Interview with Giulio Gregorio
Neighbourhood:
Poble sec
Work:
Tier 2 Customer Service Representative
Languages:
Italian, Spanish, English, French
Nationality:
Italian
Age range:
25-34 years old
Landed in:
2018
Introducing giulio gregorio, an italian expat in Barcelona.
Why did you choose to relocate to Barcelona?
Because it has all the features I need when choosing a city where to live.
What are the top 3 things on your bucket list whilst living in Barcelona?
Have a sandwich with Argentinian meat in Barceloneta after my workout, get lost in Passeig de Gracia along with all Gaudi masterpieces, enjoy the Magic Fountain of Montjuic on a summer evening.
What do you miss the most about home?
The food.
What was your greatest fear before moving to Barcelona?
To do the Nie and find a job and a cozy room where to accomodate myself.
What were the biggest adjustments you had to make when settling into life in Barcelona?
To sleep in a very small room for 3 months and to work more than 10 Hours per day as a Chef.
Did you experience any particular elements of culture shock?
Yes, a lot of people stealing in a very violent way.
How did you meet your main community of friends?
Thanks to my work experiences.
How did you find the job seeking process?
It's very difficult because of the very complicated burocracy procedures. I was coming from London where I was living for about two years and who lived there know very well that is not so easy. But Barcelona is so far the most difficult city where to settle in in terms of burocracy.
Do you use your native language at work?
No.
How does the work culture in Spain differ from your home country?
It's more tolerant since Barcelona is the main city of digital nomads in Europe and there are plenty of job opportunities especially for multilingual speakers.
How does the cost of living in Barcelona compare to back home?
It's higher but for a better quality of life.
How did you find a place to live?
Through Idealista but it was so difficult to get it.
Did you find the paperwork difficult to manage?
Yes, as per explained before this is the most difficult part when arriving in Barcelona , but thanksfully I am italian and I could understand the language so I didn't face big problems.
What is your favourite coffee spot in Barcelona?
Syra Coffee Born.
How did you prepare your children to move abroad?
I don't have any.
Do you have any tips for other expat parents with children in Barcelona?
Try to settle down in a good area like Sarria or Sant Gervasi or Poblenou.
