The Abroad Edit| Life Abroad, Migration& Expat Stories

When I left Lagos for Slovenia, I wasn’t just changing countries—I was changing the rhythm of my entire life. Lagos raised me with noise, colour, community, and chaos. Slovenia welcomed me with silence, mountains, and a pace so slow it felt like time had stretched itself out just for me. I didn’t know it then, but this move would become the beginning of my soft life. 🇸🇮✨A New World: From Lagos Energy to Ljubljana Calm Slovenia shocked me at first. Not because it was strange, but because it was quiet . No honking. No street vendors calling out. No neighbours blasting Afrobeats on a Saturday morning. Instead, I found: postcard‑perfect mountains clean, walkable streets fresh food from local markets and silence—real silence At first, I missed the noise. But slowly, I realised peace is also a kind of music. Slovenia taught me that slow doesn’t mean boring. Slow can mean beautiful 🧕🏾Standing Out: Being a Black Woman in a Small European Country Let’s be honest—I stand out here. Sometimes ...

 Introduction This €50 in my hand might not seem like much — but its meaning changes depending on the system around it. Recently, I received an official email from the tax office confirming I am entitled to approximately €1,500 in tax refunds for 2025. The process is structured, transparent, and the payment is scheduled directly into my account in May 2026. That moment made me reflect deeply — not just on money, but on systems, accountability, and what citizens receive in return for what they contribute . Understanding the Value of €50 in a Functional System In many European systems, €50 may cover a few days of essentials like food, transportation, or basic living costs depending on lifestyle and location. But beyond the monetary value, what stands out is the structure behind it: Clear tax records Predictable refund systems Social safety nets Institutional accountability Support mechanisms in times of unemployment or hardship These systems don’t eliminate struggle — but they pr...