our story

We first met during Nathalie’s exchange, she was on a six month exchange from Finland to Canada. We then had a long distance relationship for 1,5 years as we were both finishing our studies. Jesus in Canada and Nathalie in Finland. 

After finishing our degrees, we first thought Nathalie could move to Canada as it’s a very nice country and we could both speak the language; however, after researching it, we found out it was not possible as the Canadian Government would not substantiate our relationship because we did not have physical address together and applying for a visa for Nathalie was not possible. 

We then decided that Jesus could move to Finland. Jesus then applied to universities in Finland and received admission to study a second degree in Helsinki, but in the end Jesus realised that this would mean another four years of study and work was calling, specially due to the high student debt collected over the last four years studying in Canada.

At this point, we were now looking for a place where we could move together as soon as possible. We searched the globe (via the internet in 2012) for where we could both move together, and we concluded we had three options: Australia, New Zealand and The Netherlands. These three countries offered 1 year work-travel visas, for us this the key that enables us to be together, at least for 1 year. 

We decided on The Netherlands as it was the was kind of in the middle for both of us (at least when comparing vs Australia and New Zealand). We moved to Den Haag in 2011, which no jobs, no bed, no money. We had nothing else except hope, love and the wish to be together. 

Since the move, we have build some roots in The Netherlands as well as travelled as much as we could. With Schiphol (one of the main airports in Europe) next door, we have been able to travel to Asia, Europe, Africa and part of the Americas. We travel as a couple, looking to experience cultures and foods, whist doing our best to avoid tourist traps and being intelligent on where we spend our money. We are advocates of paying for quality as long as the value is present. We started this website to share some of our travels in the hopes to be able to give helpful tips from our experiences and maybe able also inspire others to travel more.

"It's not possible to discover new oceans unless one has the courage to lose sight of the shore" 

André Gide

ABOUT US IN 5 SECONDS

Academic Researcher by day. 
Dog connoisseur, sun loving, kind and disciplined soul.

Nathalie
Finnish, Dutch
Financial Analyst by day.
Enjoys cooking, spreadsheet fanatic and aspiring helicopter pilot.
Jesus
Mexican, Canadian