Tim (aka the TMax), from the United States, living in Pamplona, Spain.

1.    Why did you move abroad?
I first moved abroad to play basketball, which I did in Germany and Belgium. Then, I decided I wanted to learn Spanish, which is what brought me to Spain.

2.    How do you make a living?
I am a personal trainer and train individuals and groups. I am also studying, in order to keep my visa.

3.    How often do you communicate with home and how?
Not often, because my parents are also globetrotters and it’s hard keeping up with them. Maybe monthly we talk.

4.    What's your favorite thing about being an expat in Spain?
Spain is an amazing place with so much history, culture, and activities. Plus the people are very interesting and welcoming.

5.    What’s the worst thing about being an expat in Spain?
Visas. You can’t breathe, eat, or pass gas without a visa.

6.    What do you miss most?
My family

7.    What did you do to meet people and integrate in your new home?
Language clubs, special interest activities and sports, and just walking up to random people in bars and on the street. It’s a surefire way for people to remember you.

8.    What custom/ habits do you find most strange about your adopted culture?
Eating dinner late at night was hard to get used to. And also, the fact that everything is closed on Sundays (and sometimes Saturdays).

9.    What is a myth about your adopted country?
That it’s always sunny, that they look and sound like Mexicans, and that they are all great dancers.

10.    Is the cost of living higher or lower than the last country you lived in and how has that made a difference in your life?
Lower than Brussels, Belgium, for sure! With the lower costs I have more free time to travel and explore.

11.    What advice would you give other expats?
Find somewhere you want to go, then go there. If it sucks, move somewhere else. Don’t let fear stop you from traveling.

12.    When and why did you start your blog?
I didn’t used to have Facebook and it was how I was able to share my travels with friends and family.

Tim's blog, Travelin' with the TMax

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