There's packing for a holiday, and then there's packing your entire life into a 40-foot shipping container. Car, house contents, and yes, the dog. That's how we left Australia and set off for the UK, chasing a new chapter across the globe. It wasn't glamorous, but it was ours.

We landed in Cornwall, where the container became our makeshift storage unit and the old caravan became home. For 2 years, we lived simply, tight quarters, leaky windows, and a whole lot of character. It was a far cry from Mandurah's sunshine, but it had its own charm. Eventually, we built a house from the ground up and poured ourselves into creating a fabulous garden, a patch of green that bloomed with colour and pride.

Life didn't slow down. We were there for Brexit, and I even got to vote, an unexpected twist in my expat experience. We weathered more than just politics; there were personal milestones, challenges, and moments that reshaped us. It was surreal to think that years earlier, I'd spent 3 months travelling the UK with Paul when we first met. Now, we were living it.

Our daughter moved to London for 4 years, carving out her own adventure while we explored ours. We took 2 unforgettable cruises around the Mediterranean and Iberia, soaking in sun, history & the kind of freedom that only comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.

But the UK has its quirks, the weather. Wet, grey & relentless. As much as we loved the countryside and the culture, we missed the warmth, the lifestyle & the rhythm of Mandurah. So, we did it all again: packed up the car, the house, and the dog, and made our way back to Australia.

It wasn't just a move, it was a full-circle moment. From container living to garden building, from Brexit ballots to Mediterranean breezes, we lived a life rich in experience. And now, back in the place we call home, we carry those stories with us, proof that sometimes, the best way to appreciate where you are is to see it from somewhere else.