Moving to a new country can be one of the most complicated moments of our lives, it’s like taking a leap into the void and also with our eyes closed. A mix of emotions between nerves, fear and waiting for what surprises await us in that new country.
This is what happened to a couple from Kansas who decided to take that leap from a plane and land in Spain. Jessica and Eric Smith left behind the American lifestyle to embrace a much calmer culture by moving to Logroño, a very quiet city in the north of Spain.
Their surprise has not left anyone indifferent and, far beyond the clichés of tapas, wine and siesta, this couple discovered that Spain has something that other countries don’t have. We tell you what this fun couple from the Iberian country discovered.
From Kansas to Logroño, what prompted this change?
Tired of the routine they had in the United States, Mr. and Mrs. Smith were looking for a radical change that would put an end to their long work days, and where time was not a luxury but a gift. Spain had always caught the attention of this couple, but Madrid and Barcelona seemed to have the same lifestyle as their place of origin, and that was where they found Logroño.
A leap into the void, a success?
Jessica and Eric decided to turn their life around completely, and, with savings of about $45,000, they decided to head to Spain. At first, they could not earn more than $750 (and that was because Eric was dedicated to giving private English classes), at a time when Jessica was also seven months pregnant. The change was drastic and not at all easy.
Was it a success?
Now, the couple, along with their children and two dogs, admit that it was not easy, but that they chose the best place to build their life project. They say that, although they earn much less than in the USA, the quality of life they have in Spain is not even close.
In addition, the couple loves doing activities outside, just when they arrived here they realized that life outside the home is not something that is usually done in Kansas, but it is in Logroño.
Viral on TikTok
As good millennials (35 and 37 years old), social networks were there waiting for them and they decided to start sharing their story on TikTok. Through videos on this social network, they began to show the cultural differences that differentiated the countries, from the most basic things to the impact of electricity bills.
Today, the couple earns up to 4,000 euros through this social network, which allows them to pay the 2,096 euros per month for household and family expenses (and food, because Eric has confirmed that he has fallen in love with Spanish cuisine).
Where is Logroño and why does it attract attention?
If you look north on the map of Spain, Logroño is a hidden gem in the centre of La Rioja, the perfect place for those looking to escape the chaos. Streets full of history, tapas bars, wines and a landscape that invites you to stay there forever. It’s no wonder this couple fell in love with this city instantly!
The Spanish charm
And if we compare countries… Spain has something that makes anyone who visits it want to stay there forever, the gastronomy, the atmosphere, its landscapes and its climate make every day a gift and not a torment.
This couple decided to bet everything and leave everything behind to start a new adventure.
So, a new adventure, a glass of wine, and think, what’s the worst that could happen to you? Since you’re not a river, you can go back home whenever you want! Go for that adventure you want so much!