My partner and I will be moving to Barcelona for their job in a few months and there are a few things we’re worried about with the move. Primarily we have two dogs that we will be moving with us. Anyone know what it’s like finding an apartment to rent with multiple pets? We’re worried we will have a hard time finding a place with the dogs. Also, I’m concerned about finding work for myself there as we’re aware the local job market and economy isn’t great — we won’t need me to make an income but I’d prefer if I had a way to make money for myself still. I don’t speak Spanish (starting lessons) but I do have over a decade worth of teaching experience in yoga and other forms of fitness, wondering if it’s an option to pick up gig work in the industry easily so I’m not idle while we’re there.
Any tips or personal experiences shared are greatly appreciated.
First, yeah, dogs will make it more difficult to find a place. It’s already very difficult to find a place, so just go in with the expectation that it will be difficult and you’ll already know what to expect. Knowing no Spanish (or Catalan because, honestly, you won’t make many local friends speaking Spanish) will be a hinderance. But, in Barcelona there are a load of foreigners who also don’t speak Spanish/Catalan, so you could always give classes in English. You’re not going to make any meaningful progress in the language in just a few months, unless you’re studying like 8 hours per day. Luckily, fitness is probably one of the easiest gigs to do here, just get a big enough group, head to the park, and ask for donations at the end. Look for immigrant facebook/whatsapp groups and post there with info about your classes. Good luck!
What?
In Barcelona the local language is Catalan, and there is a lot of animosity towards Spanish people and the Spanish language. It’s a very hot-button issue.
Yeah but that’s not exactly… true… much less in Barcelona where there’s a lot of people from other places of Spain. Animosity comes only from very extremist and brainless people.
I’m Spanish and have been to Barcelona, so I know what I say. Most people don’t speak Catalan on a daily basis.
I mean…the question pertains to making local friends, not friends from other parts of Spain. And difficult to make friends with Catalan people with no Catalan, not impossible. Just a bit more difficult…