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Sandra Yvonne's avatar

God this came out beautifully.

This is still one of my favorite sentences: “I officially hung up my chopsticks and said sweet goodbyes to bubble tea and soup dumplings, kissing this beautiful tropical island and comfortable ‘expat’ life goodbye.”💙

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Kelly Davis's avatar

Thank you thank you for your handholding on this one. It’s not an easy task to sum this up, had to get it out for now.

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Sandra Yvonne's avatar

Always! I hope hitting publish took a weight off you. This really is so good.

Keep going, Kelly!

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Janelle Holden's avatar

Kelly, thank you so much for this. It's so nice to feel like I found another member of my tribe - those of us who prefer living abroad and experiencing a myriad of adventures rather than a lifetime of routine. I'm looking forward to hearing more about Lisbon and just want to say congratulations on getting your rental secured! Such a big deal! Happy Holidays from Montana.

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Kelly Davis's avatar

Great to hear, Janelle, thanks for your comment. Adventures and routines can go hand-in-hand, too, perhaps a great topic for another article! 1 week til relocating to Lisbon, best of luck on your visa process and let me know if I can help along the way.

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Janelle Holden's avatar

Yes, that would be a great topic! Good luck on the relocation as well Kelly! I may take you up on that offer. :) Thanks again.

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Aimen Batool's avatar

“I officially hung up my chopsticks and said sweet goodbyes to bubble tea and soup dumplings, kissing this beautiful tropical island and comfortable ‘expat’ life goodbye.”

A beautiful and vivid sentence, Kelly.

I could sense a feeling of “liberation” in this essay.

I loved it. There were so many big-smiley moments while reading this.

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Kelly Davis's avatar

Thanks for your comment, Aimen. Glad to hear it resonated and brought you joy, too!

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Karena's avatar

I'm going to be sharing this with so many people, Kelly. Beautifully written and very emotionally honest.

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Kelly Davis's avatar

Thank you, Karena. It is supporters like you that help internet citizens like me grow, thank you for being you. Appreciate you sharing with others. Was there anything in particular that resonated or perhaps you would be interested to hear more on?

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Karena's avatar

The bubble tea and chopsticks line sticks in the memory banks, Kelly. But overall for me was the mood and mindset shift that you embraced. As well as understanding that this nomadic work life is possible as technology has made it easier to work from many places. I like the way you absorb so many different cultures.

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Lacey Delayne's avatar

My man and I recently did something similar - but I’m Andalucia Spain. We love it. And are very happy to be here.

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Malavika Mudit's avatar

What a banger of an essay Kelly! I loved the sense of movement in your essays! Hits so viscerally. Felt like I went on a quick rerun of your ten years on the road with you. :)

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