Trying Freedom

So now you’re up to speed it’s time to look at what’s next, as with the last blog I’ll kick this off by looking at what I was thinking at the end of last year;

Something I didn’t expect, however, was to not feel at home in Norwich, a bizarre feeling given that it was exactly that for nearly all of my life which leaves me somewhat lost.

A feeling that’s not changed, somewhat solidified after hearing many friends and family complaining about the rising costs of rental and mortgage payments, which is the first thing I’d have to contend with if I decided to settle down again here long term before I even think about anything else like work/life balance.

I’m also well aware that I need to deal with the question of where I am living long term including affording it (as much as I’d like to have infinite savings and roam around forever) however, I’m just delaying that for now whilst I work out all my options.

So with that in mind, let’s start by looking at the other options I was thinking about previously;

there were three options that I wanted to explore, this being the first of basing myself around mountains and previous trips to Chamonix make it a natural choice to do just that.

Although I had an incredible two weeks of hiking, climbing and exploring in general (even including a quick trip over to Switzerland for a 6-day hike of the Haute route to see the Matterhorn in Zermatt) I didn’t get the feeling that I could call it home, I was however reminded that I definitely needed to visit more than once a year… and I need to climb the Matterhorn next year…

To be honest, I can’t remember why I felt like I couldn’t call it home, the only thing that immediately comes to mind is the high cost of living, however, that’s an assumption without me doing a huge amount of research into different options and mainly going off what I’ve been told by various guides, which is that most people start life there living in a camper or car.

So, there is more research to do there but I have partially ticked a box in that I am booked on to attempt the Matterhorn next month, I’ll be there for one week with various training starting the week off before attempting to summit later in the week, stay tuned for updates on that.

That brings me back to the other options which I’ve got in mind, one is to base myself in some UK mountains (probably more like hills) of the Lake District, now it doesn’t compare to what Chamonix has to offer but staying closer to the people I’ve missed while travelling does make it tempting, so I’ve just booked a longer trip there than the usual long weekends to see how it feels to actually live there.

The trip I mentioned confirmed what I already knew deep down: I could live there. Despite my previous statement, it’s something I have looked into since last year given that I was employed and wanted to be close to family with everything going on – more on that later.

After doing a lot of research I switched tactics. I started looking in the Peak District instead, mainly due to the fact I’d be closer to home, friends and family but also as many of the rental properties in the Lake District only allow local people to rent them, I forget the exact criteria but that’s the short version.

It wasn’t long until I found a property and had an offer accepted, however, unfortunately, I had to back out the day before I had intended to move in due to that family emergency – thanks again to the estate agents for keeping my deposit in light of that.

Although I’ve recently found out it would still be possible to rent while unemployed, it’s just too expensive to go ahead with this option without being employed… plus being unemployed is quite nice so far, I’m keeping busy and only doing things I want to do.

The last option, leave again… If I do decide to go down that route, I’d do it differently this time though. Mainly by picking some key destinations, I’d like to visit and planning to stay in each for around a month so I can properly explore and avoid the typical traveller routes that you’ll see plastered around YouTube travel blogs and so on but I am still pretty sure that I’d start back in the Philippines.

That leaves me with this along with the first option (which I guess is very similar) which I am more than happy with, it’s just a case of timing and picking a location (or many) and I’ve already had a few ideas for the short term, I can then come up with a way of sustaining the lifestyle for as long as possible.

Maybe a camper would be the way forward after all, although I’m still not too keen on the idea of living in such a small space after my hostel experiences so far…

I am also conscious that I need to set another goal to focus on, outside of just travel… I’ve got so much free time at the minute and with my current big goal (the Matterhorn) fast approaching I need to choose something else to make sure I don’t waste the fortunate position I’m in, the only criteria I have so far is that I want it to be my biggest challenge yet.

I’d love to get your suggestions too so if you’ve got any, leave a comment below!