Fraser Bramwell moved back to the UK after two years in Australia and realised within a week that he had made a mistake. He had left Cornwall to seek a life of sun and adventure in Sydney, but was eventually tempted back after watching his family age from afar.
Homecoming brings a major drawback
Having grown up in the surf spot of St Ives, Cornwall, the move to the sun-kissed surfer haven felt like a natural transition. Two years later, though, Fraser found himself back in Cornwall, hoping to reconnect with his family and enjoy the British food and drink he had missed, as well as close proximity to loved ones.
But his homecoming came with a major drawback. Fraser told the Mail: "I realised the UK wasn't my home anymore after the first week."
It seems Fraser had outgrown his former life in the UK. "When you travel, explore, give yourself to the world, it shows you so much. It's life's greatest lesson - experience."
Feeling like a big fish in a tiny fishbowl
He added: "I've changed dramatically over the years and especially in Australia, so coming home, you feel almost like a big fish trying to squeeze back into this tiny fishbowl, and you're thinking, 'How on earth did I even fit in there to begin with?'"
St Ives is a popular tourist destination, but Fraser says the reality of living there is quite different. He pointed to a lack of jobs due to its seasonal economy and said he felt "stuck and limited".
Instead, Fraser travelled 11,000 miles to begin a new life in Sydney. He conceded that the distance made it difficult to stay in touch with friends, but wishes he could enjoy his "beautiful" Cornwall home more.
Early morning run brings clarity
He claimed that he had fewer opportunities, exposure to other cultures, and travel options. Fraser woke up one morning in Cornwall at 6am for a run when it all dawned on him.
Fraser set off that morning for his run, but nobody was about. He was unable to find an open coffee shop as it was too early. This early bird mentality was one of the things he was drawn to in Australia.
Fraser dubbed this outlook "winning the morning". It involves an early start, run, coffee, and a swim in the ocean, all before you start your usual day. He suggests health and well-being are "so natural" to the Aussies.
Meanwhile, in the UK, he claims that many people will be content to approach things with a "that's that then" attitude. Ultimately, though, he missed his family, having to watch from afar as they grew older.
Among the other things the 25-year-old missed about Britain were the friendliness of those he knew, food staples like fry-ups and fish and chips, and not feeling concerned about deadly sea creatures like blue-ringed octopuses.
