Infertile couple finds new happiness after trip

A stress-relieving trip to Spain to have children helped an American couple change direction to a happier life.

Jason Luban and Selena Medlen, a couple from California, USA, spent 7 years trying to conceive through in vitro fertilization but were unsuccessful. In 2016, when the husband's health began to deteriorate, they decided to go somewhere to relax. They went to Spain and had no idea that this would be a "life-changing trip".

The two Americans flew to Madrid and then visited the cities of Toledo, Cordoba, Seville and Ronda, a small town in the province of Malaga. As soon as they arrived, Jason noticed that Ronda was full of energy. "The trees were blooming, the colors were everywhere," Jason recalled. They celebrated Selena's 38th birthday there and were "impressed by the friendliness of the people." After this short trip to Ronda, the two Americans continued on to Granada as planned.

Jason (in blue shirt) and Selena (sitting next to Jason) had many friends while living in Ronda. Photo: CNN

When they returned to the US, the two tourists still remembered the interesting feelings and happy experiences in Ronda. Jason's health began to decline again, he often had insomnia. In their free time, the couple often searched for rental prices in Ronda and found them 10 times cheaper than what they had to pay in California. While lying on the sofa and thinking about infertility, Jason and Selena began to imagine what their life would be like if they did not have children. They both wanted to enjoy the opportunity to experience life in another country, another culture and learn a new language.

Jason and Selena moved to Ronda in September 2016 with just two suitcases after selling their house and car.

They arrived just after the Feria de Pedro Romero bullfights. The town was less glamorous than the one they had visited five months earlier, with fewer shops open on Sundays and still untidy from the festival. “It was a different experience,” Jason said. The rents were higher than they had expected, but still a lot cheaper than in California.

A street corner in Ronda town. Photo: CNN

Despite initial difficulties, the two tourists persevered in their search for a room and rented a satisfactory apartment. They both signed up for a Spanish class to communicate and quickly adapted to the Spanish lifestyle, although they were still unfamiliar with some of the culture. Selena admitted that she had "difficulty with the concept of a lunch break", as shops in the town closed between 2 and 5 p.m. every day.

But it was the friendliness of the locals that touched the couple, especially after being hospitalized for a bicycle accident and needing urgent surgery. Neighbors kept bringing food to the hospital and asking about the couple’s health. In the US, people would text and call to check in. But in Ronda, when Jason was discharged, they came to say hello and give hugs.

They both realized that if they lived in the US, they would rarely have time to be together because of their busy work schedules. But in this small town, they can spend more time together. Jason's health has also improved thanks to regular cycling with groups. To make ends meet, Selena works remotely for law firms in the US and Jason has set up a consulting website related to his expertise.

Jason estimates that living in Ronda, they spend one-fifth as much on food as they do in California. The cost of living is one-eighth or tenth as much, and health care is one-eighth as much. So the couple works 20 hours a week and still manages to live comfortably.

"We have more time to cook so we save more. We have more time to exercise so we feel healthier," Selena says.

Jason poses for a photo with a group of cyclists in Ronda. Photo: CNN

Seven years after moving to Ronda, the couple now have a stable life. They have a dog named Lola Supernova. Every year they reassess their achievements in life and consider whether they want to stay here. They do not buy, but rent because they want to keep things simple and flexible. Renting allows them to move anywhere if they change their mind. They still return to the US to visit friends and are often shocked by the rising prices due to inflation.

At 53, they still don't have children, and Jason "feels too old" to move up. They also have no plans to adopt due to financial and other factors. Instead, they're focusing on making their quality of life as enjoyable as possible.

Anh Minh (According to CNN )

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