Spain, here we come!

Escape the 'Rat Race': How Moving to Spain Transformed Our Lives – Part II

It's so bizarre—once you’ve made the decision, you enter the next phase full of energy. One of the first steps is gathering as much information as possible. There’s a lot coming at you. What stands out the most is that when you join various Facebook groups or visit emigration fairs, you realize just how many ‘kindred spirits’ there are. Suddenly, it seems like everyone aspires to a different life. Well, maybe not a completely different life, but one in a different climate, with less hustle and a different dynamic. But is the grass really greener on the other side?

It’s easy to criticize the life we’ve led in the past years. Perhaps it’s even a bit cheap. But let’s be honest: it’s precisely because we spent most of our working lives in the Netherlands that we are now able to take this step. Over time, we’ve experienced what it’s like to have two ‘homes,’ and that has allowed us to make real comparisons. And it’s only human to do so. Some things stood out to us—things that have changed (and I’m not talking about the weather):

• We live in a relatively small country, and space is becoming scarcer. You see this in cities, in the landscape, and on the roads.

• We are a relatively wealthy country, but also an expensive one. This is evident in everything, from housing to daily groceries.

  
  

I suspect the real issue lies in people’s mentality. The song "15 Million People" painted us as a tolerant nation. But now, with 18 million people, we are not so tolerant anymore. Back then, it was just about the neighbor. Now, it’s about the neighbor, the fellow driver on the road, the elderly, the youth, asylum seekers, people with different opinions…

Here, you see less of a generational divide—families spending time together in the park or on the beach across three generations. To stay afloat, families in the Netherlands often need two incomes. The result? Less time for family, children, and social connections. The consequences are evident: from youth care to elderly care, waiting lists are enormous. The Netherlands, once known for its strong social fabric, is not as social anymore. More and more responsibilities are placed on citizens. Burnouts have become commonplace; people are juggling too many responsibilities and need to earn more and more money. No wonder life feels so hectic! How is that sustainable?

Anyway, I couldn’t help myself—sorry. In Spain, people work hard too. Whether it’s a construction worker toiling under 35+ degree heat on a building site or a hospitality worker running around for 12 to 14 hours a day for just €5 an hour.

But the human touch is still present here. By that, I mean there is genuine interest in and respect for others. Here, you see less of a generational gap—families spending time together in the park or on the beach across three generations. On the highways, people drive fast, but not with the intent of pushing others off the road. Drivers slow down and then pass you as if you’re standing still.

So why are so many people (from our perspective) looking for a temporary life somewhere else? It’s really not just about the weather.

Suddenly, a word comes to mind. I think, as humans, we are searching for a sense of well-being—a way to feel comfortable in our own bodies, minds, and surroundings. Certain conditions need to be met for that to happen. And these can be simple things—being able to cycle to work, enjoying a glass of wine outside in the evening, having the space to move safely and think freely. That, to me, is Luxury Living!

Sunny greetings,

Carlo