I left England in the summer of 2003 with my girlfriend, Sarah (now my wife), and our two beloved labrador retrievers, Murphy and Milo.
We went in search of a change to the monotony of our lives in the UK. Bored with the humdrum of our 9-5 routine and keen to seek out a more interesting life for ourselves, we headed to the great white north. To Canada, eh?
It was a traumatic time, saying farewell to family and friends with no idea if, and when, we would ever return. When I now look back seven years later, I wonder what exactly was the catalyst that gave rise to the decision to leave. Oddly enough, I think it was a conversation with a gym buddy that did it. He was moving to Calgary, we wanted to move overseas, and that was that.
I’m not sure at what point Canada became a serious contender. My Canadian ancestry played a large part in the decision but my family didn’t herald from the West, they came from the East – from Montreal and from Newfoundland. Vancouver was an altogether different proposition but the place appealed to us on a completely different level.
Maybe it was the Coastal Mountains, the proximity to the world’s number one ski resort, the generally laidback way of life, or the ability to sail in the morning and snowboard in the afternoon before being back in town for dinner in the evening. Whatever the reason, in mid-2003 we arrived on the shores of the North West Pacific and Vancouver welcomed us into its rainy, wind-swept arms.
Yet within 18 months, my job had us driving across the enormous Canadian vista to the capital, Ottawa, and only 18 months later, we were on a plane headed to Sydney, Australia, which has been our home for the past four years.
In seven years, we’ve lived in three continents, called eight houses our home (and owned three of them), had a number of different jobs, spoken several variations of the English language, and have shipped our dogs from one side of the world to the other… and all in the name of our search for a life less ordinary.
My aim in this blog is to share some of those experiences, both the highs and the lows, and to offer insights and advice into those amazing cities, states and countries we’ve called home.
Who knows where we’ll end up but I do know one thing… I wouldn’t trade anything for our adventures in making a home from home.
Keep writing Russ!
Ah, your ‘ Doggie Heaven’ post really brought back some great memories. Sx
Great post!
Thanks guys. I’ll be sure to keep those posts coming!
Get out of the city and enjoy Australia’s oldest wine at the Hunter Valley region.
Thanks, caravan parks, I have done and I will do again 🙂
A home is where your heart resides. I’m so glad that you are sharing your journey’s in life.
Thanks!
Glad it did, damook 😉
Thanks, Belinda. Will do 🙂