Hi, I’m Clarissa
I’m a homesick adventurer building a life abroad and sharing my everyday adventures. I’m always searching for places that inspire curiosity and feel a little like home, from cosy corners in coffee shops, libraries, and museums to hiking trails and paddleboarding routes through the UK.
Why I Write
I started writing as a way of documenting my move from California to England. Over the years, it has become a place to reflect on where I’ve been, make sense of the world, and keep track of how much I’ve changed along the way.
Writing helps me pay closer attention. It encourages me to be curious, explore more deeply, and find meaning in both the extraordinary moments and the everyday ones.
It’s also my way of letting others into my world. Moving abroad means that the people you love don’t get to witness your everyday life. Family and friends back home can’t stop by for a cup of tea, see the latest changes to the house, or join me on a weekend adventure.
This blog is my way of extending that invitation across the ocean. It’s where I share the places I’m exploring, the lessons I’m learning, and the life I’m building in Britain. I hope it resonates with anyone navigating their own version of home, adventure, and belonging.
My Story
I moved to England in my early twenties eager for an adventure, but leaving home also meant leaving behind family, familiar places, and the comfort of belonging somewhere without having to think about it. Homesickness has shaped much of my adult life, and this blog is, in many ways, a record of all the different ways I’ve learned to navigate it.
When I first started writing, I focused on creating spaces that felt like home. I shared DIY projects and the process of turning our house into a place that reflected who we were. Creating a comfortable home gave me a sense of stability during a time when so much of life felt unfamiliar. But I soon realised that feeling at home extends far beyond four walls. It’s a sense of belonging found in the communities we build, the places we return to, and the hobbies that bring us joy.
For me, exploring the outdoors was key to feeling more at home in England. Paddleboarding, hiking, camping, and rock climbing reminded me of the adventures I shared with my family in California, while also helping me connect with the place I live now. They gave me a reason to explore, helped me build new routines, and introduced me to landscapes that gradually began to feel familiar. The more time I spent outside, the more this country began to feel like mine too.
I moved halfway around the world looking for adventure, only to discover that some of the most meaningful adventures happen much closer to home. This blog is a record of that journey. What began as a record of places and projects has become a record of learning to belong, building a life, and finding adventure in the everyday.
What You’ll Find Here
Outdoor Adventures
The outdoors played a huge role in helping England feel like home. From paddleboarding and camping to hiking trails and coastal walks you’ll find stories and ideas for getting outside, whether you’re planning a big adventure or a local day out.
Life Abroad
Moving abroad changed the course of my life. I write honestly about homesickness, immigration, cultural differences, raising a family far from relatives, and the ongoing process of building a sense of belonging in a place that wasn’t originally home.
Travel
Here I share favourite discoveries, road trips, weekend escapes, and lessons learned from travelling through Europe and beyond.
Homes & Interiors
Home still has a place here. You’ll find stories from our Victorian house, thoughtful interiors, renovation projects, and reflections on creating spaces that support the life happening beyond the front door.
If you’re building a life somewhere new, rediscovering your local area, or simply searching for places that feel like home, I’m glad you’re here.
C l a r i M i c h e l e 