Never Retire: What 50 Years and a Move to Spain Taught Me About Settling
On living somewhere you don’t like—why I did it, why I won’t again, and how you might.
We’re heading back to Spain!
I can’t wait to show you how it feels to be back. In the process, I will provide screenshots from my bank accounts to illustrate just how prohibitively expensive it is to enjoy yourself in San Francisco—and much of the United States—compared to Valencia, Spain.
We spent about two weeks in San Francisco. While we could have found a way to avoid eating and drinking in cafes, restaurants, and bars, we wanted to have at least some of the experience we’re used to. So we went out but focused on—by and large—the least expensive ways to do so. The numbers—even while holding back—are hard to believe.
We’ll spend four full days in Valencia with our daughters. I’ll detail that spending as well. Then I'll do likewise for about four days in Paris and two in Amsterdam. Together, we're building an impressive sample from which to draw conclusions.
I can tell you right now—this exercise will put the spotlight on the stark quality of life difference between the United States, definitely Spain, most likely Paris, and I think (because I've never been) Amsterdam. Between the two continents. And not just on the basis of what we spent on food and drink, but the quality of what we consumed and the vibrancy of the environments where we spent our time, focused on the one we live in—Valencia.
Which brings up something that came up the other day in the Never Retire newsletter—the idea of living in a place you don't like for whatever reason, but broadly as a means to some sort of professional or other end.
Thinking through your own version of Never Retire?
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