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.
Recent times have made us question everything we value and prioritize as a
society. The feeling of isolation makes it easy to disconnect from reality and watch life
through our television and laptop screens. The current situation 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-war, post- U.S. election society. Caring for ourselves
and our loved ones should be the priority right now. But we are still allowed to have
hopes and dreams and take the actions within our control to and build and own a future
for ourselves.
The future seems like a distant idea right now. Yet, we will all have a fundamental role.
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 push towards a new and more
balanced life.
Investments, real estate, and even vacation choices, 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 live and work in this beautiful city.
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. And 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.
Spanish people have continuously demonstrated how they as a society, and as
individuals, are able to unite. Setting aside politics, though history they have managed
to keep their spirits up based on mutual support focused on not leaving anyone behind
as a nation. 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.
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 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. Even during the most difficult times, my perspective remained the same, and
it does. 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. This is why I
have made it my life purpose to help others invest in Barcelona as a gateway to a
radical improvement in the way they do business, and ultimately in their way of life.
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 María 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 find out more at www.vbilc.com
