The young Puerto Rican @camilleenespana, who recently moved from the United States to Spain, posted a new video on TikTok that has generated thousands of reactions for her positive perspective on the experience of shopping in Galicia, where she currently resides.
"Come with me shopping, which has become my favorite hobby," Camille begins, stating that she has visited Mercadona about 20 times in her first month in the country. "I literally live here," she comments enthusiastically as she strolls through the supermarket aisles.
Among her essential products, she mentions Spanish tortilla with onion, the salmon poke bowl, lemon limbers that her husband loves, the hake she prefers fried, and her favorite pistachio donuts: "I can't live without them." Additionally, she emphasizes the freshness of the food and the quality of fresh products such as meats, mushrooms, seafood, and hams. "Something I've noticed since the first moment I cooked is the freshness of the meats; it's something I literally can't explain," she stated.
Camille also mentions the change in her daily routine: "During the last few months I lived in the United States, going shopping was something that weighed on me; even cooking was something I no longer enjoyed. However, being here, shopping has transformed from a traumatic experience into a relaxing, positive one."
On his way, he mentions walking home with heavy bags, which he considers a form of exercise: "I took over 5,000 steps and spent less than $50, what more can I ask for?" he concludes.
The testimony of @camilleenespana has sparked a wave of comments on TikTok, with most highlighting positive aspects of life in Spain, particularly regarding food and access to fresh and healthy products.
"In my house, the fridge is always full," commented one user, while another stated, "You literally eat well there. I would retire in Granada or anywhere in the south." Someone else pointed out that "there are excellent prices and a variety of products that are sugar-free or low in sugar, organic, and there are also plenty of options for vegans."
However, there were also some critical opinions. One user wrote: "Mercadona is the worst, change supermarkets," while another person replied: "Your problem."
Other users took the opportunity to ask questions about the cost of living, work, and housing in Galicia, such as "How is work and rent in Galicia?" or "How do you get by there, what is your job?" although the creator did not respond directly to these concerns in the video.
A common reaction was the nostalgia from those who lived in Spain: “I’ve been in PR for two weeks after months in Spain and I already miss MERCADONA,” wrote a follower. Another added, “I miss Mercadona so much.”
This new video complements the previous testimonies shared by the same creator. In a prior video that went viral in July, @camilleenespana explained why she decided to leave the United States: “I once heard that people go to the United States to make money, and to Spain to live, and that is precisely my intention; I came to Spain to live, to find the joy I lost in the hustle, while chasing the American dream.”
More recently, in another video published in August, he detailed the expenses associated with the non-profit visa he used to move. According to him, the total for the application was $1,479.57 for two people, excluding tickets and health insurance, which he also paid upfront: “For me with the Sanitas company (...) it was 2,200, 2,300 for 2 people with full coverage, medication coverage, and dental plan.”
With her personal, approachable, and transparent style, @camilleenespana has managed to connect with thousands of users interested in topics related to migration, quality of life, and adaptation in Spain, especially in Galicia, where she now resides.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Migration Experience from the U.S. to Spain
Why did Camille decide to move from the United States to Spain?
Camille was seeking a better quality of life. She claims that in the United States, she lived in constant hustle, chasing the "American dream," which made her lose joy in her day-to-day life. In contrast, in Spain she found the peace and quality of life she longed for, highlighting its healthcare system, transportation, cuisine, and culture.
How has Camille's shopping experience changed since she moved to Spain?
For Camille, shopping in Spain has become a relaxing and positive experience. She emphasizes the freshness and quality of the products, which contrasts with her experience in the United States, where grocery shopping felt burdensome and unenjoyable.
What are Camille's favorite products in supermarkets in Spain?
Camille mentions several products as her favorites in Spain, including Spanish omelette with onion, salmon poke bowl, lemon limbers, fried hake, and pistachio donuts. Moreover, she appreciates the freshness of the meats, mushrooms, seafood, and hams.
What costs did Camille face to obtain her non-lucrative visa in Spain?
Camille detailed that the cost of the application for the non-profit visa was $1,479.57 for two people. Additionally, she paid in advance for the health insurance, which cost between $2,200 and $2,300 for two people, including full coverage, medications, and a dental plan.
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