And so, we begin!

Gaithersburg, MD - Auntie Em + Uncle O's Kitchen Counter

I don't know the exact moment I decided that Spain would be the first country I moved to from sunny San Diego, California. But, if I had to guess, this one in Costa Brava (September 2022) would be the top contender. I chose this photo, not because it's perfect (I mean, my eyes are focused on something off-camera, after all), but because it's transportive for me.

I'm sat at my aunt + uncle's kitchen counter as I type this post...it's after midnight. I've been living out of a London Fog suitcase since February 28th. My visado nómada digital is undergoing the necessary bureaucratic processes (of which there are many). I've lost a couple friends and welcomed a few new friendships. I left a career in consulting after 5.5 years of PowerPoint + corporate politics. So much has transpired in 8 months.

Yet, I can close my eyes and feel the tranquility, sunset warmth, and safety of that moment walking down to the beach. I remember asking myself: Why not choose this? At first, I did in small ways. I requested quality time with friends during the holidays instead of tangible gifts I would have to leave behind when I pared my apartment down to a single checked bag; I visited cherished spots around SoCal; I confided my hopes of embarking on a new beginning to close friends; and, I poured over every bit of information I could find on expat life, real estate, immigration laws, expat tax options, and cost of living.

By the end of January 2023, the moment to fully commit to realizing this goal (i.e., a dream with a deadline) arrived. February brought ups and downs and a respiratory virus and long to-do lists and OMG, this is new, and I have no blueprint-moments. March had a soothing effect as I passed the unseasonably rainy month in the company of nurturing and hospitable friends. April is ticking by quickly yet slowly. May 4th, 2023, I wake up in Barcelona--and that's where the true adventure begins.

Thanks for coming with me! ¡Hablamos pronto!