Chapter 1:
Introduction
Dear readers,
Ten years ago, on May 14, 2013, I boarded a flight from the UK to Spain, embarking on an adventure that would forever change my life. At the age of 23, armed with youthful enthusiasm and a job opportunity with a holiday tour operator, I set foot in a foreign land. Little did I know then that this move would mark the beginning of a remarkable decade-long journey. As I look back on the past ten years, I am filled with a mix of emotions—gratitude, nostalgia, and a sense of accomplishment. Join me as I share my heartfelt reflections on this momentous milestone and celebrate the triumphs, challenges, and personal growth I've experienced along the way.
Can you believe it? A whole decade has passed since I embarked on the journey of a lifetime. It feels like just yesterday that I left behind the comforts of my small town in West Yorkshire and boarded that flight to Alicante, Spain. Little did I know that this move would shape my life in ways I could never have imagined. As I celebrate my 10th anniversary of living and working as a Brit abroad, I want to take you on a heartfelt, funny, and emotional roller coaster ride through my incredible experiences. So, buckle up and join me as I share the triumphs, the challenges, and the immense pride I feel in proving the naysayers wrong.
Chapter 2:
From Sleepy Town to Sunny Shores
It all started ten years ago when I took a leap of faith and accepted a job opportunity with a travel firm. embarking on an adventure that would forever change my life. I packed my bags, left my familiar surroundings when I bid farewell to a small, sleepy town market town, in West Yorkshire with only 1 hotel, and less than 10 bars, and hopped on a flight to Alicante. My destination: the vibrant, crazy, huge, immensely busy, and noisy world of Benidorm.
The first six months were a whirlwind of emotions, from the initial excitement mixed with nervousness of starting a new adventure to the fear of the size, business, and loudness of my new home; only made worst my lack of language and starting a new job and knowing no one so fear of the unknown. Which then brought homesickness that tugged at my heartstrings. But through it all, and with the help of my mum and her rescue mission I persevered, and each day brought new opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. Little did I know that this seemingly ordinary step of taking a job would lead me to the biggest adventure of my life! but it was all worth it. Keep reading to uncover the colourful pages of "The Diary of a British Girl Aboard
Chapter 3:
From Yorkshire to Spain
Before my Spanish escapade, my roots were firmly planted in a market town called Todmorden. Born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, I fondly remember my hometown of Todmorden, where I spent my formative years. After pursuing my studies in Liverpool, my journey took an unexpected turn when I moved to the vibrant city of Liverpool for my studies. A degree in Physical Geography was only the beginning of the path that led me to sunny shores and unforeseen horizons.
I found myself yearning for something more, something that would ignite my spirit of adventure, something to help me grow as a person, to continue to learn and grow. To try a new job and the challenges that relocation comes with. To learn about me and what I like and who I am. That's when Spain beckoned, and I seized the chance to explore a new culture, language, and way of life. All while learning new skills in a new job that gave me this wonderful opportunity
Chapter 4:
Defying Expectations, Tears, Laughter, and Soul Searching
Throughout this remarkable journey, some doubted me and constantly questioned my choices. They labelled me as useless, a failure, disaster. these people where mostly close family and teachers (The people you are taught to listen to, told to trust. expect them to show love not to lie or hurt you, who are meant to support all your endeavours even if your not the best at them; for example coming in excited to show them something new you leant showing them a kick learnt in karate or art or a poem or told them about something like going to an audition for choir/play/solo. They are meant to support you, guide you, build up your confidence, not tear you apart till you give up) but I started to believe them. Which is why I applied and accepted the overseas tour operator job. I wanted to give my self space, room to breath, a better chance of success and see what I was truly capable of and challenge myself away from the constant negative voices, away and learn who I really was underneath the anxious, nervous, insecure shell of self doubt created and what I was truly capable of Yet, here I stand, a decade later, proud and resilient.
Oh, those first six months in Spain! They were nothing short of a roller coaster ride. Overcoming the challenges of being far away from home, grappling with a new language, and making friends in a foreign land was no easy feat. But perseverance paid off, and I found my way through the ups and downs. And who could forget the rescue mission led by my wonderful mother? Her support and determination helped me stay the course, and I'll forever be grateful for her unwavering belief in my dreams., I not only proved them wrong, but I also proved to myself that I am capable of overcoming any challenge. I have built a life here, made friends, and earned the respect of those around me. I am a testament to the power of determination and self-belief.
Chapter 5:
. A Journey of Love, Self-Discovery Adventure, and New Beginnings
As time passed, I fell head over heels for Spain, its culture, and its people. Little did I know that amidst the sun-soaked beaches and lively atmosphere, I would find a love that would change my whole world. It was during the summer of 2013 that fate intervened and introduced me to someone who would forever change my life—a Spanish/Dutch man.with stunning good looks, bright blue eyes I still get lost in, and eyelashes I was and still am jealous of today. This coupled with his dark blond Hair and tanned skin I was way out of his league. With his fun and outgoing, spontaneous adventurous. But also, kind, caring, loyal, honest, responsible personality (kind of a boy next door meets bad boy personality). He managed to capture my heart. Our blossoming relationship allowed me to explore Spain beyond the touristic hubs. Through his eyes, I discovered hidden gems of Spain beyond Benidorm, the places I would never have discovered on my own. As our connection deepened, and we created memories I'll cherish forever. my love for this beautiful country, its culture, and its people blossomed.
Meeting my husband was a pivotal moment, one that enriched my life beyond measure. The following months brought new adventures, both personally and professionally. As the bustling months of stag and hen parties came and went, my bond with this incredible man grew stronger. I started questioning whether this dreamlike life could truly be my reality. Little did I know that this enchanting country would become my forever home
Chapter 6:
Facing Adversity and Rising Above
November arrived, and with it, the end of my contract and the return to my homeland. But fate had something else in store for me. Despite bidding farewell to Spain, my heart remained. I was suddenly torn between too places. This was not a summer romance, we had spoken about new year's, family weddings. The idea of never seeing each other again killed us. My heart and soul were torn between my love for my family and my boyfriend. I had a huge decision to make. He came to visit me in the UK in December just before Christmas, we did the Christmas markets and old Trafford tour and had mini-Christmas with him, and I went to his for new year's. We spoke about me moving to Spain permanently together and with my family. But no official decision was made so I returned to finish my contract with tour operator.
While constantly thinking about this huge decision of permanently leaving my family and hometown to embark on a life with this wonderful man, in this breath-taking country, or return home heartbroken, and full of regret and wonder of what could have been, both in this new wonderful exciting passion relationship and the lessons and opportunities and adventures that could arise that only living in Spain could give me to enrich my life. By fully immersing myself in its language and culture with this gorgeous handsome man as my guide.
BUT this meant leaving all I knew, behind. MY family, all my friends, my familiarities, to step into the unknown and legal mind field with only him as my support. It was a risk, I was confused. I dint know what to do.
Chapter 7:
The Biggest, Scariest Decision of My Life
One of the proudest moments of my journey was the courageous decision I made at the tender age of 24. I took a leap of faith, leaving behind my job with the tour operator to become a legal resident of Spain. With determination in my heart and a strong belief in my capabilities. There were certainly ups and downs along the way, like breaking my leg only 4 days after leaving my tour op job and starting in the bar and ending up in hospital having surgery, I worked hard to build a life, make friends, and establish a reputation as a trustworthy, friendly, and hardworking individual.
Chapter 8:
Embracing Growth and Self-Acceptance
Throughout the years, I battled with low confidence and self-esteem, burdened by the negative expectations others had placed upon me. However, each step I took on this journey in Spain shattered those misconceptions. With every challenge overcome, I grew stronger, more confident, and more self-assured. I defied the naysayers and proved to myself, above all, that I could succeed. Learning the language, immersing myself in the local culture, and forging deep connections with friends, customers, and managers all contributed to my transformation. Today, as I reflect on these accomplishments, I celebrate the person I have become—the person who CAN, WILL, and DID.
Chapter 9:
A Decade of Triumphs and Resilience
Here we are, a decade later, and I stand proudly before you. Against all odds and negative expectations, I have defied the sceptics who doubted my abilities. Despite being called useless and a failure, I've proven them wrong, day by day. It was being away from those negative voices that allowed me to grow personally and mend the cracks in my spirit. Living the Dream Living and working in Spain has opened my eyes to the incredible beauty of this country. Immersing myself in the local culture, discovering breath-taking places like Fonts de Algar and Guadalest, to the awe-inspiring works of Gaudi, every corner holds its charm. I'm trying my best to learn the language and connecting with the wonderful people who call this place home. The sun, the beaches, the mountains, and the food—they have all woven together to create a life I adore. Spain has become my home, and I am forever grateful for the opportunities it has bestowed upon me, because all these experiences shaped me into the person I am today.
Chapter 10:
Conclusion
So, join me in the Congratulations of reaching the milestone of 10 years of living and working as a Brit abroad! It's not easy to leave behind everything that's familiar and comfortable and embark on a new adventure in a foreign country. But despite my own doubts I did it, and that's definitely something I am proud of!
Looking back on my journey, it's clear that it's been a mix of good and bad experiences. I've had to deal with homesickness and the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language. But I've also had the opportunity to travel, meet new people, make new friends and fall in love with a wonderful man and his country.
It's amazing how quickly the past 10 years seem to have flown by, isn't it? It's like I blinked and suddenly a decade has passed. But that's also a testament to how much I've made the most of your time in Spain and fulfilling/inspiring/educational my experiences have been.
As I reflect on your journey, it's worth taking a moment to acknowledge how far I've come. I've proven yourself to be resilient and capable, despite the negative expectations and criticisms of others. I've shown that I´m not useless or a failure, but a determined and brave person who's made a life for myself in a foreign land.
So, take a moment to celebrate with me and the incredible achievements I've made over the past 10 years. I've shown that anything is possible if you're willing to take a chance and step out of your comfort zone.
And who knows what the next 10 years will bring? Whatever comes my way, I can and will face it with the same courage and determination that's brought me this far.
Cheers to another decade of adventure and growth!