Hey there! I’m Melanie, a 33-year-old Canadian teacher who, along with my amazing husband, made the life-altering decision to embark on an extraordinary journey – to start our married life together in the vibrant landscapes of the Middle East. I’ve been trading in textbooks for maps and travel itineraries, diving headfirst into the rich culture of our new home.

We desired to break free from our comfort zone, experience a different rhythm of life, and embrace the unknown. But let me be honest, the transition was not a smooth sail. As someone who has spent the majority of her life in the calm and composed landscapes on the prairies in Canada, navigating the dynamic area of the Middle East required courage and adaptability.

However, these challenges soon transformed into opportunities for personal growth, broadening my horizons in unimaginable ways. My experiences – the sum of my trials, triumphs, learnings, and adventures – have come together to form this blog, a testament of my journey and a source of guidance for others.

Here, you’ll find tales of my travels, snippets of my life as an expatriate teacher, cultural insights, tips for coping with change, and more. This blog is a celebration of not just the destinations but also the journey itself, the raw experiences, the beautiful transformation, and the deep-rooted wisdom earned along the way.

Through my stories and lessons, I hope to inspire you to push boundaries, explore beyond your comfort zone, and embrace the beauty of our diverse world.

Welcome to my travel blog, where each post is a new chapter in living abroad and traveling while doing so. Let’s wander, learn, and grow together.

I’m learning that life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

Here’s to a world full of possibilities,

Melanie