Sigh.... Here I am in the US and my kids are in Spain. They're old enough now to do all kinds of things on their own, so after some time in Valencia, my son hopped on a train to visit an old buddy in Madrid, and now I hear they've decided to go to Pamplona for the running of the bulls (I'm not supposed to know, but someone squeeled)... Next week hiking in the Pyrenees, after that sailing, kayaking, and snorkeling off the Costa Brava... My daughter is on cloud nine hanging out by the pool with all her cool new Valencian friends and dancing all night long, and no one wants to come home... I think we should just move back there... What a life! What a place!

As long as you don't count things like the Metro tragedy in Valencia last week or the poor soul who went to Pamplona and is now in Intensive Care, paralyzed from the waist down: not from running with the bulls, but from a fall he took playing bullfighter with the cows in the afternoon.

You can't live your life trying to avoid unforseeable tragedy. I agree, Spain does those moments about it that make one feel alive, you just have to enjoy it while you can.

Be careful, the pasture is always green on the other side.

Bill

"Be careful, the pasture is always green on the other side."

Hey - dont spoil my fantasy!! It keeps me going as I sit in traffic every day :-)

Diana,

Saw your post under the Valencia thread - first and formost - your kids are both safe and that is what really counts ....

I'm with you on "that greener pasture" ... miss Spain terribly -

Have you thought about a surprise visit to the kids? Any excuse for a visit - and no one can argue w/ the kid angle

The sacrifices you make for kids eh!

LOL!
FYI - lots of the time, its oh so self-serving!

oh Diana, I guess there are reasons you are not here this year! How wonderful for your kids though. Make sure they bring things home for you...although it is not the same...I know! I think you need to treat yourself to a good Spanish restaurant this weekend. Enjoy a good bottle of wine and a delicious paella too.

Well actually, I'm having quite a great time here without the kids - I'm getting things accomplished that I'm very proud of - without interruptions! I'm also very much looking forward to next summer, when I plan to spend a loooong time in both Spain and Italy.... and I'm thrilled that the kids are feeling so at home in Spain. They're surrounded with wonderful people who care about them. My son has a great plan for the future that includes living in Spain at least 6 months a year, if not all year, and I'm confident that he'll pull it off.

This summer marks the tenth anniversary of our moving to the States after living in Spain for so long. Believe me, I know the "grass is greener" bit about Spain and the U.S. better than most!! There are excellent reasons for being in the U.S. now, and excellent reasons to move back to Spain. It all comes down to priorities and what you need to do at different points in your life. But as far as overall quality of life - the simple enjoyment of people and places - Spain wins with no contest. For my kids, now becoming young adults, Spain is wonderful. For me, since I'm immersed in various career projects, the U.S. is best right now. I think we're extraordinarily lucky to be able to know, appreciate and enjoy both places. I'd love to spend more time in Spain, and I have a feeling that some day, some how, it will happen! In the meantime, I'm thrilled that the kids can do it now!

Diana, personally, I don't plan to EVER go back to the USA. I've found my paradise. There is no comparison between my life in the USA and my life here in Spain. Here, for me, I HAVE a life - which wasn't the case in the USA - by comparison.

Diana, I can imagine that someday, when you've completed your career goals - OR when/if you find you can accomplish them FROM Spain - you'll then seriously consider a permanent move. But don't wait TOO late! We tend to put our roots down DEEP the longer we stay in one place. When your children have their children (in the USA) you'll be less likely to make that move to Spain and leave those Grandchildren behind. En fin, do whatever makes you the happiest and you'll be fine.

Saludos, MadridMan

MadridMan/Diana,

MadridMan, those are words of wisdom about doing what you enjoy. I recently changed my entire life in order to have a LIFE as well. Spain will figure into LIFE, increasing to 6 months a year. I'll always be an American but as such can appreciate the enchantment Spain offers. Viva la differencia!

Saludos!

Madrid Man, I'm curious about your statement that you don't ever plan to go back to the USA to live. Of course, this may be just an expression of how much you enjoy your new home, and at some point you may end up returning. But I am curious as to, if its true that you really envision never going back, what exactly has made you arrive at that conclusion. I am curious because I left the USA 10 years ago, thinking I would never return. I haven't, but my reasoning and motives have changed significantly over the years. For as much as I have loved this country I have stopped looking at it through rose coloured glasses and I find as many faults with it as I do my former home. I'm just wondering about your perspective, because as I understand it, you made this move recently. It does sound like you are really enjoying life in Spain, enhorabuena!

Jerezano, I'll keep my answer to you brief as it's off-topic.

My plan is to never return to the USA to live. That's not to say that I'll NEVER go back to live but at present I don't plan to go back. At present, at least, things are too good for me here in Spain as compared to the same things in the USA.

At home in Spain, MadridMan

Bravo muchachos y muchachas! It's all about timing and life choices. My imminent move to Spain is about precisely that. Life's too short NOT to enjoy.

I would love to make the permanent move... I spent 4 years living in Spain and while I was pretty poor financially compared to in the States I was much richer spiritually and emotionally. I would love to go back but I am trying to figure out how to do that and be able to keep afloat financially. Initially I said as soon as I have x amount in the bank I will make the move for good.. that number came and went and I keep raising the bar on myself.. I think I am just scared and I totally admire anyone who has the courage to do it - maybe someday!!!

Madrid Man, with a title such as "General Spain Chatter", I hardly think your thoughts as to why you plan on staying in Spain forever are off topic. And I'm sure I'm not the only one who would like to know why you think Spain has become your permanent home!

I applaud all of you who, at any age, decided to live your dream of living in Spain....MadridMan, I have to say I think it's wonderful you actually did move to Spain...but I a have a question for you....do you find it difficult since you don't speak fluent Spanish? (correct me if I'm wrong, but I remember reading some time ago that you don't - but maybe you've learned since then!!) and also, how in the world did you manage to find a job? Or are you working for an American company in Madrid?

I hope to spend more time in Spain one day...I would love to take a year of sabbatical and go spend time there....that is my plan....but unfortunately now, it's time to settle down and start a family....so these forums are keeping my dream alive!!! Thanks guys!

If you're interested in our host's life details, he updated his bio page on this website.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading all about MM as he did a lovely job writing about his dream and how he came to live in Madrid.

Thanks for telling me he had a bio in here...I had NO idea....I am glad he was able to pursue his dream...and on top of that he married his "ladyfriend"...good for him!!!

We are going soon too.. Costa Brava