Hello, and welcome back to the podcast! I recently had the incredible pleasure of sitting down with Adam and Gabby Gonzalez, a dynamic couple who made the bold move from Southern and Northern California to Valencia, Spain, with their two daughters. Their story is a masterclass in intentional living and a powerful reminder that sometimes, you’re not running from anything, but towards a life you’ve always dreamt of.

From the very beginning, I was captivated by their "why." As Gabby shared her experiences as a Crime Scene Investigator for 15 intense years, and Adam spoke of his remote work, it became clear that the pandemic acted as a pivotal moment for them. Like many of us, COVID-19 forced a re-evaluation of priorities, highlighting the grind of daily life versus precious family time. I deeply resonated with their realisation that there’s indeed "life after work," a stark contrast to the relentless pace many of us experience (04:41).

Their journey to Spain was incredibly thoughtful. We delved into their decision-making process, from initially considering places like Texas or Florida, to exploring Portugal, and finally choosing Valencia over bustling Madrid or party-centric Barcelona. What struck me was their unwavering commitment to integrating, especially wanting their daughters to be fully bilingual. This dedication shone through even when tackling the infamous "Spainful" bureaucracy (07:52), a challenge they smartly navigated with professional help, something I always advocate for when making such a monumental life change.

One of my biggest takeaways from our conversation was the profound cultural shifts they experienced. Adam's initial struggle with "sobremesa" the Spanish tradition of long, leisurely post-meal conversations against his American programming for efficiency was hilarious and incredibly relatable. And Gabby’s love for the daily cafe culture versus the "to-go" lifestyle of the US truly highlighted Europe's slower, more present pace. But perhaps the most eye-opening part was our discussion on the transformative walking culture (27:03). Hearing Adam boast about walking 24,000 steps in a day, compared to his 600 back home, underscored the drastic difference in daily movement and overall well-being. It sparked a personal reflection on the often-sedentary habits we fall into, and how movement can drastically improve our quality of life.

We also touched on the stark difference in perceived safety, particularly concerning their daughters' independence. And of course, being the food enthusiast I am, our chat about Valencia’s incredible fresh markets and the unexpected craving for spice was a highlight!

Ultimately, Adam and Gabby's story, particularly the feeling of truly "feeling human" that Spain offers (1:14:30), resonated deeply with me. It reinforced my own belief that "home is a feeling, not a place," and that stepping outside your "village"—no matter how big or small is a gift that broadens horizons and connects you with your true self.

Tune in to hear how they navigated this exciting new chapter, from their first "holy crap" moment to their vision for the future. Their candidness, humor, and refreshing perspective will inspire anyone dreaming of a different path.