Blog - Roaming Brit Blog

From a new life in spain, to an old life in britain, 'roaming brit' documents uncertain times!

On 31st January 2016, my partner and I left Southampton to start a new life as Expats in Gran Alacant, on the Costa Blanca. This blog will document our journey, as we navigate the Spanish system, travelling a path untried and untested. With Brexit looming, political turmoil in Europe, and an unpredictable future, harsh decisions must be made. Illness, family bonds, and a Change of heart all make for challenging times in the life of a 'Roaming Brit!'

Published on: March 1, 2026

Things I miss about Europe!

Australia Gran Alacant Memories Of Fareham Memories Of Home Memories Of Portsmouth blog

Published on: February 21, 2026

The Importance of Friendships!

Australia Britain Friends Colleagues Gran Alacant Memories Of Portsmouth Memories Of Spain blog

It's been fantastic to talk to friends from back home in The UK this week. My life is so busy currently, that I hardly get any time to myself, let alone the opportunity to phone people. Thankfully, I found a few hours out of my ever-growing schedule to sit down and spend quality time with Michelle and Paul from Liverpool and Kire from Portsmouth.

Many of you will remember Paul and Meesh from my time in Spain. These were my Spanish family who were there through the good and dark times, in equal measure. They were always a great source of support during my two years in Gran Alacant, and it has been 8 years since I have seen them both. I felt quite emotional talking to these gorgeous people, and it took me back to one of the happiest periods in my life.

This morning I was also able to spend half an hour with Kire, who I used to work with at Tesco in Portsmouth. This was a job I thoroughly enjoyed and formed many lasting friendships, during a crucial few years when Darrell and I were separated through the COVID pandemic raging across the world. Kire, was the first hug of the morning and the last hug of the day. I don't think she ever really understood my embracing nature, but she always gave me a massive cuddle back—even during the pandemic.

Kire and all those I worked with in Portsmouth have remained friends since I moved to Australia, and it's because of people like them that my adjustment to life down under has been as trouble free as possible. It is true to say, we don't have many friendships here, but friends from back home, more than make up for it.

In today's vlog, I discuss friendships and the important role they play in my life.

Published on: February 14, 2026

A Tribute to Paul!

Australia Friends Colleagues Gran Alacant Memories Of Spain Remembering Gran Alacant Zest blog

The death of someone close never gets any easier to bear, and God knows I've lost countless people in my life!

This week I heard of the death of Paul Bayley, a friend from Spain and a remarkable young man. Paul was there for me during the darkest of times, when I lived in Gran Alacant, as well as the happier and more humorous occasions, when the expat community celebrated milestones and events in their own inimitable unique way. Paul was an important part of the fabric of an urbanisation that I think about every day and a place I hope to return to one day.

In today's blog, I have recorded a tribute to Paul and the special place he holds in my heart. Paul was quite simply a wonderful, honest, empathetic man, who ways always there if you needed him!

RIP mate!

Published on: February 9, 2026

Beyond The Hallway - Love Without Borders!

Beyond The Hallway My Writing blog

Published on: February 2, 2026

Weekly Catch Up!

Australia Friends Colleagues My Writing blog

Our first flat, Canning Highway in Fremantle

Our first time back in Fremantle in three years. It's been a particularly rough few months for me, so a few days off, enjoying the sun in my favourite part of Perth was welcome. I don't relax much these days, but it was nice to just have some time out with Darrell and a Dana. Fremantle was our first home in 1995 and it remains a special place for both of us!

Published on: January 26, 2026

Out Of The Hallway!

Australia My Writing Out Of The Hallway blog

Click on book above to take you to Amazon

My new book 'Out of the Hallway' is out now. Written under my real name, Darren Light, it documents my coming out story between 1987–1995. A big thank you to John Hibberd for writing the Foreword, and my ex-partner, Martyn, for his emotional, important contribution.

The book is also dedicated to the memory of all those close friends from the 1990s, who have since passed away: Matthew Corbett, Pete Crossman, Andy (Annie) Baxter, Paul (Mother) Judd, Paul Nightingale, Brian Read, Steve Rogers!

RIP my lovelies — My journey wouldn't have been the same without you!

‘Out of the Hallway’ is the second book in a series by author Darren Light. His first book ‘Echoes In The Hallway’ documented Darren’s childhood, growing up in the small market town of Fareham, on the south coast of England, during the 1970s and 80s. His latest memoir, is a story about ‘coming out’ gay, during the late 1980s/early 1990’s. In the middle of a period, steeped in mistrust and misunderstanding, by a public, not yet ready to embrace diversity, ‘Out Of The Hallway’ explores the difficulties Darren encountered. From the relationships that kept him grounded, events that shaped his early adult life, and a culture, often out of control, Darren takes readers on an emotional journey of change and acceptance!

The book delves into the ‘Club Kid’ culture of the 1990s, with a poignant, often savage honesty. The habitual, underground world of clubbing and after parties, is documented with sensitive, honest and candid humour. Suffering with anxiety, Darren found it hard to be recognised as the gay man he was born to be. He takes us on a journey of perplexing emotions and deep enigmatic recollections, of a time, often forgotten, dismissed as a period of excess and extravagance.

Under the surface, love, relationships, companionship and pain, continued in the same way it did in any other community. The nuanced intricacies of life on a scene out of control, offers an insight into the minds of all of those who grew up gay at a time of great political and social change. ‘Out of The Hallway’ describes a scene on the edge, always one step away from disaster!

Published on: January 19, 2026

I'm Falling Apart!

Australia Weight Loss Health blog

Published on: January 9, 2026

Out of the Hallway!

My Writing Out Of The Hallway blog

Published on: January 3, 2026

Year in Review 2025!

Year In Review 2025 blog

Published on: December 27, 2025

Christmas Thoughts!

Australia Christmas Thoughts blog

Well that's it, Christmas is over for another year and this time I couldn't be happier. I really haven't been in a festive mood this year, but despite feeling down, it was wonderful to receive a small hamper from my friend Ramona back in The UK, full of my British favourites. Ramona and I have been friends for 33 years now, having been to University together back in the early 1990's. We have a lot of history together and know each other inside out.

I remember having a conversation with her quite a few weeks ago. She was asking me what I missed about Britain, and I told her all the things we can't get here, that I used to be able to get back home. She must have taken note, because a month later I received a box full of goodies.

Despite not feeling particularly Christmasy, receiving gifts, cards, emails, and texts from friends back home is as special to me today as it always has been. My lifestyle and financial situation has changed for the better, immeasurably, but, I will always miss my friends back home, especially Ramona!

Despite not feeling particularly festive, Darrell and I did spend the day with friend Joy and her friend Sharron at Banksia Tourist Park in Western Australia. Christmas Day was hot, very hot, in fact I read just yesterday that WA was the hottest place on Earth this year, and it definitely felt that way. The temperature reached a steamy 43 degrees at the park, which was certainly a welcome bonus for me, since I absolutely love the hot summer here in Australia. For Darrell and Mum, not so much!

Joy had ordered some platters from Coles: Cold meat, wraps, fruit, dips, and nibbles. There was no cooking involved, no standing by a hot stove in the searing heat, and no washing up at the end of the day. Christmas is very different down under; there are of course the die hard Brits who live here, who still cook a roast, but in the main, a simple cold meat salad or BBQ is the order of the day.

I remember cooking a Christmas dinner the second year I was here, and I wowed to never do it again. The heat can be dreadfully debilitating at times and even with the aircon on full blast, the intense Australian summer calls for something a little less elaborate. It was interesting, however, that the West Australian government had enforced a BBQ ban on the day. This often happens when temperatures reach such scorching levels, because of the fire risk, but that didn't put a dampener on our celebrations and the food tasted great!

It was great relaxing at Joy's home in the tourist park, where she lives. This beautiful place is an over 55 residential park, and the perfect place to relax. Sitting on her veranda, you can see the Australian wildlife directly in front of you — kangaroos, parrots, and yes, the odd spider strolling past. This is the kind of village I could see myself living in, in a few years, and it is so different from the urban sprawl where we live now.

Of course, I was reminded of Christmas back home in England and just how different it is in Australia. Despite enjoying the day, I do miss spending this time of year in the UK. As a child Christmas was special, and somehow it seems better on a cold, frosty, crisp festive morning. Much of this has to do with childhood memories, which are far more evocative of innocent, carefree times, but it is also about the loss of those no longer here.

Every year I put up the last Christmas Card Mum and Dad sent me together, before Mum died in 2019, and I often look back over old photos from past family gatherings. I miss spending time with loved ones and friends, and I remain deeply emotional at such a poignant time of year.

... Talking of poignancy, I found this amazing cookery book, by Marguerite Patten over Christmas in the most unexpected of places — so what I hear you ask? Well, this is the exact same book My late Mother used to have when I was a child. She taught me to cook and bake using it, and I remember flicking through the pages, looking at all the delicious food on display with her, on a cold rainy afternoon. To be honest, looking at the retro food in its pages today, it doesn't appear to be as appetising as it once was.

The book isn't my Mothers, of course, but the emotions that came flooding back were immeasurable. Finding this little treasure was the perfect end to Christmas and another example of just how much importance I give to memories of fonder times. This book encapsulates my childhood, the meals Mum cooked, the moments we spent together and of course the special times we spent as a family — a family still very much alive in the memories I share today!

Author

51-year-old Author and professional blogger. Expat formerly living in Gran Alacant on the Costa Blanca! Currently, residing in my adopted home of Perth, Western Australia.

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