I was going to make my first contribution to this blog an attempt at answering the big questions around our decision to move our family around the world. The “whys”, the “hows”, the risk assessment, etc. It got long and complicated in a hurry- and I shut it down. Instead, I’ve decided to share my first thoughts on what it FEELS like to go from being a resident of Washington DC one week to an expat the next.
It’s waking up refreshed at 5am, before the sunrise, and enjoying a cup of tea with my wife.
It’s the joys of discovering strange new lunch counters with my kids, buying second hand bikes from strangers and being invited into their homes, and exploring the beer aisle in the local market.
It’s figuring out how to brew coffee with a French press.
It’s learning how to drive on the other side of the road and laughing at myself after the 50th time of turning on the windshield wipers while attempting to find the turn signal.
It’s turning around to face the South Pacific Ocean with postcard views and world-class surf.
It’s watching my children try on school uniforms and be introduced to Maori phrases that revolve around kindness and respect for others… while discovering they won’t need to bring home textbooks or assignments this year, home is for family and play.
It’s not having a working cellphone, and not needing one either.
It’s seeing my wife’s eyes light up at her new workspace- a seven-minute bike ride away- filled with kind, caffeinated and like-minded New Zealand entrepreneurs.
It’s back to watching my kids find joy in spending time with each other.
Tomorrow is hospital orientation. We haven’t really DONE anything yet. But already it FEELS like we’ve found what we were looking for on our adventure to New Zealand.
Jesse Irwin
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Great, keep posting.
So happy for you guys! Paddle out and send surf pics!
Will do! Thanks
Beautiful keep up the posts and amazing pictures so excited for you all
Thanks, Gail
Enjoy this beautiful country and make a lot of happy memories!
Thanks, Maryse!
Have a WONDERFUL first impression !!!!! Live and enjoy EVERY moment! Hugs, Aunt Nicki 💗
Hi Jesse. My own fascination with New Zealand started with my Rugby buddies but was really boosted by a book I read last year ( about the explorations of Capt James Cook….Farther Than Any Man by Martin Dugard )) You’ll love it!! As I’m sure you and your family will love your great adventure. I’m jealous.
Uncle Johnny
Hey Jess, this was my favorite post to read. Loved seeing NZ through your eyes. Are you enjoying the cup of tea with your wife because you haven’t figured out how to work the french press? Hope work is proving interesting. Sending you and your family a big hug!
Hi Jessie, Federique and gang. Steve gave me your blog site quite a while ago and this is the first chance I’ve had to get to it. At the moment I’m sitting in the villa in Tuscany looking out over a vineyard and Olive Grove with a big smile on my face thinking your new experience. Think what you did was courageous and I believe it will change your lives. Everybody goes I’ll be patient but very few of us really immerse ourselves into another culture. It will change your lives and your perspective on life. I am now going to read the rest of your posts. I can’t wait to see how they develop. Enjoy and good luck.
Ralph
Hi Dr. C- Great to hear from you! All the best to you and your family. If you get tired on the view, we’re just a hemisphere away. 🙂