How Freedom Of Choice Looks Like In Spain

Freedom of choice shouldn’t mean endless options at the store.

Yesterday, my husband and I decided to treat our daughter to lunch in Granada after she finished school. We indulged in some of the best pizza in town, along with three drinks and a delicious dessert.

Our total bill came out to 35 Euros, but it was worth it for the amazing food and service from our waitress.

Later on, our daughter had her swimming class which costs 15 Euros per month for twice-a-week sessions.

While she was at class, my husband and I picked up some delicious bread for only 3 Euros (it is a big loaf that lasts for the entire week) and grabbed some smoothies as we ran into some friends and neighbors from our village.

On our way back home, we took the bus together for just 1.5 Euros total for the three of us.

We spent less than 50 Euros as we enjoyed a day with friends, and the bus safely transported us back to the village where our car was parked for free in the public garage.

In the evening, I shared with my husband the feeling of freedom I experienced.

We had a delicious yet inexpensive lunch and strolled through the charming streets of Granada.

Our transportation to get there was both affordable and comfortable.

We even happened to run into some friends while we were there; as always, we seemed to stumble upon someone we knew in this city.

We were able to enjoy each other’s company without any prior planning or scheduling.

The whole trip was spontaneous.

I call this the true freedom or freedom of choice.

In Spain you can choose good quality food for a reasonable price, you don’t have to worry about being stuck in the traffic, or hustle for parking.

You always meet someone to socialize.

Everything is easy and affordable.

Of course, you can choose to spend more but if you don’t want to, you have the choice to enjoy life without worrying how much the day out would cost.

Also, you socialize without too much planning.

And on top of that you feel safe, not worried about a crazy gunman.

This is a true freedom of choice.

Living in a country where basic human rights are not guaranteed and you constantly worry about financial stability, affordability, safety, and daily routines means that you are not truly living in a free country.

Having the freedom of choice should not mean being bombarded with endless options of cereal brands or 20 different types of shaving blades at the store.

This is not true freedom, but rather a ploy to promote consumerism and capitalist ideals to encourage excessive spending.

Constantly driving in your car is not true freedom; it is a passive activity that can potentially waste time and lead to accidents.

Not to mention, it is also a costly endeavor.

I am not opposed to driving, but citizens should have the option to choose whether or not they want to drive.

For example, I don’t like driving and I prefer affordable and safe public transportation.

Freedom does need to cost “arm and leg,” but it is heavily influenced by the political and cultural systems in place.

The mentality of the people also plays a significant role.

In my opinion, the system shapes the culture and mindset of people.

We humans, we always adopt.

What other choice do we have?

I quickly adapted to the way of life in Spain.

It was effortless and highly enjoyable because the cities and towns were designed with their citizens in mind rather than cars, corporations, or constant hustle.

In conclusion, the affordability of everyday life in Spain, the easy social life, and excellent public transportation, all contributed to the feeling of true freedom of choice.

We may live off the grid, but we don’t feel isolated from society.

We have both worlds: nature and the city.

We feel free.