Abie Maxey
Digital nomad ~ Abie Maxey
JournalsFebruary 15, 20251 min read

Things I Learned Living Abroad

Nomad Diaries · Winter Edition · Life Abroad

Winter Edition

I've been living the nomad life for about 17 months now ~ from Philippines to Japan, then across North America, and now Europe.

From a tropical soul to navigating the magic and chaos of four seasons ~ here are a few things I've learned.

01It's Okay Not to Take a Bath Every Day

Do you know how much hair we actually lose every day ~ much more when we shower? It's not just hair, but your oils. Apparently, some experts claim that showering every day can strip your skin and hair of essential oils. Who knew?

But here's the dilemma: skipping a shower saves time and spares me the shock of cold water, but it also means I miss out on that fresh, “I'm ready to conquer the world” feeling. It's a daily internal debate ~ hygiene vs. efficiency. What's your priority?

I choose discomfort.

Digital nomad life ~ Abie Maxey

02Always Check the Weather

Where I'm from, the weather is as predictable as a rom-com ending: it's either sunny or raining, and either way, life goes on. But now? It's a whole production.

?

Do I need an umbrella?

?

Is it sweater weather, or will I regret wearing layers?

?

Did I just step outside looking like a clueless tourist who dressed for the wrong season?

It's a constant game of meteorological roulette.

Winter layers ~ Abie Maxey

03Winter Doesn't Mean Dressing Like a Michelin Man

When I first experienced winter, I thought I had to bundle up like a human marshmallow just to survive. I looked ridiculous ~ but at least I was warm. Then I started noticing how Europeans somehow managed to look effortlessly chic while staying cozy.

The secret? Coats, scarves, and layers.

I used to think I couldn't pull it off because I wasn't tall enough to look good in long coats. But let me tell you ~ black coats? They are magical. They make you look effortlessly chic, professional, and oddly more ethical. Turns out, I didn't just upgrade my wardrobe; I upgraded my whole winter persona.

Winter fashion ~ Abie Maxey

Living abroad teaches you things

that no travel guide ever could.

Stay tuned for more nomad wisdom.

From mastering strategic showering to dressing like a winter fashion icon ~ every day abroad is a new lesson.

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