After finishing my studies, I packed my bags and spent two years living and travelling across Europe. It was a season of discovery, not only of new places and cultures, but also of myself.
Coming from a protective upbringing, those years were my first taste of true independence: finding work in a city where no one knew my name, navigating unfamiliar streets, and building a life in a completely new environment. The lessons I learnt about resilience, curiosity, and embracing the unknown still shape me today.
In year one, Deventer in the Netherlands, was my home base. In year two, Belgium became my home, I lived just outside Brussels. I can still recall standing in the middle of the Grand Place, mesmerised by its beauty, feeling both small and incredibly alive. Back then, I whispered a quiet wish – that one day I could return with my family, so they too could experience the magic that had changed me.
Fast forward: in 2020, I had the privilege of sharing Amsterdam with my daughter. Now in 2025, that dream continues. On my vision board last year, I wrote down “travel with family.”
This time, I’m here with my hubby, my son, and most meaningfully, visiting our daughter and her fiancé who now call the Netherlands home. As a mom of a blended family, these moments feel even more precious. Watching the two of them experience something similar that once shaped me feels like life’s full circle.
A few reminders I carry with me from this journey:
- Resilience is built in the unfamiliar. Finding your feet in a new country, job, or culture teaches you resourcefulness you never knew you had.
- Dreams don’t expire. The quiet wishes of your younger self can meet the vision of your present self in the most unexpected ways.
- Meaning comes from connection. The architecture, art, and cities are beautiful, but they become unforgettable when shared with loved ones.
- Cultural contrasts build empathy. Adapting to different ways of living makes you more open, curious, and deeply human.
- Comfort zones are small, the world is big. Every step outside what you know makes you more adaptable for whatever lies ahead.
- Family deepens fulfilment. Independence teaches you who you are, but family reminds you what truly gives that journey meaning.
Travel has always been a teacher for me. Technology might make logistics easier these days, but what hasn’t changed is the sense of wonder: cobblestone streets, breathtaking architecture, art that stirs the soul, the energy of the markets, and the joy of hearing different languages fill the air.
But sharing it now with my children and being able to work remotely, has been the most rewarding gift of all.
