Summary

In this episode, Mark Goldstein interviews Brad Shreve and Maurice Chevalier, a couple who recently relocated to Oliva, Spain, after years of contemplating a move abroad. They share their journey of deciding between Ecuador and Spain, ultimately choosing Spain for its quality of life and community. The couple discusses their specific criteria for choosing a location, including a preference for smaller towns, affordability, and a welcoming atmosphere for the LGBTQ+ community. They emphasize that their move was not an escape from the U.S. but rather a pursuit of a different lifestyle and culture.

Brad and Maurice recount their experiences of moving to Oliva without ever having visited, highlighting their extensive research and the importance of community connections. They discuss the cultural adjustments they’ve faced, including the pace of life, meal times, and the siesta concept. The couple also touches on the cost of living in Spain compared to their previous life in California, noting significant savings in rent and utilities, as well as the quality of food. Their story is a testament to the joys and challenges of relocating to a new country, and they offer insights into the vibrant life they are building in Oliva. In this episode, Maurice Chevalier shares his experiences of living in Oliva, Spain, particularly as part of the local gay community. He describes the vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, noting that being gay is a non-issue in the area and that a strong expat community regularly gathers for social events. Maurice discusses the ease of making acquaintances and the importance of community in their new life, emphasizing that they enjoy the local culture and the relaxed pace of life. He also touches on the practical aspects of living in Oliva, such as transportation, walkability, and the unique dining culture that differs from the U.S. lifestyle.

The conversation shifts to the logistics of relocating to Spain, including the visa process and the importance of hiring relocation specialists to navigate the bureaucracy. Maurice explains the differences in daily life, including the Spanish dining schedule and the social norms surrounding coffee culture. He concludes by reflecting on the long-term prospects of living in Oliva, expressing a strong sense of belonging and contentment in their new home, while also acknowledging the importance of adaptability and openness to new experiences.

Takeaways

"We wanted somewhere that was openly gay friendly."

"We did not want to work 60 to 70 hours a week to buy things that we then didn't have time to enjoy."

"We are purposely not putting ourselves in that bubble."

"We want to be able to converse, even if it's just minimal conversation."

"We could change that overnight if we wanted to."

"We love the concept of siesta. There's nothing about it that's negative in our mind."

"We are actually trying to learn the language and practice it."

"We felt instantly at home. It was just like this place has been waiting for me my whole life."

"We are living in a much larger space for less money."

"We are trying to build ties to the local community, not just the expat community." It's a non-issue, quite honestly.

We wanted to have an active gay community.

We can go be gay for the weekend.

Everything's pretty much within a 15-minute walk.

It's a clean town because people physically sweep the streets.

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Companies mentioned in this episode:

Marriott

Mentioned in this episode:

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The Mediterranean Dream: Why We Chose Oliva, Spain