Through Foreigner Eyes With Ania From Ania Travels

Sometimes we try to imagine how life might be in another country, if it is too different from ours, if it would be easy to adapt ourselves, what would be the biggest cultural shock and all these sort of questions that come to our minds. This week World By Isa will be launching it’s first Guest Series, “Throught Foreigner Eyes”, that will share with you guys, the experience of different expats around the world.

The series will go out every first week of the month, featuring a different expat and their unique stories. This month we will be interviewing Ania, check out below!

So Ania, tell us a little bit about yourself, who are you and where are you from?

Czesc! I’m Ania (An-ya) a 26-year-old Polish-American travel junkie. I’m a sushi eating, wine drinking, beauty loving, adventure freak! I’ve quit my 9-5 corporate life and salary for a budget and carry-on. I am a traveler with a purpose to inspire. I’m originally from Poland but I grew up in Chicago. Currently living in Seville, Spain.

What brings you to Spain afterall?

Since I left Chicago I’ve kind of been chasing the sun. With Chicago being cold during the winter months I wanted to go somewhere warm. I spent some time in South East Asia but it was time for a change for me. My heart has always belonged in Europe so I figured I had to head over that way. I’ve always loved the Spanish culture, food, music, and I spoke a little bit of Spanish so that made the transition easier.

I feel you, I would be get tired of the cold weather too! So you found a place that mix the European lifestyle with the warm weather and people you needed!

What were your expectations before arriving there?

Spain was one of the only countries in Europe I haven’t been to before I arrived there. I knew it was a place with amazing food and music and that’s pretty much it. I also knew it would have the laid back feel that most of Europe has. Just with warm weather all year round, siestas, and tapas instead of full meals.

What about your first impression?

I absolutely fell in love with Seville right from the get go. I remember getting off the airplane and gust of warm air hitting my face that automatically put a smile on my face. I loved all of the small streets, the colors, and how the entire city smells like orange blossoms.

Did you have any cultural shock? What was that?

I had a couple. The main one was with teenagers and young adults speaking English. Usually, whenever I travel I would think that the people in their teens and 20’s would know English and I would go to them for help. That’s not the case in Seville. The younger generations know almost no English whereas the older generations (mid 30’s and older) do know English.