At 56, I did something a little unconventional—I left my life in New Zealand to relocate to Scotland. It’s been a whirlwind of change, adventure, and self-discovery. My name is Helen, and I’d love to share my story with you…

Years ago, I bought a charming old farmhouse in Italy for about €80,000, dreaming of opening a bed and breakfast there. However, the path to realizing that dream turned out to be filled with unexpected challenges and invaluable lessons about relocating abroad.

I originally hailed from the Northern Territory in Australia. After considering various destinations for relocation, I chose Morocco; specifically, the coastal town of Essaouira.  My decision to settle in Essaouira was deeply personal. I had previously moved there to be with a Moroccan love interest and fell in love with the place and its people. This profound connection to Essaouira made it an ideal choice for relocation.

Donna (age 64), relocated from the United States to Panama in 1984, after marrying her Panamanian husband. They raised two children and lived many happy years together. In 2020 they separated and in 2021, mutually agreed to divorce. But Donna remained in Panama! 

Fast forward to 2024, and I met Donna in Portugal. I was astounded by the strength of the woman, and her career history. The following interview offers fascinating insight into what drives this lady from South Dakota.