Richard Gere on life in Spain: “They understand life very differently than we do in the United States”

Richard Gere and his wife, Alejandra Silva, have returned to the United States after spending a full year living in Madrid with her family. The actor says he was completely won over by the culture, the pace of daily life, and the food.

A year that left a mark

In a recent interview with People, Gere opened up about how the experience shaped him, offering a series of reflections on what stood out during his time abroad. One of the biggest impressions, he said, was the Spanish approach to living.

Spanish culture, Gere explained, has a joy that feels open and inviting. He described people as warm, generous, and far less stressed than what he sees day to day in the United States.

How life in Madrid compares to the U.S.

Gere said the year gave him the chance to enjoy more time with his wife at their home in La Moraleja, one of Madrid’s most exclusive neighborhoods. The slower, more relaxed rhythm, along with the friendly way people interacted with him, left a deep impression.

He also praised Spain’s food and cultural vibrancy. Spain, he said, has a joyful spirit similar to what people often feel in Italy. When you are in places like Italy or Spain, he explained, you are surrounded by cultures that understand life differently than people in the United States. There is more appreciation for the small things.

Gere planning Spain return

Although the couple is now back in the United States, Gere said he fully expects to return to Spain often. His connection to the country runs far deeper than his relationship with Silva.

Their move back was driven largely by his professional commitments in the United States, as well as something else he found himself missing: the energy of New York City. Gere called it an addictive place and admitted he longed for it.

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