General Archives - Costa Women

Still a Stranger After Years Abroad: Small Moments That Remind You You’re Not Local

General, Personal, Spain / Martina Piffaretti / 28 October 2025

Introduction After four years in Spain, I’ve learned to navigate the metro blindfolded, order tapas like a pro, and even recognize half of the football chants in the streets. Yet, despite all this, I still feel let out in small, unexpected ways—reminders that I am still a stranger after years abroad. Maybe it’s a joke […]

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So You’ve Settled Abroad – Now What?

General, Spain / Martina Piffaretti / 22 May 2025

Introduction: After the Honeymoon Phase There’s a moment — usually quiet and ordinary — when it hits you:You’re not new here anymore. You’re settled abroad now. You know how to call the plumber without panicking. You’ve got a favorite bakery, a local grocery store, maybe even a go-to park bench. Your phone doesn’t autocorrect

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Your New Identity Abroad: Embracing the Power of Belonging

Community, General, Personal / Martina Piffaretti / 19 January 2025

As per usual, as a new year begins, I take some time to look at my life — where I’ve been, where I am, and where I’m going. Both literally and metaphorically. 2025 will mark the ninth year of living away from my birthplace, and the fifth year living away from my home country. I

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The dusty months of summer

General, Personal, Spain, Travel / Bel Shapiro / 18 July 2022

I’ve been living in Ontinyent for 3 months now. It’s time to ask some of the big questions…

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What is KIVA?

Family & Home, General, Personal / Ali Meehan / 12 January 2014

One of the charities I personally support is KIVA – KIVA are a non-profit organisation with a mission to connect people through the use of microloans; lending to alleviate poverty. Leveraging the internet and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions, Kiva lets individuals lend as little as $25 to help create opportunity around the world. This enables

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