Jordan Motner’s Journey: Embracing Life in Catalonia
In 2020, American Jordan Motner relocated from Los Angeles to Barcelona. Writing for Business Insider, she shared her firsthand experience of Catalan life, highlighting the region’s distinct culture and language that stand apart from American norms. Catalan is widely spoken in shops and restaurants across Barcelona, emphasizing a strong local identity.
Jordan described several unique Catalan traditions, including:
- Sant Jordi Day, celebrated by exchanging books and roses;
- The Easter treat known as La Mona;
- Christmas customs where children strike a log called Caga Tió to receive gifts;
- The humorous inclusion of caganer figurines in nativity scenes.
Food culture in Barcelona also stands out, with tapas forming a core part of daily eating habits. Popular dishes Jordan mentions are:
- Croquetas;
- Patatas bravas;
- Fried peppers;
- And the classic Spanish tortilla.
Breakfast often features bocadillos—baguette sandwiches filled with tomatoes, ham, cheese, or potato omelet—paired with coffee. Another local specialty is calçots, a type of green onion grilled and dipped in romesco sauce, served with aprons and gloves to enjoy this culinary ritual properly.
Dinner in Spain typically starts late, around 9 to 10 p.m., and can last until midnight. Barcelona’s vibrant lifestyle includes year-round outdoor activities such as yoga, fitness, volleyball, and paddleboarding. Surrounded by the Collserola mountains—reachable by public transport in about 30 minutes—and beaches, the city offers endless opportunities for an active life.
Cultural Highlights and International Comparisons
The nearby Costa Brava is a favored weekend getaway from Barcelona, featuring historic sites like the castle in Tossa de Mar and Salvador Dalí’s house near Cadaqués. Jordan also pointed out the local siesta tradition: many small shops close from roughly 2 to 4 p.m., and numerous businesses shut down on Sundays. The architectural masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí, most notably the Sagrada Familia basilica, remain a defining element of Barcelona’s cultural identity.
Beyond Barcelona, Jordan compared her experience to other expatriate lifestyles, noting:
- In Germany, strict rules exist such as prohibitions on idling car engines, downloading movies via torrents, and stopping on the autobahn without valid reasons;
- In Bangkok, where a Ukrainian has resided for seven years, modern skyscrapers coexist with historic neighborhoods, temples, and street food culture.
Bangkok’s climate is hot with seasonal rains and carries a risk of dengue fever, yet it is regarded as a safe and comfortable city to live in.
“Every day I walk around in awe—I still can’t believe I get to admire these incredible views on my way to work.” — Jordan Motner
Jordan Motner’s reflections reveal how relocating abroad can deepen one’s appreciation for local customs, traditions, and everyday rhythms. Her observations about Catalonia, contrasted with other countries, underscore the importance of understanding cultural nuances when moving internationally. This insight proves valuable for anyone planning to live or travel abroad, as embracing local practices eases the transition and enriches the experience.