I never imagined that a Dutch class in The Hague would lead to this — a global community, a podcast, and now a place to reflect on what it truly means to live abroad.

My name is Andrea, and I’m a Canadian expat who has called many countries home over the past twenty years. I met Maria, the founder of Almost Local, in that very Dutch classroom. It was 2022, and we were both new to the Netherlands, struggling to pronounce words and longing for connection. When it was Maria’s turn to introduce herself, she hesitated for a moment — then her eyes lit up, and she made the whole class laugh. That spark would later become the heart of Almost Local.

Tranquil Afternoon at The Hague, a typical style brick patio Cafe.

Since that day, our paths have intertwined across countries and continents. When Maria told me about her idea for the Almost Local podcast, I said yes instantly. I knew it would become something special — a space for real expat stories, honest conversations, and moments of connection for anyone building a life far from home.

Today, I’m excited to introduce Reflections on Life Abroad — a corner of Almost Local where I’ll write about the stories behind the podcast and the universal experiences that connect us all. These essays are inspired by the people we meet, the lessons we learn, and the quiet transformations that happen when we choose a life between worlds.

Here, you’ll find reflections on belonging, identity, friendship, culture shock, and rediscovering yourself abroad. Some stories will make you laugh; others might invite you to pause and see your own journey in a new light.

And if you’ve ever felt “in-between” — not quite from here, not quite from there — know that you’re not alone. This is a space for all of us learning what it truly means to be almost local.

Stay tuned — I’ll be sharing new reflections here regularly, inspired by the stories we tell on the Almost Local podcast and by my own life abroad. Each post will uncover another piece of what it means to belong, grow, and call many places “home.” Grab your coffee ☕, take a breath, and join me in exploring what it means to be almost local — wherever you are.

With warmth,
Andrea
Writer, Almost Local