My Journey to Valencia: An Expat Story

If you’ve ever been an expat, you know the drill: “How long have you been here, and how did you end up in this city?” It’s a common conversation starter among people like us—whether I’m chatting with locals or connecting online with students in my classes. Today, I want to share my story of how I found my way to Valencia.

I was born and raised in Holland, where I lived until my early twenties. One day, feeling the itch for adventure, I realized that I needed a break. My studies weren’t working out, and I longed for a fresh perspective on life. I didn’t have a clear plan, a lot of money saved, or even a defined destination—I just knew it was time for a change. So, with a sense of optimism, I bought a one-way ticket to a place that surprised many: Malta. Why Malta, you ask? A few family members had visited and shared glowing stories, so I thought, “Why not?”

Once I arrived, the reality of living abroad set in. I quickly ran out of funds and took up a job at a local bar to make ends meet. My initial plan was to head to Canada to meet friends I had made along the way, but fate had other ideas. I had to stop in London on my way to Canada, and that stop changed everything. It was in London that I met my husband, and my ´grand travel adventure´ happily came to an end.

We spent 12 wonderful years in London, during which we welcomed our daughter into the world. But as she turned two, we felt the pull for something different. While London has so much to offer, we craved a sense of community that was increasingly difficult to maintain in such a sprawling city. I’ve always valued deep friendships, and as a family, we wanted a more connected lifestyle.

Having visited and loved Valencia on a few previous holidays, we took the plunge. We mapped out our future and, just six months later, packed our lives into a van and drove to our new home. It was a leap into the unknown, but the excitement was palpable.

With initially limited Spanish and teaching opportunities in Pilates studios, I continued teaching online classes to maintain connections with my clients in London. This marked the beginning of my online teaching journey, which has flourished over the past nine years. Now, the majority of my classes—about 80%—are conducted online, along with a few private sessions in person here in Valencia.

Teaching online has brought me a unique sense of intimacy. Each week, I step into my students’ homes, connecting with them on a personal level and understanding the challenges they face. I truly believe that physical wellness is intertwined with mental well-being. I’ve learned that when students struggle with stress, injuries, or lack of sleep, their workouts can feel like a chore rather than a rejuvenating experience. My approach is to recognize their individual needs, tailoring our sessions to foster a supportive environment where they can thrive.

Ultimately, my journey to a new country has evolved into a deeper understanding of connection—both with myself and with others. While I was seeking community in my physical surroundings, I found a larger, more vibrant community online. Living in Valencia has enriched my life in ways I never anticipated.

Spanish culture, with its focus on family and community, resonates deeply with me. Here, people look out for each other, and taking the time to connect is a way of life. This is something I’ve embraced and aim to pass on to my students, bringing a little bit of that Spanish warmth into my classes.

So, that’s my story. How about you? What’s your journey like?