Cats and dogs have long lives – upwards of 12 years to be exact. If someone asked me if I wanted to live in the same country, city, or proximate area for 12 years it would be impossible to know at this stage. For many travelers, getting a pet is out of the question. It’s …
Christmas: Five Years Spanning Three Continents and Lots of Adventures
For the last five years, every Christmas has had an element of travel. When I reflect back on my last five Christmas holiday seasons, I feel so much joy. My passion for travel and adventure and spending time with Nick, have been the most central themes in my life. Since I met Nick in 2017, …
Finding Home All Over the World in an International Relationship
After having met a number of people with international relationships, like myself and Nick, it has been interesting to reflect on the ways we’ve had to shape-shift in different places that we’ve visited or lived together. Meeting Up in Unfamiliar Locales in an International Relationship Edinburgh: Lost and Together in a Foreign City Seeking Normality …
Returning Home From Abroad: Tears and a Big Reunion
“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 …
New Zealand’s Hidden Gem: Cromwell
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 …
13 Things About New Zealand You Might Not Know
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 …
Routeburn in 2 Days: Panoramic Views, Excellent Company
Recently, 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 to the …
What it’s Actually Like to Live in New Zealand as a Foreigner During Covid-19
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 …
Liverpool Hut: Sleeping on the Edge of the World
Intro to Mount Aspiring I first learned about Liverpool Hut last summer on my first backpacking trip in New Zealand to Mount Aspiring Hut in Mount Aspiring National Park. We heard Liverpool was one of the coolest hikes and huts in New Zealand. Last year, this hut was not bookable, meaning people would wake up …
How to Spend a Winter Weekend in Aoraki/Mount Cook
I wrote this in winter August 2020. The restrictions for Covid had just been lifted in New Zealand. Queenstown to Mount Cook Three friends and I shot off to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park bright and early on Friday morning to spend a winter weekend in Mount Cook. We drove from Queenstown to Mount Cook in …