Hi Cepee, España was my first real big trip out of the US. I was 18- it was the 1980s- so right after the fall of the dictatorship. I went with my best friend on her college's summer study program in Spain. We were there for 2 months- mostly in Oviedo, but I had the chance to see many Spanish cities/towns...Madrid, Salamanca, Toldeo, Valencia are a few of them. Later, at my university, my best friend, Silvia who was from Barcelona invited me to visit her family there and I stayed for 4 months. So, Spain has a huge place in my heart....Recently, a second cousin and I traced our ancestry back to Malaga and the Canary Islands.. Through 3 DNA tests I discovered that I am 40% Spain/Portugal. I feel more of a calling to Portugal honestly..and I know that it's as beautiful as España and it's more reasonable to live there.
@@honeybeejourney wow, what an incredible time to have been in Spain. I can see why it holds a special place. And that's so cool that your ancestry shows 40% Iberian Peninsula, that's a lot! I think I'm about 25%. Best of luck on your move to Portugal!
I am a Spaniard living in California, although I always appreciate the opportunities that the US gave me, I do miss the cultural events, spontaneity, festivals and festivities, and just the fun that it is always present anywhere in my country. Thank you so much for your honesty and sincere description of my country
PS. Sitting here as a (young) 60- Let me tell you that 42 is still very young! in the grand scheme of your life. My dad at 80 decided to move to California. Don't ever let age hold you back.
Thank you! I feel very young at 42 and so glad I'm doing all the things I want to do in life cause it sure does go by fast. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Love this! Exactly what I love to hear - resonates so much. Thank you for “getting personal” - by sharing personal stories, we can connect on that human level where we can connect the dots of our stories and see their intersections and learn from one another. I definitely relate to your story and so I have found another “tribe” member, which makes me feel “the norm”‘ instead of the stranger. Love this! You are an inspiration 🥳
Great video and thanks for sharing! For the past two weeks I have been binge watching videos on Spain and researching more and more about healthcare the economy infrastructure travel housing etc. I’m 31 years old my wife is 33 and we have a two-year-old and we live in the West Coast of the United States. Now we love it here we have great pride in our country and we admire everything about America but over the past few years the landscape of this country with all the politics and the crazy toxic culture is starting to get to us. My wife is originally from south east Asia so she is definitely still getting used to the American culture. Me being of Hispanic heritage Spain is a place I’ve always wanted to visit. We are planning a trip next year to Spain particularly to Valencia and we want to really explore that area as much as possible and really consider the move. I know no place is perfect but there are better places out there. And like you mentioned the rat race the living to work here in America is so true we are small business owners but we do fairly well with not putting in so many hours and we want a lifestyle like that and we want more community but everybody here is always so busy just working and grinding and barely have time for community or dinners or lunches I mean you have to plan weeks in advance just to meet up with a friend for coffee there’s no enjoying the simple pleasures in life in America. I know it sounds crazy to think that a young family like us should even consider moving to another country where we don’t know anybody to find a better lifestyle or community but why not if you can I don’t know I’m rambling a bit but thanks so much for your video I have been watching other people living in Spain on UA-cam and learning a lot from their experiences.
Hi Gabriel! Thank you so much for stopping by, watching my video, and sharing your story. I totally hear you. Congrats on taking the first steps of exploring a potential move to Spain. You'd be surprised how many families are looking to move abroad. I have a friend from Houston who moved to Madrid with her husband and young son and they are thriving. I'd highly recommend checking out Facebook groups for expats, families, parents, etc. in Spain or specific cities in Spain. I think you'll find a lot of great resources there from other families that have done exactly what you're looking to do! Best of luck and keep me posted! I love hearing about people's move abroad journeys.
Thanks for the story, Cepee. My story is relatively the same. As I said in your previous video, the land of my dreams is Ireland. I almost immediately fell in love with that country on my very first trip, and with each succeeding trip, I just fell more and more in love with it - everything about it. I knew that this was the land where I wanted to spend the rest of my life. Unfortunately, after my last trip, I learned about European Union immigration restrictions, and I'm an American with non-EU ancestry, and there are no direct routes to move to Ireland available for me. As I uncovered more and more harsh truths, I realized that an American passport is really only good for visa-free two weeks' vacation in another country, which the vast majority of Americans will never be able to afford anyway. Like you, I learned the American Dream was all a major scam, and I've been wanting out for the past several years. Luckily, there is a program available where I can apply for a working holiday visa for Ireland. After living there, I can decide if I still want to pursue my dream of living there for the rest of my life. But whether I do or not, I will still escape to Portugal via the D7 visa and work my way towards Portuguese citizenship so I can have the freedom to reside in any EU country I want, which I just can't get with my American citizenship.
That's great Anthony that you haven't aged out of the working holiday visa in Ireland! That will be a wonderful experience. I think the D7 is a great idea and after getting Portuguese citizenship, like you said you'll have the option to move to any EU country. Best of luck with the process!
@@SheHitRefresh Thanks Cepee, I just hope by that time Portugal won't be too overwhelmed by D7 visa holders, that they'll drop it as an option or that it will become too expensive. That is my only worry.
I lived in Austin for six years working as a software engineer and also had a "good life." I bought a house in my fifth year thinking I might settle down there, but something didn't feel quite right. I loved Austin, but I just couldn't shake this feeling that I was living in the wrong place. Originally, Austin was a test for me to see if I could handle living away from my family, I wanted to move to somewhere in Latin America because I loved Spanish and really wanted to be immersed in it. While living in Austin, I traveled to Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and Mexico. These were all places I was thinking about relocating to, but unfortunately, I did not feel drawn to any of these places after visiting. I started to think my dream was a fantasy, and I got complacent in my cush job. Before moving to Austin I had gone to ASU for my Bachelor's in CS, where I took a few Spanish classes for fun. My Spanish teacher studied in Spain and would always talk about it, but because I didn't like the Castilian accent, I completely disregarded Spain as a place I would be interested in. I never even looked it up, I was a fool! It wasn't until I fell in love with Bachata years later that Spain came back on my radar. I started hearing people talk about how good the dancing is in Spain, and I started to realize that some of my favorite dancers are also from or relocated to Spain. Marco y Sara are two dancers I really enjoy, Although Marco is originally from Peru. After hearing so many people talk about it, I got curious. I started researching Spain and was completely blown away by what I was learning. Everything that I love, everything that brings me joy in life, is all there. I knew what I had to do. And so that brings me back to my cush job, I quit! I decided I want to work on my own schedule and be my own boss so I could travel and live wherever I want, whenever I want. I am creating my own business and taking steps toward relocating permanently to Spain in early 2023!
Hello! Wow, love your story, thanks so much for sharing. Congrats on quitting and becoming your own boss. 2023 is right around the corner, how exciting that your dream life in Spain is going to happen so soon! Best of luck with everything.
Hi!! My wife and I are also from Houston. We're tired of living here and have a similar mindset as you. We want to enjoy life and not get stuck in the rat race. Now that we have a baby, we want the best for him and have been considering moving elsewhere. Your video has been extremely helpful. My wife just said, "She's convincing me...," lol. Would you say it's a great place to raise kids? I just quit being a teacher and do not want my son going through our education system.
You rented out your condo while abroad! I'm currently exploring that option. Do you have any content or resources for being a landlord while living in Europe? It's a source of worry for me right now.
Awesome video! Thanks for sharing your experience. I would definitely love to hear more about how you first moved to Spain in detail. On how you felt first couple of days, weeks. Also, if you have saved any savings, investments etc. I am currently working on moving to Spain with my girl friend in the next 5 years. (After I finish paying off my student loan) Also, working double OT saving and investing to set myself very good when I decide to make the jump! Love the content! Keep it coming.
Hi Dan! Thank you so much for watching and for your suggestion. I'll keep it in mind as I make future videos. Best of luck on your move, it's going to be a wild adventure and so worth it!
Thank you for sharing your story. I also would love to hear about your journey from Teaching English the 2nd time around to finding a permanent position. 🙂
What about if you want to go to medical school in Spain? Is there option to move there through school? I'm so conflicted, I want to get out of here. Currently in school and have some decisions to make 🤦🏾♂️
Hi Julien! I personally don't know much about going to medical school in Spain but I do know it's possible as a fellow American is doing it at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid in Spanish. You can read more about her story here: www.nkytribune.com/2020/04/former-eku-softball-player-stacye-toups-now-on-front-lines-of-covid-19-battle-in-spain/
Madrid has four seasons. It's only hot in the summer from about July - September (the high during this time is 90-100+). It's a dry heat, very little humidity in Madrid. Spring and Fall are pleasant and winter is mild. Most people find the summers in Madrid too hot, but I'm from Texas and come from a very humid city. I love the heat and for me, a dry heat is not too bad. It's all relative though - if you're not used to the heat then it will most likely be uncomfortable for a few months. But, the beauty of Europe is that you can escape the heat and travel somewhere cooler for a bit :)
@@SheHitRefresh At least it has four seasons. I moved to Tahoe from New Orleans. Had enough of hot and humid. Thinking of Buenos Aires or Madrid. Valencia sounds too hot.
Good for you! That was in the year 2001. Now it's gonna be 2023 and just about all you say isn't true anymore, by the way, pollution is at its worst! Yes, it's easy to fall in love with Andalucia, I was born here even though I 'm an American looking forward to leaving this hell in all senses and come back to Texas. It' isn't difficult to be honest!
Thank you so much for stopping by Carmen! It's true 2001 was the year I first came to Spain and I moved back and forth between Spain and the US for about 10 years before deciding move to Spain permanently in 2015 (both places changed a lot over that time period). Everyone has different needs, preferences, and perspectives, and I respect that. Andalucia, Spain, the US, etc....isn't for everyone. I'm from the US and it's not for me, but Spain has been for a long time and still is (who knows what the future holds). It sounds like the US is a good fit for you; wishing you all the luck in your move back to Texas!
How did you go about selling your car. I’m looking to uproot my life to freedom moving abroad but this car road block is in my way & I don’t really want it to put me into debt. Love your channel!
Hi there! Thank you so much for watching my video and your kind words. In regards to selling my car, I was juggling so much with my move abroad that I decided to take the easiest route and sold my car to Carmax. I probably could have gotten more selling private but I didn't have the expertise or time to figure that out. I'm happy I went with Carmax though, they quickly took the headache of selling off my chest and I got the $$ quickly!
Great question! I was in Spain on a student visa and got my work visa via a Spanish company that sponsored me. It's very rare that a company sponsors an American but I think I just got very lucky.
I just found your channel and want to do the same. I have been to Spain 4 time and love it. I have family over there and I want to leave NYC and go to Madrid. The American dream is over rated. It's all about being better then your neighbor and i hate it
Thanks for stopping by Wilson! Sounds like you loved Spain, it's hard not to, right ;)? I hope you can make a move over here, it's defiantly doable. And as you know, the quality of life is IMO way better than in the US.
Are you interested in moving to Spain? Let me know why Spain and if you have any questions!
Hi Cepee, España was my first real big trip out of the US. I was 18- it was the 1980s- so right after the fall of the dictatorship. I went with my best friend on her college's summer study program in Spain. We were there for 2 months- mostly in Oviedo, but I had the chance to see many Spanish cities/towns...Madrid, Salamanca, Toldeo, Valencia are a few of them. Later, at my university, my best friend, Silvia who was from Barcelona invited me to visit her family there and I stayed for 4 months. So, Spain has a huge place in my heart....Recently, a second cousin and I traced our ancestry back to Malaga and the Canary Islands.. Through 3 DNA tests I discovered that I am 40% Spain/Portugal. I feel more of a calling to Portugal honestly..and I know that it's as beautiful as España and it's more reasonable to live there.
@@honeybeejourney wow, what an incredible time to have been in Spain. I can see why it holds a special place. And that's so cool that your ancestry shows 40% Iberian Peninsula, that's a lot! I think I'm about 25%. Best of luck on your move to Portugal!
I am a Spaniard living in California, although I always appreciate the opportunities that the US gave me, I do miss the cultural events, spontaneity, festivals and festivities, and just the fun that it is always present anywhere in my country. Thank you so much for your honesty and sincere description of my country
Hi Lou! That means so much. Thank you so much for watching. Spain is an incredible country!
Excellent content and thank you for sharing. I will be visiting Barcelona and Valencia in mid November. I’m so looking forward to it.
PS. Sitting here as a (young) 60- Let me tell you that 42 is still very young! in the grand scheme of your life. My dad at 80 decided to move to California. Don't ever let age hold you back.
Thank you! I feel very young at 42 and so glad I'm doing all the things I want to do in life cause it sure does go by fast. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Fabulous video Cepee! So excited for you and your new gig! xxxx
Thanks you so much!!
Love this! Exactly what I love to hear - resonates so much. Thank you for “getting personal” - by sharing personal stories, we can connect on that human level where we can connect the dots of our stories and see their intersections and learn from one another. I definitely relate to your story and so I have found another “tribe” member, which makes me feel “the norm”‘ instead of the stranger. Love this! You are an inspiration 🥳
Nice video. I am happy you followed your dreams. Never too old to have your best life 👏😀🙏❤️.
Thank you so much. That's very kind of you!
Great video and thanks for sharing! For the past two weeks I have been binge watching videos on Spain and researching more and more about healthcare the economy infrastructure travel housing etc.
I’m 31 years old my wife is 33 and we have a two-year-old and we live in the West Coast of the United States. Now we love it here we have great pride in our country and we admire everything about America but over the past few years the landscape of this country with all the politics and the crazy toxic culture is starting to get to us. My wife is originally from south east Asia so she is definitely still getting used to the American culture. Me being of Hispanic heritage Spain is a place I’ve always wanted to visit.
We are planning a trip next year to Spain particularly to Valencia and we want to really explore that area as much as possible and really consider the move. I know no place is perfect but there are better places out there.
And like you mentioned the rat race the living to work here in America is so true we are small business owners but we do fairly well with not putting in so many hours and we want a lifestyle like that and we want more community but everybody here is always so busy just working and grinding and barely have time for community or dinners or lunches I mean you have to plan weeks in advance just to meet up with a friend for coffee there’s no enjoying the simple pleasures in life in America.
I know it sounds crazy to think that a young family like us should even consider moving to another country where we don’t know anybody to find a better lifestyle or community but why not if you can I don’t know I’m rambling a bit but thanks so much for your video I have been watching other people living in Spain on UA-cam and learning a lot from their experiences.
Hi Gabriel! Thank you so much for stopping by, watching my video, and sharing your story. I totally hear you. Congrats on taking the first steps of exploring a potential move to Spain.
You'd be surprised how many families are looking to move abroad. I have a friend from Houston who moved to Madrid with her husband and young son and they are thriving. I'd highly recommend checking out Facebook groups for expats, families, parents, etc. in Spain or specific cities in Spain. I think you'll find a lot of great resources there from other families that have done exactly what you're looking to do!
Best of luck and keep me posted! I love hearing about people's move abroad journeys.
Thanks for the story, Cepee. My story is relatively the same. As I said in your previous video, the land of my dreams is Ireland. I almost immediately fell in love with that country on my very first trip, and with each succeeding trip, I just fell more and more in love with it - everything about it. I knew that this was the land where I wanted to spend the rest of my life. Unfortunately, after my last trip, I learned about European Union immigration restrictions, and I'm an American with non-EU ancestry, and there are no direct routes to move to Ireland available for me. As I uncovered more and more harsh truths, I realized that an American passport is really only good for visa-free two weeks' vacation in another country, which the vast majority of Americans will never be able to afford anyway. Like you, I learned the American Dream was all a major scam, and I've been wanting out for the past several years. Luckily, there is a program available where I can apply for a working holiday visa for Ireland. After living there, I can decide if I still want to pursue my dream of living there for the rest of my life. But whether I do or not, I will still escape to Portugal via the D7 visa and work my way towards Portuguese citizenship so I can have the freedom to reside in any EU country I want, which I just can't get with my American citizenship.
That's great Anthony that you haven't aged out of the working holiday visa in Ireland! That will be a wonderful experience. I think the D7 is a great idea and after getting Portuguese citizenship, like you said you'll have the option to move to any EU country. Best of luck with the process!
@@SheHitRefresh Thanks Cepee, I just hope by that time Portugal won't be too overwhelmed by D7 visa holders, that they'll drop it as an option or that it will become too expensive. That is my only worry.
I lived in Austin for six years working as a software engineer and also had a "good life." I bought a house in my fifth year thinking I might settle down there, but something didn't feel quite right. I loved Austin, but I just couldn't shake this feeling that I was living in the wrong place. Originally, Austin was a test for me to see if I could handle living away from my family, I wanted to move to somewhere in Latin America because I loved Spanish and really wanted to be immersed in it. While living in Austin, I traveled to Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and Mexico. These were all places I was thinking about relocating to, but unfortunately, I did not feel drawn to any of these places after visiting. I started to think my dream was a fantasy, and I got complacent in my cush job.
Before moving to Austin I had gone to ASU for my Bachelor's in CS, where I took a few Spanish classes for fun. My Spanish teacher studied in Spain and would always talk about it, but because I didn't like the Castilian accent, I completely disregarded Spain as a place I would be interested in. I never even looked it up, I was a fool! It wasn't until I fell in love with Bachata years later that Spain came back on my radar. I started hearing people talk about how good the dancing is in Spain, and I started to realize that some of my favorite dancers are also from or relocated to Spain. Marco y Sara are two dancers I really enjoy, Although Marco is originally from Peru. After hearing so many people talk about it, I got curious. I started researching Spain and was completely blown away by what I was learning. Everything that I love, everything that brings me joy in life, is all there. I knew what I had to do.
And so that brings me back to my cush job, I quit! I decided I want to work on my own schedule and be my own boss so I could travel and live wherever I want, whenever I want. I am creating my own business and taking steps toward relocating permanently to Spain in early 2023!
Hello! Wow, love your story, thanks so much for sharing. Congrats on quitting and becoming your own boss. 2023 is right around the corner, how exciting that your dream life in Spain is going to happen so soon! Best of luck with everything.
great video, thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching Andrew!
Great info
Thank you so much for watching Robert!
Hi!! My wife and I are also from Houston. We're tired of living here and have a similar mindset as you. We want to enjoy life and not get stuck in the rat race. Now that we have a baby, we want the best for him and have been considering moving elsewhere. Your video has been extremely helpful. My wife just said, "She's convincing me...," lol. Would you say it's a great place to raise kids? I just quit being a teacher and do not want my son going through our education system.
You rented out your condo while abroad! I'm currently exploring that option. Do you have any content or resources for being a landlord while living in Europe? It's a source of worry for me right now.
Awesome video! Thanks for sharing your experience. I would definitely love to hear more about how you first moved to Spain in detail. On how you felt first couple of days, weeks. Also, if you have saved any savings, investments etc. I am currently working on moving to Spain with my girl friend in the next 5 years. (After I finish paying off my student loan) Also, working double OT saving and investing to set myself very good when I decide to make the jump!
Love the content! Keep it coming.
Hi Dan! Thank you so much for watching and for your suggestion. I'll keep it in mind as I make future videos.
Best of luck on your move, it's going to be a wild adventure and so worth it!
Thank you for sharing your story. I also would love to hear about your journey from Teaching English the 2nd time around to finding a permanent position. 🙂
@@ashleym1343 thanks so much for watching my video. Sure, I'm put that topic on the list. Thanks for your input!
What about if you want to go to medical school in Spain? Is there option to move there through school?
I'm so conflicted, I want to get out of here. Currently in school and have some decisions to make 🤦🏾♂️
Hi Julien! I personally don't know much about going to medical school in Spain but I do know it's possible as a fellow American is doing it at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid in Spanish. You can read more about her story here: www.nkytribune.com/2020/04/former-eku-softball-player-stacye-toups-now-on-front-lines-of-covid-19-battle-in-spain/
How hot is hot in Madrid? Is it dry or humid?
Madrid has four seasons. It's only hot in the summer from about July - September (the high during this time is 90-100+). It's a dry heat, very little humidity in Madrid. Spring and Fall are pleasant and winter is mild.
Most people find the summers in Madrid too hot, but I'm from Texas and come from a very humid city. I love the heat and for me, a dry heat is not too bad. It's all relative though - if you're not used to the heat then it will most likely be uncomfortable for a few months. But, the beauty of Europe is that you can escape the heat and travel somewhere cooler for a bit :)
@@SheHitRefresh At least it has four seasons. I moved to Tahoe from New Orleans. Had enough of hot and humid. Thinking of Buenos Aires or Madrid. Valencia sounds too hot.
Good for you! That was in the year 2001. Now it's gonna be 2023 and just about all you say isn't true anymore, by the way, pollution is at its worst! Yes, it's easy to fall in love with Andalucia, I was born here even though I 'm an American looking forward to leaving this hell in all senses and come back to Texas. It' isn't difficult to be honest!
Thank you so much for stopping by Carmen! It's true 2001 was the year I first came to Spain and I moved back and forth between Spain and the US for about 10 years before deciding move to Spain permanently in 2015 (both places changed a lot over that time period).
Everyone has different needs, preferences, and perspectives, and I respect that. Andalucia, Spain, the US, etc....isn't for everyone. I'm from the US and it's not for me, but Spain has been for a long time and still is (who knows what the future holds). It sounds like the US is a good fit for you; wishing you all the luck in your move back to Texas!
How did you go about selling your car. I’m looking to uproot my life to freedom moving abroad but this car road block is in my way & I don’t really want it to put me into debt. Love your channel!
Hi there! Thank you so much for watching my video and your kind words. In regards to selling my car, I was juggling so much with my move abroad that I decided to take the easiest route and sold my car to Carmax. I probably could have gotten more selling private but I didn't have the expertise or time to figure that out. I'm happy I went with Carmax though, they quickly took the headache of selling off my chest and I got the $$ quickly!
How were you able to get a work visa as an American?
Since her mother was from Colombia she got a Colombian passport and after two years she could claim a spanish citezenship!
Great question! I was in Spain on a student visa and got my work visa via a Spanish company that sponsored me. It's very rare that a company sponsors an American but I think I just got very lucky.
@@SheHitRefresh you sure did get lucky!
The decision to leave Texas was easy. It really sucks. LOL
I just found your channel and want to do the same. I have been to Spain 4 time and love it. I have family over there and I want to leave NYC and go to Madrid. The American dream is over rated. It's all about being better then your neighbor and i hate it
Thanks for stopping by Wilson! Sounds like you loved Spain, it's hard not to, right ;)? I hope you can make a move over here, it's defiantly doable. And as you know, the quality of life is IMO way better than in the US.
Don't believe anything she says! Best wishes
Thanks for stopping by!