My year abroad

My love for traveling took root at a very early age, a passion I wholeheartedly attribute to my parents. They nurtured this wanderlust in me by whisking me away on countless childhood adventures—Mexico, Portugal, Florida, to name a few. Each trip embedded in me a deep desire to see as much of the world as I possibly could, while I still had the chance.

At nineteen, my heart was set on moving abroad to New York for fashion school. But my mother, ever the protector, couldn’t bear the thought of her only child navigating the whirlwind of the city alone. Now, with time and perspective, I understand her hesitation. Yet, the longing to experience life in another country never left me. And exactly ten years later, I took the leap. I applied for a working holiday visa, packed my bags, and with my best friend by my side, embarked on a year of adventure that would change me forever.

Thailand: A Love Affair with Paradise

First stop—Thailand, for a month of pure enchantment. Oh, Thailand! Of all the breathtaking places I’ve been, none have yet to surpass my love for it (except, of course, New York). If paradise exists on earth, surely, it must be Thailand. The lush, rainforest-cloaked landscapes, the ethereal beaches, the intoxicating aroma of hand-grown spices and the purest forms of nature, the flavors of Thai cuisine are unparalleled. Curry in Thailand is unlike anything else in the world. And then there’s the spiritual energy—an invisible force that hums through the air, wrapping around you in an embrace of peace.

We spent three weeks travelling through the country. Two nights in a remote hill tribe village, living as the locals did. Bathing from a bucket, using a simple hole in the ground as a washroom, sleeping on cots with mosquito nets shielding us from the massive spiders lurking nearby. No electricity, no modern luxuries—yet the people we met radiated a joy and contentment that humbled me. They had so little by material standards, yet they were infinitely rich in spirit. That realisation made Thailand even more magical to me.

We journeyed from the north to the south by sleeper train, hopping between islands that rose like emerald spires from the sea. We stood in awe before grand monuments, partook in sacred rituals, and devoured dishes so fresh and vibrant they seemed to dance on the palate. Thailand was not just a destination; it was an awakening. A must-visit for every soul that yearns to wander.

Sydney, Australia: A Surprise Love

Next stop—Sydney, Australia, for ten unforgettable months. Australia had never been at the top of my bucket list. I figured I’d go once, check it off, and move on. But fate had other plans. With a few familiar faces awaiting me, I arrived in Sydney and was instantly enchanted. The beaches were surreal, like something out of a computer-generated screensaver. The people were warm and welcoming. The food—divine. But it was standing on the steps of the Sydney Opera House that truly sealed my love for the city. Seeing it up close was an experience second only to the Empire State building for me.

My best friend and I rented an apartment, worked part-time, and lived fully. I road-tripped along the coast in a campervan emblazoned with a cartoon Charlie Sheen, embracing the absurdity of it all. I celebrated my 30th birthday in the Whitsunday Islands, a place so breathtaking it momentarily dethroned Thailand as my favorite beach destination. The sand, whiter than snow, swirled through crystalline blue waters in mesmerizing patterns. I tasted kangaroo and crocodile, experienced Christmas in the heat of summer—a jarring but delightful contrast for this Canadian girl—and immersed myself in the wild, unpredictable magic of Australia’s wildlife.

We lived in the red-light district, where the pulse of the city never faded. I encountered creatures I never imagined could exist, reminding me that Australia truly is a world of its own. It was an adventure I never anticipated loving so much, but now, Sydney will forever hold a piece of my heart.

Bali: A Dream Realized

Our final stop—Bali, Indonesia, for one ethereal week. Just the name—Bali—whispers dreams. And the reality? Even more enchanting.

Bali had sat at the top of my bucket list for years, largely thanks to Eat, Pray, Love. And stepping foot on its soil felt like stepping into a novel. The air was thick with mysticism, the greenery so vibrant it felt otherworldly. Buddha statues adorned every corner, a silent testament to the island’s deep spirituality. Here, life is about balance—love, work, joy, rest. And you feel that balance, effortlessly, just by being there.

The food was exquisite—Pad Thai like no other. I wandered through the breathtaking Tegalalang rice terraces, stood among mischievous monkeys in the Sacred Monkey Forest (where they are trained to steal for their owners), and visited a factory where artisans handcrafted treasures from nothing but raw materials. I drank oversized $1 Bintangs, felt pure happiness with every sip, and collected handcrafted jewelry as souvenirs of a place that already felt like home.

But the pinnacle of my Bali experience? Visiting Ketut Liyer’s home—the very healer from Eat, Pray, Love. That moment was my full-circle experience. And then, I watched in awe as locals bathed in blessed water, a ritual so sacred and beautiful it left an imprint on my soul. If I could describe Bali in one word, it would be this—spiritual.

A Journey That Changed Everything

This year-long adventure is one I will cherish for the rest of my life. I look back on it with a heart full of gratitude and a smile that lingers long after the memories resurface. To anyone contemplating a journey like this—do it. Don’t let money be your excuse; you’ll earn it back. Don’t let fear of leaving loved ones behind hold you back; they’ll be there when you return. The experiences you gain—the cultures you immerse in, the self-discoveries you make, the pure living you do—are worth more than anything you could ever leave behind.

Stepping out of your comfort zone is where life begins. And after all the wandering, all the learning, all the adventure—one thing remains true: home is always where the heart is. <3