New Plan, Same Dream

Villa Borghese Gardens, Rome, Italy | Addy + Me

If one word captures the period from vacation to now it would be, "countdown". Counting down to visiting my friend, Addy, in Rome…to my 27th birthday (T-4 days)…to FINALLY being able to share the exciting news: I'm moving to Greece on Sunday, June 18th (T-5 days)!!

You might be thinking: "Wait, Nikki, I thought you already moved…to Spain?" And, you'd be partly right. Ever since I was a little girl, spinning the globe her little brother got for Christmas on its axis--promising herself she'd go everywhere here finger pointed when the globe stopped its spinning--I knew I wanted to live outside of the US. God has blessed me with opportunities to travel and spend extended time in a few different places already. Each experience broadened my imagination for what "home" could look and feel like, validated that I could--and would--thrive in many different environments.

I chose Spain, not only for its beauty and culture, but because of its nearness to the familiar. I already understood the language; I had visited (albeit briefly) before; and, dear friends would be within arms' reach (tbh, the best part of the last several weeks has been Ali + Elena's company). It seemed like the most reasonable choice.

Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome | Spent Saturday Exploring along the Tiber River

A few weeks ago, I received an update from my immigration lawyer re: the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa process that caused me to step back and reevaluate. There was another delay; carefully laid plans had been upturned again; and, timely approval of my residency application was uncertain. So, I asked myself: "Why am I doing this? What are the must-haves for any place I call "home"? What else could be beautiful and satisfying for me other than living in Spain?"

And so, I returned to the notes and research I conducted over the past 2 years: other visa options, the list of countries that most intrigued me, notes annotating where I have friends and mutual friends. Friends prayed for me, listened to me, and strategized alongside me. Within a couple days, it was decided: Greece checked all of the boxes--and shone most brilliantly among the other possibilities!

Next Sunday, the day after my 27th birthday, I will fly into Crete, Greece, and begin a 6-month exploration of the country (my new home base!) before selecting where to live. I'll visit Naxos, Rhodes, Kalamata, Athens, and some smaller islands and cities along the Peloponnese Coast. I'm learning Greek (I knew I wanted to learn another language this year but I was paralyzed by all of the options--the choice was simplified for me overnight, haha). I've signed up for local cooking classes to learn about the cuisine and cooking methods passed down through the generations of Greeks. I'm ecstatic to swim in waters I never even thought I'd see--and learn new hobbies for enjoying this part of the world!

So, yes. It's a new plan, but it's also the same plan. Live by the water, soak up the sun, uncover new ways of living, learn how to express myself and love well in a different language + culture, and build a life that honors the hard work and sacrifices of the family members (passed + living) who made realizing this dream possible.

Isn't it marvelous that life doesn't have to look exactly one way to be whole + good?

Xo, Nikki

P.S. I saw the cutest receipt holder yesterday! 100/10 recommend this small, family-owned Galician restaurant in Barcelona, Las Hermanas de los Ancares.

P.P.S. You know I'm gonna share this week's "Best Bite"! Delicious beans + peas prepared with pork bits, solomillo with tender potatoes + sauteed veggies, and FLANNNN.