From Liverpool to Perth: Zara's expat journey.

Baring it All with Rose and Chrystal

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What happens when life completely derails your carefully constructed plans? For our mate Zara, a hairdresser from Liverpool, what should have been a quick trip home for her sister's baby shower turned into a wild, years-long adventure filled with visa hiccups, COVID border closures, and some serious soul-searching.

Zara had built a seemingly perfect life in Perth over nearly a decade, with a thriving business, a steady relationship, and a gorgeous apartment. But then, BAM! She found herself locked out of Australia due to a technicality with her visa. What felt like the end of the world quickly became an unexpected chance for clarity. "It was the worst - best thing that happened to me," she candidly shared.

Separated from her partner and her work, everything felt like it was crumbling. Yet through that chaos, Zara reconnected with what truly mattered to her. Although her relationship and business ended, she started to feel happy again, something she realized she hadn’t felt in quite some time. She was rediscovering herself and starting anew.

Friends encouraged her to settle down in Liverpool, but Zara's heart was still set on Australia. We admired her stubbornness as she refused to buy a car, a house, or even a proper phone plan in the UK, confident she’d return to Perth on her own terms.

Eventually, the universe had her back with a sponsorship at Chrystal's salon. Tired of waiting in the UK, she decided to live in Bali while her visa was processed, making new friends and venturing back into the dating scene. A cringe-worthy date with a tooth-gem-wearing American left her a bit scarred, but it entertained us for sure!

Now, Zara is rebuilding her life in Perth, determined to find love and re-enter the dating world. Although she's not keen on dating apps -finding them a bit weird, but she’s open to new experiences as long as they don’t involve any tooth gems! It’s a bit daunting but refreshing to see her approach it all with humour and an open heart.

Our chat was filled with fun over snacks and drinks, with Zara teaching us some hilarious Scouse terms, leaving us in stitches trying to catch her quirky phrases and the things we don't quite understand when she talks! We couldn’t resist throwing in a cheeky-themed "Would You Rather" towards the end, adding a sprinkle of mischief to our convo!

Zara's journey resonates with anyone who's faced unexpected detours in life. It’s a raw reminder that sometimes, life’s redirections—even when painful—lead us right where we need to be. We hope you enjoy this fun, candid chat as Zara shares her extraordinary expat journey and adventures so far and discover why starting over might be the best gift of all!

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@baringitall_thepodcast
Rose Oates
@roseoates_
Chrystal Russell
@chrystalrussell_

And don’t forget to take care of yourself and each other -
With Love Rose & Chrystal x

Chapters

1. Meeting Zara: The Firecracker from Liverpool (00:00:00)

2. The Sponsorship Story: Getting Back to Australia (00:09:25)

3. Stuck Overseas During COVID (00:16:46)

4. The Bali Connection: Reuniting the Team (00:27:02)

5. Dating Disasters and the Infamous Tooth Gem (00:34:12)

6. Relationship Preferences and Would You Rather (00:49:18)

7. Single in Perth: What's Next for Zara (01:06:31)