Northwest Indiana Couple’s Unexpected Journey: From Italy to Spain

After forming a friendship with an Italian exchange student, Regina and John Zdravich decided to relocate to Italy upon retirement. However, they faced substantial visa application challenges leading to homelessness. Eventually, they chose to move to Spain instead, discovering a much more affordable lifestyle and enjoying the local culture. While they regretted not securing residency in Italy, they now find fulfillment in their new life in Spain.

Regina and John Zdravich, a couple from Northwest Indiana, dreamed of relocating to Italy after forming a bond with an Italian exchange student. Their idea gained momentum over the years, especially as retirement approached, prompting them to sell their home in 2017 and move to Italy in January 2018, along with their cat Sonya. However, their plans were hindered by visa complications, leading them to withdraw their application and ultimately experience homelessness while seeking solutions.

Faced with obstacles in Italy, including extensive bureaucratic challenges, they explored options in Spain based on recommendations from online forums. Unfamiliar with Spain, they ventured there to assess its living conditions, signing a year-long lease to secure housing. After returning to the U.S., John pursued Serbian citizenship to ease their relocation process, while they applied for retirement visas in Spain. Within months, they successfully relocated to Spain in August 2018.

Initially disoriented by the language switch from Italian to Spanish, the Zdravichs adapted to life in the beach town of Oliva in Valencia. They enjoyed the vibrant Spanish culture and eventually purchased a home in Catalonia with ample land suited for their desire to keep horses. Despite minor language barriers, they embraced their new surroundings and invested in renovations to their property.

The cost of living in Spain proved to be much lower than in the U.S., especially regarding dining and healthcare. They benefited from Spain’s public healthcare system, experiencing significant savings on medical expenses compared to the U.S. However, they encountered some financial challenges, like higher income taxes. Despite long-distance travel being tiring, they’ve prioritized minimal visits back to the U.S. while enjoying their new life in Spain.

In hindsight, the Zdravichs reflect on their failed attempt to secure residency in Italy and recognize the potential benefits of hiring an immigration lawyer. Although they were initially disappointed by abandoning their Italian dream, they now express satisfaction with their life in Spain and maintain connections with their former exchange student, whose influence sparked their journey abroad.

Overall, the Zdravichs’ journey underscores the complexities of international relocation, emphasizing adaptability and the necessity of thorough preparation. Their initially envisioned Italian dream transformed into a fulfilling life in Spain, where they’ve embraced a new culture and lifestyle. They encourage future expatriates to seek professional assistance for a smoother transition. Their experience illustrates the unexpected paths that can lead to personal happiness and fulfillment in retirement.

Original Source: www.cnn.com