NikaHello and welcome to Beyond Borders, our family’s little corner of the internet! We’re thrilled to have you here as we embark on this new blogging adventure, sharing the stories, insights, and experiences that have shaped our lives. Whether you’re a fellow expat, a travel enthusiast, or someone curious about life beyond the ordinary, we hope you’ll find something here that resonates with you.
Who We Are
We are a tri-national family with deep roots in three different cultures, and over 20 years of experience living as expats around the world. Our journey has taken us across continents, both with and without children, and through the ups and downs of life abroad, we’ve gained a wealth of experiences that we’re eager to share.
Our story is also deeply intertwined with our work in humanitarian aid. Over the past two decades, we’ve had the privilege of working in various regions, helping communities in need and witnessing the resilience and strength of people from all walks of life. This work has profoundly impacted our perspective on the world and has enriched our lives in ways we never imagined.
What You Can Expect
On Beyond Borders, we’ll be sharing a mix of lifestyle content, travel stories, and insights from our unique experiences as a multinational, multicultural family. Here’s a glimpse of what’s to come:
- Expat Life: Tips, advice, and reflections on living abroad, navigating new cultures, and making a home in different parts of the world.
- Humanitarian Work: Stories from the field, lessons learned, and the impact of our work on the communities we’ve served and on our own lives.
- Travel Adventures: Join us as we explore new destinations, discover hidden gems, and share our favorite travel tips and itineraries.
- Cultural Insights: Reflections on the rich tapestry of cultures we’ve encountered, and how they’ve influenced our family’s worldview.
- Family & Parenting: Insights on raising Third Culture Kids (TCKs), balancing work and family life as expats, and creating a sense of home wherever we are.
- Returning Home: After years of living abroad, the journey of returning home is an emotional and complex experience. We’ll discuss the challenges and joys of repatriation, how to readjust, and what it means to reconnect with a place that once was—and maybe still is—home.
- DIY Projects: Our love for creativity and crafting has led us to countless DIY projects. From home décor ideas and upcycling old treasures to designing and sewing our own clothes and accessories, we enjoy adding a personal touch to everything we create. One of our most meaningful projects was buying and renovating an old house in Switzerland, where we brought new life to a forgotten space, making it uniquely ours while continuing to explore creative projects that reflect our journey around the world.
- Education Options: Navigating different educational systems can be challenging for expat families. We’ll explore various schooling options, from international schools to homeschooling, and share our experiences and tips for finding the best fit for your child’s unique needs.
Our Passion for Exploration
Travel has always been a central part of our lives. From the bustling markets of Central Asia to the hot desert landscape of Djibouti and Chad, we’ve had the privilege of immersing ourselves in diverse environments and meeting incredible people along the way. Our adventures have not only broadened our horizons but have also taught us the importance of adaptability, curiosity, and open-mindedness.
Through Beyond Borders, we aim to inspire others to embrace the unknown, step out of their comfort zones, and explore the world with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty in diversity.
Join Us on This Journey
We’re excited to have you with us as we continue to explore, learn, and grow. Beyond Borders is more than just a blog; it’s a celebration of life’s adventures, big and small, and a testament to the connections we make across cultures and continents.
Whether you’re here for travel inspiration, parenting tips, DIY ideas, or just a glimpse into our lives as a tri-national family, we hope you’ll find something that sparks your interest. We invite you to join the conversation, share your own experiences, and connect with us as we journey Beyond Borders together.
Thank you for being here, and we look forward to sharing this adventure with you!