Title: The American Dream Abroad: A Student’s Journey to a Laidback Lifestyle in Spain
Making Moves
One American student who made the bold move to Spain is enjoying his more laidback lifestyle. Jeronimo Noriega, originally from San Antonio, Texas, embraced the meaning of “la dolce vita” by relocating to Oviedo, Spain. Despite growing up worlds away, Noriega hasn’t looked back since his family, including parents and siblings, decided to make the move across the ocean without ever having traveled to Europe before.
Walk It Off
One aspect of his new life in Spain that Noriega appreciates is the freedom from having to rely on a car for transportation. Instead, he now walks or takes public transportation, enjoying a traffic-free lifestyle and feeling healthier. The strong sense of community in Spain is another aspect that he values since embracing the local culture.
Working It
Noriega finds Spain’s work culture particularly appealing, as it allows him to indulge in life’s pleasures for an extended period. With three-hour lunch breaks and leisurely coffee outings during the day, he has embraced the country’s philosophy of freedom and joy. Prolonged dinners for a lower price are one of the perks he enjoys in his new country.
La Dolce Vita Costs Less Dough
Living in Spain has allowed Noriega to experience a five-hour dinner for only $11 per person, without feeling rushed or guilty about enjoying the moment. While he admits to missing some aspects of his old life, such as friendly encounters and customer service in the US, he is content with his decision to stay in Spain for now.
Laidback Life
Now that he has escaped the daily grind, Noriega is savoring his slow-paced life away from the rat race. According to Axios, more Americans are considering moving abroad for a more relaxed lifestyle, with fewer than 36% believing that the American dream is still alive. The traditional notion of working hard to get ahead seems to be shifting, leading individuals like Noriega to seek greener pastures outside the country.