Hi there! I’m Suzan Anora, an Osage Indian from the small town of Owasso, Oklahoma. If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be living in London, sipping tea with the locals and navigating the quirks of the NHS, I would have laughed out loud. Yet here I am, a travelling nurse, soaking up the charm and chaos of the UK’s capital.
Growing up in Owasso, life was simple, predictable, and wonderfully small-town. I loved it but always felt the pull to explore beyond those familiar Oklahoma plains. My journey as a nurse started there, but it quickly became clear that I needed more. I wanted to experience the world—not just through books and screens, but by living it.
So, I packed up and began my travels. First stop? Melbourne. Australia greeted me with its sunny beaches, chilled-out vibe, and an entirely different way of looking at nursing. It was a wild ride trying to figure out the healthcare system there, but the Aussies taught me to relax a little and enjoy life—something I hadn’t realised I needed.
Then came Cape Town. Oh, Cape Town. Beautiful, raw, and unlike anywhere else I’ve been. South Africa challenged me in ways I didn’t expect. From the stunning landscapes to the complex history, I learned as much about the world as I did about myself. Nursing there was intense, but it opened my eyes to the diversity of healthcare systems worldwide.
After a few years of soaking in the African sun, I was ready for something new. Lisbon became my next stop, and I instantly fell in love with its hills, winding streets, and an endless supply of pastel de nata. Portugal slowed me down in the best possible way—after the hectic pace of Cape Town, it was like a soft exhale. The healthcare system there had its quirks, but I learned that no matter where you go, nurses are nurses—caring, resourceful, and sometimes overworked!
Now, London is my home. Adjusting to the UK has been an adventure. The NHS? What a system! It’s been a maze at times, but I’ve grown to appreciate its uniqueness. And London itself? Well, it’s a city that never stops. I’ve swapped wide-open spaces for the hustle and bustle of life in the capital. It’s been an adjustment but in the best possible way.
I’m sharing my experiences as a travelling nurse and expat on this blog, from navigating London’s Tube to understanding the NHS and everything in between. I want this space to be a mix of helpful tips, honest stories, and maybe a laugh or two about life as a wandering nurse far from home.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope my adventures inspire you to see the world differently—or, at the very least, understand that moving to a new country is a wild but wonderful ride!