Infertile couple finds new happiness after trip

A stress-relieving trip to Spain to have a baby 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 trip that would change their lives".

The two Americans flew to Madrid and 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, and there were bright colors 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) and Selena (sitting next to Jason) have many friends while living in Ronda. Photo: CNN — Jason (in blue) and Selena (sitting next to Jason) have many friends while living in Ronda. Photo: *CNN*

When they returned to the United States, the two travelers still remembered the exciting feelings and fun experiences in Ronda. Jason's health began to decline again, and he often had trouble sleeping. 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 without 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 bullfight. 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 rent was higher than they had expected, but still a lot cheaper than California.

A street corner in Ronda town. Photo: CNN — A street corner in Ronda town. Photo: *CNN*

Despite initial setbacks, the two travelers persevered and found a suitable apartment. They signed up for a Spanish language 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 the shops in town closed between 2-5pm every day.

But it was the friendliness of the locals that touched the couple, especially after being hospitalized for a bicycle accident and needing emergency 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 from the hospital, 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. As a result, the couple works 20 hours a week and still lives comfortably.

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

Jason poses with a group of cyclists in Ronda. Photo: CNN — Jason poses 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 and consider whether they want to stay here. They don’t buy, but rent because they want to keep things simple and flexible. Renting allows them to move anywhere if they change their minds. 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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