After grappling with health complications, a series of distressing IVF failures, and the mournful death of their cherished pet, the American duo of Jason Luban and Selena Medlen desperately sought an escape from their world of hurt. Stationed back then in Oakland, California, they had previously toyed with the idea of journeying to the sublime landscapes of Andalusia, Spain. Uncertainty loomed large, however, as their many trials were swiftly followed by Luban’s worsening condition due to his rare movement disorder, torsion dystonia.
“Working towards regaining his health was the foremost priority,” Medlen shared with a certain haunting optimism. She shared that Luban was grappling with a crippling grief after losing a dear friend and mentor, adding another layer of complexity to his deteriorating health. They had a vacation slotted, but remained skeptical about Luban’s ability to travel. As luck would have it, his improving sleep cycle—a welcome respite from otherwise relentless insomnia—led them to finally embark on their adventure.
Thrilled at their decision, Medlen recollects, “It felt as though we craved an escape – to slow down and breathe away from the chaos. Perhaps the tranquility we needed could bring relief to his suffering.”
Ignited by a friend’s suggestion, they chose Ronda, a picturesque town nestled in Spain’s Malaga province, as their place of refuge. Little did they know at this time, that they were about to uproot their life for an unexpected stay in Spain—an enigmatic change of pace, which they lovingly refer to as their “Spanish adventure.”
In May 2016, amid the spring bloom of lush Spanish landscapes, their plane landed in Madrid. The couple ventured through Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba, and Seville before finally settling in Ronda. Luban, an acupuncturist by trade, vividly recalls the beauty of the spirited Spanish town, with its radiant landscapes that left them in awe. Their enchanting welcome came in the form of a parade when they reached the town—an auspicious beginning that defined the atmosphere for the remainder of their trip.
Their stay in Ronda bore exceptional memories and in-depth community interaction, not only due to the vibrant celebration of Medlen’s 38th birthday but also their deeply resonating encounters with the friendly locals. Following their extended stay in Spain, they returned home, and it wasn’t long before the repressive nature of their quotidian life back in the U.S. became painfully evident.
“We’d returned to our lives, now feeling more devoid than ever when compared to our euphoric time in Ronda,” Luban candidly reveals. Within this newfound perspective, they once again found themselves recoiling from the trappings of their existence in America.
In a candid examination of their circumstance, they questioned the course of their life if they never managed to have children. As recalled by Luban, Medlen boldly asserted, “If we’re not going to have a kid, I want my life to be f**king fabulous.” Consequently, the seeds of a future in a different cultural setting, learning another language, and embracing new experiences were sown.
Spain was their haven of dreams, much more affordable than California, and they began saving fervently. Their objective was to secure sufficient funds to live comfortably in Ronda for an entire year. Luban also took impactful measures like selling his acupuncture practice in California, a feat he achieved in merely six weeks. The couple reduced their life’s accommodations to just two suitcases and readied themselves for their Spanish dream.
With humble luggage and a heart full of expectations, they landed once again in Madrid in September 2016. However, their enchanting recollection of Ronda was initially overcast with disappointment due to the desolate aftermath of the Feria de Pedro Romero festival, leaving the town in dire need of cleanup.
The initial letdown, miscalculations about rental prices, and trouble finding adequate housing did challenge their confidence. Despite these setbacks, they quickly adapted, secured an apartment, and blended with their new community by joining a local language school—an experience they laud as the keystone in their decision to stay.
With no foreseeable permanence, visa requirements in place, and varied struggles, the duo found comfort in the community’s amicable disposition. An instance deserving special mention was when Luban was rushed to the hospital due to an accident and later was touched by the community’s genuine concern and kindness.
Their stay, initially planned for a year, extended following the 2016 U.S. elections. Feeling estranged from their homeland, Spain became a genuine haven where they could enjoy a slower pace, more together time, and Luban noticed significant improvements in his health.
Funds dwindled after a year, leading Medlen to take up remote legal consulting and Luban to establish a medical consulting website. They managed just fine on a fifth of their previous expenditure while enjoying savings on essentials such as healthcare and food, besides living comfortably within a 20-hour workweek.
Seven years later, now with a dog named Lola Supernova, their Spanish adventure has become a journey of self-discovery and reinvention. They reevaluate their decision every year, cherishing their flexible lifestyle, returning for their yearly U.S. trip, chuckling at the inflated Chipotle burrito prices. Above all, they find joy, peace, and fulfillment within Spain’s warm embrace – a distinct contrast to their earlier struggle to conceive.
With no regrets, they admit, “We’ve decided instead that we’d make our lives as interesting as possible.” While confessing that they might never feel entirely at home in the U.S. or wholly accepted as Spanish, their heart acknowledges the unparalleled care and warmth they received from the Andalusian community.
Luban wistfully muses, “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.”
