Devotion and Living Abroad as an American Expat in Santorini

Spreading my wings and flying with the anticipation of trying something new was instilled in me at a very young age thanks to my mom. It means a lot to me when people twice my age tell me that I have inspired them to take extreme chances and travel beyond borders.

With that said, traveling to another country for leisure with the knowledge of a return is one thing. However traveling with a one way ticket is a whole new reality check.

Today, I’m a person living abroad, sitting on cabana at Perissa Beach in Santorini, and reflecting on my journey thus far.

The move to Santorini as an expat has come with big sacrifices, overwhelming days, and some pretty cool triumphs. There are moments when I feel myself go into small shocks from the reality of the whole situation. Knowing that I simply cant get on a bus and go see my immediate family definitely is not easy.  I am super thankful that technology and social media are at my fingertips while keep me in contact with my loved ones while living abroad.

I also appreciate having a residence permit and thus gaining a new country to feel, taste, breathe, and behold.

Relaxing at Perissa Beach in Santorini

Michelle and I enjoying some sangria

The beautiful black sand of Perissa Beach

Well, they say that the only constant is change. This is perfectly depicted by my life so far in Greece, and the pages of this adventurous book are still turning…

If you are an expat, what have you done to deal with the culture shock of living abroad?