As the name suggests, I'm not big on the big overseas experience. I've already done mine.
When I was just over 20, my wife-to-be forcefully encouraged me to move from my childhood home of Whanganui (New Zealand) to Wellington (also New Zealand).
After spending 5 years with the locals, I returned home a completely different, dear I say worldly, person with one child and another on its way. My nesting need was high, and I thought by the time our third child arrived that I had finally defeated my wife's compulsion to see the world. For a time, the universal 'us' were happy, safe, and comfortable. Mission achieved.
Alas, this was not to be the end of my travels.
Well, for starters I am currently overseas with my wife and three children and have some time on my hands (parents - spot the in-joke!). Writing is weirdly enjoyable for me. Kind of a comfort space. True to form, I've found something to cling to in these uncertain times.
Secondly, I feel that blogging has peaked. So what better time to dabble in the art before it becomes another outdated medium of communication! Maybe even contribute to its demise.
Thirdly, there's my ego...and the compelling need to document my hardships.
But most importantly, I hope that my shared experiences will help support my fellow kindred spirits who just want to be left alone at home. Whether I can further validate this desire for them (stay home, stay safe!) or whether they need some commonality as they are thrust into the realm of reluctant travellers themselves - regardless of the need, let me be your pillar of strength.
Uprooted from Bali and unmoored in New Zealand, I faced chaos, homelessness, and a deep craving for routine. From free spirits to pamphlet runs, this is a tale of reluctant returns and finding comfort... ...more
Bali
March 23, 2025β’6 min read
It was time! With one last emotional farewell to the pool we were off. Yet there were still airports to navigate and planes to suffer through. Overtired kids and an active volcano meant our journey ho... ...more
Bali
March 16, 2025β’4 min read
Ubud. Home of haggling. Or so I suspected. Navigating the markets was a test of character and resilience. From engorged prices to phallic sculptures, itβs a cultural whirlwind that taught me when to b... ...more
Bali
March 09, 2025β’6 min read
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