Hello! I am a Canadian expat and painter who has lived abroad for many years; first in Albania and now in France.

I retired early from my 9-5 seeking both adventure and a lifestyle that allowed me to focus more time on creative endeavors. I live and travel on modest income using public transit and creative planning. It can be done.

I began my solo-adventure in Albania (the cities of Pogradec and Vlorë) which was incredibly rewarding. I learned not only about Albania and living abroad in general; but also, about myself. International travel from Tirana is easy and I visited many countries from there. Not only have I honed my travel skills, but my time in a small town, allowed me to identify and understand my personal priorities and core needs. These revelations, however, led me to make the decision to move once again—this time to France.

As soon as I arrived in Lyon on my scouting trip, I felt lighter. I visited a few small cities in a whirlwind week of trains and tourism. When I returned to Albania, I knew I had made the right the decision to move. On the follow-up trip to France, I booked an Airbnb apartment for a week, determined to get a lease sorted in Southern France. I am now blissfully settled in the beautiful town of Arles.

I navigated all the housing logistics without a consultant this time, using my high school French skills, online research, and no small amount of good fortune. I’ve completed one visa renewal, travelled much within the country, accessed health services and begun new friendships. I plan to stay!

During these years abroad, I have met and corresponded with many Canadian and American would-be expats, answering questions regarding logistics as well as simply lending a supportive ear. Moving abroad is not only a physical process, but a psychological one and I am happy to share my wisdom and experience.

So, if either Albania or France is in your sights, I can answer your questions (there are no silly ones), help you sort out whether one or the other might be a good fit for you and provide resources–before, during, or after your relocation. Wherever you choose to start your adventure, embrace it; it’s going to be great!

•Given just how different some of the logistics in Albania are, I created a short booklet of tips and tricks (money, transit, pets, health, etc..). In the introduction, I refer to a quote from Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz: “Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore”. Even though Albania was not for me, it does not meet, it cannot be for you. I don’t regret a single moment there.