I have been based in New Zealand for two years. Now I am transitioning back to the US. I thought I would share some of my funniest culture shock moments. Culture shock. I know things are different abroad and people become accustomed to a certain way of life when living somewhere. I would like to …
“Returning Home from Abroad: Tears and a Big Reunion” is part of a month-long series I am doing on my readjustment into the US after living in New Zealand for 2 years during Covid-19. I had a pretty big weekend. I moved continents and countries. I left New Zealand and went long-distance with my boyfriend …
Cromwell offers delicious wine, stunning vistas and small-town charm that is the perfect getaway from the rush of Auckland or the buzz of touristy Queenstown. Head to Cromwell to get off the beaten-track. I was given the opportunity to first visit Cromwell back in 2020 after Covid. The valley is a unique area of New …
In August 2019, Nick and I left for our Working Holiday Visas in New Zealand. We read and read and read, but it was hard to know what to expect. Here are some insights into how we afforded to live and travel in New Zealand for 2 years. Save Before You Travel Have Enough Saved …
When I moved out here, I felt like I knew nothing about New Zealand. I kept reading blogs and guidebooks, and watching videos, but nothing stuck. I felt like I couldn’t understand the culture or determine if there even was one. So there’s this island near Australia and it’s really pretty. Britain colonized it in …
Published 2020, Updated 2025 Just the highlights of people’s lives are broadcast on social media. All the accomplishments, beautiful views, and the picture-perfect curated moments are presented to the world. But what about the not-so-good days, difficult feelings, and the times where life doesn’t go as planned? Ultimately, social media cannot replace human connection although …
Everything you’ll need for your first snowboard season! Snowboard Gear for Rookies Last year, I was debating if snowboarding was worth the hype. I couldn’t shake the image of a bunch of old white dudes cheersing at the ski resorts. In the US, it didn’t seem like the most inclusive or fun sport. It was …
Published March 2021 Some friends and I decided to hike the Routeburn in 2 days and 1 night. New Zealand’s Great Walks are truly epic. Especially the Routeburn. “I want to do the Routeburn,” “I want to too,” my friends would chirp up when we discussed trip plans for 2021. With one of the entrances …
This article is part of my new series, Travel Misadventures, which features anecdotes about when travel doesn’t go as planned. Published March 2021. The Brick House by the Freeway When I arrived in Boston for my romantic weekend, the neighborhood around my hostel was not a tourist area to say the least. Okay that’s alright, …
A tale of international love, life abroad, mental health, and adventure in its purest form. The Complexities of Living Abroad When I post photos of myself smiling in breathtaking landscapes and share exciting travel anecdotes on social media and my blog, that’s only a tiny snippet into my world here in Queenstown. And that’s only …