Broadening Family Connections Through Travel

When Heather relocated to Santiago, Chile, she anticipated exciting adventures, but her encounter with another expat opened her world to three countries!

Heather is more than just a traveler; she has spent significant time in three different countries, forging deep connections in each. Originally from the U.S., she moved to Santiago, Chile for work, where she met a charming Spaniard named Miguel.

They tied the knot in Miguel’s hometown, Seville, Spain, where her passion for Spanish culture flourished (thanks in part to Miguel’s six siblings) before they returned to Santiago. Now, Heather feels entirely at home across three continents!

Here’s a glimpse into how these three cultures intertwine and how she and Miguel have blended their traditions:

Three Countries, Three Bonds

With annual visits to Seville, Heather feels a deep connection through Miguel and his family, particularly through music (one brother, Alvaro, plays in a rumba band). Each trip involves visiting numerous relatives and enjoying their warm, lively hospitality with large family dinners—sometimes hosting 25 people or more—which remind her of the Christmas gatherings in Connecticut with her own big family.

“Seville is truly enchanting. The culture in Southern Spain revolves around savoring life, sipping coffee or drinks outdoors, and celebrating countless festivals!”

Despite spending most of their year on the opposite side of the globe, Miguel’s brother hosts family sing-alongs of beloved Spanish songs via Zoom, allowing them to join from Chile. In a musically inclined family, collaborating on songs is the perfect way to stay connected!

A Fusion of Traditions

In Chile, Heather immerses herself in Spanish culture by attending weekly flamenco classes, enthusiastically dancing this traditional Andalusian style. Meanwhile, Miguel plays guitar and practices English songs, often serenading her with tunes by Cat Stevens.  

They have embraced Chilean culture during their time there. Here are her top food choices from each country:    

Chile: Fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly avocados. Also, their exquisite red wines.

United States: Desserts galore! Think brownies, cupcakes, and cookies. Plus, classic American breakfasts with bacon and eggs.

Spain: Delicious tapas, particularly those featuring ham and Manchego cheese.

This cultural fusion suits Heather perfectly, as she hones her skills in making Spanish tortillas and enjoys cooking for her Chilean friends:

“We’ll be hosting 20 guests for Thanksgiving, although November in Chile can reach up to 90 degrees, making it less enjoyable to cook two large turkeys.” 

Naturally, they’ve made some cultural adjustments. As they decorate their Christmas tree, Miguel gets to play Spanish “villancicos” before transitioning to Heather’s American carols. 

Homes Away From Home

Chile has truly become Heather’s home, yet she often reminisces about her “homes away from home.” Here are her cherished aspects of each:

Heather suggests visiting the Northeast in the fall to witness the stunning colors. While many flock to New York City, she encourages exploring the museums and unique charm of Boston as well.

Chile is rich in natural beauty, with its vast landscapes showcasing everything from the mountain trails and lakes of Torres del Paine in the south to the spectacular sunsets of the Atacama Desert in the north.

Heather suggests exploring the Andalusia region of Spain for its Flamenco music, stunning beaches, Moorish architecture, and charming towns. Seville is also known for its vibrant festivals filled with parades and street dancing.

Her journey through three countries has allowed her to cherish the best aspects of each—like the work-life balance in Chile, the lively celebrations in Spain, and the rich diversity of America—but she’s also noticed a common thread among them:

“In every location, whether it’s backyard BBQs in America or Chile or large family gatherings in Spain, leisure time revolves around spending it with loved ones.”