Welcome back, friends — and to another stop on this journey of stories that remind us what it means to feel almost local.
Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Tay, a fellow adventurer who has called Auckland, New Zealand, home since 2018. Tay’s story is a reminder that “home” isn’t just where we live — it’s where our hearts begin to thrive.
And if you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to share my own story,” we’d love to hear from you!
Your story matters. 💬 Get in touch → Here!
Feel free to keep reading the story here, or you can check out the entire episode on our podcast, live every Friday! You can also listen to it directly on Spotify or Apple—whichever you prefer! Enjoy!
Chapter 1: Redefining Home
We started our conversation with one of my favorite questions: Where is home?
For Tay, it’s no longer one place on the map — it’s a collection of memories across Argentina, Venezuela, and now New Zealand. It’s where she’s built a life with her partner and their little girl. However, as she shared with a laugh, it took time—and plenty of courage—to feel grounded.
“It wasn’t love at first sight,” she admits. “But the more I connected with people and embraced the Kiwi culture, the more I felt I belonged.”
Chapter 2: The Reluctant Citizen of Everywhere
Tay jokingly calls herself an “expert” in the art of moving countries. But with each new chapter came an identity challenge — that inevitable question: ‘So… where are you from?’
Her answer? A 10-minute monologue that crosses oceans and borders. Because for many of us living abroad, belonging doesn’t fit neatly into one flag or passport. It’s a story that keeps evolving — one accent, one friendship, one place at a time.
Chapter 3: Love at First Lifestyle
After falling in love with the laid-back Australian lifestyle, Tay was drawn across the Tasman by the promise of safety, balance, and love.
Auckland, known as the “City of Sails,” is surrounded by sparkling harbours and green volcanic hills. It’s a place of quiet beauty, open skies, and endless horizons — the kind of place where you can begin again.
“I thought I was coming for a job opportunity… and then love happened,” she laughs.
Sometimes, life abroad doesn’t go according to plan — and that’s precisely how it should be.
Chapter 4: The Challenge and the Charm
Like all expat journeys, Tay’s wasn’t without storms. The pandemic hit hard — distance, uncertainty, and longing for home.
“Stay put,” she says softly. “Because it gets better.”
That quiet resilience — the decision to stay, to root yourself even when it’s hard — is what transforms almost local into home.
Chapter 5: The Art of Adventure
For anyone dreaming of a life abroad, Tay’s advice is both simple and profound: say yes more often.
Move for love, for study, for work — or simply for the thrill of starting fresh. You won’t know who you’ll meet or how you’ll grow, but that’s the point.
Adventure doesn’t wait for perfect timing; it waits for courage.
Chapter 6: Manifesting Magic
Tay believes in the power of vision — quite literally. Her vision board once featured a blue-eyed partner… and well, life delivered.
Whether or not you believe in manifestation, her story is proof that when you imagine the life you want — and take one brave step toward it — the universe often meets you halfway.
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode
If you’d like to hear more of Tay’s laughter, honesty, and wisdom, tune in to the full episode on the Almost Local podcast: Spotify – Apple – or on your favourite platform, every Friday.
Her story will remind you that home isn’t always found — sometimes, it’s built—one decision, one connection, one morning coffee at a time.
“Feeling almost local,” Tay says, “isn’t about being from somewhere — it’s about belonging everywhere, a little bit at a time.”
✍️ Be our next guest: Get in touch with the Almost Local crew here. Because your story matters. 🌍💛
xo_Maria
PS: Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @almosttlocal for behind-the-scenes stories, community moments, and upcoming guests! 🌿✨