If I'd known what was coming, I probably wouldn't have done it
- Isobel Harris
- Apr 29
- 2 min read

I first came up with the idea of spending 4 weeks in Spain while watching “Michael Portillo in Andalucia” last summer. I could only see my accommodation in a beautiful, white-walled village, perched on the hillside with amazing views and blue sky, soaking up the culture, food and flamenco music. I had last been to Andalucia over 30 years ago, and I’d forgotten how much I loved the area. I couldn’t bear the thought of another prolonged grey, damp, cold winter in England.
In preparation, I started learning Spanish on Duolingo and listening to Paul Nobel on Audible. I wanted to try out the work/travel combination. My excitement was building as my departure date drew nearer.
The reality, though, was very different.
It wasn’t the relaxing, warm, exciting adventure I had envisioned. It did, however, turn out to be insightful, empowering, and confidence-building.
I found myself facing challenges alone.
Nobody spoke English, so I had to use what little Spanish I knew.
Not venturing out of the apartment for 24 hours due to heavy rain, with only a couple of books and my laptop for company, I was forced to spend more time with my own thoughts.
Going straight into city traffic with a manual rental car late at night.
Everything shut down between 2pm and 6pm. Places became dead.
The lack of variety of food.
Spending the evening with no TV as it was all in Spanish!
However, there were huge benefits.
I got to try out my Spanish.
I saw far more of the culture and the Spanish way of living.
I had experiences that would never have happened if I had been travelling with another person.
I was able to examine my life back in the UK from the outside in and see a different perspective.
I was forced to adapt and adopt new habits due to the different lifestyle in Spain.
I came back to the UK feeling more energised, confident, positive and relaxed. My business started to thrive. I had far more insight into the Spanish culture than one week would have given me.
Would I do it again?
Yes! Travelling offers more than meets the eye and I am already planning another 4-week trip for next year.
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