumble on your channel. The daydream is real! Love it! Have a wonderful holiday in Spain. I will definitely be sharing your channel with friends!
Thank you for sharing this story! I think it’s absolutely fantastic the gift you’re giving your kids. I’ve lived overseas for school and work and it’s completely changed the way I view life and I attribute my personal and professional successes to having those international experience that so few have. It’s so rare to hear your story and it’s so refreshing. It’s something I would’ve love to give my kids but without giving excuses my kids went ballistic when I had proposed a very similar idea. Kudos for you!!! It’s the best gift you can gift you can give that will take them very far in life, bar none!!
Wow! What an experience you all are getting! What a way to bring your family closer together as well. I would totally do something like this given the opportunity. I'm excited to see more videos about Spain.
I love that you are doing this with your family. We've raised our 3 daughters across 4 continents and 5 countries. We wouldn't change it for the world.
Hi Erin, I have been following you for some time and love your take on style and the positive and very genuine perspective you give your viewers. I hardly ever comment on videos but this one spoke to me. What an amazing gift you have given to your kids and to yourself and your husband! We are a Franco-American family raising our kids in Belgium and I relate so much to what you said about being an expat. It can be challenging but yields great gifts. Our kids are now 19 and 21 studying in the UK but they were born in Paris, have lived in Shanghai, New York and Brussels. They are so resilient, they have a very solid knowledge of culture, history, geography, and politics. Not from sitting in a classroom but from traveling and being friends with people from all over the world. They have an empathy for others that only comes from feeling “other” themselves at times. Enjoy the rest of your time in Spain, I know you and your family will continue to benefit from this experience for years to come. All the best, Shirley
This video is music to my ears! I love that you are giving your kids another language, emotional growth and culture!! Bravo!!! It sadness me when I see people here in the US don’t travel. Traveling opens your eyes your soul and it makes you a better human being. Congratulations
I hope my homeland is treating you well. I am a Spanish teacher living in the USA. As a language teacher this is the best you can do for you kids. Being bilingual is a blessing. Awesome experience. Visit Valencia in the spring if you can, I am from there and it is beautiful. Keeping giving us these awesome videos. I love them. I have been following for years.
So happy for you & your family. Saying things out loud really does expedite things, good or bad. Spirit really works hard on our behalf so daily “prayers”, meditation or speaking ones wishes and aspirations really does work!
Hi Erin, I loved this video. Our family moved from South Africa to Spain in January and I could identify with so many things you said. With our kids in the Spanish school system, still learning the language I cried with you about how brave they are... good luck with the rest of your journey, embracing the unknown and enjoying all the surprises that comes along with it. X
Hi Erin. I so admire you and your family for embarking on this great adventure. I live in the UK now (I'm English), but I spent many years living and working abroad, from Italy to the Middle East and North Africa. Whilst living out of your native country is a fabulous, enriching experience and one which you will never forget, I know it takes huge resilience to keep going daily in a country where the people, however lovely, don't speak your language and the culture is different. I think you are absolutely wonderful. Lots of love. XX
Im a dual immersion educator and administrator and I also temporarily moved with my son abroad to Argentina to support his sociocultural consciousness and linguistic development when he was little. It’s been a wonderful gift to him although the temporary social setbacks and struggles can be tough. They’ll be better for it in the long run. He’s now 16 and has so many options open to him because he can move in Spanish spaces with authority and ownership. His ability to read and write the language is nothing but a win, 1000%. Good. For. Y’all! (We’re from TX, lol) Nothing but love, Erin!
Dear Erin, I understand so well when you said ''it's not easy''...having lived myself, in another country, for instance Russia, learning the language, the culture, etc., I know what homesick is about, so you have all my respect and my love. I admire you and your husband for thinking ''out of the box'' (taking your family on a great adventure). Bravo ! You look absolutely BEAUTIFUL !!! Love also the fact that you arrange the best transportation for your lovely dog. Super big hug ! xo
I am so surprised! I watched this video a couple of weeks ago and thought you were staying there for a year... and just today, I watched a short video on Facebook and heard that you were back. I was almost sad, maybe I shouldn't be saying this, but I felt that the Spanish adventure was such a breath of fresh air! Anyway, I'm sure that a lot of what you discovered there will stay with you and I wish you the best in Colorado!
Our family moved from New England to Portugal in 96, my kids were 12 & 7, they didn't speak Portuguese, fast forward 25 years, both have good jobs there own homes, we have all been back to the States for vacation but would never move back, very contente here, how ever you can take the kid out of the States, but never the States out of the kid. We have visited Madrid, it is a beautiful city, also loved Barcelona. Enjoy your experience, Stay safe. Thanks for sharing
It is great your family did this! It is an experience worth every dollar spent. When I was 24 and single, I moved from a beach community in southern California to the mountains of Colorado. It was a great decision for me on many levels. In 2013 at the age of 57 and widowed, I moved to Poland. I have been here 8 1/2 years now. I really love and appreciate living here. Enjoy your time in Europe!
Good Grief!! You are an exceptional example of "go out there and do it and don't let anything stop you!" Brute Tenacity! This is a shining example of why I follow you. Brave, beautiful, and all with style!
I lived in Madrid from 95 to 2010 and I loved it. However it took me a over a year to really settle down and now I look back on it as the best years of my life!
No idea how I cam across you channel, but so happy I did. Have watched a couple of your videos now, and feel like binge watching. Thank you so much for being a non prtentious but real person. Loving your channel xx ciao
Lovely conversation between you an us, your followers. Thank you for all the input from Madrid... The Ups and downs on your journey.. it was appreciated!
OMG, sign me up!!! I knew 30 years ago that my 57ish self would regret not just leaving for someplace a lonnnng way away. My husband and I fantasize daily about doing an adventure like your family. And yes, we'd be totally freaking about getting our pets overseas. I'm so glad Traveler was okay after her trip over! Thanks for all this documentation! Fascinating and inspiring.
Hi, Erin. I love your honest and relatable manner! My family moved to Mexico for two years when I was very young. I went to nursery school there. As the youngest one in my family, I became the most fluent, to the point that my mother worried I would struggle with kindergarten when we returned to the US. Within 10 years of returning, I lost all my Spanish. I encourage you to find ways for your kids to keep speaking Spanish when you return.
I am an American expat living in Paris. We’ve been here almost 5 yrs and love it. Year one was tough…I liken it to learning how to be an adult all over again. But now that we are settled, I am so glad we took the plunge. Our kids (9 & 13) are now completely bilingual and have a global perspective/exposure to so many other cultures. Enjoy your time in Spain to the fullest. You are giving your kids the best gift!
That’s amazing! Thanks for sharing! xo
Love how important your dogs well being is to you.
She is so important to us!! xo
What an amazing thing you’ve done for your family! The education and memories are priceless.
My husband and I lived in Costa Rica, and then Panama for 6 months each, and then Guadalajara Mexico for 2 years.
We don’t have kids but the hardest part was dragging our pets around and making sure they were ok and not traumatized.
2 cats going there and then country hopping. Then we left Mexico and moved back to Florida with the 2 cats and 2 Mexican dogs that we adopted. Beautiful experience, wouldn’t trade it for the world. But, not easy.
I believe everyone should get the chance to experience life in another culture other than the US. It’s brain and heart expanding.
What a wonderful adventure! Thanks for sharing! xo
Erin, I just love how you always speak from the heart. Just like when you did your menopause series, I just feel like you are a real person sitting down and being so genuine with us. You’re not giving us the typical influenser BS. I can trust what you are saying. My husband and I plan to be expats after we retire, so this was very helpful information. Also, your family is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing!
You are SO sweet! Thank you so much for your kind comment! xo
I agree, I like how Erin is real and honest, and funny too. I've just watched the video on avoiding frumpy styles and it was very funny as well as being very helpful!
I did what you did a few time. Everything has to be planned carefully, at one time I had to get 2 cats and 2 dogs organised for trave...phew. No company doing it for me. My husband died in car crash and getting into another country meant survival for my son and myself. My son was 12 when we first left and he already spoke 2 languages(more or less fluent). He went to school in Canada then we moved back to Europe. He studied in Scotland and for the time being we are staying...here! My son speaks 4 languages, I 5 (for me it is my job). Life most certainly is entertaining.
Hola Erin, mil disculpas por hablar en español, mi inglés es básico, lo que no me permite decir todo lo que quisiera. Te felicito, me alegra mucho que todo haya salido bien, te sigo desde hace un tiempo y no sabes cuantas veces quise compartir contigo mis gustos, experiencias y un montón de cosas por las cuales te sigo, te envío un fuerte abrazo y deseo lo mejor para ti y toda tu familia!!, cariños 🤗
Muchas gracias! xo
Madrid is stunning. Hard for the kids but they will forget all the bad bits and remember it with fondness for ever
I really enjoyed this Erin. I can see that it is such a fantastic opportunity for your family. I know there are challenges, but what you are doing for your children is absolutely invaluable. And they will grow from this and it will give them more confidence than you can ever imagine. They will be able to handle so many challenges that come in their lives and the poise they will gain will always serve them well. And I absolutely feel with children if they have their family with them and that security, it really doesn't matter which country they live in. They have you and Chris and they have each other. I've written a book, but please know this is absolutely a fantastic opportunity you are giving them. Much love! Melissa
Thank you SO much for your kind and encouraging words, sweet Melissa! xo
What an amazing growing experience! The benefits outweigh the negatives for sure.Your kids are going to forever be grateful for the language, you can never fluently learn a language if you don't live in the country for abit.Well done, you are a brave family, sending you love from Greece.
Thank you SO much, Gina! xo
Madrid is such a beautiful city! My husband and I loved it and marvelled at how clean it was. Your children have not only learned about language and culture, but I'm sure they have also learned a thing or two about being empathetic when meeting future newcomers when they arrive back home in their own country.
Yes, what a great lesson for them to learn! xo
This is an amazing time to be in Europe. The Christmas Markets are so gorgeous, especially in France and Germany. Not sure if they are still happening with Covid but we lived in Europe for three years and the Christmas Markets are one of the experiences we treasure most. The City Centers are decorated so beautifully, the food, the one of a kind Christmas ornaments and decorations for sale, the music...
Yes...it really is! Thanks, Ashley! xo
I always tell people they need to experience a real German or Austrian Christmas market at least once in their lifetime!
Also, the German Christmas markets are closed this year. 😢
@@BusbeeStyle So sad for the people of Germany. 😢
Hi!! A spaniard that randomly get here to improve his english. I just wanted to say how beautiful you family is and how brave you all are!! Moving your entire family to another country, culture even continent!!! WOW! You all have my respect!! And yeah! what an experience for the kids!!. I've been listening other foreingers (younger people without family) who come here in Spain and a common point is that they think they should have had a higher level of Spanish before coming. I wish you have a really good time here.
You are so sweet! Thank you, Joan! xo
Loved this!!! I would do this in a heartbeat, but most Americans, I know, have no desire to even visit Spain. You and your family are truly on a learning curve, and 100% understand your need to cut back. It is essential to learn the culture. You have given your children a gift and like you said tools they now have for the rest of their lives. Bravo! Please share more about their culture, I would love to learn more. I also look forward to European fashion, believing we all could learn from our European neighbors.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this! xo
@@BusbeeStyle I felt so sad for you when you said you were so overwhelmed with the intensive language classes on top of everything else. I also laughed, though, because I can relate. I started taking French this year through work and ended up bagging it because I wasn't able to focus on studying and practicing it outside of class. I got behind and just truly sucked. LOL. But hey, life is short. I'm so glad you punted and started using that time to more joyfully experience (or less stressfully experience?) your expertly planned great adventure!
I do not think that most Americans are not interested in visiting or moving to another country, it is more the fact that most Americans can not afford it. Besides not getting enough vacation time.
I really enjoyed this as well. I took a small hiatus and all of a sudden you were in Spain. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and tribulations.
Hola Erin! I'm a Spanish expat living in the UK.. Just wanted to send you lots of love!! It is all exciting, magical, brave and beautiful, but also very challenging and sometimes it does get lonely. I can assure you though that it does get better, and soon you realise you are growin into a much more open minded, thoughtful and generous person. It's a very humbling experience. Making friends was the most difficult part for me, but nowadays there are many apps to meet people. You'll be surprised of how many women (expat and locals) are out there looking for like-minded friends!!
Thank you SO much, Maria! That has been a challenge! xo
Wow. Love Madrid!!! The best way to learn a language is to be in the country where people speak that language. I´m from Argentina and I´m a former spanish proffesor. You have El Corte Inglés , Erin!!!! Madrid have those little places. The cons is the food Hahahahahah. It´s so good. You all are so brave. Your children are going trough a huge experience that is going to change the way they see the world. Don´t be so exigent with you, Erin. Let you enjoy what you can do and live what you cannot do. It´s all right. Estamos aqui para escucharte y apoyarte. Cariños
Muchas Gracias, Mariana! xo
Erin, you and Chris are a good match. I am a risk taker as well. There are folks who are not confident, self sufficient to take on this challenge. I continue to move places where I know no one, am single and I start all over again learning where the post, grocery, pharmacy are and making new friends. I would guess 95% of the population can’t or won’t do this. Good on you!
Love that you take risks, Cathy! Always helps you grow! xo
The honesty, emotion, and authentic advice in this video are greatly appreciated. You've laid a foundation of growth, risk-taking, acceptance, and adventure for your family. Thank you for sharing.
You're SO welcome! xo
What an absolutely incredible experience for your family! Thank you for being honest about it as well. You are definitely showing your kids that being brave and courageous leads to great things!
Thank you, Kellyann! xo
As a USA expat in Ecuador: Thank you! Erin! Beautifully stated video! I truly believe your children will reap unimaginable benefits of living abroad for the remainder of their lives! Learning Spanish will open doors for them forever personally and professionally! Excellent parenting!!
In 2013, Zero Spanish, single at 66 yrs old, I sold everything in the US, landed in Cuenca, Ecuador at 8500 ft elevation, (currency is US dollar), with six suitcases, live on 66% less per month in a luxury 18-story high-rise.
I will never live in the States which I deeply love because the Ecuadorian culture is welcoming, kind, respectful, like it used to be in the USA decades ago. Usually around two years we expats find the Honeymoon phase is over and experience “culture shock”, because *everything* is different here. EveryThing! This is not even Mexico-like.
Ecuadorians don’t process USA logical thinking. And there’s No mail service in country. No Amazon deliveries from the States. No Starbucks no Walmart.
As a 16 yr international flight attendant, thought I was prepared. Being a tourist is Nothing like living as a full-time expat visa- holding resident. We pay Ecuadorian ‘Facilitators’ who assist in apartment/home rentals, legal matters, healthcare, banking etc. The culture here is centered around Family, not shopping, not consumerism, not to-do lists. Family.
So happy for you and your family taking a well deserved time out in beautiful Madrid, Spain, and fun side trips. You may even miss Spain and be forever changed when you return Stateside. Happy Trails 😘
Thank you SO much, Sharon! Enjoy Ecuador! xo
Wow , very impressive story!!!!! Good luck!❤
I did a year of full-time French immersion (40 hours a week) at a Francophone university in Montreal when I was a young adult. I have always said that it was harder for me than undergrad or law school. I completely empathize with how taxing you found your Spanish studies. I think it is wonderful you have been able to give your kids this amazing immersive experience in Spain.
Thank you, Elizabeth! I have no doubt that it was harder than Law school. Languages don't come naturally to me! xo
How wonderful! Wish did this with our daughter before she grew up. We love bringing her to new places and we were actually in Madrid right before the pandemic. Now that we’re back to traveling, we went right back and this time spent a few weeks in Portugal before going back to Spain. Hopefully, you have visited Portugal or have it on the list. It’s spectacular. I also recommend food tours as they allow for a quick deep dive into the culture of a new place. Enjoy your travels with your beautiful family (and just know, you’re not missing anything here 🤦🏽♀️)
Thank you! We are hoping to get to Portugal! xo
You are doing a wonderful thing for your children. I was 9 when my mother got a job at the swedish embassy in Washington D.C. I did not know a word of english. I was fluent after about four months. It has been such an advantage my whole life. I am now 66 and my spelling is not as good as it used to be but I still read mostly english books. The trick is to keep it up after you leave. We stayed for 2 years and here in Sweden it is easy because we have subtitles and only use voice over in childrens programs. Good luck
Thank you, Cecilia! Glad you grew up and appreciated your experience. I'm hoping it will be the same for my children! xo
This was fabulous to hear!! Can’t wait for the style update: Spanish vs American
As I’ve been listening, all I can think about are my newcomer kids in my school. I have appreciated hearing your perspective and better understand what my kids must be going through. So thankful.
You are so welcome! Hope your kiddos are adjusting! It can be difficult at first! xo
Welcome to Spain. You’ll never want to leave, just like me. I’ve been here for over 40 years!
Erin, It's great seeing you so happy and excited. It's definitely not easy to put yourself out there and explore the unknown. Enjoy the rest of your stay in Madrid and I hope you have an easy journey back into your new home.
Thank you so much, Heidi! xo
Erin, I think the opportunity you are giving your children is priceless! I grew up in Central America, married and Englishman and worked in Russia for several years. Travel is therapy for my soul and my brain and has shaped me into a well rounded individual, if I do say so myself! Your children will learn other cultures, other languages, other foods and make many unforgettable memories along the way! Congratulations!
Moving to another country is stressful, but worth it. We moved to California from Ireland 28 years ago, with a 2 yo and a 3 month old. Crazy. We also brought our great dane - leaving him behind was not an option - and that was so stressful, with paperwork, timing etc. We were seriously afraid he would not survive the trip, like you, I read all the horror stories. Glad you are settling in, wonderful experience for the whole family.
Thank you! I don’t know why we do this to ourselves. Just happy that she arrived heathy and happy! xo
Welcome Erin, we retired to Spain from England when we were just 47. Still here and listening to you realised just how much of a challenge it was. We don’t have children but had 2 dogs. We also built our own villa but quickly learned we had made mistakes. We moved to the Costa del Sol but now live in an apt by the beach in Costa Blanca. I still get home sick after 18 years here and love going home but, once you live here you adapt, it becomes your way of life. We also have a Motorhome so we have travelled a lot around Spain and Europe. I love your honesty about how your settling in and great fashion advise. I went from shopping in London to a small place in Spain and I struggled to even find shoes that fit me. Anyway enjoy your journey and I look forward to watching you evolve into your new surroundings and live style Stay safe have fun and enjoy Happy New.
Thank you for sharing, Patricia! Sounds amazing that you are able to travel so much by motorhome! How fun! xo
I might have already posted this 🤔 but I had an incredible experience in high school. It did help I went to an international school. I was sent when I was 16, turning 17 to live with my boyfriend’s family (we were watched😂). It was amazing. They sent me all over to live with every aunt, uncle and cousin. I lived with a fashion model in Paris, in Lyons with a car engineer, Marseilles, etc. I went with the grandparents to live in Barcelona and Valencia. It was amazing and I patiently waited until my boys were in early teens. They’ve seen Croatia, London, Paris, Normandy, Italy, and now we are looking at Japan and they didn’t bat an eye when i mentioned it. One’s in college and one a junior in hs. We have one rule…they are required to pick three things to see in each city so they have to do their own research. It’s been great because honestly I probably would have never spent a day 🤣 at the Churchill War museum or gone to some of the things that my engineer son sees. I think though, that they will continue this and you are doing just that! Creating memories and lessening the fear of visiting new and strange places where you feel out of your element but you embrace it rather than dread it. Kudos mom!
Oh wow! What a great idea!! I may try that! xo
Thank you for sharing all of that with us! I myself have lived in more than 12 countries over the past 35 years and I can tell you that it was a very enriching experience for me and the kids! An excellent way to learn a new language and about other cultures and traditions. I have also been to Madrid, a lovely city but I felt it was a bit crowded in certain areas. You forgot about telling us what kind of visa did you get to go live in Spain and if it was difficult to get etc? Enjoy your stay there and make the most of it’s you already are. God bless. 🤗
Thank you! Wow...12 countries! How cool! xo
I am so happy for you and your family! This is a great gift and experience to have!
Thank you SO much, Rigeila! xo
I enjoyed your story greatly. After living in Florida for 65 years we moved to Berlin 6 years ago. We love living here and still feel like we are on an adventure vacation since we both don’t work. We can walk to visit our family and get to be with our grandchildren often. Our German born grands are bilingual, speaking English at home and German in school. We never dreamed of living abroad but I certainly can recommend it.
That's AMAZING! Enjoy! xo
As someone that is an online, ESL (full immersion) teacher, I applaud you. What a great experience for your family. Make some great memories!
Thank you SO much! xo
This video could have been me discussing our move to Belgium. Someone finally gets what we went through… the dog traveling, the language barrier & the culture shock. Thank you for making this video. I definitely feel like a stronger woman after the experience.
You are SO welcome! I know I will be stronger for it too, Jamie! xo
Wow..how I wish I could do the same. I used to live and work abroad (USA, Ireland) and I loved it. Now, when I am married I have to respect my husband's feelings and opinions and he, unfortunatelly, isn't as brave as me :( I wish you all the best Erin, keep my fingers crossed for your family :) I cried with you when you mentioned your kids (I am a mother of two boys ) Looking forward to your new videos! :)
Thank you, Patrycja! xo
Thanks for sharing your experience with us and for giving us a "peak behind the curtain" and being so open about how your move has impacted the entire family.
You are so welcome, Donna! Glad you found it interesting! xo
How amazing! It’s so refreshing to see honestly and emotion, sharing the pros and cons of your journey. So brave. Happy Thanksgiving 🦃🍽
Thank you, Christine! Happy Thanksgiving! xo
I'm from northern Spain (Galicia) and go back every summer for a month. My son moved from the States last year to go to University there, and he absolutely loves it. Enjoy everything we have to offer!
Thank you...I am soaking it all in, Elisa! xo
I found this so amazing. Our children are adults and I wish we had done something like this when they were young. Fabulous path you have chosen!!
I love manifesting and I work so hard at keeping my mind in that space.
What a story you will have and no regrets 🙌🏻🍑🧡Lisa
You are SO sweet! Thank you, Lisa! xo
I know basics in Spanish I took 2 years of Spanish in high school from living in southern California as young person and then later as a nurse I’m near fluent, with 2 great phrases to know “Como se dice” “how do you say it” and “donde esta” where is it. Great experience for your children and perhaps they will have way more opportunity doors as adults as a result. Kids will adjust and they will become more resilient once they adjust.
Oh my goodness Erin, this video was so interesting 👏🏼👏🏼 thank you for sharing this amazing experience ❤️ I love that Traveler is there too 🐶❤️xo
Thank you, Lisa! Traveler is having a blast! xo
I've been following you for a while and it's a very nice surprise to have you and your family here in Spain.
A very warm welcome to all of you, I hope you'll enjoy the experience.
I'll keep enjoying your videos.
Thank you SO much, Maria! xo
I watched your manifestation video and absolutely loved it!!! I truly believe you can manifest what you want!! Thank you so much for that video! And for this one too!!
You are so welcome, Karen! xo
Thank you for sharing your amazing story. Your kids will look back on this and say remember when we lived in Spain and the different culture they are learning will give them a great outlook on life. My freshman son who has special needs has been learning Spanish for two years and loves it. My daughter is 19 and is fluent in Spanish. You have a beautiful family❤️
Thank you SO much Marnie!! xo
Erin, this was so lovely of you to post! I enjoyed every moment of this video and the real talk about this family adventure . It’s understandable to have so many opposing emotions, that being so grateful for this opportunity but at the same time being homesick. Your children are incredible for adapting to this time and they will carry this experience with them forever . Thank you again ,this was wonderful ! ♥️👏👏👏👏Pam
Thank you SO much, Pam! xo
I am so glad you are back! Spanish is my first language and I am flattered that you and your family wants to learn it! I wish you and your family a lot of success! Blessings
E.
Thank you! I’m doing my best, Ednaliz! xo
Amazing experience for The family! You did great! Glad you found a bakery you like and take- out food to your liking. Make sure and take your kids to the museums there, showing them Picasso's Guernica and talking about the background of the war he painted about is a good tangible history lesson. Make sure and sign up for "Free walking tours" of the city. You'll learn so much more than what's in a history book, they're very entertaining, your kids will love it, they're tailored for all ages
Thank you so much for all of the great suggestion! xo
Good suggestions. The International Women’s Club did a lot of tours and talks on history, lots of museums, churches. When my brother visited, dare I admit, we took a Segway tour around Madrid, and I really got my bearings after that! 😁 It was actually a lot of fun. We went mostly on the west side of Madrid.
I lived in Spain for one year during college and I have been so interested to hear how you are doing there and what your impressions are. I 100% agree that living in another country (even when you speak the language well) takes a lot of brain bandwidth, and I really noticed it when I came back to the States; like, oh, I don’t have to mentally rehearse what I’m going to say to the clerk at the post office or the pharmacy all the time anymore. It’s a lot to deal with every day. But I also agree that it is a life changing experience and you learn so much about yourself, above and beyond the culture and language. Thank you for sharing this with us, I love hearing about it and I look forward to your thoughts on Spanish and European style. I have loved prints and patterns for many years and I credit my time in Spain for that! Wishing you and your family the very best, and applaud you for making this choice to “disfrutar”!
Muchas Gracias, Felise! xo
All the best for you and your family!
Have a very happy and healthy life in Spain!
Good luck!
Best regards from Poland🌷
Thank you SO much, Anna! xo
Hi Erin congratulations for your channel it’s so great. Here in Mexico we do the opposite, we try our kids to become fluent in English sending them to bilingual schools. It’s nice to know people who like spanish language. Greetings.
I couldn’t live without my pets either. You’re wonderful- I hope you’ll be very happy in Spain.
Thank you, Kathy! xo
Muchas felicidades por tus logros, soy nueva en tu canal y estoy fascinada con todos los tips & tricks, fan del canal!! Saludos desde SD California ♥️😘
Erin, a good way for you to learn the language is to have conversations with your son, since he is doing so well! 😚
Yes...he loves to help me! xo
Thank you for being so real Erin! Lots of love to you and your family - it is awesome to share the lessons learned for any of us thinking about doing the same thing.
You are so welcome, Ginny! xo
LOVE this! You answered so many questions I had! I was in Alaska until I was a teenager so I also took French and then....we moved to Arizona 😆 I feel ya! Please keep these videos coming! It is so fascinating! And thank you for being so honest and sharing the good, the bad and the ugly. Your amazing kids are a testament to their amazing parents ❤
I’m so glad you enjoyed this one! xo
Hi Erin! My family and I were in Madrid this past August dropping our daughter off to a study abroad program. It’s a such a beautiful city! You are so fortunate to enjoy this experience as a family. The best gift you could ever give your children. Buena suerte y bendiciones para todos ❤️
That's AMAZING! I hope she had a wonderful study abroad experience! xo
It meant good luck and blessings to all 😂✊🏽
In big pharma, we are very conscious of being "US-centric", and therefore arrange meetings to accommodate the global timezones as much as possible. What an adventure for you all!
HI Erin, very good video, very informative. Me and my husband just retired and we are planning to move to France, so we will be expats (We are originally Dutch / Caribbean) . Have so many things to arrange and a couple of hurdles in the way. We have two dogs that we are planning to take with us, but like you mentioned that is also a whole chapter in itself. We wish you and your family all the best for this Holiday season and a Healthy, Happy New Year.
Enjoy this new adventure! There are great advantages to exploring and learning about a new culture. Kudos to you and your family!
Thank you SO much, Mimi! xo
Your advice about pairing back and having room for experiences resonates with me- as in processing a stimulating and unfamiliar environment. So refreshing that you admit to being overwhelmed at times, and thank you for sharing how you care for yourself to manage and overcome those feelings. We appreciate you and your team❣️
You are SO sweet, Marisa! Thank you...and take care of yourself! xo
What a wonderful experience!! My husband and I are thinking of spending time in Portugal once he retires, about 5 years or so. I am completely fluent in Spanish and hope that helps even though I realize the language of Portugal is Portuguese. Thank you for sharing! Happy Thanksgiving!
🦃❤️👍🏼😊
Sounds like a great plan, Claudia! xo
Portuguese people are very good at speaking foreign languages. They usually speak English fluently and many people speaks French and/or Spanish. I can't say the same about Spanish 🙊😄 people
I moved to USA in 1987 with my family from USSR and I was 16yo at the time. As hard as it was to be in two schools and to deal with culture shock, it was still easier on me than my parents, who were in their middle to late 30s and had to learn English through work and just other people. My dream is to retire in the Mediterranean some day…I guess life will show me how realistic it actually will be and when and how it will happen. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Such an amazing experience! I wished everyone had the opportunity to live in another country. I think it would help people understand each other more. I moved to the Netherlands for love. Been here for 25 years and will never leave. Still need to venture to Spain though 🙈
I totally agree, Violas! xo
Hi! Both my husband and I are originally from Romania, but we have been living in the States for over 40 years in his case and about 20 in my case. We have twin daughters and 14 years ago we bought a house in Spain, close to Marbella. Every summer we spent it there and from there we took trips all over Europe. I think it was/is magical and our girls enjoyed their childhood summers by the beach in Spain. They played tennis there, enjoyed the food , the bullfights in Seville and the overall different cultural experience! Our life is richer because of it and our little adventure well worthed. I am excited for your adventure and I commend your bravery and stoicism of your move! Enjoy and Bravo!
Thanks for sharing, Oana! xo
What an awesome experience! My family moved us to Australia for 4 years when I was a kid and it was an amazing and integral part of my childhood. You guys have given your children the gift of a lifetime.
Wow...Australia! What an adventure! Thank you! xo
I know a woman who is considering moving to a Spanish speaking country with her young children and their dog. This video will be a wonderful resource for her, thank you so much,
You’re DO welcome, Shelley! xo
You're an amazing family and Spain is lucky to have you. The resources are great. Happy Thanksgiving! xo
Thank you, Christine! Happy Thanksgiving! xo
My family moved to Kobe, Japan when I was only 7 years old and we lived there for 8 years. It was the best childhood memories and experiences my parents could ever gifted me and I am forever grateful. Believe me, your children would thank you for this very special time of their lives when they are older. Thank you for sharing your resources and experience so far. You are truly inspirational in many ways 🥰😊
You are so sweet! Thank you! xo
Thank you for sharing your experience in Spain. Kudos to you and your husband for prioritizing such a rich cultural experience for your family. I am a graduate student in counseling and I’m looking forward to hearing about your experience with EMDR. Are you seeing someone virtually or in person in Spain?
I’ll definitely share more! It was such a valuable experience for me. I saw someone virtually…started before we left Telluride! xo
Your manifestation video is my favorite video!! I still have goosebumps from it. Thank you for this video! It was so insightful. I can’t wait for the upcoming videos!!
Thank you, Emina! I appreciate that! xo
Hi Erin, what a great adventure! I would love to move to Europe for six months and just travel around! So excited for you!! 💖
Thank you, Cathy! xo
We just returned from a trip to Spain - Valencia and Barcelona. How lovely to stumble on your channel. The daydream is real! Love it! Have a wonderful holiday in Spain. I will definitely be sharing your channel with friends!
Thank you SO much! Welcome, glad you are enjoying my content! xo
Thank you for sharing this story! I think it’s absolutely fantastic the gift you’re giving your kids. I’ve lived overseas for school and work and it’s completely changed the way I view life and I attribute my personal and professional successes to having those international experience that so few have. It’s so rare to hear your story and it’s so refreshing. It’s something I would’ve love to give my kids but without giving excuses my kids went ballistic when I had proposed a very similar idea. Kudos for you!!! It’s the best gift you can gift you can give that will take them very far in life, bar none!!
Thank you SO much! I'm so happy that we were able to share this experience with our kids! xo
Wow! What an experience you all are getting! What a way to bring your family closer together as well. I would totally do something like this given the opportunity. I'm excited to see more videos about Spain.
Thank you SO much, Tracy! Stay tuned! xo
I love that you are doing this with your family. We've raised our 3 daughters across 4 continents and 5 countries. We wouldn't change it for the world.
Hi Erin,
I have been following you for some time and love your take on style and the positive and very genuine perspective you give your viewers. I hardly ever comment on videos but this one spoke to me. What an amazing gift you have given to your kids and to yourself and your husband! We are a Franco-American family raising our kids in Belgium and I relate so much to what you said about being an expat. It can be challenging but yields great gifts. Our kids are now 19 and 21 studying in the UK but they were born in Paris, have lived in Shanghai, New York and Brussels. They are so resilient, they have a very solid knowledge of culture, history, geography, and politics. Not from sitting in a classroom but from traveling and being friends with people from all over the world. They have an empathy for others that only comes from feeling “other” themselves at times. Enjoy the rest of your time in Spain, I know you and your family will continue to benefit from this experience for years to come.
All the best, Shirley
Thank you SO much for your beautiful comment! I agree...meeting and living with all different people is really a blessing for us and or kids! xo
This video is music to my ears! I love that you are giving your kids another language, emotional growth and culture!!
Bravo!!!
It sadness me when I see people here in the US don’t travel. Traveling opens your eyes your soul and it makes you a better human being.
Congratulations
I couldn't agree more, Jessica! Thank you! xo
@@BusbeeStyle please try the La Duquesita bakery
I lived/ study at Universidad de Madrid BEST years of my life. Madrid is my, and my wife, favorite city in the world. Salutations from, USA.
Love it! Thanks so much for your support! xo
I hope my homeland is treating you well. I am a Spanish teacher living in the USA. As a language teacher this is the best you can do for you kids. Being bilingual is a blessing. Awesome experience. Visit Valencia in the spring if you can, I am from there and it is beautiful. Keeping giving us these awesome videos. I love them. I have been following for years.
Thank you SO much, Roseta! It's so beautiful here! xo
I went there and loved it.
So happy for you & your family. Saying things out loud really does expedite things, good or bad. Spirit really works hard on our behalf so daily “prayers”, meditation or speaking ones wishes and aspirations really does work!
Hi Erin, I loved this video. Our family moved from South Africa to Spain in January and I could identify with so many things you said. With our kids in the Spanish school system, still learning the language I cried with you about how brave they are... good luck with the rest of your journey, embracing the unknown and enjoying all the surprises that comes along with it. X
You are SO sweet! Thank you, Annelize! I hope your family is adjusting to your new home! xo
Love that you're doing this! I studied abroad in Spain, going to go back once a year with my family! And agree, much cleaner than NYC!
Hi Erin. I so admire you and your family for embarking on this great adventure. I live in the UK now (I'm English), but I spent many years living and working abroad, from Italy to the Middle East and North Africa. Whilst living out of your native country is a fabulous, enriching experience and one which you will never forget, I know it takes huge resilience to keep going daily in a country where the people, however lovely, don't speak your language and the culture is different. I think you are absolutely wonderful. Lots of love. XX
You are SO sweet! Thank you, Deirdre! xo
@@BusbeeStyle you are so welcome xx
Im a dual immersion educator and administrator and I also temporarily moved with my son abroad to Argentina to support his sociocultural consciousness and linguistic development when he was little. It’s been a wonderful gift to him although the temporary social setbacks and struggles can be tough. They’ll be better for it in the long run. He’s now 16 and has so many options open to him because he can move in Spanish spaces with authority and ownership. His ability to read and write the language is nothing but a win, 1000%.
Good. For. Y’all!
(We’re from TX, lol)
Nothing but love, Erin!
That's AMAZING! Thanks for sharing! xo
Dear Erin, I understand so well when you said ''it's not easy''...having lived myself, in another country, for instance Russia, learning the language, the culture, etc., I know what homesick is about, so you have all my respect and my love. I admire you and your husband for thinking ''out of the box'' (taking your family on a great adventure). Bravo ! You look absolutely BEAUTIFUL !!! Love also the fact that you arrange the best transportation for your lovely dog. Super big hug ! xo
Thank you SO much, Sylvie! I appreciate that! xo
I am so surprised! I watched this video a couple of weeks ago and thought you were staying there for a year... and just today, I watched a short video on Facebook and heard that you were back. I was almost sad, maybe I shouldn't be saying this, but I felt that the Spanish adventure was such a breath of fresh air! Anyway, I'm sure that a lot of what you discovered there will stay with you and I wish you the best in Colorado!
Just six months! It’s bittersweet being home!
Like how honest you are, about sharing your experience in relocating to Madrid, Spain.
Our family moved from New England to Portugal in 96, my kids were 12 & 7, they didn't speak Portuguese, fast forward 25 years, both have good jobs there own homes, we have all been back to the States for vacation but would never move back, very contente here, how ever you can take the kid out of the States, but never the States out of the kid.
We have visited Madrid, it is a beautiful city, also loved Barcelona.
Enjoy your experience, Stay safe. Thanks for sharing
It is great your family did this! It is an experience worth every dollar spent. When I was 24 and single, I moved from a beach community in southern California to the mountains of Colorado. It was a great decision for me on many levels. In 2013 at the age of 57 and widowed, I moved to Poland. I have been here 8 1/2 years now. I really love and appreciate living here. Enjoy your time in Europe!
Thank you, Sandra! Travel is such a blessing! xo
What an awesome opportunity!! Enjoy this unique experience with your family. Your children will have these memories forever.
Thank you, Michelle! xo
Good Grief!! You are an exceptional example of "go out there and do it and don't let anything stop you!" Brute Tenacity! This is a shining example of why I follow you. Brave, beautiful, and all with style!
You are SO sweet, Diana! Thank you! xo
I lived in Madrid from 95 to 2010 and I loved it. However it took me a over a year to really settle down and now I look back on it as the best years of my life!
No idea how I cam across you channel, but so happy I did. Have watched a couple of your videos now, and feel like binge watching. Thank you so much for being a non prtentious but real person. Loving your channel xx ciao
You are SO sweet, Nicola! Thank you! xo
You guys are amazing for putting yourself out there in the world and giving your kids this incredible opportunity ❤️
Lovely conversation between you an us, your followers. Thank you for all the input from Madrid... The Ups and downs on your journey.. it was appreciated!
Thank you so much! Glad you found it helpful! xo
OMG, sign me up!!! I knew 30 years ago that my 57ish self would regret not just leaving for someplace a lonnnng way away. My husband and I fantasize daily about doing an adventure like your family. And yes, we'd be totally freaking about getting our pets overseas. I'm so glad Traveler was okay after her trip over! Thanks for all this documentation! Fascinating and inspiring.
So glad you enjoyed this one, Alesa! xo
You're very generous to share information in the way you do.
I appreciate that! xo
What a wonderful video, I felt like you were talking to me face to face. Very genuine and very informative.
That's a wonderful compliment! Thank you! xo
Hi, Erin. I love your honest and relatable manner! My family moved to Mexico for two years when I was very young. I went to nursery school there. As the youngest one in my family, I became the most fluent, to the point that my mother worried I would struggle with kindergarten when we returned to the US. Within 10 years of returning, I lost all my Spanish. I encourage you to find ways for your kids to keep speaking Spanish when you return.
Yes...It will be important to keep it up once we return home. Thanks for sharing your experience with me! xo