Happy Friday, Almost Locals! I’m Maria, your host, writing from the quaint, cloudy city of Auckland, New Zealand. If you’re new here, welcome to Almost Local—a community for anyone navigating life abroad, whether you’re an expat or simply figuring out how to belong somewhere new. Here, we share the ups and downs, the funny stories, and the honest moments of starting over.
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🎧 Listen First:
Curious about how biking abroad can teach you big life lessons? Press play and join me on this journey in the latest episode of the Almost Local podcast:
Biking Abroad: A Personal Journey
In 2016, the first thing I did after moving to New Zealand was buy a car. Practical, right? Except there was the challenge of driving on the left-hand side of the road—it felt like an extreme sport!
Fast-forward to now. When I returned to New Zealand, I bought another car—but with a twist: I also purchased a bike. Why? Deep down, I thought maybe I could inspire a biking culture here.
Spoiler alert: the revolution hasn’t started yet.
I had a romantic vision of myself biking to my coworking space—hair flowing in the breeze, balancing a reusable coffee cup. Reality brought hills… more hills… and a sea of cars. In New Zealand, biking is less like the flat, bike-friendly terrains of the Netherlands, where bikes rule, and more like an adventurous survival sport.
How Living Abroad Shapes Perspective
Why keep biking despite the challenges? Something shifted. Whether it’s Post-Dutch Maria or just a craving for movement, biking gives a perspective I miss—seeing the world from two wheels.
When we moved to the Netherlands, getting a bike was a given. Suddenly, biking became life—groceries, commuting, errands—everything done by bike. My thighs protested at first, but biking there was seamless: traffic hassles eased, exercise was integrated, and bike trails were everywhere.
The real villain wasn’t the Dutch rain or snow; the cutting north wind felt like a personal challenge. But like the locals, I biked—rain, wind, frozen fingers—because biking was more than transport; it was a lifestyle. Now, back in New Zealand, I see how cycling shaped me.
Lessons from Biking Abroad
Looking back, the bike wasn’t just a form of transportation; it quietly shaped me. And that’s what living abroad does—it introduces small yet profound changes until you realize how much they’ve sculpted you. Those endless rides through snow and wind built a version of me I didn’t know existed.
Key Takeaway for Expats: Embrace the journey, even when it feels insignificant. Often, the small, everyday experiences abroad leave the most significant mark.
Interview Insights: Biking & Belonging
Q: How did biking in the Netherlands compare to New Zealand?
A: The Netherlands was a dream—perfect infrastructure and flat roads. New Zealand? Thrilling adventure with hills and rain challenges.
Q: What is the most challenging part of biking in the Netherlands?
A: The north wind! Felt like a dare—but that’s part of the life-changing experience.
Q: Advice for those moving abroad?
A: Embrace every part of the journey, no matter how small—it often leads to the greatest growth.
For more stories like this, tune in to the Almost Local podcast. If you’re navigating life abroad or just curious about expat experiences, I’d love for you to listen, follow, and share your thoughts!
Until next time, I’m off to my morning coffee—see you later!
xx Maria
