When we left Vancouver for Alicante, the first shock was honestly the sun. After years of grey skies and rain jackets, stepping into Spanish light felt like switching on a permanent summer filter. Suddenly we were having coffee outside in February. What do I wish I knew? That everything runs on a different rhythm. We arrived with our North-American timing, and it took a while to get used to late dinners, slow paperwork, and the concept that almost everything can wait until mañana. Would I recommend the move? Not necessarily. If you’re ready to slow down and enjoy life more. Alicante is warm, relaxed, and beautiful… but you have to accept that schedules, bureaucracy, and opening hours run on Mediterranean time.