Trading the California Grind for the Spanish Vibe: Why Adam & Gabi Ran Towards Life Abroad
Episode #0049
Wow, what an incredible chat I just had with Adam and Gabi from The Gonzalez Family! Seriously, if you didn't catch the episode, go back and listen. These two are just bursting with energy, honesty, and a fantastic perspective on life. We talked about their journey from sunny California to even sunnier Valencia, Spain, and let me tell you, it's a story that truly resonated with me.
Right from the start, I had to ask them the big question: "Why would someone move out of California?" I mean, it's the Golden State, right? But what they shared wasn't about running away from something bad, but fiercely running towards something amazing – growth, adventure, and a whole new way of living. And honestly, that hit home for me. It's not about escaping; it's about embracing what could be.
The Spark: From Crime Scenes to Zoom Calls
Gabi's background as a crime scene investigator for 15 years sounded like quite the grind. She described it as amazing, but definitely a grind. And that's a feeling so many of us can relate to, isn't it? That constant push, that always-on mentality. Then COVID happened, and like for so many of us (and my own family with a small kid), life slowed down. It offered a rare glimpse into a different pace, a chance to spend time with family, and to realize, "Hey, there's life after work!"
Adam was already ahead of the curve, working remotely since 2019. He saw how Zoom and the digital world shrunk distances, making income possible from anywhere. Suddenly, the question wasn't if they could move, but where. They even considered moving to Texas or Florida – classic American moves – before that trip to Portugal in 2022 sparked the real international dream. Their ultimate decision for Spain, particularly Valencia, was brilliantly strategic: a desire for their daughters (and themselves!) to become bilingual, and a sense of safety that felt just right. You could tell this wasn't some spur-of-the-moment decision; this was years in the making, and it truly was a prepared move, something I respect immensely.
The "Spainful" Journey: Paperwork, Kids & a Cat!
Now, let's be real, moving abroad isn't all sunshine and sangria. There's the dreaded bureaucracy, which Adam and Gabi hilariously (and accurately) dubbed "Spainful." They smartly hired an expert, Carlos from American and Legal Spain, to navigate the maze. And honestly, that’s not a sign of weakness, it’s just smart. When you’re making such a huge life change, why add the stress of paperwork to your plate? Make it easy on yourself, right?
What truly struck me was how intentionally they prepared their kids. They didn't just drop the bomb. They included them in every step, watching YouTube videos about Europe, weighing pros and cons, turning it into a family project. It reminds us that kids, especially, benefit from being part of the journey. As I always say, seeing beyond your "cocoon" – whether it's a small village or a bustling city block – truly helps you grow.
And speaking of kids, we can't forget the cat! Traveling with kids anda pet across continents? That's next-level dedication. Gabi's story about UPS losing the health certificate and the sheer stress of the journey (missing trains, lugging heavy bags, a crying 9-year-old, and a cat in a carrier!) really drove home the reality of such a move. But even the cat thrived, proving how resilient animals and kids can be. It’s a testament to the fact that while it's tough, it's absolutely doable, and often, the rewards far outweigh the initial "spainful" moments.
Culture Shock & Sensory Overload (The Good Kind!)
Ah, the little quirks of a new country! Adam and Gabi shared some fantastic insights into the Spanish lifestyle. Adam, a self-proclaimed efficiency-lover, struggled with the "sobremesa" – those incredibly long, lingering conversations after a meal. He's programmed to eat and go, but in Spain, it's about being present, savoring the moment, and connecting. Gabi, on the other hand, is still adjusting to the late dinners. While I totally get the 9:30-10 PM dinner struggle, I think it's a habit that eventually clicks, right? Like how I can't eat dinner at 6 PM anymore without feeling like it's a pre-dinner snack!
Then there's the amazing cafe culture and, my personal favorite, the walking lifestyle! From barely 1,000 steps a day in California to 5-8 miles in Valencia, even Adam hit 24,000 steps one day! It makes such a difference. As I've observed in Italy, and now hear from them in Spain, this constant movement keeps people healthier, more social, and engaged with their community, especially our elders. It's such a stark contrast to the car-dependent, often sedentary lifestyle many experience back home.
And the food? Oh, the food! Gabi raved about Valencia's indoor market – "heaven" she called it. Organic produce, amazing flavors, incredible prices. It truly puts into perspective the difference in food quality and accessibility. We bonded over missing spicy food (seriously, nobody in Germany can handle spice!), but agreed that the aftertaste of American fast food just isn't the same once your body gets used to the good stuff. Chipotle, though… that’s a different story. I'm a fanboy for that green Tabasco sauce too, and I even told Adam there's one in Frankfurt if he ever comes to Germany!
Kids & Connection: A New Village
Adapting to a new country is tough, and it's even tougher for teenagers. Their 9-year-old embraced it with gusto, making friends and even helping teach English. But their 14-year-old initially struggled, missing her old friends and those "cliche moments" of American high school life. It’s completely understandable. But with club volleyball and focusing on new experiences (like a short flight to Rome, which is just insane when you think about it from a US perspective!), they're finding their footing. It shows that even when it's hard, the growth that comes from these challenges is invaluable.
Adam's approach to social integration as a "serial inviter" truly impressed me. He actively seeks connections, whether with locals (for that deep cultural foundation) or fellow expats (who understand the unique "crap" you're going through!). That’s exactly why I started this podcast – to connect with other crazy people who decided to take the leap, to realize we’re not alone in this wild adventure. It reminds me that "village" isn't just a geographical place; it's your tribe, the people who understand you, no matter where you are.
Finding "Human" in the Everyday: A Shift in Priorities
This part of our conversation truly struck a chord. Adam said something profound: "Living in Spain allows you to feel human." In the US, and I'd add much of Western Europe too, it often feels like we're in a "producing machine," constantly grinding, feeling guilty if we're not working. But in Spain, there's a shift. It's about living, enjoying, celebrating life. It's about working to live, not living to work. And the affordability difference is huge. Many people in the US are working incredibly hard just to afford the bare minimum, not even to indulge in the simple pleasures of life.
This conversation also veered into a slightly more serious, but incredibly important, topic: safety. Gabi, as a former crime scene investigator, shared the chilling reality of constantly being hyper-aware of violence in her own neighborhood. That feeling of "Is this car going to shoot me?" or "Do I have to look behind my back?" is something that, frankly, breaks my heart. The peace of mind they now have in Spain, allowing their daughters more independence, is a priceless gift. As a "US fanboy" myself, it's genuinely sad to see the direction the country has taken in terms of social division and pervasive fear. But like Adam, I hold onto the hope that things will get better.
Rapid-Fire Reflections & A Final Thought
We wrapped up with some rapid-fire questions, and their answers were pure gold:
- Tapas or Paella? Tapas, all day long for the variety! (My pick too!)
- Favorite Spanish Phrase? Adam loves "Qué guay!" (How cool!), Gabi's is "Tranquilo" / "No pasa nada" (Don't worry about it). Perfectly reflects their personalities!
- Hardest Day? The entire, stressful journey with kids, luggage, cat, and missing trains. That sounds like a horror movie!
- Hidden Gem? Albarracín, a gorgeous medieval village in the mountains. I'd never heard of it, but now it's on my list!
- Beach: California or Valencia? Valencia's warm, clear water wins! (I knew it!)
- Do it again? Absolutely, no question.
And the final question, my favorite: Where is home? Without missing a beat, they both said, "Wherever my wife and daughters are." It's cheesy, but it's absolutely true. Home isn't a place; it's a feeling, a connection with your core family unit. And that’s a lesson I learn over and over again from every amazing guest on this podcast.
Adam and Gabi are truly inspirational, not just for making the move, but for doing it with such intention, grace, and an open heart. They’re sharing their journey with fantastic content on Instagram (I'll link it below, definitely check them out!), and Gabi even has a podcast called "The Walls Do Talk" for all you true crime fans out there.
It was an absolute pleasure, guys. Thank you so much for sharing your story. It reminds me why I started this whole thing in the first place, and I truly hope our paths cross in Germany one day – maybe for some Chipotle!
Until next time, keep exploring, keep growing, and keep living your life to the fullest!
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Find Adam & Gabi here:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegonzalezinspain/
- Gabi's Podcast: The Walls Do Talk (wherever you get your podcasts)
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Stay curious, folks, and I'll catch you on the next one!
Warmly,
Your Host, Paul.
🎙️ Listen to the full conversation on Whereabouts Tales — available on Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.
