1. Jeronimo Noriega moved to Oviedo, Spain from the US and does not plan to return.
2. His quality of life in Spain is much better, as he enjoys walking and using public transportation instead of being stuck in traffic.
3. He loves the sense of community, work culture, and leisurely dining in Spain, and does not see moving back to the US in his future.
Jeronimo Noriega, a 27-year-old student living in Spain, originally from San Antonio, made the decision to move to Oviedo, Asturias in Northwest Spain with his family. Despite being born in Mexico and mostly living in the US, Spain felt like a natural fit due to his family’s ties to the country. Initially, adjusting to life in Spain was challenging due to rusty Spanish-speaking skills, but as he became more comfortable with the local dialect, he found a better quality of life than he had in the US.
In Spain, Noriega enjoys walking and using public transportation instead of being stuck in traffic or relying on a car, which is not only better for the environment but also healthier for him. The strong sense of community in Spain, where people greet each other on the streets, contrasts with the isolation of being in a car in America.
Noriega appreciates the work culture in Spain, which values life over work and allows for leisurely breaks and long meals. Despite missing aspects of American life like customer service and friends, Noriega finds peace and joy in the slower pace of Spanish life, where he can enjoy affordable dinners, linger in coffee shops, and prioritize his well-being over constant work. While he acknowledges that the future is uncertain, Noriega is content staying in Spain for the foreseeable future.