culture shocks of moving to Rota, Spain | the good, the bad, the ugly | Spain pros & cons

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A full day of eating out in Rota, Spain : • A full day of eating o...
Time stamps :
00:00 introduction
01:12 things I love about Spain
04:15 culture shocks

[@samuelnoel65]

Thanks for the video. I've been here for 3 days and experienced some of the things you mentioned already.

[@ronaldwhite5905]

Thanks! I am going to Rota Spain for my son's wedding, his future wife is from Rota Spain. Your channel gives me an idea of what to expect. Thanks again.

[@swankliving]

I spent two of the loveliest years of my life in Rota. I never ran into any of the "bad" or "ugly" things you mentioned. The Spaniards were unfailingly polite and friendly. The food and service in restaurants was delicous and enjoyable. Now this was 50 years ago and I understand things change of time. We did make every effort to learn about and understand culture and habits and had no problem "adjusting" to them - we embraced them.

[@miajulio1702]

That’s wonderful that you had such a great experience here. We have also always tried to adapt to the Spanish way of things, their culture and are fluent in the language as well. We just haven’t had much luck making good connections. Ever since getting a dog 5 months ago though, people have been a little kinder, because they love our dog, but they still have no interest in connecting with us. And all of the things I mentioned in the video remain true for our personal experience.

[@mercuri919]

​​@@miajulio1702 people in Spain are extremelly friendly but for your video I see It must be really hard to make Friends for you. When you dont like the culture, and you see bad and ugly most of the time is normal that people dont feel like meeting Someone that even smiling is tramsmiting negativity.

[@miajulio1702]

@@mercuri919 we were nothing but open and excited for the first few months of our time in Spain. It wasn’t until about a year later, full of disappointments and rude encounters that we started seeing a bad pattern and slowly gave up on taking the first step toward people.

[@ahzaebutler725]

Thank you! It’s kind of hard to find a lot of info I’m coming to Spain next spring. Do you think any of the new homes would be finished by the mid to late June time frame?

[@miajulio1702]

I have no idea. Construction here can take a while. When you get here a runner will help you find a home and you can ask them about newer houses.

[@Electraglide1350]

Thank you for your input, I am here in in Rota for the first time, what you have stated is pretty much right on, I am from the US and yes .... this info is good to know ....... thank you for making us aware ......

[@miajulio1702]

Thanks for your feedback! I figured it was good to share, because I really wish I’d have known about it 😅

[@Filipinospanishwalk]

Hi there!nice sharing your experiences and observation.greetings from seville

[@staceyshinske3998]

I'm not sure why it's Rota's fault that the gov't signed the SOFA w the US Gov't. But, Rota has FLAMENCO, and it's amazing. When I was stationed there my apartment was 3 doors down from a Flamenco studio and it was amazing seeing those little girls in their beautiful dresses.

[@hzelsantiago1289]

I like to visit next month in Rota Spain from Germany. do you have any recommendations which hotel should I stay in near the military base? Thank you

[@miajulio1702]

Rota is a very small town so no matter where you stay will be relatively close to base. Taxis here are also very cheap if you need to get somewhere fast. I personally only have experience staying in Hotel Playa de la Luz. It’s a beautiful hotel that is quite far from base though ( far for Rota standards). You could look into Hotel Duque de Nájera. That one is much closer. The closest I found to base is called Hotel la Parrita, but I have never personally heard from anybody staying there. It also looks to be the most outdated one of the three. On base there are two types of hotels: there are little bungalows, and regular hotel rooms. They are right next to each other, near the hospital and commissary/NEX.

[@manuelfg2902]

Omg, why would a german want to visit Rota? Its a horrible place in Spain

[@surf01er66]

Late to the party, but great information. In the 80s, I visited the military bases in Rota & Madrid for business. Maybe 10 times in 2 years. Loved both cities, but the seafood in Cadiz .......

[@erinmosey3439]

Do you have problems getting mail to your house or to base? I am in another country for the navy and our mail has to go to base, is that not the case there?

[@miajulio1702]

The mail problem is only off base! We live off base and order through Spanish and other European online stores, you don’t have to order anything through base if you don’t want to, unless you live in base housing. On base is an American PO Box, so you can order from US stores and that was never an issue. Most of the time it’s pretty quick too (around one week for most orders).

[@erinmosey3439]

Thanks! But if family want to send something can they send to the base or do we only get a PO Box if we live on base?

[@miajulio1702]

@@erinmosey3439 everyone gets a PO Box on base

[@Bartzilla]

Much of what you say can apply to Germany too. I’m from US, living in Germany and go to Rota several times a year. Particularly with this parking on the street. Happens in Germany every day. Hit the flashers and pretend the world evolves around you. The lack of awareness is definitely a European thing. I see it in Spain, Germany and Italy. If these are the biggest gripes, then you’re doing fine. Warm beach cities, globally, have lots of roaches. I like Rota. Small enough to discourage the tourist scourge (hey, Malaga!) but big enough to have just about everything you need to be happy. Jerez amd Cadiz are both close enough to do major shopping like Ikea or the Primark. I’ve yet to have a bad dining experience there. Whether eating at Playa De La Luz, The Steakhouse, Fuego’s and Sedona… all great experiences. I guess I’m not too demanding. I actually appreciate the slower lifestyle, the lazy afternoons and late dinners. Thanks for the video!

[@miajulio1702]

I’m sorry that you’re having these experiences in Germany too. My husband and I have only ever experienced this kind of behavior in southern European countries. They’re nice to vacation in, with the great weather, the beaches, etc., but the slow pace gets in the way of day to day errands all the time. I wouldn’t say we’re demanding by any means either, but when you can’t get groceries, a hair cut, your car repaired, etc. it gets pretty frustrating. Taste is always an individual factor. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the food here, but it’s not for us, and/or many of the people who live here.

[@HabitualButtonPusher]

I imagine it is kind of a culture shock being raised in Germany. I lived in Rota for 4 years and 1 year in Pfullendorf Germany. That was quite the change. The Germans almost seemed aloof but that is just the culture, strangers just don’t walk up to strangers and start talking. In Spain that was really never an issue. Of course being an American, where someone you just met can hug you really throws another wrench into the mix haha.

[@setapartaay925]

I agree with you when you say the Germans are aloof, during my experience while living there for 3 years. They also don’t go out of their way to make you feel comfortable, but if they see you’re trying to learn about their culture, they seem to lighten up. It was the best experience of my life though.

[@gundalfx]

I am from north Spain (but also live in Germany) and I had similar culture shock like you when I visited the deep south for the first time. It’s like visiting a completely different country with its own culture. Also it’s understandable you didn’t like Spanish food, if you are used to spicy food then it will be a bland experience, there is no denying. I hope you will still have despite the negatives a somewhat good time down there in the south and maybe you find time to visit the north like Galicia or Basque Country 👍

[@miajulio1702]

It sure was a shock, but we are trying to make the best of our time here. I have actually been to northern Spain twice now: once by myself on el camino de Santiago, and then again with my husband on our Roadtrip through Europe. We visited Barcelona, San Sebastián, and Santiago de compostela in the north. Unfortunately we didn’t spent enough time in these cities to truly get a feeling for what it’s like to live there, but we also didn’t have many of the experiences we have had down here in Andalusia. We’ve also been to lots of other places in Spain, in the south and east of the country… but again just passing through for shorter periods of time.

[@gundalfx]

@@miajulio1702 Wow all those travels and adventures sound amazing! I'm myself looking forward to buy a camper van to travel around Europe because I only know Spain and Germany and I like to explore/learn more of Europe (and maybe also other continents overseas some day). Cheers!

[@miajulio1702]

@@gundalfx that sounds like an amazing plan! Europe, as well as the rest of this beautiful world, has to much to see, experience and learn from. We’d also love to buy a van someday, but so far our Honda civic has done a great job as well 🚗

[@joseantoniodepilares6509]

About the lines... yeah. Old ladies simply cut the line and basically noone will say a word. It's like "they've earned it" after a long life of service to family and so on.

[@jerry-cw9yw]

you have to know where to eat, but its the best food......totally depends on your affiliation with the base on how you get along and around. Very cliquee based upon your looks and status......it is the best place in the world...they are very proud and basic......

[@c.learningclub]

Great place to live in. It's close to my hometown and I have lot's of expats friends in there. If you are planning to live in the area, I would highly recommend you to start learning the language to enjoy the culture at its best. I'm a Spanish teacher and I help expats with the language barrier. Let me know if you need any advice, I'm happy to help you out!

[@jerry-cw9yw]

the best gezspacho in the world...

[@mercuri919]

I agree the cultural shock must be huge you should prefer the cultural aspects to a country were people just live to work, rush all the time, need to wear arms to defend themselves, high rates of violence, even police, poor transport infrastucture, huge number of homeless and poor people dont have even medical attencion. I would prefer the small inconveniences, for you, in Spain that in US where you dont sleep at night because you hear shootings at the street or children that needs to stay indoors always because playing at the street is too dangerous.

[@miajulio1702]

… I am German, like I mentioned in the video…

[@CarlosGarcia-gs1wd]

Living in Rota and going to an American restaurant is like living in Greenland and asking for ice from Arabia. Cádiz is one of the provinces of Spain with the best gastronomy, you just have to put prejudices aside and enjoy, from the simplicity of the shrimp omelettes to the exquisite almadraba tuna, but if you don't like good cuisine, you can Go to Burger King, but be careful, French fries in Spain only have potatoes, oil and salt and bread has little sugar. "Aborigines" are very primitive, we like natural flavors and we don't use spicy foods or sauces. .

[@miajulio1702]

Why do you assume that I enjoy American cuisine? I am German and hate unhealthy and fast food. Still I have not found good Spanish cuisine, after trying almost every restaurant in ROTA (not Cadiz). Taste is very subjective though and this is just my own opinion. There is no need for you to make such negative assumptions. It’s very hypocritical when you tell me I have prejudices when you label me as someone I am not. I came to Spain with excitement and an open mind. These are just my own experiences.

[@Ana-Maria-Sierra]

Perhaps your experience regarding rudeness and bad food are restricted to Rota. You frequently say that this is how it is in Spain. I’m sorry for your bad personal experiences and, I imagine, it’s disappointing, but I must say that I’ve never heard any place in Spain receive such a bad review from foreigners. It’s also concerning that you and your native Spanish speaking husband continue to struggle to comprehend the local Spanish. I certainly understand such challenges having grown up in a Spanish speaking home and studied several languages and lived and traveled to many places. It can take a while to adjust one’s ears, but if you haven’t adjusted happily then it’s likely not your cuppa tea. Not being able to understand others has gotta be quite frustrating and alienating as well. I’m also wondering why the food is so awful as it’s in Cadiz province, which has a great gastronomic reputation. I hope you find your happy place eventually. Wishing you the best!

[@suspendedhatch]

These things are true but not as pervasive in Madrid. I'm considering choosing Rota for my next placement but now I'm really second guessing it. Cadiz or Malaga were my first choice but those placements are all taken. I wonder if Almeria is any better

[@miajulio1702]

I completely agree! In Madrid and other cities around Spain we have had much better experiences. We’ve never been to Almeria though.

[@CarlosGarcia-gs1wd]

There is a Spanish proverb that says "Miel was not made, for the mouth of the donkey". I am from the north of Spain and Cádiz is a gastronomic paradise with excellent restaurants, up to three Michelin stars, but if you are used to eating sugary bread, drinking Fanta that looks like a radioactive drink and your best meal is a hamburger or a frozen turkey, then surely in Rota there are no good restaurants. Don't leave the base and vote for Trump

[@miajulio1702]

Who do you think you are to be making such judgements about me based on just one video that you saw, and clearly didn’t even pay much attention to?! First of all: i am German and have a strong dislike for American food myself. I only eat fresh produce and drink water/tea (without sugar or honey). I only fuel my body with healthy foods. Still I have not yet found any restaurants that serve Spanish cuisine which I personally enjoy. If I have to go to a Michelin star restaurant to get good food, then I cannot afford that. Again: taste is very subjective and if you enjoy the food here then that’s great! There is no need to insult me just because you have had a different subjective experience. Secondly: this is no place to get political and reproach me with such negative political views. Again: i am not American and said so in the beginning of this video.

[@miajulio1702]

Also, You kind of just proved my point of how rude Spaniards tend to be. We have not been greeted kindly into your community, despite being open and excited at first.

[@Pottymouthvet]

Yeah this comment was stupid . What does vote for trump have to do with Rota

[@CarlosGarcia-gs1wd]

​@@PottymouthvetI don't express myself correctly in English, but I think my comment is easy to understand. Rota and Trump, fortunately, are not related, but the fact that a resident at the Rota base complains about the gastronomy of Cadiz, if he has a relationship with Trump, explains how people like Trump win elections. Cadiz has one of the best gastronomic offerings in Spain and a Galician says so...

[@davidescalante9]

We are the garden of Europe and you cannot find fresh products. We are famous for the Mediterranean diet, which is the healthiest in the world and you don't like Spanish food? If you criticize something, let it be with knowledge of the facts.

[@jerry-cw9yw]

slow is the spanish way!

[@davidescalante9]

a German and an American saying that Spanish food is bad. Amazing. You know, to eat sausages and hamburgers. Are you kidding?  

[@miajulio1702]

@davidescalante9 You must have missed the part of me saying Mexican American. My husband grew up in Mexico- definitely not eating hamburgers. And mentioning sausages is a very close minded comment, given that that is such a minuscule part of the large variety of German food. Have you been to Mexico and Germany and lived in these places long enough to have an educated opinion, and to leave such a rude comment? And have you been to Rota specifically to compare the cuisines? If you have, then great. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and everyone has their own taste buds that differ from person to person, but that is no reason to leave a disrespectful comment under a video that clearly and simply just states a PERSONAL OPINION, not a fact. I hope commenting what you did made you feel better, and I wish you all the best.

[@davidandmary7902]

There is an American restaurant opened here in Rota and ran by American guy, I hope he will deliver what you need.. I am an African but I feel same as you said, They never live the road until you go around them.

[@miajulio1702]

@Paseos por Madrid stop mentioning Cadiz already. This entire video is only about one little city in the province, which is ROTA. If you took the time to actually watch the video then you would know that. If you notice: people from other countries say that they have similar experiences here in ROTA. I’m sure things are different in Madrid, but that doesn’t give you the right to sarcastically talk down on people and try to invalidate their experiences and opinions.

[@miajulio1702]

@Paseos por Madrid that is literally what I just said! If you had read the comment properly then you would know that. Still ROTA is what this video is about- not Cadiz province, and not Cadiz city. Just because there is good food in the province, doesn’t mean that it can be found in this little city.

[@carolynbell7403]

Sounds like they are rude.

[@miajulio1702]

From our personal experience the majority are quite rude. Though I don’t know if we just feel that way because we are used to different customs/ culture.

[@forbiddenlola4273]

They are very rude

[@chrisking791]

French are the same in medium to large cities

[@fmartinv1]

Sorry for your opinion but food in Spain is very good, one of the best in the world. I don't recognize the country you are talking about...

[@miajulio1702]

Where in Spain are you talking about? In major Spanish cities you can probably find really good food, but in Rota we have had no luck. Neither us, nor our friends, family or colleagues like it. I haven’t heard of anybody personally who enjoys the food in this specific region of Spain. Taste is very subjective though, so I’m sure that someone out there enjoys it. If you have been to Rota and liked the food then that’s great for you!

[@miajulio1702]

I completely agree that the produce is amazing! Eating out at Spanish restaurants is disappointing though. Any other international cuisine cooked with fresh Spanish produce is great!

[@miajulio1702]

Who said I didn’t know how to cook?😅 I cook every single day with a passion. I am just disappointed every single time we try and eat out at a Spanish restaurant. Usually we like to eat out for birthdays and anniversaries, but bad restaurant food is a very fast way to ruin a special day. We have tried almost every single restaurant in Rota and we’re very excited for Spanish cuisine, but we have had nothing but bad experiences with it. Again: great if you live it, but it’s not for us, or anyone we know

[@miajulio1702]

@Paseos por Madrid that is a very harsh accusation. I came to Spain with nothing but excitement and an open mind. I was looking forward to emerge myself in the Spanish culture, language and cuisine, but we have not been welcomed kindly into this community. I didn’t make this video to insult anyone. I repeatedly mention that this is my personal experience and opinion. And that it is about ROTA only (not Cadiz as a prove, or any other place in Spain). I have traveled to 25 countries and lived in several ones long term. I am not xenophobic by any means. And you cannot label me as such without personally knowing me. I am even married to someone from an altogether different culture, country, continent, language, etc. If you’re not from Rota either, then how can you even make informed judgements about this little city, while talking down on me at the same time? If you have only visited this place, while I have lived here for two years. This video was always meant for foreigners like me to prepare for what they may encounter here.

[@cnxexpat1862]

I am confused. Sometimes you are talking about Spain in general, sometimes about Rota. But it´s unclear when you are talking about what.

[@miajulio1702]

Like I said in the beginning, this entire video is about only Rota, Spain. And I only mention all of Spain once when I talked about the traffic.

[@cnxexpat1862]

1:17 "Things I love about SPAIN." 1:32 "SPAIN is very walkable" ...

[@miajulio1702]

@@cnxexpat1862 just rewatch the intro where I say that this video is specifically about ROTA, Spain. The ENTIRE VIDEO is about this one little city. It’s in the title, in the thumbnail, in the intro and mentioned throughout the video as well. It should be pretty clear what I am talking about.

[@cnxexpat1862]

@@miajulio1702 Perhaps then you should change at the mentioned time marks the word SPAIN to ROTA, also in the written text. Rewatch your video again.

[@mercuri919]

​@@cnxexpat1862😂 every small town is walkable.

[@ipris3971]

My Lord child, you may get a better response from the locals if you bought a shirt! Throw that dust rag away!

[@mikes8218]

The food is bad.... in SPAIN? ok

[@lw4423]

It's crazy that I could tell you are German from the form of your mouth before starting to talk. Someone needs to do research on this.

[@miajulio1702]

That’s funny 😆 let me know what the research concludes when you find it!

[@cristinarodriguez3699]

I understand you don’t like our food coming from a country so famous for its wonderful gastronomy 🤢🤢🤢

[@miajulio1702]

I know German food isn’t everyone’s cup of tea either, but I haven’t heard about any negative cliches yet either.

[@cristinarodriguez3699]

@@miajulio1702 you like it or not, Spanish food is one of the best in the whole world, german food is sausage, cabbage and a lot of beer, please don’t compare, no wonder you have no good taste.

[@miajulio1702]

@@cristinarodriguez3699 I am very happy for you that you love the food here in Rota. Me, and everyone I know personally have not had good experiences in this city though. Taste is different for everyone, which is why I stated it as a personal opinion. I’m sure bigger cities in Spain have better options, but this video is about Rota alone. Have you been to Germany before and tried the food ? Those 3 things you named only scratch the surface. At least german food has flavors other than salt and grease.

[@cristinarodriguez3699]

@@miajulio1702 I don’t believe everyone you know have the same feelings about our food, i do believe it is your own personal opinion, and no, I was never interested in going to Germany, I do live in the most cosmopolitan city of the world and I can assure you that nobody is interested in your country’s food.

[@cristinarodriguez3699]

I hope you learn to respect other cultures and be more humble and try to learn and adapt, if you don’t like it you can always leave,of course you have the right to critique ,but you sound a lot like you think you’re above the rest of the people.

[@mercuri919]

I think that you just like the wheather and the prices as the only positive aspects, then you should move to a small town in Germany or in US. I dont really understand what is the point to have this video to critize the town that is hosting you. Clearly you dislike the culture. I tell you that you are speaking as if you knew Spain when you just know a small town, will you expect much more from a small town in Germany or US? You think prices in Germany or US are the same in a main city that in a small town? Clearly your cultural level is very poor. If you pay cheap prices you get what you get 🤷.

[@anacasanova7350]

Rota es un mini pueblo de España, Andalucía. No representa a toda España. Los españoles somos respetuosos pero no tanto como otros pueblos que son más ceremoniosos y distantes. 🤭🤗

[@manuelfg2902]

Que correcta y buena es mi catalana favorita. Te adoro

The worst town ive even been in, awful ...rude people and bad life

[@user-uu4rf7jb7d]

Fickle off