Exploring Life in Spain: A Personal Journey

Life as a content creator can be challenging, particularly when balancing financial obligations with the desire for meaningful work. Having spent seven years in domestic employment and feeling unfulfilled, I decided to pursue further education abroad. My destination of choice? Spain, seen as an ideal place for long-term living and exploration within Europe. 🌍

Why Spain?

My experiences traveling across Asia shaped my decision. Though I had short stays in various Asian countries, Japan felt overcrowded, Korea lacked luster, and Southeast Asia seemed too similar to my home country. After exploring Australia during winter, I realized that the remote, sparsely populated regions just didn’t fit my lifestyle needs. Plus, after facing a visa rejection when I was 21, I ruled out the United States as a potential home. So, Spain became the obvious choice: a developed country with low living costs, making it the perfect place to experiment and make mistakes without hefty consequences. 💼

Journey Through Spanish Cities

Upon arriving in Madrid, I spent a week exploring the city and nearby areas. While it reminded me of Beijing in terms of weather and streets, I found Madrid to be less developed. Subsequently, I traveled to northern towns to learn Spanish, taking advantage of school breaks to visit cities like Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Malaga, Granada, Bilbao, and Galicia. Over the course of two years and six months, I managed to cover a decent portion of Spain and create unforgettable memories. 📍

A Perspective on Weather and Sunshine

Interestingly, I was never fond of rain back in my home country, but after living in Spain for 2.5 years, I’ve come to appreciate the sun that follows the rain. Every warm ray feels like a celebration and a gift. The cleanliness of Spanish cities gives me hope and invigorates my spirit, making everything feel like a fresh start. ☀️

Renting in Spain: What to Expect

One of the most pressing concerns for anyone considering a move (or travel) to Spain is the cost of rent, often a significant factor for students and expatriates. Having experienced the full gamut—from shared accommodation during my studies to now contemplating home ownership—I can confidently say that where there’s financial means, there’s a way to thrive. Personal choices dictate my living arrangements; for me, it’s all about finding the best balance while keeping expenses in check. 💰

Seeking Balance and Enjoying Life

Life can sometimes seem overwhelming with varied voices sharing their perspectives and theories. I often find solace in books, yet there’s a disconnect when the narratives fail to reflect the vibrancy of real life. Inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s “Walden,” I ponder the contrast between the ideal and ordinary. However, unlike Thoreau, I acknowledge that every weekend included family gatherings and support—details often overlooked in literary reflections.

Ultimately, my philosophy has become simple: if you adore the sun, move to southern Malaga. Crave the buzz? Embrace the larger cities. Prefer tranquility? Head to the smaller towns. It’s all about personal preference, and making the right choice for your lifestyle. 😊

Final Thoughts

As I settle into life in Spain, I realize that this journey isn’t solely about discovering a new place but also about rediscovering myself. The adventures I’ve embarked on have shaped my outlook, with every city offering its unique charm and appeal. 🌟 Spain isn’t just a destination; it’s a life stage where every day can be as vibrant as you make it.

Remember, wherever you choose to go, seize the opportunity to live authentically and savor the experience. Cheers to new adventures and a fulfilling life! 🥳