After 6 years in Barcelona, I realized one of the 'worst' parts of living here was actually making me happier

As an American living in Spain, I struggled to adjust to the country's culture and schedules at first. Jordan Mautner Moving to Barcelona from Los Angeles six years ago has come with a few culture shocks. At first, I struggled with businesses taking midday breaks and most shops being closed on Sundays. Eventually, I adapted. I now appreciate breaks and feel less pressure to optimize all my time. I had 30 minutes left on my lunch break — just enough time to squeeze in a new errand before I had to get back to work. I had only recently moved to Barcelona , and I really needed to get an extra key made for my new roommate. I typed "locksmith" into Google Maps and rushed out the door. I zigzagged through the narrow streets of my neighborhood trying to find the place.