14 Comments
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Karen Gordon's avatar

This is such a useful post! I got so much value out of it and inspiration for my upcoming move. OMG bed bugs, that is the worst! I hope you were able to get home without any of them hitching a ride! Also thank you very much for all those resources at the end regarding money transfer, sim cards, and insurance. I am looking at all of these - so helpful, you're the best!

Kimberly Anne's avatar

Hi Karen! Thank you so much!! I'm so glad you found this useful/helpful!!! YAY!!!

I'm super traumatized from the bedbug experience that every single dot is freaking me out and I'm having trouble sleeping with phantom itching LOL, I hope that's all it is!!

Karen Gordon's avatar

Omg I bet! Ack I hope the memory of it fades quickly!

Kimberly Anne's avatar

As long as I don't have new roommates!!! I'm actually giving away the clothing I wore there (after washing in boiling water of course).

Rebecca's avatar

I REALLY love this: "my adaptability has always been born from necessity rather than choice." Great reminder for when things go askew: that I have chosen this life - and everything that comes with it!

Kimberly Anne's avatar

YES YES YES! You have chosen this life, and it's AMAZING! I love what you're doing, you inspire me every day!! 🥰🥰🥰

Rebecca's avatar

Right back at ya my dear friend. 😘

Flying Peppers's avatar

I really enjoyed reading about your experience and perspective on embracing adventure and being flexible to accept when things don't necessarily go as planned and to trust ourselves.

Kimberly Anne's avatar

Thank you so much Christy!!!!

Gillian Fletcher's avatar

Most definitely agree--being curious and embracing the myriad of changes has made it a magical experience of self-discovery since we moved to The Netherlands a few months ago. After all, one doesn't move abroad because you want your life to stay exactly the same!

Kimberly Anne's avatar

Very good point Gillian and I'm so happy to hear how much you're learning about living there and about yourself.

Maria Anderson's avatar

Excellent resource. I too have found that adaptability is a superpower when navigating life here in Portugal, more specifically VNdGaia. When you learn when from adapting is priceless.

Kaila Krayewski's avatar

Thanks for sharing this story with us Kimberly! I saw on your notes that you had returned early from the Algarve because of horrendous bug bites. I have to say, reading your article, I was reminded a lot of my situation here in Valencia. Isn't it amazing how our perspective on exactly the same place can change so drastically? Good for you for realising it wasn't serving you, and for adhering to your own boundaries. I think it's really cool that your friend wasn't offended, and just laughed. She obviously gets it! And how wonderful that it's giving you a new appreciation for your home.

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Apr 14, 2025
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Kimberly Anne's avatar

Hi Rosie! Thank you so much for your comment!! Yes, absolutely--open minded and resilience are big parts of it too!!! All the best back!!