We're Leaving Europe for Bali in 60 Days

Some decisions are made slowly with lists and careful deliberation. This wasn't one of those decisions.

It's March 2026 and the trucks come in less than 30 days to pack up what has been our home for the past four years. We'll move into a hotel while the kids finish the school year, and then in just under 60 days, we fly to Bali. When we arrive, we'll have only a couple of suitcases each. The rest goes into storage.

We have a house in Bali, my surfing lessons are booked, the kids have a spot in one of the international schools, and the visas are in process. All of the big rocks are almost done. Our time in Europe is coming to an end and as the time gets closer, some of my close friends have asked me if I'm second-guessing my decision or if I have any regrets. The answer is NO! I'm so excited! I firmly believe that this is an amazing opportunity and that it will be such a great and impactful year for each of us. If I didn't believe that, I would never make the move. Now ask me if I'm nervous and my response will be a little different. Of course I am a little nervous. All the what-ifs: What if it's not what I hope it will be. What if my kids aren't happy. What if we get sick. What if there is a natural disaster. One thing about me though, I refuse to let fear control how I live my life. If I did let fear win, I would have been beaten down long before I got started. This move is an adventure. I know there will be highs and lows. But each high will be a memory made, and each low will be a lesson learned.

It's worth mentioning my kids and husband have never been to Bali. They're taking my word for it.

I'm not leaving Europe because I don't like it here. In fact, I have enjoyed living in Europe. We all have. The summers in Germany are beautiful, the days are long and warm. It's my favorite season here. Sitting at the wine festival during a sunny hot August day, the wine just tastes crisper, the cheese tastes creamier, the Flammkuchen just tastes better and the laughter and music creates a classic German culture background. I'm going to miss the Christmas markets. There is nothing better than Christmas lights, Glühwein, delicious food, and gift-lined stalls. The community is close and is always at the ready to lend a helping hand. I can't forget to mention one of the best highlights Germany has to offer: my best friend is only a one-hour, crappy Ryanair flight away. In Germany, my kids excel in school. They have friends and participate in sports. Germany is a good central part of Europe, and that makes it easy to travel. We have traveled to so many amazing cities and countries. We have sat on the beaches of Spain and Greece. Walked through the vineyards and museums of France. Explored the roads of Pompeii and Rome.

Leaving a place, you've built a real life in is genuinely hard. I won't pretend it isn't. As much as I love living in Europe, it is time for a change. I look forward to exploring the culture of Bali and traveling around Asia.

The kids already have their list of places they want to visit. I have mine too. But what I really want is for them to feel what I felt when I first got there. Bali has a way of getting into you. I think they're going to understand exactly what I mean.