Terschelling – Greece | Living Across Europe

What Living Across Europe and 18 Years as a Nomad Taught Me About Letting Go

If you had told me thirty years ago, while breathing in the crisp, salty Wadden Sea & North Sea air on the Dutch island of Terschelling, that my life would become a sweeping journey of living across Europe, I probably would have laughed.

But life rarely follows a linear path.

Since embarking on my journey in 2008, I have lived, worked, and navigated the beautiful chaos of living across Europe, North Africa, and the Mediterranean. My passport tells a story of constant motion, adaptation, and deep cultural immersion:

Chronological Order

2008: The adventure kicks off under the warm sun of Malta.
2008 – 2016: A deeply formative, eight-year chapter guiding tours on the volcanic landscapes of Fuerteventura, Spain. (A brief return to the Netherlands followed to care for my ailing father—a poignant reminder of what truly matters).
2016: My first unforgettable encounter with the historic energy of Athens, Greece.
2017: Returning to the rocky shores and ancient charm of Malta.
2017 – 2018: Trading the sea breeze for the dramatic Balkan peaks of Sofia, Bulgaria.
2018: Venturing into Central Europe to experience the rich architecture and café culture of Brno, Czech Republic.
2019: Soaking in the stunning Atlantic coastal views and historic charm of Porto, Portugal.
2020: A bold leap across the Mediterranean to experience the vibrant, bustling rhythm of Casablanca, Morocco.
2020 – Present: A beautiful, recurring love story with the Balkans and the Mediterranean, moving between the warm hospitality of Greece, the familiar streets of Sofia, a final strategic chapter in Malta, and ultimately returning home to my true sanctuary here in Greece.

Living in so many different cultures while teaching my native language online has taught me invaluable lessons that no textbook could ever provide. If you are currently an expat, a digital nomad, or someone preparing to move abroad, here are the three greatest truths I’ve learned along the way:

1. Home is Not a Geographical Coordinate

When you move as frequently as I have, you quickly realize that you cannot tie your inner peace to a single brick-and-mortar building or a specific dot on a map. “Home” becomes something you pack inside your own heart.

It is the ability to find comfort in a new local café, to appreciate the unique rhythm of a foreign city, and to create an internal anchor that remains steady no matter how fast the world is spinning around you.

2. Empathy is the Ultimate Universal Language

As a result, having arrived in multiple countries where I didn’t speak a single word of the local tongue, I know exactly what it feels like to stand in a local supermarket or a public administrative office feeling completely overwhelmed, vulnerable, and lost.

This exact nomadic background is what makes me the teacher I am today. When an absolute beginner sits across from me in a digital classroom, terrified of making their first mistake, I don’t just see a student—I see myself arriving in Sofia, Casablanca, or Athens for the very first time.

Because I have stood in your shoes, my lessons are built on absolute patience, reassurance, and shared human experience, not rigid academic judgment.

3. The Ultimate Art of Letting Go

For instance, moving across borders forces you to pack light—both physically and mentally. Specifically, you learn to let go of material clutter, rigid expectations, and the need to control every single outcome. Consequently, you learn to flow with the unexpected, whether it’s a complicated local residency process or a sudden shift in plans.

My ultimate goal has always been to settle down permanently in the beautiful, sun-drenched landscapes of Greece. The journey here took many detours, unexpected loops, and a few rough terrains, but every single stop on my map taught me how to stand firmly on my own feet.

Furthermore, If you are currently navigating your own cross-border transition, take a deep breath. In addition, trust the detours. They are simply preparing you for the destination.