This week marked one year since I decided to permanently move to Galapagos, Ecuador and I have no regrets. The changes in my life, the struggles I’ve experienced arriving and staying here, and the lack of first world amenities are far outweighed by the benefits I’ve discovered of living in a tropical island paradise and the overall happiness I feel.

Though I’d been a backpacker for the past few years, deciding to begin a new life in one location was a completely different experience with it’s own set of challenges and also rewards.

I’m happy to say that I’m living in a beautiful house, surrounded by open space, fruit trees, highland greenery and peace. I have an amazing husband, am now part of a beautiful Ecuadorian family, and have wonderful new friends and neighbours who drop in to our house and lives on a daily basis.

Christmas Galapagos 2016

Of course the flip side of this is that I miss my Australian family and friends everyday. I wish I could join my mum and aunts at their cinema nights, or have Friday night dinner with my best friend. But I can’t and this is the unfortunate side of travel, you always leave something behind. Thankfully Whatsapp and Skype exist so I can still talk and message with my Aussie people, I can’t imagine trying to cope with an overseas move 30 years ago when the internet didn’t exist.

I’m also pleased to say that I’m working, earning money, learning and enjoying what I’m doing far more than when I was sitting in an office all day. I’m fortunate to be able to work as a contractor, meaning that I work from my kitchen table watching the occasional chicken walk past the window. I love the ability to maintain my work life whilst having the freedom to move between islands, or Galapagos and the mainland, or even spend some time in another country.

For 6 months of this year we needed to move to Isabela Island, and whilst the initial setup and settling in to our apartment was at times challenging, it was a wonderful time, getting to watch the sunrise whilst snorkelling, or playing and relaxing on the beach each afternoon.

Relaxing Isabela Beach

Whilst there we rode horses up Sierra Negra Volcano in the pouring rain, camped at the top, and awoke to the most amazing sunrise and spectacular scenery. We still move between islands here in Galapagos as work needs arise, and it blows my mind that taking a speed boat between islands is part of my normal life.

Carly Cerro Azul

Really this all stemmed from a thought 5 years ago that I wanted to leave my life in Australia and do something more. An idea that just wouldn’t quit. If I hadn’t followed my instinct, packed up and started my around the world backpacking adventure, I don’t know what I would be doing today. Actually, that’s not true. The urge to travel, see the world, be brave enough to jump in to the unknown where I knew the happiness I was chasing existed, was so strong I couldn’t ignore it.

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine this is how my life would be today. I really encourage everyone who is thinking about traveling, volunteering or studying abroad, or just wanting to get out of a daily routine that is not fulfilling you the way you think it should, to work as hard as you can to make whatever you want happen. You won’t regret it.