I have some news I’ve been holding on to for quite some time now. The past few months have put many things on hold, including this long overdue update.
Some of you may remember that in the beginning of March, Jacob and I spent a very short couple of days in Amsterdam. That trip was intended to be much longer. Due to the announcement that a Europe travel ban had been enacted, we only spent about 48 hours in Amsterdam before re-booking a last minute flight out. Up until recently, we’ve been holed up with family in the U.S. (at the time, we didn’t anticipate to be there for months).
I never shared the reason behind that trip. After spending 4 years moving around, we decided at the end of last year that we finally wanted to put down roots. Starting now, we will officially be splitting time between Amsterdam and New York City, two cities we love and have ties with. As I write this post (for the third time, as so much has changed), I’m sitting in my new kitchen in Amsterdam.
We’ve found a place to call home here and I’ve been working to get it set up with our things. Most of what we own has been in storage since we left in 2018. Soon, we’ll be getting in furniture and making some improvements. This has been especially tricky to coordinate from afar, something that has kept me busy the past few months.
This new chapter is something I’ve been looking forward to for so long. Amsterdam is my favorite city in the world. My father’s side of the family is Dutch and I’ve grown up visiting since I was young. It’s always been a major source of inspiration for me, and the original reason I started this blog.
However, when we made this decision last year, I never anticipated it would be followed by a global pandemic that would deeply impact how we travel and live. There are so many emotions wrapped up in the numerous changes that have occurred over the past few months. I recognize how fortunate I am to even be in Amsterdam, only possible with current restrictions due to my Dutch nationality.
As I take in the city from my own space — for the first time in a long time — I’m acutely aware that a return to ‘normal’ is not in the cards. Travel is indefinitely changed. I have changed. The past few weeks and months I’ve stepped back and spent time offline. I’ve been taking care of myself and my health, something I’ve neglected the past few years. Lately I have felt that I am never ‘doing enough’, striving for a level of perfection that is unattainable and unhealthy. Spending so much time in one spot has lead me to reflect on what I want moving forward. I’m not sure what that will look like yet, but I know it will be different.
I know many of you are going through transformations, tough decisions, and life-altering changes. Personally, I have needed to step back and refrain from sharing mine online during this time. I’ve always tried to make this space and community a positive one, and I hope to continue to do so. In the meantime, I am taking things day-by-day. For the first time I don’t have a plan. More than ever, I’m just looking forward to simple moments in my favorite city.
Photos: Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Susan Gershenson Says
Hoping you’re feeling better and stronger. Thank you for sharing your story. Love your blog and best wishes always to you and Jacob!
Marina Price Says
Wow Selena
What a neat life you are sharing
And I really appreciate you doing this.
Marina Price
Selena Says
Post authorThanks Marina x
Brianna Says
Time are definitely odd right now! Really looking into moving closer to my family
Brianna | https://briannamarielifestyle.com/
Selena Says
Post authorYes. Hopefully a silver lining x
Cate Says
These are such difficult times for everyone, but especially for those of us who love to wander. My husband and I plus our two children were six weeks into a planned year long adventure when we had to turn back to Australia. We are living temporarily in Adelaide where our families are and are feeling very lost and unsure about what comes next. It is great that you are able to be in your favourite city at this time. I hope that brings you some peace and that the future is brighter for the world soon.
Selena Says
Post authorIt is unlike anything we could’ve imagined. I am sorry your year long adventure came to such an abrupt halt! Glad to hear you’re safe and sound in Australia though. I have never been and would personally love to be there. So much beauty to be found nearby! Hope you can make it out at least for some smaller adventures nearby. xx
Jennifer Herrmann Says
Good for you and Jacob for taking this terrible time to reflect on what’s important and being able to make those changes. My husband and I were wanting to move to a new city, but the pandemic has put that on hold. We had a trip planned this past May to Amsterdam after I graduated with my Master’s degree, but that was cancelled. We hope to one day soon get our lives back on track and have been looking long and hard on what’s important to us. I look forward to seeing more of your beloved city through your eyes and to one day visit!
Selena Says
Post authorThanks for leaving this comment Jennifer. I can only imagine how difficult that ‘in between state’ is for you two as well. I hope you can get to Amsterdam in the near future! This time has been eye-opening and tough, but I’m definitely reminded of how we’re all finding our way and re-evaluating life’s priorities in all this chaos.