'I'm an expat living in Spain - I wonder how anybody gets anything done'

Spain is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe, and also a huge draw for retirees looking to see out their days in warmer climes. The appeal of stunning sandy beaches and alfresco dinners by the sea is clear to see. And while one might expect visitors and expats to take time to adjust to its cultural differences, for some people, it's just too much of a shock.

One young American man, who had been living in Marbella for just a few days, took to TikTok to detail his astonishment at the difference between life there and in the United States.The vlogger, known as @champyaps, summed it up succinctly: "How does anyone get anything done?"

"I was supposed to go to work. Look at this. Somehow, I ended up here," he adds as he points his camera at a beach in Marbella, completely amazed.

The video has racked up hundreds of thousands of views and shows the American's surprise at the pace of life in Spain, which is markedly different from that of his home country.

The man claims he has been in Spain for three days and still doesn't quite understand how the country works. "How does anyone get anything done in this wonderful country?" he says. "Any activity you can do in the United States takes ten times longer in Spain," he adds, explaining that even a simple meal can last hours, sometimes even leading to plans to go out partying with the waiter.

According to the vlogger, his day began with breakfast and ended in the middle of the afternoon without him making any progress with his work. He insists that even something as simple as getting petrol can turn into an unpredictable experience. "I had to set aside an entire day because when I went to pay, the cashier asked me if I wanted an empanada."

The post has generated a huge number of reactions, especially among Spaniards, who are torn between pride in their relaxed lifestyle and getting defensive about a supposed lack of productivity.

"It's a different pace, but more human," comments one user, while others respond ironically: "Let's see if it's our fault now that he doesn't know how to organise himself."

Many agree that the lifestyle in Spain can seem chaotic for those coming from backgrounds where productivity is paramount. "Here, we don't live to work," reads one comment with thousands of 'likes', contrasted by others who reflect: "That's why the country is the way it is."

Some take the opportunity to point out that in Spain, time is perceived differently, with more room for conversation, food and improvisation.

Meanwhile, the protagonist of the video seems to have accepted that, at least during his stay in Spain, his schedule will depend more on his surroundings than on his own plans. What was meant to be a productive day in a café with his laptop ended up with sea views, sangria and the feeling that living in Spain is something you simply cannot plan.

He admits: "If you think you're going to have a quick lunch in this country, forget it. There is no such thing as a quick lunch. You will be at that table for three hours, minimum. Somehow, you'll end up drinking sangria, and by the end of lunch, you're going to know the waiter's name. You might even have plans to go to the club together tonight."