Today marks exactly 1 year since I landed in Malpensa Airport Milan with everything I could fit in two (2) 50lb suitcases to embark on this adventure into the somewhat unknown.

It sounds crazy to me even saying it right now, well typing it, but I can hear it in my head, anyway, you get me, right?! 🤷🏽‍♀️ lol

This is a reality that I took some time to fully grasp. Being here is a far cry from the social expectations that we have been molded by. Leaving a relatively secure job? Moving halfway around the world for love? To a country where I don’t even speak the language? Unsure of what’s the next move? Still job hunting after a year? Ha, best you played it safe sis.

Added to that, moving from the 'suburbs' (for the want of a better word), to the city; moving from a house and yard to an apartment; having a car to relying on external transport, it's sort of what you call, ummmm "a lot". Now, don't get me wrong, I’m not complaining but it has been an adjustment.

Remember that little phrase “be careful what you wish for, least it might come true”?

Well, I seemed to have manifested some years ago that This Trini, Will Travel - ended up traveling at least four times that year - now, here I am, in Europe, where travel dreams come true. Pinch me, please.

But no, really, pinch me, because although your girl is here in Milan, the perfectly central location for travel, she has been posted inside as though she is on house arrest and refuses to take solo trips, even for a day.

Have no fear, I am becoming a little more settled day by day and becoming one with the idea that I am here for more than a vacation. I hear you reading with those 'judgey' eyes "but it's been a year sis!" Technically, yes, but technically, no.

The first three months (90 days) were spent back and forth in the court and the commune (city hall) so that I wouldn't have to leave on day 90 and spend another 3 months away from my fiancé. (I'll be sharing 'Why I Got Married in Monza' soon for the tea on that situation).

During those 3 months I was also working remotely for my job in Trinidad where there was a 6 hour time difference, so that accounted for most of my time as well. Then, the following month, January, we got 'Covide' in another city, had to quarantine for 3 weeks and didn't get back to Milan until the end of the month.

You feel me now? Right!

So, for that, I would say I only began the process of really starting to get settled around February/March-ish and now, boom! We are in September again, which we can note is almost over. I know I am not the only one confused as to where the time has gone.

On the topic of time, when I think about the new found "free" time I have obtained due to my situation vs what I have actually done, I also have to remember to give myself some grace. I have began to appreciate it and embrace it as part of this season.

Anyway, I stumbled across these quotes recently and they could not be any more applicable.

• Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. ― Helen Keller

• You have to focus on the here and now. The future will work out itself. ― Soulla Christodoulou

• The secret of being happy is accepting where you are in life and making the most out of every day. — Anonymous

I'm looking forward to exploring Milan and sharing the experience with you. Have you ever moved? How long did it take you to adjust?

Also, check out some of my experiences in Italy thus far