It is not easy leaving behind your country, your people, and your culture. Believe me, it is not easy. Even if we are happy that we are starting a new adventure in a foreign country, leaving behind your whole life is not easy (at least for me).
The last years I have been living in different countries aside from Argentina: UK (Oxford), Germany (Berlin), and Spain (Madrid); each time I did it, I was extremely happy and excited for everything that was forthcoming. Yet, saying goodbye was always the hardest part or being at the airport and enjoying the last hug from my family (until God knows when I would see them again).
Leaving is not easy, but it is totally worth it. It is hard because we are leaving our comfort zone, and who likes to leave a place where he or she is comfortable? Comfort that comes with predictability where you can foretell how things work and you have a life. Moving takes risk and a lot of courage. You need to be open minded about other cultures and willing to embrace them (of course without losing your own essence).
It is not always rainbows and butterflies, there were times when I really missed my friends and family, and I wished I was back home, but after a call or a coffee with a friend I was totally okay. It is normal and is part of the experience, missing but that makes us stronger!
Moving made me a more tolerant person, with more empathy and being able to understand different points of views, as well as gave me friends from ALL over the world (and I have to say that was the best thing of being abroad: the people you meet).
How much you learn from them is unimaginable! I think that is the most worthwhile thing of living in different places, you don’t lose people, but you add more to your life! The real friends will always stay with you, no matter what or how long you haven’t seen them.
Ooh, thank God we have technology to keep us updated about everything!
If you are thinking of starting a new adventure in an unknown country where you don’t know anyone, please do it! It will be the best decision you shall make. Even if you are scared (no one is immune to fear while doing something new) the experience will be worth it! The worst case scenario about your adventure is that you come home! There is nothing to lose.
PS: If you can have a glass of wine while waiting for departure it makes it even better! Here I was at the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol waiting for my flight back to Madrid, after an amazing holiday in the beautiful dutch land.
Ximena B. Solar Grillo
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