Living in New Zealand has brought me so much—stunning nature, a peaceful lifestyle, and a strong sense of independence. But even in a place as beautiful as Queenstown, being far from home comes with its own set of challenges.
One of the hardest parts is being so far away from my family and best friends. I often dream about what it would be like to have them living just down the street. To be able to walk over for a coffee, or to share a glass of wine in the evening and have meaningful conversations. It’s those moments I miss the most.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed it’s harder to make deep, lasting friendships. That kind of connection you have with people who’ve known you for years, who’ve seen you grow—that’s hard to replace. Most of my closest friends are still in Europe, and I only get to travel back every couple of years. The physical distance can feel even more emotional at times, especially during holidays or milestones.
Last year, I was lucky enough to have my mum and brother visit me here. It meant a lot to be able to show them my life in New Zealand, the places I love, and what makes this country special. But the reality is, it’s not always easy or affordable for friends and family to come visit, and I understand that.
Over time, I’ve learned to accept the situation for what it is and to appreciate what I do have.
I’m grateful to have found my partner—someone I can share life with here in Queenstown. He’s from Argentina, and funny enough, we met through a dating app-thanks to my friends that convinced me to give it a shot! Who would have thought that would work? While I really enjoyed my time being single and having complete freedom, but being in a relationship has brought a different kind of happiness. We support each other, share the everyday moments, and make this place feel more like home.
Living abroad is full of contrast—beauty and distance, freedom and longing. It’s taught me resilience, gratitude, and how to build a life from the ground up. While I’ll always miss the ease of having loved ones close by, I’ve also found joy in the life I’ve created here.