In 2012 I was a 21-year-old who embarked on her first ever solo trip, specifically London. Little did I know that this would shape my entire perspective on the rest of my 20s. Anyone who knows my childhood well, will know that I’ve been lucky enough to travel around the world for as long as I can remember, and this may explain why Sydney has never completely felt like home to me.

Before I even travelled to London, it was this city that I never even considered going to, let alone live in. Yet that experience opened my eyes to opportunities so endless, opportunities that I never even imagined were possible. I had never felt more empowered and I personally felt that other than New York city London was the next best place where I could risk everything and reap the rewards.

I remember speaking to a friend of mine after his experience of the London expat life and I asked him what it was like. To sum it all up he basically described it as being on holiday for 2 years and that was what resonated with me the most.

Determined as ever, I created a plan and executed based on that.

I’m currently on my first connecting flight to London via Abu Dhabi. It’s such a surreal feeling. Instead of knowing when I’ll be coming home, I’ve left my entire life and what I’ve always known behind. The anticipation and lead up to this moment were something even I can’t put into words.

Have I romanticized this idea of the London expat life based on a temporary high from a couple of travelling experiences? Is it easier to stay comfortable with the potential to become stagnant? Is it better to have all the answers to my life and be on one straight path? What if risking everything and going into the unknown would be the greatest life decision I’ve ever made? I don’t have all the answers and I guess only time will tell. Follow me on this next chapter of my life, as I navigate my way through the London expat life and the adventures I’ll embark on.

Yours sincerely,
Paola
The seasoned traveller