Thanks for the interesting interview! I enjoy reading Hannah's posts, so real, so honest, so funny - and a dream life for me nontheless. I'd love to move to a remote, wonderfully wild and underpopulated island! ☺️
As someone who's fantasized about such a move (but remains firmly in the 'research paralysis' phase), I'm deeply inspired by your willingness to welcome the shitshow alongside the sunsets lol. That 200 year old cottage is lucky to have stewards who appreciate its quirks.
I hope you had a good week, Sophie, and an even better weekend.
It's so easy to stay in that research phase. I think what made it easier for us was that it was just a snap decision. We were renting as a stop gap and getting increasingly frustrated and when my Dad died unexpectedly it was that handy reminder to not sit and wait and go ahead and do the mad thing. People say don't make snap decisions in grief but I've made two life changing ones and they both turned out pretty well!!
Where are you in the world & where are you researching?
I am currently considering Antigua and Costa Rica.
I am originally from Trinidad and Tobago, and I migrated in 2003.
The problem is a bit complicated as my husband is still tethered to his job contract for one more year. It's just been difficult to explore while working. I made many snap decisions during times of grief. They panned out favorably. I am so sorry to hear about your dad.
Well I should’ve added that we were totally flexible on where we moved to. I’m self employed & my husband had been remote working for years so that made it so much easier. Also we don’t have kids (but choice) and so didn’t have to navigate schools etc. I know it’s not that straight forward for everyone.
Both Antigua and Costa Rica sound phenomenal, as does (do?) Trinidad & Tobago but if you’re like me, you may never want to live where you grow up. Costa Rica is a dream of mine … the WILD life 💚
I absolutely love to hear when people from small communities are able to work together, it gives me hope for the future! Here in Romania (because we walk and take the bus), it also takes about 5 to 7 hours to do a more thorough grocery shopping, hence we eat and drink as locally as we can. Well done for choosing a simple, happy life!
That sounds like a lot of effort Cheryl, we have a car which makes things much easier. To be honest we only really use it to go to town once a month or so.
The closest shopping town is also about 30 minutes away, otherwise the city is beyond the mountain pass more than an hour drive. In our area there are 5 long-distance buses a day on weekdays, one on the weekends. It's easy enough to get around, plus there is always hitchhiking. Sometimes the buses are too full to let more people on, luckily someone will always stop, not to leave you on the side of the road, especially in the snow or rain. People in Maramureș County are very friendly - which I hear is unlike the rest of the country.
Oh, I love this! I can’t wait to see what happens! My daughter and I are visiting Edinburgh this summer (from the US), so I will share this with her. She’s really into sustainability too!
Edinburgh is such a lovely city Amy, although it’s been over 20 years since I stayed there. Depending on how long you’re there, if you get a chance head to the East Lothian cost, North Berwick is beautiful. But the city will keep you busy enough!
Thank you so much for the interview Sophie, it was a lovely way to reflect on the past 2 and a half years 🧡
Thanks I enjoyed this ❤️
Thanks for the interesting interview! I enjoy reading Hannah's posts, so real, so honest, so funny - and a dream life for me nontheless. I'd love to move to a remote, wonderfully wild and underpopulated island! ☺️
Me too, love her posts and glad to be able to introduce more people to her 🙂
Thank you so much Claudia - I always try to be a bit funny so glad that comes across 😆 Where do you live at the moment?
Thank you for sharing, Hannah.
As someone who's fantasized about such a move (but remains firmly in the 'research paralysis' phase), I'm deeply inspired by your willingness to welcome the shitshow alongside the sunsets lol. That 200 year old cottage is lucky to have stewards who appreciate its quirks.
I hope you had a good week, Sophie, and an even better weekend.
It's so easy to stay in that research phase. I think what made it easier for us was that it was just a snap decision. We were renting as a stop gap and getting increasingly frustrated and when my Dad died unexpectedly it was that handy reminder to not sit and wait and go ahead and do the mad thing. People say don't make snap decisions in grief but I've made two life changing ones and they both turned out pretty well!!
Where are you in the world & where are you researching?
Hey Hannah
I am in Southern Cali
I am currently considering Antigua and Costa Rica.
I am originally from Trinidad and Tobago, and I migrated in 2003.
The problem is a bit complicated as my husband is still tethered to his job contract for one more year. It's just been difficult to explore while working. I made many snap decisions during times of grief. They panned out favorably. I am so sorry to hear about your dad.
Well I should’ve added that we were totally flexible on where we moved to. I’m self employed & my husband had been remote working for years so that made it so much easier. Also we don’t have kids (but choice) and so didn’t have to navigate schools etc. I know it’s not that straight forward for everyone.
Both Antigua and Costa Rica sound phenomenal, as does (do?) Trinidad & Tobago but if you’re like me, you may never want to live where you grow up. Costa Rica is a dream of mine … the WILD life 💚
LOL Hannah
Nope there is no way I am going back to Trinidad to live.
So true ………..
My husband and I don’t have kids either (choice).
I can work remotely but he needs to be onsite 50% of the time.
We will get there eventually. We are playing a CR trip soon. I am looking forward to that.
I wish you the best week ahead.
Yep back home is a no go! You will get there & in the meantime a trip to CR sounds delicious!
Chat soon Hannah :)
Same! I’ve been intrigued by Costa Rica since forever - even if it’s only for the amazing birdlife 🐦
Oh my gosh! I loooove that you both did a collab!!🥰
I was very excited when Sophie invited me for an interview. 💚
I absolutely love to hear when people from small communities are able to work together, it gives me hope for the future! Here in Romania (because we walk and take the bus), it also takes about 5 to 7 hours to do a more thorough grocery shopping, hence we eat and drink as locally as we can. Well done for choosing a simple, happy life!
That sounds like a lot of effort Cheryl, we have a car which makes things much easier. To be honest we only really use it to go to town once a month or so.
I'm quite lucky that I still live relatively close to a supermarket, about a 30min drive. Is public transport pretty good in Romania?
The closest shopping town is also about 30 minutes away, otherwise the city is beyond the mountain pass more than an hour drive. In our area there are 5 long-distance buses a day on weekdays, one on the weekends. It's easy enough to get around, plus there is always hitchhiking. Sometimes the buses are too full to let more people on, luckily someone will always stop, not to leave you on the side of the road, especially in the snow or rain. People in Maramureș County are very friendly - which I hear is unlike the rest of the country.
Oh, I love this! I can’t wait to see what happens! My daughter and I are visiting Edinburgh this summer (from the US), so I will share this with her. She’s really into sustainability too!
Oh enjoy your trip 😄
Edinburgh is such a lovely city Amy, although it’s been over 20 years since I stayed there. Depending on how long you’re there, if you get a chance head to the East Lothian cost, North Berwick is beautiful. But the city will keep you busy enough!