And so it begins.
I first spent time living in Spain as part of my university course some 22 years ago and it’s an experience I’ve always wanted to repeat. But life got in the way. In truth, I got in my own way.
But sometimes, like it or not, things change. The first big change that started to set me on this road was Brexit. I know there are still people who think it is for the best, but I am not one of them. I feel essentially European. I feel more strongly European than British. I feel that Brexit has stolen part of my identity. I feel betrayed.
The second big change was the ending of a long-term relationship. After seventeen years, we finally reached the end of that particular road. For the first few weeks I was lost, not knowing which way to turn. But as I started to find myself, I started to find my way.
Change is not always easy but it is a fact of life and cliché as it might sound, it is true: when one door closes, another opens, even if it is just within your own mind.
And after a little effort, the door to Valencia now stands open to me. I have been granted a career break, for which I am very grateful. I have been offered a place on a CELTA course, which runs from 21st January to 15th March. And I have been lucky enough to find a place to stay for a couple of weeks over Christmas while I find my feet.
There are still lots of questions: where will I stay after New Year? What will I do after my course? Will I find work? What will happen with Brexit and how will that affect my plans? But I have faith that the answers will come in time and that whatever they may be, things will ultimately work out just the way they are supposed to.
As Tara-Nicholle Nelson would say, things are always working out for me. All I have to do is enjoy the ride. Thanks for being here to share it with me.
Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton
vivalencia 
I am so excited for you Julia and look forward to following your journey. I still recall the first Spanish lesson you gave me (I think it was your first lesson too!). I admire your using the difficult changes to become the start of your adventure. X
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Fabulous opportunity Julia, enjoy! I can’t wait to hear about all your experiences xxx
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I most certainly will enjoy it, Wendy! Watch this space for further updates!
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Thanks Caroline. For what started out feeling like a really hard decision to make, it was remarkably easy in the end and I’m really looking forward to it now!
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Sometimes, the time for change just arrives. Get yourself to the sunny side before the drawbridge gets raised…. we may or may not be able to stop Brexit, but we can remove ourselves from the toxic culture. Good for you!! May it be good for your health and your spirit!!
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Oh, I’m sure it will. I can’t wait now I know it’s really happening! Hope you are enjoying France. x
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Thank you for sharing your first steps with us, it’s exciting even though I’m just watching. I have to say Julia that although we have crossed paths for a number of years I haven’t had many opportunities to work alongside you, I am so glad to have had the chance to get to know you better and I will miss you. This line you ended a recent email inspired me at the time and will continue to do so in the future – ‘All will be well, and if it isn’t, we’ll change it! ‘
Good luck with your adventure and well done on growing the wings to fly x
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Thanks Sarah. I’ll miss you too – it’s been great working on the project with you over the last few months and really helped me to gain confidence, so thank you 🙂
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You are very brave to to move to Valencia.You come to cross roads in your life wondering which route to take.You choose Valencia.
You can always turn back.and try another route.Life is hard at times we all have a cross to bear.I was very happy until i lost my husband and daughter.I am trying hard to get on with my life At my age there are not many options
Please keep in touch.
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Thanks Muriel. I’ve been reading about the seasons in our lives. Things change and that is the way of the world. Our job is to adapt, remember the past but live in the present: this is my way of doing that. I will make sure I stay in touch!
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