A lot has been going on over here in our household. My husband’s orders were up, and it was time to move on to the next duty station as a military family. From selling our house in Maryland, having multiple pack outs, a month long pitstop in Virginia Beach, to a big international move overseas to Southern Spain. We have been quite busy!
When the opportunity for a new duty station came up internationally, we jumped on it. The whole permanent change of station (PCS) ordeal is quite the process. Preparing for an international PCS move added quite a few layers of complexity. Especially when navigating a big move with a toddler and a dog!
After getting settled here we moved off base and have been working through all the boxes to get fully unpacked. Living off base in Spain has allowed us to feel a bit more integrated in the Southern Spanish, Andalusian, culture. It can be challenging at times yet has been so rewarding.
Due to my husband’s job, we still are on an American schedule. Being opposite of the later Spanish schedule makes it tricky! We try to find ways to break into the local culture where we can. The outdoor café life, local market stands, exploring the numerous walking paths along the beach, bilingual daycare settings, and striking up conversations to practice and learn more Spanish are just small snapshots of our life in Spain.
In our time here we hope to learn, explore, travel, and connect more with the local Andalusian culture. And through my husband’s work, we have tried to jump on any opportunities to travel more throughout Europe. Stay tuned for more trip guides and tips from our travel throughout the region.
Oh, and speaking of big news… We have another huge announcement. We are expecting our second child in June! In this period of transition, we are trying to soak up all that we can and remember to be present and intentional during our time here. Time is flying by enough as it is! Follow our journey here at Travel to Spark as we travel our way through Europe, try to navigate travel with a growing toddler, and soon as a family of four.