Why The Blonde Outsider?

Have you ever walked into a room and instantly realised you don’t quite belong? Maybe it was your accent, or the way you hesitated before speaking. Perhaps it was something as simple as your clothes, your hair — or even just your smile. For me, that “outsider” feeling became a part of daily life the moment I moved away from my home country.

And so, The Blonde Outsider was born.

The name isn’t only about my hair colour (though yes, being blonde in some places can make you stand out even more). It’s really about what it feels like to live as a woman in a culture that isn’t your own — navigating all the small and large ways you’re reminded that you’re different, and somehow learning to embrace that difference.

Life abroad is a mix of emotions I never quite expected. Some days, it feels like I’m on a grand adventure: discovering hidden corners, learning new words, or mastering cultural habits that once felt impossible. 

Other days, it’s overwhelming — like when you feel like crying in the supermarket because you can’t figure out which milk to buy, or when the simplest bit of paperwork feels like an epic battle.

This blog is a place where all of that has a home. Here, I’ll share the real stories: the embarrassing cultural slip-ups, the moments of triumph, the practical tips I’ve picked up, and the lessons I’m still learning. But The Blonde Outsider isn’t just about me. I want it to be a space where other women’s voices are heard too — because none of us should have to navigate life as an outsider completely alone.

So if you’ve ever felt different in a place that was supposed to feel like home, you’ll find a kindred spirit here. Whether you’re an expat, an immigrant, a long-term traveler, or simply someone carving out a life far from where you started, this blog is for you.

Grab a coffee (or a glass of wine, depending on your timezone!) and join me as we explore what it really means to belong everywhere and nowhere at once.

Welcome to The Blonde Outsider.