[Sponsored Post] A move to Barcelona turns into a realization that the Mediterranean culture’s focus on community and a balanced way of life is the best bet for the future.
The COVID-19 quarantine has made us question everything we value and prioritize as a society. Sitting isolated at home, it becomes easy to disconnect from reality and watch life through our television and laptop screens. The quarantine can leave us frozen, waiting to see what that uncertain dawn would bring us; waiting to see what’s happening and how others might build a post-crisis society. Caring for ourselves and our loved ones is the priority right now, but we are still allowed to have hopes and dreams and take the actions within our control to build and own a future for ourselves.
A balanced Mediterranean life
The future seems like a distant idea right now. Yet, we will all have a fundamental role in that new reality. Our dedicated and hardworking health professionals, delivery workers, grocery and bakery employees, and scientists have been at the frontlines. But, soon enough the rest of us, as individuals, must step forward and make decisions that will revitalize the economy and society as a whole to a new and more balanced normal.
Investments, real estate, and even vacation choices, will determine the social and economic well-being of each country. Barcelona, with its geographic location, international status, and the Mediterranean culture’s balanced way of life, is well-positioned in all three areas. I know. It’s why I chose to invest in Barcelona by living and working in this beautiful city.
Invest in Barcelona: Making the move
After studying and working as an attorney in the United States for twelve years, I moved to Barcelona and fell in love with a new way of living. In the United States, success meant a great salary, what others considered a good job, driving a nice car, and constantly purchasing new clothes. What seemed like a full life from the outside was not enough for me.
The more “success” I had, the more I realized that, for me, success has to be balanced with physical, mental, and emotional well-being. That balance is the basis of Spanish culture, where there is an emphasis on making a life beyond working infinite hours, and creating meaningful social relationships of friendship, love, and community that are not based on false social prestige and material possessions.
During this quarantine, the Spanish people have demonstrated how they as a society, and as individuals, are able to unite. Setting aside politics, they have managed to keep their spirits up based on mutual support focused on not leaving anyone behind. It’s as simple as clapping from their windows and balconies every evening for the dedicated work of our health service providers, or impromptu concerts sang from the balcony for the entire street to enjoy, or being as involved as taking care of shopping for their elderly neighbors to reduce their exposure to the coronavirus. The culture here is one about caring and welcoming people and, even in the worst of times, reinforce its ties to ensure that we are all well.
Living my best Barcelona life
It’s the difference between living and living well. It’s the type of “good life” that gives us a feeling of belonging to a community that has true quality of life. Spain has an undeniable attraction from its Mediterranean beaches to its snowed peaked mountains, history rich with art and architecture, a vibrant and social society, lively and personable streets and neighborhoods, plus internationally recognized gastronomy.
Despite the economic impact of the situation we are currently facing, the Spanish business environment remains well-positioned within Europe and at an international level. It serves as a vital entry point to investment in the European Union, which also maintains strong historical, social, and economic ties with Latin America. In short, it’s an excellent option to invest in Barcelona for those seeking a more balanced way of life.
Of course, for me Barcelona has become my home across the ocean — a place that has given me the opportunity to build a successful international business and a complete way of life. Barcelona is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, with serious growth in terms of industry and economy and ranked as one of the best places to invest in Europe. It is also a cultural capital, innovative, vibrant, and full of life.
I could not have imagined a better place to build my future and life than here in Barcelona. Although the current situation has made clear that we will need a “new normal,” my perspective remains the same. In Barcelona, I have the capacity to build a future and pursue real goals for myself and for my business that are aligned with our common wellbeing.
I invite you to discover beautiful Barcelona and choose this city as your new home. I have done it myself and have been immensely happy with the decision to live the healthy, balanced, and complete Mediterranean way of living this wonderful region offers.
Adriana Barba is an attorney and managing partner at Vázquez & Barba International Legal Consultants, where they help people realize their dream of living in Spain. Contact them to schedule a complimentary consultation at [email protected].
