I have been working on this for awhile and now my Ultimate Guide to Valencia is available for purchase: 📖 Discover Valencia: Your Essential Guide to Living and Loving Life in Spain payhip.com/b/DKdBS If you are traveling to Valencia as a tourist or relocating here this guide will really help you navigate. It has 85 pages of useful information, stunning images and clickable links (digital guide)

Because you didn't want to live to work, you want to work to live. And in Spain you can do that.

I love this video! I'm from the USA and moved to Europe 20 years ago. I'm so happy I did. I now live in the Andalucían mountains of Spain. I will never go back to the USA.

Increasingly, as I've gotten older, I've struggled to figure out where exactly in America I belong. In a country this big, it shouldn't be that difficult to find SOMEHWERE desirable. But I never really could find anywhere that fully satisfied. It finally dawned on me it was American culture itself that I wished to escape. And that living overseas was where I wanted to be. I've never been more excited about a move in my life. Spain is the place for me.

I am with you Sister! I was born and raised in California. I left for Europe in 2015 to take a break using my medical leave due to constant migraines from being over worked. When I first arrived in Europe after just a few days I knew I found what I was missing in the USA and that was quality of life and feeling safe. I returned to the USA after 8 weeks of traveling France, Italy, Austria, Croatia and Hungary, and then I began planning my move to Europe. In 2017 I made it happen and I never looked back. Great content. :)

At the beginning of March I traveled to the US where I grew up and planned to stay for three months. But I couldn't take three weeks and I was back on a plane to Europe. Since then I have been to Denmark, Sweden, Germany and Spain. I am coming to Valencia next Monday. God bless the USA. I am glad I left! It ain't got no soul.

Spain is beautiful.

I lived in France and now Portugal and it's been 15 years...Never going back to the US except for visits to see family and friends!! Great vlog and I totally get it!!!

USA has been generous as you state. I too and an immigrant and do not believe I could have gotten the opportunities I did. But with the opportunities comes a dark side, a toxic side that can eventually eclipse the successes. I too am headed to Spain when I retire at end of year.

My wife quit USA already in her 30's, I lived for a year in New York city in my early 20's and now we both live in Sweden. Watching Champions League games at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, I said "leave it"! 😄 Though I loved New York City but never came back, even as tourist. I guess Bulgarians are somehow spiritually connected to Europe. 😀

I moved from London to Vienna 4 years ago. Still believe it was one of my worst decisions 🤷🏻‍♀️. Now I'm looking to move to Valencia with my Spanish speaking husband. 💕

Llevo suscrito a tu canal, como un año y medio, y creo que nunca comente nada. Hoy tengo un poco de tiempo y voy a contarte algo que incluso la gran mayoría de los españoles desconoce, y es el porque de la relacción de las culturas mediterráneas con la calle o el espacio público. Esto, es gracias a Roma. En las sociedades urbanas de la República y el imperio romano, los ricos vivían en DOMUS grandes casas con esclavos y todo lo necesario para vivir. Mientras, las clases bajas y medias vivían en bloques de hasta cinco pisos llamados INSULAE. A penas eran dos cuartos por familia y a penas se usaban para dormir y vestirse o cambiar de ropa. El resto de actividades, se hacían en la calle o espacio público, no en vano Grecia y Roma inventaron la plaza pública FORO o AGORA. En la calle, o espacios públicos, se comía, se trabajaba, se lavaba y defecaba. Todo ocurría en la calle comercio, juicios, discursos, celebraciones religiosas o civiles, ejecuciones, castigos, sexo... El bar, es una sofisticacion del espacio publico a diferencia de tu cultura en que solo sirven para emborracharse, hacer negocios turbios o ligar. En el mediterraneo, puedes invitar a una mujer a un bar, sin que se sienta intimidada, o llevar a tus hijos, sin ser considerado un mal padre. Por contra, en las culturas norteeuropeas la calle, sólo era contemplada, para transitar de un espacio privado a otro, y el lugar de reunión de la comunidad, era la casa del líder o rey, que a su vez, era un espacio privado. En estas sociedades, las relaciones sociales, se hacían en el ámbito privado, que llega hasta hoy en las barbacoas del domingo con amigos, y compañeros. (Germen del racismo y el miedo al estraño) Actualmente, la calle o espacio público es desechado por peligroso abandonado a delincuentes, y policías de gatillo fácil y a penas se usa para unas celebraciones cortas como cabalgatas o desfiles. Las plazas, no son usadas por la población, porque sólo son un adorno urbano, y los parques son usados por una cantidad cada vez menor de la población. Los mediterráneos, no necesitamos un "espacio social privado" como la barbacoa, por lo que podemos vivir apilados unos sobre otros haciendo las ciudades menos extensas y más a la medida del peatón. Muchas culturas han pasado por aquí desde entonces, godos, visigodos, árabes, judíos, pero todas, se han adaptado a esta manera de actuación social. Está distinta manera de ver el espacio público, tiene otras ramificaciones y consecuencias, pero aquí tienes las básicas. Un abrazo, y gracias por el cariño que demuestras por Valencia y España.

Spain sounds like a country I would definitely love to relocate to.

Didn’t realise you were in your 40s. Spanish life is helping you stay young :)

I am in LA, I know why you have made a decision to move to Valencia, Spain. I used to live in Italy for 7 years and been back to LA 15 years and let me tell you that I missed living in Italy, I wish to go back live there but now your videos are inspiring me to move back to Italy or maybe Valencia 😂 I will probably go for one month to 3 months, I wish to leave LA so badly!!!😢

Lifestyle as a priority is an emerging idea that will continue to rise👍🏼

Great choice in a town full of sunshine. Valencia is fabulous.

Valencia es hermosa y se ha vuelto en un destino preferido para muchos extranjeros, el clima el ambiente,la ciudad es hermosa la playa, la gastronomía etc ..tiene muchos alicientes y eso atrae a muchos

Glad you found your happiness in Valencia, I was in LA now in San Diego, cost of living is way high. I want gentle weather, southern Spain should be great for my retirement.

i’m american but you just described every feeling i’ve ever had while in europe. hoping to get a spanish visa this year

Para el ser humano es vital estar rodeado de belleza, con la arquitectura, con jardines, parques, esculturas, pintura...es calidad de vida...

Loved this vide, brought tears to my eyes. I agree with you 100%. We moved here to Valencia about a year ago and loving it. We're spending most of our summer in several cities in the beautiful north of Spain hoping for a cooler season.

I think you made the right choice. No looking back❤

Don´t be angry, we spaniards don´t work non-stop, we are not workaholic like americans, you will get used to it. we work hard but we rest too. that bussnises closed cos they are family bussines and cannot be working forever. And keep in mind what we usually do,, _Almost everything from 2pm to 5pm is closed (we stop for lunch and rest for a while :)))). After that everything opens till 8 or 10 pm.. enjoy Spain.

Amazing when she says..."It's only 3,95"....for a glass of wine 😳

I'm moving from Belgium to valencia in 2 weeks so I've been enjoying your videos and I've always wondered where you're originally from.

Antoanetta, I just discovered your videos today and I am so happy I found them! You are such a beautiful person and so inspiring. I'm 59 and was born and raised in the US, but I feel so lost here. I don't feel like I have any connection to my country any more. In fact, the older I get, the more I can't stand American "culture". There is an underlying level of stress here that's almost overwhelming, and trying to make or maintain friendships seems to be a lost cause nowadays, it's just too much work. I travelled to Europe years ago and more recently to South America. I fell in love with the Latin culture in South America, specifically Colombia. People are warm, friendly and more relaxed, and I instantly felt more at home. I imagine it's very much like Spain. I plan on making my move out of the US within the next two years. I know there's a better way to live outside of the US. Seeing how happy you are really inspires me to make my move as soon as possible. Thank you!

7:04 It reminds me of Billy Wilder's movie Avanti! (1972), haha!, where Jack Lemmon is in Italy and says, "Oh, again you're closing to rest."

Antoanetta is your city, you re living in so its yours , as valencian love people like you, every good people is welcome

i moved from PERU 40 years ago to AUSTRALIA I was 22 years old

I love your videos!!!

Beautiful! ❤

Wow! What a beautiful video. It really sounds like you are where you are supposed to be, and I am so truly happy for you.❤

I hope to spend my 40s living in Spain too 😅😂❤❤❤ . I’ve been living in the USA for the past 19 yrs and I am exhausted from just working and working 😂.

I really like your videos. One reason is that they are relatively brief, yet informative.

The central market looks fun!!

Omg I see Edward everywhere in the video 😍🥹 love it. Hope one day to visit you with my family❤

❤❤so happy for you !!

Si papá Dios descanso al tercer día después de crear el mundo,los españoles también Podemos descansar unas horitas para despues seguir trabajando.españa es diferente.un saludo desde Barcelona.

Me to I left usa for good for europe im in Valencia also im a gia gemologist we should meet

Good stay there!

Antoanetta.. you are my inspiracion!... and each time I watch your videos, my feelings about to leave the USA are sooner rather than later!

Valencia es una preciosidad. Es una Sultana que mira al mar.

Embelleces más la ciudad ❤

Love u're video 😁

Thanks!

I am currently feeling the same need to leave the familiar. It is a little scary, but what’s even scarier is being single in your 40s, bored, unfulfilled, lonely , reclusive, and things not changing. I’ve always been a big fan of Anthony Bourdains shows, and the one country that has always seemed the best fit for me was Spain. I took Spanish 7th grade through first 2 years of college but never got to really practice it. It feels like American society is becoming more isolated, detached , disconnected from other humans, and just divisive. Overworked, underpaid, stressed out, fast food, and the only culture seems to be culture wars. I know they say to not get wrapped up in destination infatuation, because nothing is perfect and there will always be challenges to contend with but damn. I’m just continually going through the same motions expecting different results. I believe they call that insanity. I don’t know why I surrender to the inner voice of fear and second guessing myself but I think it’s starting to feel like I’m wasting my life. I was so adventurous and free when I was younger and somehow have conformed to the fear of the unknown. Tips? Strategies? Steps to make towards the leap? Any advice would help.

The reason they close the locals and has that schedule is because they are not slaves to tourists or business because they somehow know what it will happen. That is why they have that quality of life, that personal freedom. This brings them more peace, joy and happiness. ☺️ 😉 💚

I'm planning on moving to Polynesia 🇵🇫 or Fiji islands 🏝 in the future! I'm ready to leave the United States forever 😊

Enhorabuena de Carrascal de la Cuesta. Tienes un talento increíble.

I’ll be leaving right after college . Cant wait

Looks nice

I’m enjoying your channel Antoanetta. You nailed it at 2:18-2:54. I’ve said the same thing many times. I love how other parts of the world the environment is designed for socializing and being around people. That’s the one thing I really enjoy about Latin America and Spain. But it’s really depressing how dead the neighborhoods are in the US. I’m like where are all the people? It’s so bland and lifeless except for most of California, NY (Manhattan), Philly, Miami. Outside of major cities in most of the US…it’s depressing.

Hola Antonaetta, I’ve seen other KZfaq videos where fireworks is a big issue in Valencia. Would you please share with us more about this?

Xq sevilla y españa 🇪🇸 son bellas para vivir

It's my goal to live in Corfu, Greece, to leave New York. New York has become toxic and expensive with a poor quality of life. I can easily adapt to Spain as well as Portugal because I do speak Portuguese fluently. I never assimilated to American culture and always felt more assimilated to European culture

If I went to Spain, I would want to go to the smaller, rural areas.

A mi Antonetta me cae superbien , solo le pongo un pero desde el cariño y es que estar en un país sin intentar aprender el idioma nativo para poder relacionarse es perderse la oportunidad de socializar y comprender la forma de pensar y de vivir de los que habitan el lugar. Ojala se decida a aprender español para sacar todo el jugo de su vida aquí en España.

Good for you I’m leaving soon as well 😇

I like your accent 👍

I wish you would include the names of places you visit in the comments. What was the restaurant where you tried the falafel?

Makes total sense. A lot of things in the US don’t make sense at all 🤨

Plus....whenever you are in a crowd, the only think you should worry about is getting stepped on your toes and not getting shot at.

Hi. We just moved here permanently 5 months ago. Which merkat were you having the Asian food at? It looked so good. Thx:-)

I traveled to Spain and found it a very nice place to live, but life in America is easier in many ways. First of all, I don't have to go through the visa process and I have family here. Secondly, while I know Spanish, I still feel more comfortable in English. However, maybe, one day, in the future, I'll move to Europe, probably Portugal because the quality of life is better there.

Good for you for escaping from Los Angeles it has really become a hellscape. It is superficial and transient place. "The weather is great" is a commonly heard justification for living in Los Angeles. But it only goes so far. Rising prices and a declining quality of life.

I absolutely love your videos. I think i'm begining to have a crush on you❤

Тони, поздрави за вашето спасение от Американския кошмар. Аз също мечтая да се спася но засега не е възможно.

Where are you from originally, Antoanetta?

Great recent episode..."Goodbye..in 40's".... Yo mismo me digo, "Allá vivo, ...acá, muero....".. Adivinas ...¿ cual es "allá...?"🙂

OMG you are blessed to be a European citizen. I am saving now to get out of the US and I can't wait!! I am desperately unhappy here and want to start a brand new life for myself.

If you hire me I’ll move to Spain and Work for you haha I speak Spanish like a native 😊

What you like the most Valencia or Colombia?

Where is this place on the roof? Could you write the name?

nice nice nice))))

🇺🇸 the best

Where are you from originally??

To be fair, you left los Angeles which is falling apart faster than many other places

Cuando aprendas español y empieces a mezclarte con los españoles verás como tu pasión por la cultura española se multiplica exponencialmente. 😉

Were you born in Europe?

Before you moved to Spain you moved to the USA from which country ?

Antoanetta ya eres más Valenciana que la horchata 😂.🥰

Can I live in Valencia just speaking English?

The USA often lacks “third places”. 👀⚖️🇺🇸🗽

Are you Romanian?

America is too stressful

Can I move there to be with you?

How do you acquire citizenship? Oh it’s your country of origin.

isn't, america missing its 'native' cultures, such as of various nations, mexican, etc, thus more devoid, and filled with socially, culturally void replacements, like traffic, etc ('pop culture', aside)

Year 2050. Why its nowadays much more expensive to rent an appartment in Alboraya than in Regent Street??. Go ask that oldie called Antonetta...

That thing that by changing your place of living you change your state of mind, I don´t buy it. If you are healthy inside, you are ok everywhere....

I don’t get it. You speak about work life balance. The vibe of people being laidback. So, it’s not normal if the market closes no matter the crowd. So, people can still enjoy their time off. If you start forcing people to have shifts, you’ll end up like in the states. Slaves working at any stupid time. 😅

Very rude service in Spain.

Si te vienes a vivir aqui tus videos deberian ser en español, pq seguro que Estados Unidos no hablabas en Fraces, o si lo hacias?????? 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨🧐

te saldria mas natural hablar en español jajajaj

Well you lived in L.A. Land of fake people. I live in a place (in the U.S.) where I can walk anywhere and meet all kinds of people . I don't want to say where but it's in the US. Oh-and we have thousands of years of Native history and culture to enjoy.

America is over rated.Ive worked with people that come here thinking that America is the land of milk and honey only for them to turn around and take their money back down south where it can actually do something for them. 300K in America gets you a dirty shed right now😂

yoy bagamoy lol but u really aint american lol

This is very nice, but I have family members that have lived in Spain for years and they tell me not-so-good things about living there. Apparently, once you get into your 40s your marketability in the job market and ability to make money decreases drastically. It's like people get phased out very early in their life. Also, discrimination. I am Cuban, so I speak from that point of view, that it's not a meritocracy over there and Latinos are passed over for promotions and fired when a company is having layoffs. It looks like you came from a family that gave you many great opportunities, and you worked among famous people and made a lot of money. Nothing wrong with that, but I see a lot of good on your channel about living in Spain, not a lot of other balanced content.

I want to see an American survive in Spain making 1000 euros a month like a real Spaniard and not working remote for an American company and then we will see which country is better lol