personal stories Archives • As We Saw It

It’s Not All Roses on Bali

Here are some of the ways “living in Paradise” takes some getting used to when you have to adapt to a new culture and way of life.

Visit the Tower of London on a layover, a Royal Castle dating back to late 1066. The castle was key to controlling all of England.

Impressions of Dominica after spending 10 days in the country. What we loved, didn’t like, and is it worth a second visit?

Despite its scary symptoms, reverse culture shock isn’t dangerous. Sometimes it can teach you more about yourself … this is why we travel.

Do-it-yourself advice on how to find fully furnished, short- or long-term rentals in beautiful Cuenca, Ecuador.

Whether you are moving overseas or across town, begin your journey by downsizing possessions. Decluttering your life like this is incredibly freeing.

Don’t let learning the language scare you: It’s possible to learn basic Indonesian words and phrases without a lot of effort.

Imagine flying home … and immigration won’t let you in. Here is our true story of when Ecuador kicked us out.

A step-by-step journal of how we updated our house inexpensively to move overseas. Almost all is easy-to-do and DIY.

Ecuador lies on the equator and has the monuments to prove it … but there’s one thing about Mitad del Mundo that nobody wants to talk about.

An enthralling firsthand account of the Inca Trail trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Learn what it’s like for a newbie to hike the Inca Trail.

First impressions of Curacao after one weekend in the country. What we loved, what we didn’t like, and would we consider living there?