Farewell, Texas, and Greetings to Andalusia - Another Change of Location
================================================================
Peter Bułow, a mechanical engineer turned writer, embarked on a remarkable journey in 1995, leaving his home in Waren, Germany. This journey led him to the shores of Andalusia, Spain, where he met his current wife Sonja, a linguistics graduate who worked for the Foreign Office.
The transition from the Gulf of Mexico coast to the coast of Andalusia felt like moving between two different worlds. From petrochemical plants to avocado and olive plantations, the change was stark yet invigorating. The Bułows found a surprising similarity between the California coast of the USA and the Andalusian Mediterranean coast, both sharing a distinctive landscape, vegetation, and climate.
The Bułows have been on the move ever since, living in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, and Bolivia before settling in the USA and Spain. Their nomadic lifestyle sees them changing residences every four years.
The economic overtaking of traditional industrial nations by one of the youngest countries in the world, Spain, can be attributed to globally competitive products created through cutting-edge technologies. Spain's journey eventually led to the USA, a land of abundance, despite having a smaller population compared to countries like Germany.
The economic superiority of the United States compared to traditional industrial nations in Europe stems mainly from several structural and strategic factors. Technological leadership, especially in advanced sectors like semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, has been a significant contributor. Companies such as NVIDIA and Palantir exemplify U.S. dominance in these critical tech areas that drive productivity and innovation.
Robust defense sector investment also plays a crucial role. This sector underpins resilience and innovation in ways that spill into the civilian economy. Global financial and currency advantages, including the U.S. dollar’s role as the dominant global reserve currency, further bolster the American economy.
Openness, innovation, and global engagement have been core economic principles in the USA, fostering a dynamic environment for entrepreneurship, trade, and investment. However, the U.S. faces challenges such as rising budget deficits and political paralysis over fiscal governance. Despite these issues, the country's advantages in technology and defense, combined with the dollar’s global hegemony, continue to distinguish the American economy from its European industrial counterparts.
In contrast, many traditional industrial European nations have more constrained defense spending, less pronounced technological leadership in certain frontier sectors, and eurozone monetary policy limitations that can impede rapid fiscal responsiveness.
To emerge as the winner from the battlefield of world trade, a country needs to control as many markets as possible. The Bułows' experiences, spanning continents and cultures, offer a unique perspective on this global economic landscape.
When it comes to pet travel, the safest solution is to depart from a not too hot airport with a rental car that has enough space for both the travelers, pet crates, and luggage. The flight connection to Madrid from the USA is best through Washington on the East Coast, making the journey shorter and eliminating the need for a transfer. However, the departure from the USA can be challenging due to the summer heat and restrictions on pet transportation by air.
The Bułows' life story is a testament to the spirit of adventure and the transformative power of global travel. From meeting in an unexpected encounter while taking out the trash to living in some of the world's most diverse and vibrant cities, their journey continues to unfold. Peter Bułow documents his experiences on a website, sharing insights and anecdotes from his global odyssey with a wide audience.
The Bułows, having adopted a nomadic lifestyle, found a surprising parallel between the coastal landscapes of Andalusia and the California coast, similarities that emerged during their travels.
Their life story, marked by constant movement, offers a unique perspective on the diverse economic landscapes they've encountered during their global journey, much like the battlefield of world trade, where controlling various markets is key.
