Anyone Ever Done a Blind Move?

[JesseQuinn]

move as in, well, moving and blind as in not really being familiar with the culture of the destination country before doing so?

I've moved to an island I'd never been to before in the past, but in that case I was super-familiar with all the surrounding islands so it wasn't exactly a big shock.

this time around while technically still part of the same geo community I'm moving somewhere brand new, mainland surrounded by nations I don't really know at all

I'm not nervous in the slightest but I am aware I'm prob in for some surprises, no matter how much online prep I do.

wondering if anyone here has done similar moves before, know there are some travelers here. if so what was it that surprised you the most?

[Bladewire]

I blind moved to Australia with my son. It was a last minute decision after I won a public court case. I gave away most everything to friends. I didn't prep much. It was awesome.

On the plane ride there he seemed really nervous and after a few hours I realized it might not be the fact that it was his first plane ride. I finally asked him what was wrong and he asked "what language do they speak in Australia?" there are ALWAYS things you miss.

What surprised me the most was rentals in Australia are paid weekly not monthly.

Another thing that surprised me is the TV overseas. I've lived in Hong Kong, the Philippines, Australia etc. and the TV had no drug ads or tension causing divisive propaganda, even the news was calm. It might be simple but those are the things I remember surprising me, a sense of calm.

Where are you moving to?

[JesseQuinn]

Originally Posted by Bladewire

I blind moved to Australia with my son. It was a last minute decision after I won a public court case. I gave away most everything to friends. I didn't prep much. It was awesome.

On the plane ride there he seemed really nervous and after a few hours I realized it might not be the fact that it was his first plane ride. I finally asked him what was wrong and he asked "what language do they speak in Australia?" there are ALWAYS things you miss.

I remember you talking about that, don't blame you for wanting to just gtfo. I'm so glad it ended up being a good thing =)

Originally Posted by Bladewire

Another thing that surprised me is the TV overseas. I've lived in Hong Kong, the Philippines, Australia etc. and the TV had no drug ads or tension causing divisive propaganda, even the news was calm. It might be simple but those are the things I remember surprising me, a sense of calm.

Where are you moving to?

I found the same. I don't watch much tv and a lot of the stuff you do see in the islands is US channels but you're right, there too the media isn't nearly as geared towards sensationalism, and as a result there is a general lower level of public...trepidation of the unknown

that prob has to do with a culture where street life actually exists and peeps tend to be more outward-looking in world view as well, but I do think that US media has a very specific tone that is easy to forget isn't the norm when one is completely immersed in it.

I'm moving to Belize. still part of the Carib community but I know it's not gonna be exactly like island life. due to travel for my partner's work, dump me on any island and I know at least one place to stay before I finish my first smoke. in Belize it's gonna be different. No matter how much I prepare I know that.

I'm looking forward to it though

what was the impetus for the other moves for you? was it work related or the call to experience some new stuff?

if anyone else has any experiences please share. hopefully no horror stories

[Barry-xlovecam]

I have a few times moving 'blind' to other US cities. I just left for greener pastures when I was younger (under 30) and also single so I only had to be concerned with my own well-being.

Disappointed more that surprised. Same shit new location.
I suppose I brought my "old baggage" with me to the new location.
Same guy in a new location.

[CaptainHowdy]

I'm a wise man, I don't travel.

[JohnnyClips - BANNED FOR LIFE]

huh? wtf?

[EddyTheDog]

Australia, New Zealand. Tenerife and mainland Spain - I have never regretted it...

My advice is don't go poor - You know how to dig yourself out of a hole in your own country - Being poor in a strange country is hell.....

[Sly]

Yep, 3 times. I love it.

[CaptainHowdy]

Bump for the blind leading the blind ...

[JesseQuinn]

Originally Posted by CaptainHowdy

Bump for the blind leading the blind ...

thanks for posting y'all, I appreciate it. except for el C who is really just bitter cuz I have better taste in music than he =p

I'm really not nervous but it's been a bit disconcerting the number of people who are acting like I'm doing something...unwise is the tone I'm getting? not from my close peeps though thankfully, but still.

I'm totally prepped, NOT going poor (excellent advice) and def not carrying a ton of mental shit with me (ditto)

so cool each of you have had such positive experiences of doing this, gracias again for taking the time to write

fuck the doubters, here's to new ish

[druid66]

funny.. since a month + me and a friend of mine were talking about totally leaving europe and moving to caribbean, we talk about Belize.
we watch movies about it, done some reading etc..
lot's of Americans and Canadians are moving there, cuz of warm climate and generally friendly country.
but it's just talk for us now, will took no less than 2-3 years, need some preps ;)

[NatalieK]

yep, we packed everything into a storage container, left our home with a skyline GTR and caravan attached, picked everything up from the container, left about 11pm and made our way to Spain, stopping in several locations on the way.

Was the best move of our lives... laying naked on the roof balcony as writing

[CaptainHowdy]

Originally Posted by JesseQuinn

thanks for posting y'all, I appreciate it. except for el C who is really just bitter cuz I have better taste in music than he =p

My bitterness is impersonal ...