A British man sold his life on eBay and bought an island, but soon faced a problem (5 photos)

19 October 2024

I think many of us have imagined how we would give up our usual life and go to the ends of the earth. For most of us, this is just a passing fantasy, but for Ian Asher, it is reality. The Briton sold his entire life on eBay and settled on a tropical island. Years later, he spoke about the "biggest problem" of a solitary lifestyle.





In 2002, Asher and his wife moved from the UK to the Australian city of Perth. Six years later, his wife left him. After that, he decided to take a desperate step and put "his entire life" up for sale on eBay.

Usher's story attracted media attention. At the time, he told BBC News: "I intend to leave the house with my wallet in one pocket and my passport in the other."



Usher said goodbye to Australia and eventually bought an island in the Caribbean. Documentarian Ben Fogle caught up with him six years later for an episode of Ben Fogle: New Life in the Wild.





However, life on the island was not without its problems. In a new interview with The Daily Star, the 61-year-old adventurer spoke about the troubles he faced. He also confirmed that he has been travelling the world since selling the island in 2015.



After settling on the island, the Briton learned Spanish, learned how to use a boat and built his own house.

"The biggest problem is theft. The locals don't understand what a holiday is. If you disappear for a couple of weeks, they think, 'Oh, that guy doesn't need his roof and furniture anymore, he's gone.'"

"The island has a very active recycling program," he joked. "As soon as you turn your back, your stuff starts disappearing. It was not perceived as an attack, but it was necessary to remain vigilant and watch the property."

+6
Add your comment
  • bowtiesmilelaughingblushsmileyrelaxedsmirk
    heart_eyeskissing_heartkissing_closed_eyesflushedrelievedsatisfiedgrin
    winkstuck_out_tongue_winking_eyestuck_out_tongue_closed_eyesgrinningkissingstuck_out_tonguesleeping
    worriedfrowninganguishedopen_mouthgrimacingconfusedhushed
    expressionlessunamusedsweat_smilesweatdisappointed_relievedwearypensive
    disappointedconfoundedfearfulcold_sweatperseverecrysob
    joyastonishedscreamtired_faceangryragetriumph
    sleepyyummasksunglassesdizzy_faceimpsmiling_imp
    neutral_faceno_mouthinnocent

You might be interested in:
Registration