Thanks for sharing this--what an adventure! Congratulations on starting your citizenship paperwork. I'm in Portugal now for 1y-8m, and grateful for the journey that brought me here. Nine years ago, I was starting my late-life career change and worked as a hospice and then hospital chaplain. I retired two weeks before we left for Portugal.
Happy retirement! I see you were also changing your life 9 years ago. And look where you ended up. Would you have ever thought it? Where in Portugal are you?
I just celebrated my 10 years in Melbourne. 9 years ago I was crying in paperwork, trying to understand why'd they lure travellers and then kick them out once they establish a life Down Under. Then I applied for a partner visa and couldn't actually leave until it was processed. I went back home for the first time after 4 years.
Nine years ago I was stuck in a very secure (i.e boring) government job in Sydney with a mortgage, a wonderful husband, two fantastic sons on the cusp of adulthood and a rambunctious Jack Russell terrier. I still have the husband and sons (RIP Alby) but now I also have a life in Madrid that I had not even imagined. Yes - there are people you are yet to meet who will become friends and fellow travellers :)
Yes it’s beautiful, even in the summer heat. I’ve been here just over a year now and I love it more than ever. Really happy to connect with other women (n SS or IRL) enjoying life in Spain!
Do you live in the city center in a gorgeous historic building? This is what I dream of for everyone I know, including myself. So it would make me super happy if you were living this dream. Although perhaps you prefer a modern architectural home with an infinity pool, 20 minutes out of town? If so, then I hope you're living that dream.
I loved reading about your life as a nomad, Vivian! 9 years ago, I was traveling a lot for work, and my everyday life at home was difficult. I looked back and saw comms with friends about my impending divorce and trying to get my ex out of the house. Things are a lot different now, still come struggles, but I am living life on my own terms. I appreciate your giving me an opportunity to reflect. This read like the outline for a longer form of memoir. I look forward to more stories of your adventures!
Sheri! Thanks for your comment. When you think about all the ways our lives have changed in the past 9 years it's pretty wild, right? For me, 9 years seems like a lifetime ago, but also? It went by really fast. Is that true for you as well?
People keep telling me I should write a memoir. I've been resistant because I'm like...what would it even be about. But apparently I've got an outline now! 😍
Nine years ago, I had just returned from London and Geneva, where I’d been tutoring at an international bioethics seminar, and was already making plans to be back in London by December. But right as I was packing, I found out I’d been fired in a massive layoff. So London was canceled at the very last minute, and I mean the very last minute.
Love this, Vivian! I definitely resonate with number one right now as Italy might not be the final destination. (Now I’m thinking Spain…) And 9 years ago I was just starting my life abroad too! Happy anniversary 🥂 Let’s toast virtually or irl soon
Let's definitely toast (or do something) IRL sometime this summer. Or maybe this Fall when things are quieter on the holiday-goer scene in Europe. What's midway between Italy and Portugal? Somewhere in the south of France or NE Spain? Which as I look at the map is basically Barcelona.
Two beautiful cities!!! Reach out with questions if you need to, I am happy to help. Moving to another country is always stressful. I have lived in four so far, and each time is like the first.
It really is! I lived in Tunisia, the US, Costa Rica, Mexico, and France. Each time, I loved the new start (however difficult it was), and each time, it was very different. The most difficult place to start for me was Paris, although I speak French very well. And I met people from many countries, but it is hard to make friends with Parisians ...
Great breakdown of your lessons and insights of being an expat. 9 years ago I was on the "corporate ladder" and never thought I would live overseas. Today I'm an expat in the US albeit temporarily!
Thanks Janice! How long have you been in the US? And where are you headed next, do you know? Thinking of settling down somewhere for awhile or are you thinking of seeing as much of the world as you can?
Around 2 years, it's certainly been a bit of an adventure. Will be heading back home to Australia and looking forward to settling for a bit and catching up with family and friends. We will still travel but not as frequently as we've been while living in the US. It's just been so convenient to travel from the US!
I suppose when you live in Australia, a home base anywhere else seems like a more convenient place to travel from. I've never been to Australia because it just seems so far--even from where I was in SE Asia. But I need to go. And I need to go for like a month or more.
Have you got a favorite place from all your travels?
I'm planning on staying in Portugal as long as they'll have me. They may be in the process of changing the immigration laws and so who knows what the future holds. I'm hopeful that I'll be here for a good long while.
haha yes, Australia is far for anything! Even travelling within the country is far.
Yes if you come to Australia and want to see many parts of it, 4 weeks would be a great amount of time.
Gosh there are so many places I enjoyed. Hiking in Banff and Jasper in Canada spring to mind as highlights. Then also visiting San Sabastian, Paris and Bordeaux for the first time last year also spring to mind.
Portugal sounds like a great home base to travel from. I take you've done a lot of Europe travel from there?
You are going to be as surprised as I am when I say this, but in the past 5 years that I've been resident in Portugal, I have not traveled in Europe. Unless you count London and Edinburgh as Europe, which the EU definitely does not anymore. 😬 The type of visa I'm on doesn't allow me a lot of days out of Portugal and I need to use them for work trips. I did a lot more traveling in Europe when I was on the Schenghen 90 out of 180 situation. France was one of my favorite places to explore and I've spent a little time in Paris and more time in Lille. I'll try to remember to reach out to you when I start planning a trip to Australia!
Yes feel free to reach out when you're ready to visit Australia, happy to give some specific suggestions.
Also I've was on a podcast where I talked a lot about travel in Australia. It's being released tomorrow by The Gomes Guide here on Substack so you'll see it on my feed as well if you're interested in giving it a listen
Thanks for sharing this--what an adventure! Congratulations on starting your citizenship paperwork. I'm in Portugal now for 1y-8m, and grateful for the journey that brought me here. Nine years ago, I was starting my late-life career change and worked as a hospice and then hospital chaplain. I retired two weeks before we left for Portugal.
Happy retirement! I see you were also changing your life 9 years ago. And look where you ended up. Would you have ever thought it? Where in Portugal are you?
Porto area, specifically Vila Nova de Gaia. If you’re ever around the area, give a holler.
I will definitely let you know when I'm in Porto. I'd actually like to get up there at some point this summer. It'd be fun to meetup!
I just celebrated my 10 years in Melbourne. 9 years ago I was crying in paperwork, trying to understand why'd they lure travellers and then kick them out once they establish a life Down Under. Then I applied for a partner visa and couldn't actually leave until it was processed. I went back home for the first time after 4 years.
Wow! That's a story that sounds like it could've ended completely differently. Australia was full of surprising plot twists for you!
Isn't it strange that we're all women here, sharing these experiences?? 😊
Maybe the men need a few days to catch up? 🤷🏻♀️
Nine years ago I was stuck in a very secure (i.e boring) government job in Sydney with a mortgage, a wonderful husband, two fantastic sons on the cusp of adulthood and a rambunctious Jack Russell terrier. I still have the husband and sons (RIP Alby) but now I also have a life in Madrid that I had not even imagined. Yes - there are people you are yet to meet who will become friends and fellow travellers :)
Oh Madrid. I feel like I have a whole group of women in my life right now who are living in or wanting to live in Spain. How long have you been there?
Yes it’s beautiful, even in the summer heat. I’ve been here just over a year now and I love it more than ever. Really happy to connect with other women (n SS or IRL) enjoying life in Spain!
Do you live in the city center in a gorgeous historic building? This is what I dream of for everyone I know, including myself. So it would make me super happy if you were living this dream. Although perhaps you prefer a modern architectural home with an infinity pool, 20 minutes out of town? If so, then I hope you're living that dream.
I absolutely do live in a gorgeous old building - built in the late 1800’s in the centre of Madrid - I love it every single day I’m here.
Oh you are living my dream! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
I loved reading about your life as a nomad, Vivian! 9 years ago, I was traveling a lot for work, and my everyday life at home was difficult. I looked back and saw comms with friends about my impending divorce and trying to get my ex out of the house. Things are a lot different now, still come struggles, but I am living life on my own terms. I appreciate your giving me an opportunity to reflect. This read like the outline for a longer form of memoir. I look forward to more stories of your adventures!
Sheri! Thanks for your comment. When you think about all the ways our lives have changed in the past 9 years it's pretty wild, right? For me, 9 years seems like a lifetime ago, but also? It went by really fast. Is that true for you as well?
People keep telling me I should write a memoir. I've been resistant because I'm like...what would it even be about. But apparently I've got an outline now! 😍
👏👏👏
I feel like a lot of this echoes your experience too?
Oh my gosh… down to considering Cambodia thanks to a visit to Angkor Wat. And realizing that I found home when I stopped trying to escape. 😉
Vivian, you are a wild adventurer!
Nine years ago, I had just returned from London and Geneva, where I’d been tutoring at an international bioethics seminar, and was already making plans to be back in London by December. But right as I was packing, I found out I’d been fired in a massive layoff. So London was canceled at the very last minute, and I mean the very last minute.
After that, everything changed.
OMG, greatest cliffhanger to a comment of all time! "After that, everything changed." I am literally hearing that Morgan Freeman's voice.
Thank you!!!!
Love this, Vivian! I definitely resonate with number one right now as Italy might not be the final destination. (Now I’m thinking Spain…) And 9 years ago I was just starting my life abroad too! Happy anniversary 🥂 Let’s toast virtually or irl soon
Let's definitely toast (or do something) IRL sometime this summer. Or maybe this Fall when things are quieter on the holiday-goer scene in Europe. What's midway between Italy and Portugal? Somewhere in the south of France or NE Spain? Which as I look at the map is basically Barcelona.
Ok great. Further confirmation that I will see you in Barcelona! :)
Hi Asia, I am in Barcelona. If you have any questions, just reach out.
Oh thank you so much, Betina! I just visited Barcelona and fell in love with the city. I’m considering moving there or Valencia.
Two beautiful cities!!! Reach out with questions if you need to, I am happy to help. Moving to another country is always stressful. I have lived in four so far, and each time is like the first.
Thank you I really appreciate it & may certainly take you up on your offer!! Moving to another country is always an adventure 😅
It really is! I lived in Tunisia, the US, Costa Rica, Mexico, and France. Each time, I loved the new start (however difficult it was), and each time, it was very different. The most difficult place to start for me was Paris, although I speak French very well. And I met people from many countries, but it is hard to make friends with Parisians ...
If you all are getting together in Barcelona some day, I hope you invite me!
Of course we will!
So nice to learn your story!!! 🤗After reading where you have been the last 9 years, I almost feel stuck. I’m still in suburban GA! 😎
I don't think you can be technically "stuck" in a place that you enjoy living in the way you enjoy living on the A-side of town.
Happy expat anniversary! I would definitely move somewhere based on a bike ride :D
And that is why we are friends. hahahahaha
Great breakdown of your lessons and insights of being an expat. 9 years ago I was on the "corporate ladder" and never thought I would live overseas. Today I'm an expat in the US albeit temporarily!
Thanks Janice! How long have you been in the US? And where are you headed next, do you know? Thinking of settling down somewhere for awhile or are you thinking of seeing as much of the world as you can?
Around 2 years, it's certainly been a bit of an adventure. Will be heading back home to Australia and looking forward to settling for a bit and catching up with family and friends. We will still travel but not as frequently as we've been while living in the US. It's just been so convenient to travel from the US!
I take Portugal is now your long term home?
I suppose when you live in Australia, a home base anywhere else seems like a more convenient place to travel from. I've never been to Australia because it just seems so far--even from where I was in SE Asia. But I need to go. And I need to go for like a month or more.
Have you got a favorite place from all your travels?
I'm planning on staying in Portugal as long as they'll have me. They may be in the process of changing the immigration laws and so who knows what the future holds. I'm hopeful that I'll be here for a good long while.
haha yes, Australia is far for anything! Even travelling within the country is far.
Yes if you come to Australia and want to see many parts of it, 4 weeks would be a great amount of time.
Gosh there are so many places I enjoyed. Hiking in Banff and Jasper in Canada spring to mind as highlights. Then also visiting San Sabastian, Paris and Bordeaux for the first time last year also spring to mind.
Portugal sounds like a great home base to travel from. I take you've done a lot of Europe travel from there?
You are going to be as surprised as I am when I say this, but in the past 5 years that I've been resident in Portugal, I have not traveled in Europe. Unless you count London and Edinburgh as Europe, which the EU definitely does not anymore. 😬 The type of visa I'm on doesn't allow me a lot of days out of Portugal and I need to use them for work trips. I did a lot more traveling in Europe when I was on the Schenghen 90 out of 180 situation. France was one of my favorite places to explore and I've spent a little time in Paris and more time in Lille. I'll try to remember to reach out to you when I start planning a trip to Australia!
Ahh I see! That's a very particular visa then!
Yes feel free to reach out when you're ready to visit Australia, happy to give some specific suggestions.
Also I've was on a podcast where I talked a lot about travel in Australia. It's being released tomorrow by The Gomes Guide here on Substack so you'll see it on my feed as well if you're interested in giving it a listen