Some more about me

I was born in the late 1970s in South Africa.

Rabbits, dogs, cats, birds, fish. I even had a pet rat for a month or so. It belonged to my cousin, but I like to think I was brave enough to keep it in my room and pet it occasionally. I kept it alive so that counts as a pet, right...?

I was fiercely independent when I was younger. I worked to save up some money and then went backpacking on my own. I was proud that I could do these things without anyone else's help. My mother was deaf. She hated having to rely on other people. She always pushed me to be independent so I wouldn't need others. I am so grateful to her for her courage and support. She died in 2009 from a brain tumour. I miss her every day.

When I went travelling, I lived in Israel for a short time, working on a kibbutz. I also travelled to Australia and lived there briefly. I eventually settled in England. It was one of the hardest decisions I've made. I yearn for my homeland, but I have English ancestry, so it felt fitting to end my travels where some of my roots began. South Africa will always have my heart.

These days I live in England with my own family. I spend my time listening to music, wandering with a camera, reading, sketching and pondering the world. This blog is simply a place to collect those thoughts. Some posts are light-hearted, some more reflective, but all are part of the journey.

So, in summary: I am a traveller. An emigrant. At home, but not home.