Beyond the Price: What We Really Bought

How one decision led to more than a home: it gave us a way of living.

Over 15 years ago, I had a conversation with a close friend about the opportunity to buy land in Thailand. I still remember one of his insights — simple, yet deeply strategic:

“If things come to worse on this side of the world, this gives you a way out.”

That was in the early 2000s. And yet here we are, in 2025, and the world doesn’t seem that different. Now and then, we meet people here in Spain — from the Netherlands, Germany, and beyond — who echo the same feeling:"So much is happening in Northern Europe, the unrest, the pressure... and here, it’s just... quieter."

This sense of stillness and space — emotional, physical, even spiritual — has become a real draw for people.It’s not just about sun or scenery anymore. It’s about sovereignty. About creating a life that feels safe, grounded, and truly yours.

Six years ago, Mil and I took that leap. You may have read about it in Our Story. We invested in real estate — a home of our own under the Spanish sun. But it was more than a property purchase. It was an investment in freedom, in peace of mind, and in having a door you could always walk through — or flee to, if needed.

Back in 2019, we already had the desire to one day live in Spain permanently. I felt it was wise to act sooner rather than later, before the market caught up — and thankfully, we did. While prices here are still reasonable compared to places like Northern Europe, the UK, or the US, that’s changing fast. Spain is being discovered — again.

So if this has been a quiet dream of yours... what are you waiting for?

This morning, Steph shared a quote from the book she’s reading, and it struck a chord:

“Jump, and you will find out how to unfold your wings as you fall.”

It’s true for birds, so why not for us? Are we afraid to jump because we’re unsure what lies ahead? Because we can’t predict the full “cost” of the unknown?

Let me offer a new lens:

Uncertainty is part of every worthwhile investment.

For us, the actual financial costs — taxes, electricity, water, internet, community fees — turned out to be less than the price of a single summer holiday. And once we had our own place in Spain, we didn’t feel the urge to travel far and wide anymore. Spain had more than enough to offer — from breathtaking nature to vibrant culture — and it was ours to explore, slowly, deeply. Another bonus? No more flights, which also meant reducing our carbon footprint. 🌍

After six beautiful years, it’s now time to move forward again. Mil and I have loved every sunrise from our apartment. We’ve treasured every moment here. But as we transitioned to full-time life in Spain, our needs evolved. We now crave more outdoor space — a garden to grow herbs and vegetables, more room to host, to celebrate, to live in the open air with friends and family.

So we’re preparing to take another leap. Not because something is lacking — but because something is calling. We know what we’re putting in (costs)... what we’ll get out of it? That part always surprises us. Time will show us the value — just like it did before. Because, sometimes what looks like a cost, turns out to be the best investment of your life.

And as always: tranquilo, hey…

Zonnige groet,

Carlo

---

Main Takeaways:

• True investments give back in ways numbers can’t measure. The most meaningful returns often come in the form of peace, freedom, or fulfillment — not just financial profit.

• Security doesn’t always come from saving, sometimes it comes from spending wisely. Investing in the right things (like lifestyle, environment, or well-being) can create a deeper sense of safety than holding onto what you have.

• The value of a decision isn’t always in what it costs, but in how it changes you. When a choice shifts how you live, feel, or show up in the world, the return is internal, lasting — and priceless.

To continue your journey and start making meaningful changes, here’s a life hack and a book recommendation to help you take the first step:

Life Inspiration (Book recommendation): Flip Thinking, here

Life Hack (exercise): number 10, here