Why this American couple chose to trade California for Spain

Having experienced multiple unsuccessful IVF attempts, health complications, and the loss of their cherished pet, American couple Jason Luban and Selena Medlen were longing for a change of environment. Despite having planned a visit to Andalusia, Spain, well in advance, the couple was hesitant about proceeding with their trip as Luban's health, who suffers from torsion dystonia - a rare movement disorder, started declining.

Medlen explains that they were considering ways to restore his health and mentions that Luban was experiencing the pain of losing a friend and mentor. Despite their uncertainty about Luban's ability to travel, they had a planned vacation and they pondered whether he could join. Eventually, Medlen shares that they made the decision to take the trip when Luban's insomnia improved and he started sleeping well.

Spanish adventure

An aerial view of Puente Nuevo in Ronda, the town that stole the hearts of US couple Jason Luban and Selena Medlen.

Medvedkov/iStockphoto/Getty Images

"We considered the possibility of taking a break," Medlen adds, referring to the time when they were both working as attorneys. "We thought that if we could distance ourselves from everything, perhaps he would experience an improvement in his well-being."

Upon receiving a recommendation from a friend, the couple, who have been married since 2009, chose to reserve a two-night stay in Ronda, a town situated in Spains Malaga province.

However, neither of them could have anticipated that a few months later, they would find themselves packing up their lives and moving to that very place. They arrived in Madrid in May 2016 and stayed in the capital city for a while, exploring other cities such as Toledo, Cordoba, and Seville before eventually making their way to Ronda.

Leaving Seville for Ronda, the US couple experienced a significant shift in their lives. Luban, an acupuncturist, noticed a change in the land and the energy surrounding them. The blooming plants added to the allure of their newfound environment.

Upon reaching the town, they were welcomed by a lively parade that set the vibrant atmosphere for the rest of the weekend.

The couple marked Medlen's 38th birthday in Ronda and were highly impressed by the warmth and friendliness of everyone they encountered.

"It was as if everything fell into place during our time here," Luban, who hails from Oregon, shared. Medlen, on the other hand, is from Texas.

After wrapping up their time in the pretty town, they went on to visit Granada before returning to the US. But Ronda stayed with them.

A fabulous life

Medlen and Luban have made lots of friends during the years they've spent time in Ronda.

Selena Medlen and Jason Luban confessed that upon returning to their lives in the US, they had a realization that their experience in Ronda was far superior. Luban further explains that his insomnia resurfaced after leaving the town.

Moreover, during a moment of relaxation on the couch, they pondered over their difficulties in conceiving and delved into a conversation about their aspirations in case they could never become parents.

Selina expressed, "If we're not planning to have a child, I envision an incredibly fantastic life." Luban remembers this and adds, "We then pondered, 'Well, what exactly would that entail?'"

They decided that, for them, this would be having the opportunity to live in another country, experience a different culture and learn the language.

And Spain was now right at the top of their list.

After calculating the numbers, the couple discovered that living in Ronda for a year would be within their financial means. To make this possible, Luban successfully sold his osteopathy practice in California within six weeks.

Following this achievement, they downsized their possessions significantly, keeping only two suitcases each, and temporarily booked an Airbnb in Ronda until they found a more permanent accommodation option.

The pair flew back to Madrid in September 2016.

Back for good?

The couple are now very much settled in Ronda and have no plans to return to the US.

Selena Medlen and Jason Luban

"Four months after we left Ronda, we were back to stay," says Luban. "For what we thought would be a year."

Upon their return shortly after the Feria de Pedro Romero, a festival honoring bullfighting, the town's once enchanting allure now appeared significantly less enticing. Medlen clarifies, "Since we arrived on a Sunday, the festivities had already ended, resulting in everything being closed."

The town appeared lifeless, with no signs of cleaning up [after the festival] having been done. Consequently, it was a truly unfamiliar and contrasting experience.

Humorously, Luban recalls how they found themselves strolling down the street with their suitcases, contemplating, "Goodness, what have we done to our lives?"

The family, who had migrated from America to settle in their ancestral Italian cave, encountered difficulties in finding a suitable long-term rental in Ronda, contrary to previous assurances that they would have ample options available.

The prices exceeded their estimates slightly, but were still more affordable compared to their expenses in California.

Regardless of these initial hindrances, the couple persisted and eventually secured an apartment. They decided to enroll in a language school to learn Spanish, which they consider to be a significant turning point in their journey.

Medlen confesses, "The reason we decided to stay was likely due to the fact that it provided an excellent environment for fostering a sense of community."

Attending various classes four times a week, they had the opportunity to connect with fellow expats and engage in meaningful conversations about their shared experiences. This significantly aided them throughout their journey.

Luban explained that nobody in the US could understand our actions. They initially supported the idea, but became confused when we started implementing it.

Since Luban holds dual US-German citizenship, he did not require a visa to reside in Spain. On the other hand, Medlen had to obtain a residence permit as it was necessary for him.

Welcoming community

Luban was touched by the kindness locals showed him when he ended up in hospital after an accident.

Selena Medlen and Jason Luban

Medlen admits that they encountered challenges with understanding the concept of siesta. They would be determined to accomplish various tasks and would head into town to carry out ordinary errands.

However, everything is closed from two to five, limiting the opportunities for activities during that time.

Luban vividly remembers the true significance of this connection when he found himself in the hospital following a bike accident last year, requiring immediate surgery.

He expresses that the experience would have been entirely dissimilar and significantly less enjoyable if they hadn't known individuals who coincidentally are nurses and were familiar with the entire community.

Initially, although the couple had private medical insurance, Luban was admitted to a public hospital that was not included in their policy coverage.

Luban admits that as Americans, they were concerned about the potential negative impact and consequences of the situation. They were worried that it could ruin their reputation, especially in relation to Spain. The following day, after Luban underwent surgery and spent a night at the hospital, they were eventually released. However, upon being discharged, they were informed that they would be required to settle a bill amounting to 1,380 euros. Luban was deeply touched by the incredible kindness exhibited by the local community, who went out of their way to provide support by delivering food and regularly checking in on them.

"In America, individuals would send gift certificates and express their sadness through text messages," Luban mentioned.

"However, in this country, people actually physically appeared at Selena's doorstep upon her return from the hospital, offering heartfelt hugs and assuring her of their constant presence. And indeed, they remained by her side for several weeks."

Initially intending to stay in Spain for a year, Luban and Medlen ultimately chose to prolong their stay due to the impact of Donald Trump's election as President of the United States in November 2016.

After that occurrence, our families promptly urged us not to return," shares Luban, emphasizing their relatives' previous enthusiasm for their homecoming prior to the election outcome.

"The nation is undergoing a transformation. It would be wise for you to relish your time here and refrain from being swept up in the prevailing disunity in the United States. And that was merely a brief time frame of two months."

Medlen highlights that during their time in the US, they both had a hectic work schedule, leaving them with limited opportunities to be together. In contrast, living in Spain has allowed them to cherish their time spent together.

On the other hand, Luban's health has shown improvement since living in Spain. He frequently joins different cycling groups in the local area. However, he admits that his sleep patterns have been inconsistent, having experienced both good and bad nights.

"The biggest thing is that we can manage our stress much better here," he says. "When were not constantly worrying about our safety, money or whatever."

Quality of life

Luben has got into cycling.

Selena Medlen and Jason Luban

As they only had enough funds to cover a year living in Spain without working, the couple needed to start earning money again in order to extend their time there.

Fortunately, Medlen managed to secure remote work from law firms in the US, while Luban embarked on launching a website providing guidance to fellow practitioners on selling a medical practice. According to Luban's estimate, our expenditure on food here is only a fifth of what it would be in California. Additionally, our living expenses range from one eighth to one tenth, and our expenditure on healthcare is only one eighth.

"And we were unaware of the significant improvement in our quality of life when we no longer had to struggle to pay all those bills."

Working around 20 hours per week, they have found that living comfortably is possible due to the greater purchasing power of their money in Spain.

In addition to that, by not purchasing takeout, it helps in reducing your food expenses," Medlen includes. "Furthermore, we are now able to allocate more time for exercising which leads to an overall improvement in our well-being."

This couple from the US decided to invest in an inexpensive apartment in France to provide a unique upbringing for their children.

After seven years in Ronda, the couple has comfortably established themselves with their loyal canine companion, Lola Supernova. They continuously reassess their choice annually, contemplating whether to remain in Spain or venture elsewhere.

However, theyve chosen not to buy a home there so that they have a little more freedom.

"Wa take it to one year increments," explains Medlen. "And we still rent our apartment that we live in.

"We desire simplicity and flexibility, allowing us the freedom to alter our plans and venture elsewhere."

Every year, upon their return to the US, they humorously express their astonishment at the exorbitant price of a burrito from the American food chain, Chipotle.

"Since we left, there has been a significant increase in inflation," remarks Medlen.

Although the couple occasionally grapple with the idea of not having children, Luban, who is now 53, expresses that they now feel "too advanced in age" to pursue parenthood. She further explains that when they explored the option of adoption previously, "the entire procedure appeared to be a dreadful experience, both financially and in other aspects."

"It was an incredibly arduous endeavor, both emotionally and financially, to attempt and ultimately fail. The thought of going through it once more was simply unbearable," he emphasizes while affirming their lack of remorse.

"Consequently, we resolved to prioritize leading a fascinating existence instead."

Both are aware that the extended period of living in a foreign country has its drawback of not having a sense of belonging anywhere.

Luban openly admits that they may never regain a complete sense of being at home in the US and will never truly be embraced as Spanish. Luban further remarks that leaving one's country is an excellent method to gain insights about it.

"But Andalusia has taken us in, cared for us in a way we never could have imagined. Like interest on a bank account we never knew we had."