I left the US for Spain: What Shocked Me, how I got healthier without trying, and how much it cost

I started [music] to think about leaving I started [music] to think about leaving the United States because I was working the United States because I was working the United States because I was working while I was running my own real estate while I was running my own real estate while I was running my own real estate [music] business and I was just in [music] business and I was just in [music] business and I was just in workcoholism and working a lot. So I workcoholism and working a lot. So I workcoholism and working a lot. So I started to think, huh, is there a started to think, huh, is there a started to think, huh, is there a different way that I could experience different way that I could experience different way that I could experience [music] life. At the time when I was [music] life. At the time when I was [music] life. At the time when I was living in America, I was the most living in America, I was the most living in America, I was the most stressed just about my work schedule. stressed just about my work schedule. stressed just about my work schedule. [music] But it was very fast-paced and I [music] But it was very fast-paced and I [music] But it was very fast-paced and I didn't have time to really create the didn't have time to really create the didn't have time to really create the life I wanted. When I told my friends life I wanted. When I told my friends life I wanted. When I told my friends and family I was going to move to Spain, and family I was going to move to Spain, and family I was going to move to Spain, honestly, I think they were a bit honestly, I think they were a bit honestly, I think they were a bit shocked to start, but also my shocked to start, but also my shocked to start, but also my personality is very adventurous. So, at personality is very adventurous. So, at personality is very adventurous. So, at the same time, they weren't shocked. the same time, they weren't shocked. the same time, they weren't shocked. [music] My name is Clara. I am 36 years [music] My name is Clara. I am 36 years [music] My name is Clara. I am 36 years old and I am originally from West old and I am originally from West old and I am originally from West Virginia. However, I spent about 10 Virginia. However, I spent about 10 Virginia. However, I spent about 10 years in Denver, Colorado before moving years in Denver, Colorado before moving years in Denver, Colorado before moving to Spain. I have been living in Spain to Spain. I have been living in Spain to Spain. I have been living in Spain for a little over 3 years now. My first week in Spain was really hard My first week in Spain was really hard as you can imagine. I well I didn't know as you can imagine. I well I didn't know as you can imagine. I well I didn't know anybody and I was jetlagged and I didn't anybody and I was jetlagged and I didn't anybody and I was jetlagged and I didn't know where the grocery store was. So my know where the grocery store was. So my know where the grocery store was. So my first impressions walking around were first impressions walking around were first impressions walking around were were just it was just so foreign. It's were just it was just so foreign. It's were just it was just so foreign. It's like where am I? What shocked me in my like where am I? What shocked me in my like where am I? What shocked me in my first week was I [music] just felt like first week was I [music] just felt like first week was I [music] just felt like I was in a concrete jungle because I I was in a concrete jungle because I I was in a concrete jungle because I moved from a neighborhood that was very moved from a neighborhood that was very moved from a neighborhood that was very open and spacious to the center of open and spacious to the center of open and spacious to the center of Barcelona. And so it was just shocking Barcelona. And so it was just shocking Barcelona. And so it was just shocking to me the lack of uh grass. [music] It to me the lack of uh grass. [music] It to me the lack of uh grass. [music] It was just so new. Like I lived with a was just so new. Like I lived with a was just so new. Like I lived with a backyard with grass. What felt different

backyard with grass. What felt different backyard with grass. What felt different from America was [music] from America was [music] from America was [music] grocery shopping. Like the necessities grocery shopping. Like the necessities grocery shopping. Like the necessities of life I had to figure out how to do. of life I had to figure out how to do. of life I had to figure out how to do. And [music] when you live in a place for And [music] when you live in a place for And [music] when you live in a place for so long, you you have your flow. And I so long, you you have your flow. And I so long, you you have your flow. And I had a car in the States. [music] had a car in the States. [music] had a car in the States. [music] And when I when I moved to Spain, it And when I when I moved to Spain, it And when I when I moved to Spain, it felt so different to navigate just even felt so different to navigate just even felt so different to navigate just even how to where to get my coffee, [music] how to where to get my coffee, [music] how to where to get my coffee, [music] where to get groceries, what certain where to get groceries, what certain where to get groceries, what certain grocery stores were. So that felt very grocery stores were. So that felt very grocery stores were. So that felt very different just like the [music] basics different just like the [music] basics different just like the [music] basics that you take advant granted. What that you take advant granted. What that you take advant granted. What surprised me about how people live here surprised me about how people live here surprised me about how people live here in Spain, [music] it's cliche, but just in Spain, [music] it's cliche, but just in Spain, [music] it's cliche, but just how late they eat dinner. It's something how late they eat dinner. It's something how late they eat dinner. It's something that still surprises me actually [music] that still surprises me actually [music] that still surprises me actually [music] um was the the difference in in food um was the the difference in in food um was the the difference in in food schedule. schedule. schedule. A normal weekday [music] here for me A normal weekday [music] here for me A normal weekday [music] here for me honestly doesn't look much different honestly doesn't look much different honestly doesn't look much different than my life in the States because here than my life in the States because here than my life in the States because here I also worked for myself. [music] I also worked for myself. [music] I also worked for myself. [music] Um it's just a bit slower. So it looks Um it's just a bit slower. So it looks Um it's just a bit slower. So it looks like waking up, doing some movement, like waking up, doing some movement, like waking up, doing some movement, getting a coffee, and then coming home getting a coffee, and then coming home getting a coffee, and then coming home and starting my [music] workday just at and starting my [music] workday just at and starting my [music] workday just at a very chill chill pace. My Sunday a very chill chill pace. My Sunday a very chill chill pace. My Sunday mornings have become much more of a mornings have become much more of a mornings have become much more of a sacred time. I will say that when you sacred time. I will say that when you sacred time. I will say that when you fir when I first moved to Spain, [music] fir when I first moved to Spain, [music] fir when I first moved to Spain, [music] you everything is closed on Sundays, you everything is closed on Sundays, you everything is closed on Sundays, which is not normal in the States. So which is not normal in the States. So which is not normal in the States. So here it's like I wake up on a Sunday here it's like I wake up on a Sunday here it's like I wake up on a Sunday morning and I [music] can hear the birds morning and I [music] can hear the birds morning and I [music] can hear the birds chirping and there's nobody on the chirping and there's nobody on the chirping and there's nobody on the street and you just feel like you have street and you just feel like you have street and you just feel like you have no pressure to do anything. So I'll have no pressure to do anything. So I'll have no pressure to do anything. So I'll have a nice slow coffee, I'll have a late a nice slow coffee, I'll have a late a nice slow coffee, I'll have a late brunch, maybe take a long walk or go to brunch, maybe take a long walk or go to brunch, maybe take a long walk or go to the beach. That's really what a Sunday the beach. That's really what a Sunday the beach. That's really what a Sunday looks like. [music] It became easier to

looks like. [music] It became easier to looks like. [music] It became easier to not put so much expectation on fast not put so much expectation on fast not put so much expectation on fast movement. It was shocking to me when I movement. It was shocking to me when I movement. It was shocking to me when I moved [music] how much time people take moved [music] how much time people take moved [music] how much time people take to get things done. But it has made my to get things done. But it has made my to get things done. But it has made my life easier in a way that when I'm life easier in a way that when I'm life easier in a way that when I'm working, I'm not so rushed. I can working, I'm not so rushed. I can working, I'm not so rushed. I can breathe a bit deeper. breathe a bit deeper. breathe a bit deeper. [music] A lot of things became healthier when I A lot of things became healthier when I moved to Spain, but the top ones that moved to Spain, but the top ones that moved to Spain, but the top ones that come to mind are just access to good come to mind are just access to good come to mind are just access to good quality food [music] and produce. It's quality food [music] and produce. It's quality food [music] and produce. It's just not so hard to find. In the United just not so hard to find. In the United just not so hard to find. In the United States, I was committed to eating a States, I was committed to eating a States, I was committed to eating a nutrient-dense [music] nutrient-dense [music] nutrient-dense [music] like whole food diet, which you have to like whole food diet, which you have to like whole food diet, which you have to work quite hard to do because you have work quite hard to do because you have work quite hard to do because you have to find the places that offer that and to find the places that offer that and to find the places that offer that and organic foods much more [music] organic foods much more [music] organic foods much more [music] expensive. But in Spain, it's like expensive. But in Spain, it's like expensive. But in Spain, it's like there's a fruit corner on like a fruit there's a fruit corner on like a fruit there's a fruit corner on like a fruit stand on every street. [music] stand on every street. [music] stand on every street. [music] And so I can walk back from my And so I can walk back from my And so I can walk back from my co-working space and grab a couple co-working space and grab a couple co-working space and grab a couple things that I need for dinner. And I things that I need for dinner. And I things that I need for dinner. And I feel like that's [music] just made feel like that's [music] just made feel like that's [music] just made eating healthier a lot easier. I spend a eating healthier a lot easier. I spend a eating healthier a lot easier. I spend a lot less time worrying about if my food lot less time worrying about if my food lot less time worrying about if my food is organic or not.

I get around Valencia mostly on my bike I get around Valencia mostly on my bike because I find it to be quicker because I find it to be quicker because I find it to be quicker sometimes even than taking the metro. sometimes even than taking the metro. sometimes even than taking the metro. But of course, there's always the option But of course, there's always the option But of course, there's always the option for the metro if it's a a spot that's for the metro if it's a a spot that's for the metro if it's a a spot that's far away. For example, when I go to the far away. For example, when I go to the far away. For example, when I go to the beach, I I take the metro because it beach, I I take the metro because it beach, I I take the metro because it just makes it much quicker and less hot. just makes it much quicker and less hot. just makes it much quicker and less hot. I do so much more walking now compared I do so much more walking now compared I do so much more walking now compared to the US. [music] I think I've looked to the US. [music] I think I've looked to the US. [music] I think I've looked because I've been obsessed with my my because I've been obsessed with my my because I've been obsessed with my my step count. And when I lived in the US, step count. And when I lived in the US, step count. And when I lived in the US, my last year, my average was like 6,000 my last year, my average was like 6,000 my last year, my average was like 6,000 steps a day. And now, if I don't get steps a day. And now, if I don't get steps a day. And now, if I don't get 10,000 steps a day, it's very weird. And 10,000 steps a day, it's very weird. And 10,000 steps a day, it's very weird. And my average is more like 12 or [music] 13 my average is more like 12 or [music] 13 my average is more like 12 or [music] 13 just from living my life. Something that's completely normal in Something that's completely normal in Spain that would literally [music] shock Spain that would literally [music] shock Spain that would literally [music] shock Americans is the bureaucracy. Like how Americans is the bureaucracy. Like how Americans is the bureaucracy. Like how long it takes [music] to get a document long it takes [music] to get a document long it takes [music] to get a document approved by the city or to get an approved by the city or to get an approved by the city or to get an appointment that you really [music] appointment that you really [music] appointment that you really [music] need. It is something that I had to need. It is something that I had to need. It is something that I had to adjust to. And I've talked a lot about adjust to. And I've talked a lot about adjust to. And I've talked a lot about liking the slower pace. My gosh, liking the slower pace. My gosh, liking the slower pace. My gosh, sometimes though it does drive me crazy sometimes though it does drive me crazy sometimes though it does drive me crazy when I'm [music] trying to get something when I'm [music] trying to get something when I'm [music] trying to get something done in the professional realm with a done in the professional realm with a done in the professional realm with a notary. It's just it is normal for notary. It's just it is normal for notary. It's just it is normal for something to take double the time than something to take double the time than something to take double the time than you would expect here.

For healthcare, I am both in the public For healthcare, I am both in the public system and I also have private system and I also have private system and I also have private healthcare. I find that the private is healthcare. I find that the private is healthcare. I find that the private is quicker and a bit more organized and quicker and a bit more organized and quicker and a bit more organized and [music] it was required for me my first [music] it was required for me my first [music] it was required for me my first year um living in Spain because of the year um living in Spain because of the year um living in Spain because of the visa I had. So, I've just kind of kept visa I had. So, I've just kind of kept visa I had. So, I've just kind of kept it. But recently, I've been thinking it. But recently, I've been thinking it. But recently, I've been thinking maybe it's time to switch to fully maybe it's time to switch to fully maybe it's time to switch to fully public because it's free and [music] public because it's free and [music] public because it's free and [music] I've used the service for a few things I've used the service for a few things I've used the service for a few things and I've begun to start to like it. So, and I've begun to start to like it. So, and I've begun to start to like it. So, I think I will drop my private health I think I will drop my private health I think I will drop my private health insurance [music] and just use public. insurance [music] and just use public. insurance [music] and just use public. My private health insurance costs right My private health insurance costs right My private health insurance costs right now about €80 a month. And of course, now about €80 a month. And of course, now about €80 a month. And of course, public is free. The same type of health public is free. The same type of health public is free. The same type of health insurance and the same type of coverage insurance and the same type of coverage insurance and the same type of coverage [music] in the United States cost me [music] in the United States cost me [music] in the United States cost me about $250 a month, which is actually about $250 a month, which is actually about $250 a month, which is actually considered a bit lower than some people considered a bit lower than some people considered a bit lower than some people just because I'm I was single and I just because I'm I was single and I just because I'm I was single and I didn't have any health issues. [music] For a living in Spain, I work in [music] For a living in Spain, I work in real estate and I help internationals real estate and I help internationals real estate and I help internationals buy or sell property. Mostly I work a buy or sell property. Mostly I work a buy or sell property. Mostly I work a buyer agency with internationals [music] buyer agency with internationals [music] buyer agency with internationals [music] and mostly Americans because I worked in and mostly Americans because I worked in and mostly Americans because I worked in real estate in the States for a long real estate in the States for a long real estate in the States for a long time. And so I can help bridge that gap time. And so I can help bridge that gap time. And so I can help bridge that gap because real estate is very different because real estate is very different because real estate is very different [music] here in Spain. And I also do [music] here in Spain. And I also do [music] here in Spain. And I also do one-on-one coaching specifically with one-on-one coaching specifically with one-on-one coaching specifically with Americans that want to move to Spain. We Americans that want to move to Spain. We Americans that want to move to Spain. We talk about the logistics a lot, but also talk about the logistics a lot, but also talk about the logistics a lot, but also more the the energetic and emotional more the the energetic and emotional more the the energetic and emotional side because moving out of your own side because moving out of your own side because moving out of your own country to a different country comes country to a different country comes country to a different country comes with a lot of big [music] decisions, with a lot of big [music] decisions, with a lot of big [music] decisions, fear, emotional blocks. And so I help my fear, emotional blocks. And so I help my fear, emotional blocks. And so I help my clients really work through those and clients really work through those and clients really work through those and step on the other side of fear and into

step on the other side of fear and into step on the other side of fear and into a [music] new experience. My monthly a [music] new experience. My monthly a [music] new experience. My monthly earnings vary because I'm completely earnings vary because I'm completely earnings vary because I'm completely commission based. [music] Last year I commission based. [music] Last year I commission based. [music] Last year I made roughly €5,000 a month before made roughly €5,000 a month before made roughly €5,000 a month before [music] taxes and this is about four to [music] taxes and this is about four to [music] taxes and this is about four to five times less than I was making in my five times less than I was making in my five times less than I was making in my last year in real estate in the United last year in real estate in the United last year in real estate in the United States. [music] So yes, I was making a States. [music] So yes, I was making a States. [music] So yes, I was making a lot more money in the United States. >> [music] >> [music] >> My total monthly budget is €1,200 a >> My total monthly budget is €1,200 a >> My total monthly budget is €1,200 a month. That is for my [music] rent, month. That is for my [music] rent, month. That is for my [music] rent, groceries, and just basic living and groceries, and just basic living and groceries, and just basic living and bills. My rent is 1,300 in total. And we bills. My rent is 1,300 in total. And we bills. My rent is 1,300 in total. And we split [music] that. Again, I split that split [music] that. Again, I split that split [music] that. Again, I split that with my partner. And we pay on average with my partner. And we pay on average with my partner. And we pay on average €200 euros a month for all utilities. So €200 euros a month for all utilities. So €200 euros a month for all utilities. So that [music] is internet, electric, and that [music] is internet, electric, and that [music] is internet, electric, and water. Eating out can vary. Um, that water. Eating out can vary. Um, that water. Eating out can vary. Um, that depends [music] on just how much we're depends [music] on just how much we're depends [music] on just how much we're eating out each month. But the eating out each month. But the eating out each month. But the transportation is just so cheap compared transportation is just so cheap compared transportation is just so cheap compared to what I was paying. I think I probably to what I was paying. I think I probably to what I was paying. I think I probably spend 25 to30 a month if I'm taking the spend 25 to30 a month if I'm taking the spend 25 to30 a month if I'm taking the metro a lot. So my monthly costs metro a lot. So my monthly costs metro a lot. So my monthly costs compared to the US are [music] much compared to the US are [music] much compared to the US are [music] much cheaper. I was a property owner, so my cheaper. I was a property owner, so my cheaper. I was a property owner, so my mortgage was about double what I'm mortgage was about double what I'm mortgage was about double what I'm [music] paying right now. My lifestyle [music] paying right now. My lifestyle [music] paying right now. My lifestyle doesn't feel too much different. And in doesn't feel too much different. And in doesn't feel too much different. And in the US monthly, I don't remember exact the US monthly, I don't remember exact the US monthly, I don't remember exact numbers, but I could easily spend numbers, but I could easily spend numbers, but I could easily spend [music] [music] [music] $5,000 a month easily on just basic $5,000 a month easily on just basic $5,000 a month easily on just basic needs.

needs. needs. [music] I came to Spain on a student visa um at I came to Spain on a student visa um at 33 [music] years old, but I really 33 [music] years old, but I really 33 [music] years old, but I really wanted to move to Spain and I started to wanted to move to Spain and I started to wanted to move to Spain and I started to do some research and I learned that I do some research and I learned that I do some research and I learned that I could um go to Spanish school [music] could um go to Spanish school [music] could um go to Spanish school [music] part-time and qualify for a student visa part-time and qualify for a student visa part-time and qualify for a student visa for a year. So that's how I kind [music] for a year. So that's how I kind [music] for a year. So that's how I kind [music] of started my journey and then figured of started my journey and then figured of started my journey and then figured it out from there. I will say that that it out from there. I will say that that it out from there. I will say that that visa didn't permit me to work and so the visa didn't permit me to work and so the visa didn't permit me to work and so the first year I was living off of savings first year I was living off of savings first year I was living off of savings and [music] kind of trying to figure out and [music] kind of trying to figure out and [music] kind of trying to figure out my life and what I wanted to do. Process my life and what I wanted to do. Process my life and what I wanted to do. Process of getting my my first student visa took of getting my my first student visa took of getting my my first student visa took about 3 months. [music] It wasn't super about 3 months. [music] It wasn't super about 3 months. [music] It wasn't super painful. I applied within the United painful. I applied within the United painful. I applied within the United States and I was living in Colorado States and I was living in Colorado States and I was living in Colorado [music] and so the Spanish embassy was [music] and so the Spanish embassy was [music] and so the Spanish embassy was actually in LA. So that was the hardest actually in LA. So that was the hardest actually in LA. So that was the hardest part is depending on the where the part is depending on the where the part is depending on the where the embassy is [music] sometimes they don't embassy is [music] sometimes they don't embassy is [music] sometimes they don't let you do anything online. So I had to let you do anything online. So I had to let you do anything online. So I had to fly to LA to apply and [music] they fly to LA to apply and [music] they fly to LA to apply and [music] they wouldn't send it back to me. So I also wouldn't send it back to me. So I also wouldn't send it back to me. So I also had to fly back to pick it up when it had to fly back to pick it up when it had to fly back to pick it up when it was ready. And that whole process was 2 was ready. And that whole process was 2 was ready. And that whole process was 2 [music] and 1/2 months um from applying [music] and 1/2 months um from applying [music] and 1/2 months um from applying to picking it up. I am a Spanish tax to picking it up. I am a Spanish tax to picking it up. I am a Spanish tax resident now. I still do file US taxes.

resident now. I still do file US taxes. resident now. I still do file US taxes. [music] Um, I'm not even going to try to [music] Um, I'm not even going to try to [music] Um, I'm not even going to try to explain how that works because I use a explain how that works because I use a explain how that works because I use a histo here in Spain and a CPA in the histo here in Spain and a CPA in the histo here in Spain and a CPA in the States because [music] I won't even try States because [music] I won't even try States because [music] I won't even try to do it myself. So, my biggest advice to do it myself. So, my biggest advice to do it myself. So, my biggest advice is to figure out how you're going to do is to figure out how you're going to do is to figure out how you're going to do that before you move because I didn't do that before you move because I didn't do that before you move because I didn't do that. Long story short is I file my that. Long story short is I file my that. Long story short is I file my Spanish taxes first and then claim that Spanish taxes first and then claim that Spanish taxes first and then claim that to the US and the US [music] I have to to the US and the US [music] I have to to the US and the US [music] I have to extend uh my my filing to wait for the extend uh my my filing to wait for the extend uh my my filing to wait for the Spanish income to come in and then my Spanish income to come in and then my Spanish income to come in and then my CPA does everything. I handle US mail CPA does everything. I handle US mail CPA does everything. I handle US mail from Spain by sending anything that's from Spain by sending anything that's from Spain by sending anything that's important, [music] important, [music] important, [music] making my mailing address my sister's making my mailing address my sister's making my mailing address my sister's address, and she lives in um Pittsburgh, address, and she lives in um Pittsburgh, address, and she lives in um Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. That's because she [music] Pennsylvania. That's because she [music] Pennsylvania. That's because she [music] can she can review things for me and can she can review things for me and can she can review things for me and tell me if it's important. So, I try my tell me if it's important. So, I try my tell me if it's important. So, I try my best to not move a lot of money between best to not move a lot of money between best to not move a lot of money between [music] the US and Spain because I [music] the US and Spain because I [music] the US and Spain because I really want to live off of euros and so really want to live off of euros and so really want to live off of euros and so my my income is through Spain. However, my my income is through Spain. However, my my income is through Spain. However, when my first year, I really needed to when my first year, I really needed to when my first year, I really needed to use my funds from the US. And so, use my funds from the US. And so, use my funds from the US. And so, [music] I would transfer money either [music] I would transfer money either [music] I would transfer money either through Wise or Revolute. I really through Wise or Revolute. I really through Wise or Revolute. I really suggest Revolute. I think it's [music] suggest Revolute. I think it's [music] suggest Revolute. I think it's [music] fantastic. And so, I'll still use fantastic. And so, I'll still use fantastic. And so, I'll still use Revolute when I need to transfer money Revolute when I need to transfer money Revolute when I need to transfer money over. I haven't encountered too many over. I haven't encountered too many over. I haven't encountered too many problems between [music] problems between [music] problems between [music] the US and Spain with bank accounts, but the US and Spain with bank accounts, but the US and Spain with bank accounts, but I quickly, you know, you really need a I quickly, you know, you really need a I quickly, you know, you really need a Spanish bank account. So, I did that and Spanish bank account. So, I did that and Spanish bank account. So, I did that and I learned to [music] keep them quite I learned to [music] keep them quite I learned to [music] keep them quite separate and I just make income here and separate and I just make income here and separate and I just make income here and use my Spanish bank account. The hardest use my Spanish bank account. The hardest use my Spanish bank account. The hardest part about paperwork that nobody's going part about paperwork that nobody's going part about paperwork that nobody's going to warn you about is literally [music] to warn you about is literally [music] to warn you about is literally [music] everything. [laughter] everything. [laughter] everything. [laughter] Honestly, it just is much slower in Honestly, it just is much slower in Honestly, it just is much slower in Spain and it's it feels like it's not

Spain and it's it feels like it's not Spain and it's it feels like it's not [music] like cohesive rules. Like one [music] like cohesive rules. Like one [music] like cohesive rules. Like one time someone could have one experience time someone could have one experience time someone could have one experience and the next person has a different and the next person has a different and the next person has a different experience. Honestly, my advice is just experience. Honestly, my advice is just experience. Honestly, my advice is just [music] don't do it alone. I never even [music] don't do it alone. I never even [music] don't do it alone. I never even with my visa processes, I've never tried with my visa processes, I've never tried with my visa processes, I've never tried to do it alone. I've always used [music] to do it alone. I've always used [music] to do it alone. I've always used [music] a Spanish lawyer for that or um whatever a Spanish lawyer for that or um whatever a Spanish lawyer for that or um whatever kind of service you need to get your kind of service you need to get your kind of service you need to get your NIA. Like it really helps to have a NIA. Like it really helps to have a NIA. Like it really helps to have a [music] professional because it's very [music] professional because it's very [music] professional because it's very it's going to be very difficult to do it it's going to be very difficult to do it it's going to be very difficult to do it yourself. Almost impossible in my yourself. Almost impossible in my yourself. Almost impossible in my opinion. The hardest part about moving to Spain The hardest part about moving to Spain was language. I had a a belief that I was language. I had a a belief that I was language. I had a a belief that I would just learn Spanish effortlessly by would just learn Spanish effortlessly by would just learn Spanish effortlessly by just going to school. Nothing will just going to school. Nothing will just going to school. Nothing will humble you more quickly than [music] humble you more quickly than [music] humble you more quickly than [music] that because Europeans are just much that because Europeans are just much that because Europeans are just much better at switching between languages um better at switching between languages um better at switching between languages um than Americans [music] for many reasons. than Americans [music] for many reasons. than Americans [music] for many reasons. A lot of that's geographical and and so A lot of that's geographical and and so A lot of that's geographical and and so growing up in the States, I just didn't growing up in the States, I just didn't growing up in the States, I just didn't hear a lot of different languages hear a lot of different languages hear a lot of different languages [music] and that was something exciting [music] and that was something exciting [music] and that was something exciting to me. But I didn't speak any Spanish to me. But I didn't speak any Spanish to me. But I didn't speak any Spanish when I moved.

when I moved. when I moved. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> The hardest part wasn't communication >> The hardest part wasn't communication >> The hardest part wasn't communication because you can always figure out how to because you can always figure out how to because you can always figure out how to communicate with somebody. The hardest communicate with somebody. The hardest communicate with somebody. The hardest part was self-worth [music] part was self-worth [music] part was self-worth [music] around language because I wasn't around language because I wasn't around language because I wasn't proficient at all in Spanish. And I've proficient at all in Spanish. And I've proficient at all in Spanish. And I've just never experienced that [music] in just never experienced that [music] in just never experienced that [music] in my life. Not being able to deeply my life. Not being able to deeply my life. Not being able to deeply explain myself or to feel worthy like explain myself or to feel worthy like explain myself or to feel worthy like like I felt unworthy that I wasn't able like I felt unworthy that I wasn't able like I felt unworthy that I wasn't able to communicate in Spanish. [music] And to communicate in Spanish. [music] And to communicate in Spanish. [music] And that that was definitely the hardest that that was definitely the hardest that that was definitely the hardest part. I would move back to the United States I would move back to the United States [music] um if the timing was right in my [music] um if the timing was right in my [music] um if the timing was right in my life. Mostly cuz I love the nature and life. Mostly cuz I love the nature and life. Mostly cuz I love the nature and so maybe I would want to live in nature so maybe I would want to live in nature so maybe I would want to live in nature one day and be closer to my family. I one day and be closer to my family. I one day and be closer to my family. I would not move back to United States would not move back to United States would not move back to United States right now. That's nowhere in my desire. right now. That's nowhere in my desire. right now. That's nowhere in my desire. Uh based on the current political Uh based on the current political Uh based on the current political administration, I absolutely would not administration, I absolutely would not administration, I absolutely would not move back for that reason. I would move back for that reason. I would move back for that reason. I would actually not say that I'm happier now. I actually not say that I'm happier now. I actually not say that I'm happier now. I would not say that I was happier in the would not say that I was happier in the would not say that I was happier in the United States. I would just say that United States. I would just say that United States. I would just say that it's different. [music] I don't want to it's different. [music] I don't want to it's different. [music] I don't want to put the idea that like moving abroad put the idea that like moving abroad put the idea that like moving abroad just automatically like changes just automatically like changes just automatically like changes everything that [music] you might be everything that [music] you might be everything that [music] you might be struggling with. It just is going to struggling with. It just is going to struggling with. It just is going to give you new things that you struggle give you new things that you struggle give you new things that you struggle with and new ways of navigating the with and new ways of navigating the with and new ways of navigating the world. So for me, I'm not happier, but world. So for me, I'm not happier, but world. So for me, I'm not happier, but I'm different and I would never take I'm different and I would never take I'm different and I would never take back [music] the decision. But I'm not back [music] the decision. But I'm not back [music] the decision. But I'm not unhappy. It's like I'm I'm quite unhappy. It's like I'm I'm quite unhappy. It's like I'm I'm quite satisfied. But I think if I would have satisfied. But I think if I would have satisfied. But I think if I would have stayed in the States, I would have I stayed in the States, I would have I stayed in the States, I would have I would have been okay, too. Like I don't would have been okay, too. Like I don't would have been okay, too. Like I don't want to put some kind of false beautiful want to put some kind of false beautiful want to put some kind of false beautiful bow on it. It's more just life [music] bow on it. It's more just life [music] bow on it. It's more just life [music] is more expansive and you'll learn is more expansive and you'll learn is more expansive and you'll learn yourself in different ways. But happier

yourself in different ways. But happier yourself in different ways. But happier is not a way I would [music] describe is not a way I would [music] describe is not a way I would [music] describe it. Living abroad and specifically in it. Living abroad and specifically in it. Living abroad and specifically in Spain has changed me in ways that I Spain has changed me in ways that I Spain has changed me in ways that I could never [music] expect. My main could never [music] expect. My main could never [music] expect. My main motivation for moving was to learn motivation for moving was to learn motivation for moving was to learn myself in new ways. And so it's just myself in new ways. And so it's just myself in new ways. And so it's just made me able to meet [music] different made me able to meet [music] different made me able to meet [music] different versions of myself. And so like I I versions of myself. And so like I I versions of myself. And so like I I couldn't even go back to the life I was couldn't even go back to the life I was couldn't even go back to the life I was living before if I wanted [music] to. living before if I wanted [music] to. living before if I wanted [music] to. It's like you just grow so much that It's like you just grow so much that It's like you just grow so much that that version would feel like fitting that version would feel like fitting that version would feel like fitting yourself back [music] into like an old yourself back [music] into like an old yourself back [music] into like an old package that you don't fit into anymore. package that you don't fit into anymore. package that you don't fit into anymore. I feel like my world view of different I feel like my world view of different I feel like my world view of different cultures and [music] how things work cultures and [music] how things work cultures and [music] how things work completely expanded. And it's just like completely expanded. And it's just like completely expanded. And it's just like the bubble I was in, even though I the bubble I was in, even though I the bubble I was in, even though I thought I was global and worldly, it thought I was global and worldly, it thought I was global and worldly, it just expanded way past that. I mean, I just expanded way past that. I mean, I just expanded way past that. I mean, I have friends from [music] have friends from [music] have friends from [music] everywhere in the world and I've learned everywhere in the world and I've learned everywhere in the world and I've learned many different cultures. So, it's just many different cultures. So, it's just many different cultures. So, it's just changed what I know about myself and the changed what I know about myself and the changed what I know about myself and the world.