İçindekiler
For 35 years, I lived in Istanbul’s crowded streets, in its districts that breathe history, and among its unique views. For us, Istanbul holds a different memory and a different story in every corner. However, about three years ago, my girlfriend at the time – now my wife – and I decided to change the course of our lives, and I set out for Barcelona. I had come to Barcelona for a vacation in January 2023, but Barcelona welcomed me so warmly that we immediately began our research.
Barcelona trip
This adventure, which began with enrolling in a language school, also allowed me to learn a new culture and lifestyle. Every street you walk in this city is like a mystery waiting to be discovered. Each corner hides a different piece of art, a different story.
In this one year, I changed countries, got married, started learning a new language (haven’t mastered it yet :), achieved a successful exit, and opened a new page in my career. New adventures await us. However, it’s hard to describe both the anxiety and happiness that comes with stepping out of your comfort zone to live in a completely different country 🙂
The warmth and hospitality of people in Barcelona is far better than I expected. Here, everyone greets you with a smile. After Istanbul’s hectic life, Barcelona is a place where time flows more slowly and life is felt more deeply. I enjoy walking in Barcelona, encountering a new cultural event, street festival, or exhibition every day. Are there negative aspects? Yes, there are, but for now, let’s continue with the positive sides. With Barcelona’s sun, sea, and energy, I’m living the most beautiful period of my life. My wife and I plan to continue our life in Barcelona – Istanbul is our home, but for now, we’re in Barcelona.
I learned what comfort zone really means during this journey. It would be super cliché to simply say “come on, take a step and move to a different country now.” It’s not easy – as I mentioned, it took us 3 years, it might take shorter or longer for you, but if you have such a thought, you need to start somewhere. Seeing new places, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures broadens one’s horizons. This shouldn’t be confused with just traveling to a different country as a tourist.
Why barselona.io?
The “not easy” part starts here, the official processes begin the moment you step into Barcelona. The e-Government system we have in Turkey is limited here, and moreover, it’s completely unusable for newcomers. Since English is not an option in official processes, and when appointments are required for every transaction, these processes can be troublesome. However, as you live here, you realize these are things that can be solved step by step. Your residence permit is approved and you’ve arrived in Barcelona, but all processes are in Spanish – what will you do now?
We decided to build this platform so that you can learn all these processes, access the right lawyers, quickly connect with communities, and explore Barcelona like a local.
