A New Chapter: My Journey to Saint Lucia
By SheGoneWild I’m back, and finally sitting down to write a post. This one’s a bit of real talk. As everything in my blog, it’s my personal experience and perspective, so of course, it might differ from what others have felt. To put it bluntly: I didn’t love life in Canada; more specifically, I didn’t love living in Toronto. It was subtle. A kind of soul-fatigue.I missed warmth, not just in weather, but in energy. I missed spontaneity. I missed hearing birds in the morning instead of traffic. I missed being around people who laugh loudly and live slowly. So when the opportunity to start fresh in Saint Lucia came along, a place I’d never even visited before, I took the leap. Landing here for the first time was like stepping into a postcard – lush green hills, tropical heat, and a vibrant energy that instantly stirred something in me. But beyond the beauty, those first days brought surprises, questions, and all the little challenges every newcomer faces when starting over in a brand new place. I had a stable life, a decent job, and routines that made sense on paper. But the longer I stayed, the louder that quiet pull inside me got – the one that whispered, “You don’t belong here.” So I listened.And I left. Again. Choosing Soul Over Structure When you’ve lived abroad for years like I have, people expect you to settle eventually, to find a “forever” place and stop moving. But my life has never followed a neat timeline. I follow what feels aligned, I am drawn to places that shift me, stretch me, make me look at life differently. Canada was supposed to be my pause. My “be practical for a while” chapter. Canada gave me a sort of stability, but it mostly dulled my fire. The winters were long. The culture, while polite, felt disconnected. I was not comfortable and not alive. Don’t get me wrong, Canada taught me a lot. It gave me opportunities, friendships, and definitely confirmed my thoughts on the life I want to live. I craved something slower, softer, warmer, in every sense of the word. That’s when I knew I had to make my move towards my ultimate goal.And not just for a visit. I want to root. Saint Lucia isn’t perfect – no place is. But it feels right, for now. And it is getting close to what I am looking for.It gives me space to breathe, to create, to reconnect with parts of myself that had gone quiet. I wake up and see green hills and hear the birds chirping. I drink coconut water bought from alongside the road. I take time with things. I’m not just working – I’m living again. I Thought Canada Was The Dream – Until It Wasn’t I dreamt of Canada.The trip I did with my parents as a kid stuck with me for years, it was the plan all along, move to Canada and I eventually made it happen. I moved to Toronto thinking it would be easier to find work, and it was; I find a job within the first month. I landed there just in time for summer. I planned it this way so I wouldn’t be traumatized by my first winter! One thing though, Toronto in summer is a vibe! The city buzzes with festivals, patios, and outdoor activities. I was exploring, meeting people, soaking it all in. I thought that this might actually work. But then winter was coming, and it was a shock. A girl I met during a meet up once told me she cried herself to sleep every night for three months after arriving, she came during winter. That stayed with me. I am not gonna lie, I was worried of what to come. Thankfully, a friend from France connected me with one of his friend who was moving to Toronto towards the end of the year. This led to me meeting with another of their friend living in Montreal. We spent Christmas together, that was actually also the day we first met! We had dinner and played games, we laughed a lot, and it still is one of my favorite memories. But eventually…life sets in. Toronto winter is no joke, I knew it would be a massive change for me and even if, as per locals, my first winter was mild; for me it was COLD, bear in mind I just came from 9 years of sunshine between New Zealand and Australia. I didn’t get extreme cold for 9 years. Even in France, the winter are bearable. Life quickly became a terrible routine: wake up, commute, work, commute, gym, home. The sun disappeared. The color drained out of everything. And it is hard to keep the habit that I used to have, walking for an hour on my lunch break – definitely NOT happening in winter lol I was exhausted and uninspired. If I needed confirmation that nature and sun is the key for a healthy mind and body, I got it right there. However, what really got to me was the lack of life. No spontaneity. No connection. And I’m sorry, but juggling two or three jobs? Just to make ends meet… It’s not life! I’ve lived in London, Auckland, and Sydney – some of the most expensive cities in the world, and yet I still manage to work, enjoy life and save. In Toronto, I was working the 9-5, unpaid overtime, with just 15 vacation days a year, and 3 sick days a year (??). Even my office work in Australia allowed me more freedom and a true balance between work and personal life. Coming from a European country, I’ve realized more than ever that the North American lifestyle just isn’t for me. Like seriously, are we on this planet just to be born, work, and die? I don’t think so. That’s not life. My body started rejecting it all.I was becoming someone I didn’t recognize. I could have tried other places
The Unexpected Country Hopper: 10 Years Living Abroad
Reflections on a Decade Abroad I never planned to spend a decade hopping from one country to another. I was just supposed to move to New Zealand but it just turned into years of exploring, adapting, and sometimes wondering if I would ever settle down. From the excitement of new cultures to the challenges of constantly starting over, these years shaped me in ways I never expected. A decade of living abroad teaches you more than just how to pack light (plus ou moins lol) or navigate airports like a pro. It teaches resilience, adaptability, and the beauty of stepping outside your comfort zone. I learned that home isn’t always a place, but a feeling. That goodbyes never get easier, but the world is smaller than we think. That the thrill of discovering new places is addictive, but so is the longing for stability. From cultural shocks to unexpected friendships, from chasing sunrises in one country to packing up for another, these years gave me lessons that will stay with me forever. Here are some of the biggest takeaways from my 10 years as a country-hopping expat. Becoming More Open-Minded One of the biggest shifts that comes with living overseas? You become way more open-minded. Breaking out of your comfort zone and learning to appreciate different ways of life, of thinking, of seeing the world. When you’re constantly exposed to different cultures, customs, and ways of thinking, you start seeing the world through a broader lens. Things that once felt “normal” or “the way things should be” start to feel relative. You realize that there’s no one right way to live, work, eat, socialize, or even celebrate. You meet people with completely different backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives—and instead of judging, you start listening. You adapt, you embrace, and you learn. Maybe you pick up habits from different cultures, maybe your definition of “home” shifts, or maybe you just start questioning things you never thought twice about before. Either way, you grow. Living abroad doesn’t just teach you about the world—it teaches you about yourself. And once your mind expands like that, there’s no going back. Home is a feeling I’ve come to realize that home isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling, really. The warmth of shared moments, and the sense of belonging you create, no matter where you are in the world. The more I moved, the more I understood that home is wherever you feel at ease. It’s in the little routines you build—a favorite sushi train place were the waitress knows your order (can’t blame me for finding a good spot…), a street that feels familiar even in a foreign land, a sunset that reminded me of another place I once loved or the friendships that become your anchor when everything else feels temporary. Whenever I think about Bondi, I feel a sense of comfort, like slipping into a familiar routine. I remember the streets I used to walk every day, the little café where I’d visit my dear friend, always greeted with the most delicious hot chocolate, surrounded by the other regulars. The way the air felt in the mornings, our walks along the beach… Even though I don’t live there anymore, it still feels like a part of me—a place that once truly felt like home. Leaving a place doesn’t mean leaving “home” behind, because home isn’t something you lose—it’s something you carry with you. The People You Meet Along The Way That’s one of the beautiful things about traveling and living abroad—the people you meet from all walks of life, people you might never have crossed paths with in your own country. Travelers, locals, expats, dreamers, wanderers—each with their own stories, perspectives, and experiences. Each encounters teach you things no guidebook ever could. And this is truly one of the most unexpected joys of moving from place to place. People from different cultures, backgrounds, and mindsets, yet somehow, you connect easily, it just flows. It could be a local who welcomes you with open arms, a fellow traveler who shares wild stories and becomes your adventure buddy, or a stranger who helps you when you least expect it. It shifts your perspective, challenges your way of thinking, and makes the world feel both bigger and smaller at the same time. It’s the deep conversations with strangers who quickly become friends, the unexpected kindness, the shared laughter despite language barriers. It’s in these small, unplanned moments that you truly connect with the world. These connections leave a lasting imprint, shaping not only your journey but also who you become. Some people you may never see again, yet their influence stays with you! They all become part of your journey forever, even if you only knew them for a short time. They remind you of the power of human connection, and the beauty of stepping outside your own world. And sometimes, you realize that no matter where you go, there are always people willing to share a laugh, a meal, or a piece of their story with you. The Lonely Side Of The Nomadic Life Moving to a new country is exhilarating, you will meet a lot of people, and have a lot of fun; but there’s a side people don’t always talk about—loneliness. No matter how social or adventurous you are, there are moments when the excitement fades, and you realize you’re starting over… again. New faces, new streets, new routines—it’s thrilling, but it can also feel isolating. The hardest part isn’t just leaving a place; it’s leaving people. You make deep connections, only to say goodbye and wonder when—or if—you’ll see them again. Time zones make keeping in touch tricky, and while social media helps, it doesn’t replace shared laughter over coffee or spontaneous weekend plans. Also, as you get older, making connections while traveling or moving from country to country becomes more challenging. When you’re younger, friendships often form naturally through school, university, or shared activities. But as an adult, with each new
The Practical Side of Nomadic Lifestyle – The Unspoken Struggles
There’s an unglamorous side to living abroad that no one talks about – the paperwork, visas, bureaucracy, and financial adaptations. The homesickness, or burnout from constant change. Every country has its own set of rules, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, you move again and start from scratch. Working abroad comes with its own learning curve. Some places value work-life balance, others expect 60-hour workweeks. Some cultures encourage open discussions at work, while others expect hierarchy and formality. Finding your place professionally can be as much of a challenge as adapting personally. And then there’s the money side of things. Different currencies, fluctuating exchange rates, unexpected costs, and navigating banking systems in multiple countries – it’s all part of the package. The homesick feeling can creeps from time to time as well as the burnout of being constantly on the move, never really finding the time for yourself. Let’s look at some of these. Visas & Paperwork Ah, the never-ending saga of visas and paperwork – the part of traveling and living abroad that no one really talk about! Every new country comes with its own set of rules, applications, and endless forms to fill out. Some are straightforward, others feel like a full-time job just to prove you exist and won’t be a burden to their system. There’s the stress of waiting for approvals, the panic of realizing you missed a document, the frustration of dealing with government websites that crash right when you need them the most. The best way to go about it is to rely on official government websites and trusted sources. Be careful of scam websites that promise quick approvals or give outdated (or just plain wrong) information. Figure Out Your Situation – Do you just want to visit, or are you looking to stay longer? Will you need a work permit? What are your options based on your age and personal situation? These are the first questions to ask yourself before making any big moves. I won’t dive into the details of specific visa processes because, honestly, what’s true today might not be tomorrow – and I’m not qualified to give that kind of advice anyway. Let’s be real, this is one of the biggest parts of planning a move, if not the most important one. Get it sorted early If you’re planning a move, do your own research when the time comes to ensure you have the most up-to-date info and check what visa would suit best your need. Bureaucracy is a pain, but being well-prepared can save you a lot of headaches! Personally, I made all my big moves so far using Working Holiday Visas (or WHV). This type of visa that allows young travellers to live and work in a foreign country for a set period, usually between 6 months to 2 years, depending on the country. It’s designed to help you fund your travels while experiencing a new culture. Each country has its own eligibility criteria – usually based on age (often 18-30 or 18-35), nationality, and sometimes financial proof or health insurance. Some visas have restrictions, like limited work hours or specific industries you can work in. It’s a great way to travel long-term without draining your savings, but always check the latest requirements on official government websites before applying! Now, there are more and more countries offering this options, don’t miss out!! That being said, don’t worry, you will figure it out. You will learn to navigate the maze of bureaucracy, develop a deep appreciation for organized paperwork, and celebrate the small victories – like finally getting that stamp in your passport or an email that says approved. It’s a hassle, but it’s also just part of the deal when you choose a life that doesn’t fit into one place. Career & Work Opportunities The challenges of finding work, adapting to different work cultures, or even switching careers to make this lifestyle sustainable – especially when you’re not a digital nomad – a fairly new way of working! One of the most interesting (and sometimes stressful) parts of moving around is figuring out how to make a living in each new place. Some countries have thriving job markets, while others make you question if you’ll ever land anything decent. Sometimes, your previous experience means nothing, and you have to start from scratch. Other times, you fall into opportunities you never even considered before. I’ve done jobs I never thought I would, learned skills I never planned on, and realized that career paths aren’t always linear – especially when you’re constantly on the move. You become adaptable, open to new industries, and way more resourceful than you ever thought possible. And one thing I have realised, if you are motivated and willing to learn, usually employers will give you a chance! I moved to Australia with very little money in my bank account. Within just a few days, I found a job as a waitress at a newly reopening restaurant. The only catch? The paid training and actual work wouldn’t start until the end of the month, so things were tight until then. Good thing I had already paid for my hostel! Two years later, I met a man through my best friend – he owned a wealth management company. At first, he was just offering to help me find a good job so I could stay in Australia longer, as he didn’t have a position for me. But long story short, we got along, and he ended up hiring me! He taught me everything, and I worked with him for five and a half years – my longest job ever! When I say that motivation and a willingness to learn can land you a job, I mean it! I had never waitressed before, and I had never worked in finance (never even thought I would!), but I was eager to learn, and training was provided. Just try – if you don’t ask, you’ll never