Finding Home in the Foothills of the Pyrenees
Sometimes the most meaningful journeys begin with a simple decision to let go. I left my life in Australia at 43 for a year of travel. Little did I know this adventure would lead me to love and a new home in a medieval Catalan town near the Pyrenees mountains.
The Leap
Deciding to uproot my whole world in Oz was difficult. This was the place, where I built my career as a graphic designer and illustrator, where everything seemed familiar. But there was a persistent whisper in my heart, a longing for something different. Exploring felt like a calling to me, despite being seen as unconventional by others.
Exploring the ancient temples of Siem Reap, Cambodia.
I gave away what I couldn’t carry and packed my life into a backpack. Friends thought I was brave; maybe I was just curious. But this journey wasn’t only about me – my son, fresh out of high school, joined me on this adventure. Together, we set off with one-way tickets and open hearts, ready to explore Asia and Europe.
My son and I in Belgium, fresh from three months in Southeast Asia, pausing in front of Bruges' iconic white almshouses.
Pre-dawn nerves turned to pure joy after our magical balloon flight over Cappadocia, Turkey.
The Journey
Through HelpX, I discovered a unique means to travel by assisting hosts in return for food and board. Some of my homestays stand out as extraordinary memories. I enjoyed walking dogs in a Turkish fishing village and taking care of llamas, sheep, and a donkey in the French Pyrenees.
Trading farm chores for mountain views - our workstay companions in the French Pyrenees.
Charming row houses of Berwick-upon-Tweed - stories behind every door, where seagulls circle and sea breezes whisper through these charming streets.
My days took on new rhythms at each location. In Berwick-upon-Tweed, where the North Sea meets the Scottish border, I managed a boutique backpackers – until the owner's mid-life crisis resulted in me being shown the door! Unexpected travel turns can lead us to the right destination. Soon enough, I found myself in central Catalonia, pruning olive trees under the Mediterranean sun.
Taking in the expansive rural Catalonian hills between olive harvesting shifts.
These locations were more than just spots to stay – they were windows into real lives, each one teaching me something new about different ways of living. Every experience, from rural labor to hospitality, revealed the authentic heart of each place. These exchanges gave me not only shelter, but lasting friendships, amusing stories, and a deeper understanding of what it means to belong somewhere.
Making connections at a English language school in central Catalonia.
The Unexpected Turn
What started as a simple olive-picking assignment in Catalonia led to an invitation that would change everything. At a local pub quiz where my son and I were invited to be quiz masters, I met him – a local Catalan who later became my husband and offered a sanctuary for my restless heart. Sometimes the most profound connections happen in the most unexpected places, and this medieval town, which began as just another stop on my journey, became the place where my heart chose to stay.
Sometimes a pub quiz in a medieval Catalan town leads to the best kind of plot twist.
Putting Down Roots
Currently, I dwell in an enchanting medieval Catalan town close to the Pyrenees, experiencing a story I never imagined but always dreamt of. I fill my days with tending to my vegetable garden, walking forest trails that feel more familiar with each step, and learning the rhythm of village living. I have continued my work as a graphic designer and illustrator, but have also embraced a new identity as an author – proving that putting down roots doesn’t mean stopping growth.
Hard-earned organic harvest from my community garden plot - worth every bit of effort.
Here, I’ve discovered that simplicity isn’t about having less – it’s about making room for what truly matters. My garden teaches me patience and persistence. The mountains remind me that some things are timeless. And this ancient town, with its narrow cobblestone streets and centuries-old traditions, shows me it’s never too late to begin anew.
A New Chapter
My life today is different from anything I could have planned. I’ve traded city convenience for the quiet satisfaction of growing my food. Instead of traffic noise, I wake to the ancient rhythm of tower bells marking time, their chimes echoing through the medieval streets, accompanied by morning bird songs and mountain breezes. I mark my calendar with local festivals, planting and harvesting vegetables, and wild mushroom seasons.
Yet, here in this quiet corner of Catalonia, I’ve found a spot where my soul truly feels welcomed. Each day brings new discoveries, and time unfolds with a gentle, fulfilling rhythm.
My story is about finding home in an unlikely place. It’s about learning that sometimes the best plans are the one’s life makes for you, and that it’s never too late to begin again.
When love brings families together - our wedding day joy.
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