After a Year-Long Search Across Europe, I Found My Dream Home in London

Fleurine Tideman, a globetrotter who has lived in four different countries by the age of 18, decided to find her dream city in Europe after a decade of restlessness in the Netherlands. Her journey began at the end of 2023 when she gave up her apartment, stored her belongings, and set off to explore various European cities. Her first stop was Xàbia, Spain, a coastal town where she spent five weeks petsitting a red lab in a house with an ocean view. Xàbia offered numerous weekends at the beach and scenic hiking trails, but despite its beauty and abundance of sunshine, it didn't feel like home. Fleurine moved on, driven by a deeper sense of belonging. Next, she spent two weeks in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The city's dynamic energy, vibrant comedy clubs, cozy pubs, and rich history captivated her. However, the limited variety in the restaurant scene left her unsatisfied, and she felt something was missing. Fleurine's journey continued as she sought a place that truly resonated with her. Her travels then took her to Kythira, a picturesque Greek island. She envisioned a year of sunny beaches and ocean dips, but conversations with locals revealed that the island was nearly deserted outside the summer season. Realizing she would always be chasing the summer holiday feeling, she decided this wasn't the place for a permanent home. Fleurine then returned to England, the country where she was born and lived until she was three, though she had only visited a few times since. She spent three weeks in a small village in Bedfordshire, north of London, enjoying the tranquil countryside, long forest walks, and cozy garden evenings. While she yearned for this peaceful lifestyle, she recognized that it wasn't the right fit for her at this stage in her life, particularly given her isolating work and single status. She needed a place where she could easily build a community. She tried Cambridge next, staying for two weeks in a city known for its vibrant student life. Fleurine appreciated working in various cafes, visiting museums, and connecting with people her age. However, the city's student-centric atmosphere didn't align with her current life stage, and she felt it wasn’t the right environment for her. Finally, Fleurine spent a month in London, where she looked after her sister's pomsky. Initially skeptical due to previous short visits, she discovered a different side of the city. London's large parks provided a peaceful escape, the dazzling theater scene offered entertainment, and the cozy cafes gave her a place to work without feeling isolated. She met fellow journalists online, and the city's high population density made it easier to find her tribe, something she had been missing for years. After several months in London, Fleurine is now building a community, frequently visiting her favorite local café with her laptop and a dirty chai. She avoids crowded areas like Soho and Liverpool Street, preferring to spend her weekends in large parks. While she sometimes feels like Carrie from "Sex and the City," other times she feels less glamorous and more cold, she loves carving out her niche in the city. Industry insiders praise Fleurine's courageous approach to finding her perfect home, noting that her story underscores the importance of experiencing different places firsthand before making a significant life decision. Her journey through various European cities highlights the unique aspects of each, from the serene coastal beauty of Xàbia to the bustling urban vibrancy of London. Fleurine's success in finding a place that aligns with her lifestyle and desires offers inspiration for others considering a major move. Companies that facilitate international travel and relocation, such as PetCloud for petsitting and Airbnb for short-term stays, can benefit from the growing trend of people exploring different cities to find their ideal living environment.