Hello Murcia!
Covid changed many things for us all. We realised that most of us can do our jobs at home, depending on who you are - that’s either heaven or hell. Remote working has its pros (can actually get my washing done) and cons (it can be lonesome). But, at the end of the day, I reckon most of us do prefer a hybrid workstyle. Which then begs the question, if you can do your job anywhere, why stay in the UK?...
Murcia Cathedral
Of course it is not as easy as that. Obtaining a visa abroad is an arduous and costly process. But coming out of the other end of it, you will find yourself living in a sunny, laidback European city (maybe even further afield). I have worked abroad a fair few times already, it’s the nature of once being a live-action Producer on shoots. A while back, I headed to Spain to visit my partner (long distance is no joke). I doubled up the time with working remotely.
Cartagena is a nearby port city and naval base. A 35 minute coach journey from Murcia will have you in this historic site.
Well, one of the obvious differences is the weather. I flew out from blustery wind and heavy rain, to calm blue skies with the sun beaming. It’s undeniable the mental health benefits that sunny weather has on our mood and mindset. Bliss is the best word to describe waking up to sunshine and the gentle ring of church bells, with my morning coffee. Somehow the day’s work feels easier to manage, especially when you can break it up with short walks in a historic city. The architecture of Murcia is unbelievable. Though it is the seventh-largest city in the country, I couldn’t quite believe that. The vibe is more of a small town feel. Perhaps it’s because there is no sense of rushing around or urgency, compared to London. Everyone takes their time. The journey to go buy a coffee is just as important as the arrival and purchase. Slow-living is the mantra here!
Could gaze up in awe at the architecture for hours.
It seems silly now, to think of Murcia as small, with its abundance of pretty plazas at every corner. The enormous cathedral (another dead giveaway that it is indeed a city), which was unfortunately being renovated at the time, but the inside was breathtaking. Every street corner is so picturesque and well-taken care of. Clean streets and big potted plants to add some décor. And music! Oh my goodness, beautiful musicians echoing through the alleyways was wonderful to overhear from our office. This brings me to the working remote aspect. No exaggeration either, but even the smell in the streets is sweeter! A citrus fruit scent, for those wondering. I am definitely in my hot girl walk era, so dragging my partner to every possible scenic spot was inevitable. I did also force him to take me to every single cake shop as well. I am not elaborating when I say, we ate cake every single day. The way I saw it, the daily cake and coffee was justified because I was burning the calories off with walking!
Café Lab was a go-to spot for coffee and cake.
It was amazing how quickly I could fall into a relaxed working routine. To me, Murcia was reverse world - my gym workouts switched to mornings. In London I would have to get up at 5am just to exercise and commute to work on time. My evenings were spent walking and absorbing the atmospheric streets. In London, all I want to do is sit and veg in front of the TV. My daytime breaks led to spontaneity, like us taking a boat and rowing along the canal, on a Friday afternoon. In London, I follow a strict routine to ensure I don't overspend crazily! Reverse world was foreign to me, but landing back at Gatwick airport, I felt so rejuvenated. Like spending the day at the spa.
So, I can't help but wonder, why does working in London and I’m assuming the UK in general, feel so much more strained? Is it purely down to the weather? The sun beaming down on us does seem to make us all smile more. But I don’t know if it is just that anymore. When I speak to friends, colleagues, even strangers, they all seem to comment on this metaphorically weight on their shoulders. The cost of living crisis, the house and job market is a struggle, and the lack of cultural events that brings us together as a nation, could be factors contributing to our life fatigue. I wish I had a definitive reason for you, but I’m also figuring it out…
How cute is an afternoon bow row?
Murcia was a game-changer for me. It was like stepping out of 100 shades of grey and into technicolour. It did make me question how we approach daily living here. Or perhaps it is something deeper for me. Waking each morning next to my partner who I see typically once a month. Working together and pulling away from the computer to laugh and share some anecdotes. Long walks by the canal and deep conversations. Day trips to Cartagena (35 mins by coach) where we held breakfast by the amphitheatre, and spent the afternoon with coffee and people-watching by the marina. Showing off who can row better on the river. BBQ food markets on Sundays and date night in a fancy restaurant.
It is possible that I have found the crux of why I loved it so much. Maybe the air in Murcia isn’t as sweet. Perhaps the music from the streets was all in my head. I could just be in denial that I am in fact in my lover girl era. I have only just realised that, wow. How blind was I? I had started this whole article on the basis of discussing remote working abroad. Sitting here at a coffee shop in London, without a slice of cake, seems like a perfect metaphor. I have absolutely no desire for cake here. It won’t taste half as sweet as sharing a slice with him.
Sometimes it isn't about the destination or even the journey, but who you spend it with. Those moments, those inconsequential, mundane, ordinary moments - that’s the cake.
