Well, I finally did it. I took the leap and started a blog (assuming I was able to convince myself to publish this). I’ve had the idea to start a blog for a long time but following through with it always seemed so overwhelming. What would I post about? My hobbies, interests, and experiences are so varied I had no idea where to start. Would I talk about living abroad, music, teaching English, or trying to transition back into veganism? I have decided that I don’t have to decide. And like most adventures in my life have begun, inspiration struck me as intense and random as lightning. So here I am, jumping in headfirst. 

I’m Elizabeth and I was born and raised in southern California. One year after graduating college, where I studied biology, I flew from LAX to Madrid, Spain with one large suitcase to spend a year teaching English. I had no idea that one year would turn into so much more… The plan was to try teaching for a year with the expectation I would be ready to try something different after. Although I have spent a large portion of my life working with children, I just never saw myself as a teacher. I also expected to learn Spanish and become fluent in a year, or surely two years. Well, the jokes on me because I am still far from fluent and I love teaching more than I could have imagined. 

Today it’s been almost four years since I’ve moved to Spain and I still can’t believe I am planning to stay for one more. I have no idea what the future holds but curiosity and spontaneity have kept my life pretty exciting this far and ensure there are rarely dull moments. Although it’s been fun, it hasn’t all been easy. Leaving your home country whether it’s only for a few months or for years comes with challenges. While some things are exciting and new, some can seem scary and different. Finding your space, your voice, and your community in a new country is the ultimate prize. 

During my years abroad, I have been fortunate to have many noteworthy experiences. I was able to travel to many different countries and experience new cultures. I started this blog to help document my life as well as share my experience with all things living, loving, working, traveling, and just navigating this crazy life. From learning what to pack for a year in Madrid to having surgery in a foreign country, I have some perspectives that I’m sure will be useful to others. Reading and learning about people’s personal experiences through their blogs has been very helpful to me and I hope I can return the favor.