How Heartbreak Led to a New Life in Belgium

Claire Drinkwater left her high-pressure media career in London following a painful breakup and burnout. She embarked on a year-long journey to nine countries across three continents to learn how to be alone again. Her travels took her from India to New Zealand and eventually led to a fateful meeting with a man from Belgium. After the trip ended, she chose to move to Belgium rather than attempt a long-distance relationship. Over a decade later, she has rebuilt her life and career there, proving that home can be created in unexpected places.

At age 30, Claire Drinkwater thought she had everything figured out. She had a successful career in London managing communications for TV networks and a long-term relationship. However, when the relationship ended, she suddenly had to find a new place to live and learn how to be alone again.

The stress took a significant toll on her physical and mental health. She experienced daily sickness, worked late hours, ate sporadically, and woke up in a panic at night. Traditional solutions like therapy and new hobbies failed to make a difference.

A turning point came after a trip to Italy with friends. The experience reignited a spark she hadn't felt in years. On the flight home, watching Milan disappear under the clouds, she realized she wanted to stay. This moment awakened a long-dormant dream of traveling the world that she had promised herself as a student.

Despite worrying about abandoning the career she worked hard to build, Claire quit her job and booked a round-the-world route covering nine countries. Boarding the plane alone for her first stop in India, she questioned her sanity but proceeded with the adventure.

Her first stop was Goa, where she stayed at a beachside yoga resort. Although her anxiety initially disturbed her sleep, weeks of practicing yoga and meditation helped calm her body and mind. She learned to be spontaneous and enjoy the moment.

The journey continued with specific challenges and milestones:

• Malaysia: She took scuba diving lessons. After panicking and struggling to breathe underwater, she eventually passed her certification.
• Bali: She arrived here on her 33rd birthday to learn how to rest and relax.
• New Zealand: She temped in communications, climbed volcanoes, and enjoyed beach barbecues.
• Chile: She witnessed shooting stars over the Atacama Desert.

Each destination offered a unique lesson, helping her heal and rediscover herself.

As her trip concluded and her plane circled over London, Claire realized the city looked the same, but she was different. She had met a man from Belgium toward the end of her travels. They got along so well that they visited each other's home countries and took trips together.

When he returned to Belgium to resume his old job, Claire faced a difficult choice: try a long-distance relationship or take a chance on a new life. She decided to trust herself and packed her bags for a country she had never imagined living in.

Settling in was difficult. She did not speak the languages, and the culture was vastly different. However, she made friends and rebuilt her communications career in Brussels. It has been over ten years, and they are still together.

She now enjoys the slower pace of life, including browsing weekly markets and sitting on terraces. She still travels frequently and visits London, where she gets a happy tingle in her stomach. Her experience taught her that home is not defined by birthplace, but by where one feels comfortable through meaningful people and experiences.