And So It Begins…
March marks six months since we (my husband Trent, 10-year-old dog Winston and myself) landed in Spain to live. I made the tough choice to quit my job, a 10-year career in both the public and private sectors of politics. A career that activated my local engagement, introduced me to colleagues that became true friends and ultimately erupted a bit of turbulence from within me that indicated it was time to move in a different direction for a while. Since I studied abroad in college, it’s been a dream of mine to again live abroad. Trent had recently gone through a career adjustment as well, started his own engineering company and felt just as strongly as I did, that if there was ever a moment to live abroad, it was now!
It was the first time in my life that I didn’t consult my allies about a life-changing decision that we were about to not only consider but pursue! Travel has always lit me up inside. From the dream of the destination, to all the research and planning to get there and of course ultimately the experience itself. But this decision was different. It felt serious and yet dream-like. Ultimately, as you know, we decided to take the leap! We sold most of our stuff (even our cars), put the rest in storage, rented out our first home in Oceanside, CA and had an epic bon voyage party with our family and friends.
Since we have our dog, an English cream golden retriever who goes everywhere with us, the European travel lifestyle looks a little different. Never before stepping foot in Spain, we decided to explore as much as we could in the beginning before ultimately choosing which city to live in. We bounced around in airbnb’s and took an epic month-long road trip that started in Barcelona, Spain’s Costa Brava and navigated down through Costa Del Sol and then back up through the Sierras ultimately ending in Madrid and taking the high-speed train to where we now call home. There were clear highlights where we actually could see ourselves living - Valencia, Seville, Málaga, Ronda- but something about Barcelona just hit different in our hearts.
Four months into our new European life we signed a lease on an apartment in the district of El Born. A fun area close to the beach and Barcelona’s Parque de la Ciutadella where we walk each morning with the fluff. This city is overflowing with ridiculously delicious restaurants, ancient Spanish architecture, craft cocktail bars, sacred monuments, historic landmarks, and museums! At the end of the day you can reminisce over a copa de vino tinto (red wine) that will cost you about €3! Oh, and on that note, the cost of living is much more affordable than back home in Southern California too. Which turns out to be helpful for a girl who just abandoned work-life.
Whether it’s taking dog-friendly adventures, sharing the best restaurants, or helping you dream up your own travel plans (and take the stress out of it!), I am excited you’re here to follow along our journey living in Spain!! If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, I’d love to hear from you!