This channel is our way of sharing the biggest adventure of our lives.
In 2024, after a lot of thinking (and rethinking), we made the decision to sell everything and move halfway across the world to New Zealand—looking for a different pace, a new perspective, and a fresh start for our family.
We’re not experts, and this isn’t a polished travel channel. What you’ll see here is the real process—the planning, the setbacks, the small wins, the excitement, and the moments where things don’t go quite as expected. It’s all part of figuring out what “Version 2.0” of our lives looks like.
We’re mainly doing this to stay connected with friends and family back home, but if you’re thinking about making a similar move—or just curious about what it’s really like—we hope you’ll find something useful or relatable here.
We’re learning as we go, so thanks for following along—and for being patient with us along the way.
Reinventing Us
We went on a 4 hour whale and dolphin safari this afternoon. Saw some seals too
4 weeks ago | [YT] | 0
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Reinventing Us
Dryers are not common here. The house isn't even vented for one, so we do laundry like this. Learning to live more simply. Don't be jealous, but it's winter here and 60 degrees
1 month ago | [YT] | 0
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Reinventing Us
Greetings from French Polynesia. We have a layover in Tahiti and the airport only has a coffee shop open but it's good
1 month ago | [YT] | 0
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Reinventing Us
Panda buffet at LAX. Normally one needs to feed them churros to get a reaction like that
1 month ago | [YT] | 0
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Reinventing Us
On our way to LAX to catch a redeye to Auckland with a layover in Tahiti. Can't wait to see Karen
1 month ago | [YT] | 0
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Reinventing Us
Flights booked for 11pm Friday 8-21 the whole family will be in Auckland noon on Sunday!!!! finally
1 month ago | [YT] | 1
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Reinventing Us
Karen got a motorcycle...or a scooter...in NZ its not considered a motorcycle which is important because motorcycle license laws are strict here..... this one doesn't require a motorcycle license...does highway speeds but its for commuting to her school and around town. Gas is very expensive and the warm weather (relatively) year round makes this a practical item rather than a summer-only item. Helmets are mandatory by law for bicycles and motorcycles.. The cost was about $5K US with helmet, lock and a top box install. I am looking into insurance for it tomorrow. Karen gets it delivered tomorrow. She may eventually get her MC license and graduate to a full bike. She has always wanted a bike so im so happy she not only got one, but lives in a place where its practical to use most of the year. I just ran the insurance...its a bit under $500US annually with a $150US deductible and a declared value of $5K US so that anyone who cares to compare how things work here, can know.
1 month ago | [YT] | 2
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Reinventing Us
We just bought this Toyota Corolla GX Station wagon. Its a Japan/Australia/NZ product. It gets 60MPG . One has to be practical with gas about $7-8US a gallon. Its supposedly cheap to maintain and parts are easy to get. American cars are not really popular here because of how bad they are on gas.. Hybrids and really gas efficient 4 cylinders are the most common. Its used with 30K miles on it. It cost a bit under $10KUS ..used cars are plentiful and cheap here. Insurance was $560US for the year with full comprehensive and a $300US deductible . The insurance is cheap because you are only insuring the car value as no need to insure for medical costs since they have socialized medicine. Some things are cheap here, some are really expensive. We want to be transparent so you can understand what its like. Cheap car, cheap insurance, stupid expensive gas
1 month ago | [YT] | 1
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Reinventing Us
She's on her way ....we will check in , in few days. She arrives Friday early morning Auckland time
1 month ago | [YT] | 1
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Reinventing Us
Karen leaves for Auckland tomorrow... unfortunately I am still delayed with the kids while INZ finishes with our visa...
we got the house arranged, she is picking up the keys Friday ( that is THURSDAY HERE because of the time zone 18 hour difference)..I bought a car and the dealership is picking her up at the airport to deliver the car same day she arrives. SHE HAS SUCH A BUSY DAY FIRST DAY>.. keep her in your thoughts... so much to do in such a short period of time
try to imagine arriving with 2 suitcases and a carryon....and having to start a whole new life from scratch... we will take you along for the ride
oh, did I forget, its winter there. Lucky for us that means 40 degrees at night at 60 degrees during the day... no snow.. .like EVER See less
1 month ago | [YT] | 1
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