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  • 30 of the Best Bars in Puerto Vallarta for Nightlife Lovers

    30 of the Best Bars in Puerto Vallarta for Nightlife Lovers

    Looking for the best bars in Puerto Vallarta? These are the best places for nightlife from a local: dives, live music, beach bars, gay bars and more…

  • Monarch butterflies in Mexico: How to See the Migration

    Monarch butterflies in Mexico: How to See the Migration

    Unlock the migration miracle of the monarch butterflies in Mexico. Read to learn how & where to see them, plus tips for an awe-inspiring adventure!

  • Is Puerto Vallarta Safe? 25 Insider Tips for Staying Safe

    Is Puerto Vallarta Safe? 25 Insider Tips for Staying Safe

    Is Puerto Vallarta safe for tourists and expats? Yes! But you need to know where to go & how to stay safe. This insider guide will keep you safe.

  • Whale Watching in Puerto Vallarta: A Complete Guide

    Whale Watching in Puerto Vallarta: A Complete Guide

    Ready to go whale watching in Puerto Vallarta? This complete guide will teach you everything you need to know before you go. Plus the best tours to take so you see all the whales you want!

  • How to Find Puerto Vallarta Long Term Rentals

    How to Find Puerto Vallarta Long Term Rentals

    Looking for Puerto Vallarta long term rentals? It’s not easy. But this post shows you the exact steps you need to find your dream home in paradise.

  • 11 Best Tequila Tours in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: Sip Happens

    11 Best Tequila Tours in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: Sip Happens

    Last Updated on February 1, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia Are you looking for the best tequila tours in Puerto Vallarta? Don’t worry! I’ve got your back. My love for tequila runs deep. I’m pretty sure it’s my spirit animal. And living in Puerto Vallarta means I get to dive into the world of sophisticated sips.…

  • Puerto Vallarta vs Playa del Carmen: Choosing Your Paradise

    Puerto Vallarta vs Playa del Carmen: Choosing Your Paradise

    Last Updated on March 11, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia Puerto Vallarta vs Playa del Carmen—which beach town reigns supreme? It’s a question that is hard to answer—the answer is different depending on what you are looking for. Are you a digital nomad? Retiree? Or just looking for a vacation destination? It’s even a massive subject…

  • Where We’ve Been, Where We Are, and Where We’re Going? (Part 2)

    Where We’ve Been, Where We Are, and Where We’re Going? (Part 2)

    Last Updated on March 10, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia The longer it’s been since I last wrote a blog, the harder it is to start. I realize I suck at telling my own story. Like, who cares? But I want to continue working on this blog, and I can’t just start a story in the…

  • So, This is What Goodbye Feels Like

    So, This is What Goodbye Feels Like

    Last Updated on March 10, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Dear Friends and Family, It feels like the sun has set on a season in our lives. My keyboard is soaked in salty tears. I’m dreading this blog. It’s too real and what I’m about to pen out is heart-wrenching. This is a love letter to…

  • Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta: Best Areas & Places {2024}

    Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta: Best Areas & Places {2024}

    Not sure where to stay in Puerto Vallarta? Don’t worry. These are the best areas and hotels for your vacation from an insider who lives here.

  • Living in Puerto Vallarta: The Vibe, the Safety and All the Tacos

    Living in Puerto Vallarta: The Vibe, the Safety and All the Tacos

    Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia Want to know what it’s like living in Puerto Vallarta? You’ve come to the right place. While I don’t know Mexico as well as Malaysia, this is not my first rodeo in the country. I’ve spent quite a bit of time here and have always loved…

  • Where We’ve Been, Where We Are, and Where We’re Going?

    Where We’ve Been, Where We Are, and Where We’re Going?

    Last Updated on September 18, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia (This is super late. But people have been asking for an update, so here it is…all of it.) It’s been a while. A long while since I’ve written. And there are a lot of reasons for it. But mostly because I haven’t known what to write…

  • From Isolation in Penang to the Worst Kind of Isolation in Chicago

    From Isolation in Penang to the Worst Kind of Isolation in Chicago

    It happened. I have Covid. I went from being isolated in Penang to being isolated in Chicago. It’s all rather depressing since the only reason I came back was to be with family, and now I can’t be. Let me walk it back a few days… Last Thursday, my sinuses started acting up, which is…

  • Adjusting to Life in the US: My Rants and My Raves

    Adjusting to Life in the US: My Rants and My Raves

    Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia EASE OF COMING BACK We’ve been home for about a month now, although it feels like it’s been much longer. And not in the dreadful sense of something that feels like it’s been forever because of how draining it has been.  I have to say that…

  • The Transition from Lockdown in Malaysia to Freedom in the US

    The Transition from Lockdown in Malaysia to Freedom in the US

    Last Updated on October 7, 2021 by Kirsten Raccuia Hey there! It’s been a minute. I’ve been home for about a month now, and I haven’t blogged in a while. Because truthfully, I wasn’t sure what to write about. I’m still not sure. I’ve always been an expat blogger in Malaysia, but I’m not anymore. …

  • Dear Malaysia, Did You Really Just Kick Us Out?

    Dear Malaysia, Did You Really Just Kick Us Out?

    Last Updated on August 22, 2021 by Kirsten Raccuia In my last blog, I wrote about how Mark and I were planning to leave Malaysia temporarily. Go to the US and Mexico and see how we feel, come back to Malaysia with new eyes. Feeling better, refreshed and regrouped. We were going to be gone…

  • Dear Malaysia, We Love You, but We’re Giving You a Time Out

    Dear Malaysia, We Love You, but We’re Giving You a Time Out

    Last Updated on August 21, 2021 by Kirsten Raccuia Dear Malaysia, You’ve been so good to me. You’ve taught me about the world. You’ve taught me about patience. About kindness. About privilege. About friendship. About sadness, loss, and love. But you’ve also taught me about frustration. Anger. Racism. Inequality. Persistence. You’ve taught me a lot.…

  • Top 13 Historical Places of Malaysia for History Buffs & Culture Cravers

    Top 13 Historical Places of Malaysia for History Buffs & Culture Cravers

    There are a million places to go in Malaysia, so how do you narrow it all down? Well, if you are a culture and history buff, a good way to plan is by going to all the historical places of Malaysia. Or at least some of them because there are far too many to attempt…

  • 11 Best Expat Bloggers You Need to Follow Before You Move

    11 Best Expat Bloggers You Need to Follow Before You Move

    Last Updated on November 9, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia As you can imagine, I’m a sucker for a good blog. But I’m also super critical about what blogs I read. Because let’s face it, there’s a lot of crap out there. And no one’s got time for crap! So, when I started thinking about this…

  • Expats in Vietnam: What’s Good, What’s Bad, and What’s Next?

    Expats in Vietnam: What’s Good, What’s Bad, and What’s Next?

    Welcome to My Expat Interview Series. Roy and Linda have been expats in Vietnam for 5 years. But now, everything is changing. This is an insider’s sneak peek at the truths and realities of expat and digital nomad life. Not just from my point of view but from people around the world. They’re sharing their stories with…

  • 17 Best Digital Nomad Visas (and Remote Worker Visas) Around the World

    17 Best Digital Nomad Visas (and Remote Worker Visas) Around the World

    Last Updated on March 26, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia We all know Covid has changed the face of the workplace. The days of clocking in at the office are long gone for most of us. And if we can work from home, why can’t my home be in Barbados, Norway, Costa Rica, Mexico… you get…

  • 21 Pretty Penang Cafes That’ll Make You Want to Eat Dessert First

    21 Pretty Penang Cafes That’ll Make You Want to Eat Dessert First

    Last Updated on January 19, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia Put on your bib. You’re about to start salivating. This list of Penang cafes is all about indulgence. As far as I’m concerned, it’s totally acceptable to have dessert first. Actually, if you want, have 2 desserts and skip the main course altogether. No one here…

  • Best Jobs for Digital Nomads: Don’t Wait to Take Your Vacation Days

    Best Jobs for Digital Nomads: Don’t Wait to Take Your Vacation Days

    Last Updated on October 24, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia You know all those pictures of people working from their hammocks on a beach in Thailand? Or sitting in a café in Amsterdam with their laptops. That could be you. I know it sounds like a dream, but it could be your reality with these jobs…

  • 15 Unique Gifts for Men Who Have Everything (and want nothing)

    15 Unique Gifts for Men Who Have Everything (and want nothing)

    Last Updated on February 20, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia Got one of those impossible to buy for guys in your life? Or is that every man? Well, I have you covered with these 15 unique gifts for men who have everything. As you’ll see, I’m big on gifting experiences and not just things. So, many…

  • Digital Nomad Family in Mexico: Why Playa del Carmen is their Safe Haven

    Digital Nomad Family in Mexico: Why Playa del Carmen is their Safe Haven

    Last Updated on November 4, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Welcome to My Expat Interview Series. This is all about Corritta’s digital nomad family in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. This is an insider’s sneak peek at the truths and realities of expat and digital nomad life. Not just from my point of view but from people around…

  • Best Mail Forwarding Service: How to Get Your Mail While You’re Living on the Moon

    Best Mail Forwarding Service: How to Get Your Mail While You’re Living on the Moon

    Last Updated on November 4, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia So, here’s the deal. We’re thinking about moving to the moon. I hear it’s Covid free, and Elon Musk says there’s excellent internet there. Ok, maybe I’m exaggerating…maybe. But in case I’m not, and we find a lovely little condo with a view of Venus, we…

  • What to do in Melaka: All the Best Places to Visit on Your Melaka Trip

    What to do in Melaka: All the Best Places to Visit on Your Melaka Trip

    Last Updated on May 16, 2021 by Kirsten Raccuia On our last trip to Melaka, I fell in love with the city. It was Mark’s first time, and he had no idea what to do in Melaka. He thought it was going to be like Georgetown because they are both UNESCO World Heritage Cities. There…

  • Living in KL: 7 Reasons why Expats and Digital Nomads Love it

    Living in KL: 7 Reasons why Expats and Digital Nomads Love it

    Last Updated on May 16, 2021 by Kirsten Raccuia Let’s face it, these days, with the remote work economy becoming more the norm, expats and digital nomads have a lot of choices when it comes to places to move. The world is really their oyster. So why are there so many expats and digital nomads…

  • Living in a Foreign Country: 10 Realistic Expectations vs. their Harsh Realities

    Living in a Foreign Country: 10 Realistic Expectations vs. their Harsh Realities

    Last Updated on May 2, 2021 by Kirsten Raccuia Living in a foreign country is difficult and extraordinary and everything in between. There are some big expectations, assumptions, delusions, and wtf was I thinkings that go along with it. Here are my top expectations vs. the harsh realities that come with expat life. Expectation #1…

  • Expat Life in Abu Dhabi: A Spectacular Life in a Desert Playground

    Expat Life in Abu Dhabi: A Spectacular Life in a Desert Playground

    Last Updated on January 19, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia Welcome to My Expat Interview Series. This is an insider’s sneak peek to the truths and realities of expat life. Not just from my point of view but from expats around the world. They are sharing their stories with the dreamers, the movers, the curious. You! This time…

  • Best Gifts for Beach Lovers: 21 Mother’s Day Gifts Under $125

    Best Gifts for Beach Lovers: 21 Mother’s Day Gifts Under $125

    Last Updated on February 11, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia I recognize this blog is a bit of a departure from my usual posts, but sometimes it’s good to branch out a bit. Plus, it’s almost Mother’s Day, and if you haven’t bought her something yet, you better hop to it. These gifts for beach lovers…

  • Guide to Malaysia for Expats: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

    Guide to Malaysia for Expats: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

    Last Updated on November 7, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia I wish I had a Malaysia for expats guide when I first moved here. So, I decided to make one. It only took me seven years but still, here it is… I know some Malaysia expat forums, but I didn’t find them very useful. They mostly…

  • Want to Live in Malaysia? Let Me Clarify a Few Things First

    Want to Live in Malaysia? Let Me Clarify a Few Things First

    Think you know what it’s really like to live in Malaysia? The media and the internet tell you a one-sided story, but I’m here to tell you the reality. Most people think about the scandals and assume Malaysia is some kind of backassward hillbilly country. But it couldn’t be further from the truth. Let’s play…

  • Fruits of Malaysia: The Secret why Malaysians are so Beautiful

    Fruits of Malaysia: The Secret why Malaysians are so Beautiful

    There are many local fruits of Malaysia, and I think I’ve tried them all. But the list of tropical fruits below has super-duper extra-fancy health-powers. I’m convinced these powers are the reason there are so many gorgeous women here. It’s def not their bloodline. It’s all the rare fruits in Malaysia. I’m sure of it.…

  • Nomadic Matt Interview – Finding Balance and Why Home Isn’t a Dirty Word

    Nomadic Matt Interview – Finding Balance and Why Home Isn’t a Dirty Word

    Last Updated on March 21, 2021 by Kirsten Raccuia Get excited my friends, because I have a treat for you! I normally interview other expats about their lives abroad, but today I have a special guest. Drum roll please…🥁🥁 It’s Matt Kepnes! Yep, Nomadic Matt, creator of the award-winning travel site NomadicMatt.com. If you don’t…

  • Malaysian Supermarket Tour: What $20 Buys You

    Malaysian Supermarket Tour: What $20 Buys You

    Last Updated on December 26, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Not gonna lie; when I go back to the US and go grocery shopping, I lose my mind. Sooo many tomatoes. So much bread. And the cheeses! Praise cheesus! All the things I used to buy in 2.2 seconds now overwhelm me with choices. It’s not…

  • 55 Badass Quotes from 55 Badass Women (plus a few from very smart men)

    55 Badass Quotes from 55 Badass Women (plus a few from very smart men)

    Last Updated on March 23, 2021 by Kirsten Raccuia It’s almost International Women’s day! And while I believe we should celebrate the (greater, but I’m biased) gender on the daily, we rarely do. Lord knows I don’t do anything special besides being a badass mama-jama all year long. But this year, I wanted to share…

  • Going Away Gift Guide: Saying Goodbye Sucks, Don’t Buy Gifts That Suck Too

    Going Away Gift Guide: Saying Goodbye Sucks, Don’t Buy Gifts That Suck Too

    Last Updated on February 19, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia Let’s face it, saying goodbye really sucks. It doesn’t matter if you are the one leaving or staying behind; it’s heartbreaking. So, if you are looking for a funny, sentimental, or meaningful going away gift, below are some of my faves. Just because saying goodbye sucks…

  • Malaysia Short Getaway: 17 Unique Places for Your Next Staycation

    Malaysia Short Getaway: 17 Unique Places for Your Next Staycation

    Last Updated on January 24, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia Malaysia is full of wonders. But some of them take a lot of planning. These 17 spots are perfect for a Malaysia short getaway that you could plan on the fly. This is by no means an in-depth overview of each place, just a round-up to…

  • How to Move Away from Family and NOT Let the Guilt Kill You (Part 2)

    How to Move Away from Family and NOT Let the Guilt Kill You (Part 2)

    Last Updated on March 23, 2021 by Kirsten Raccuia A few months back, I wrote about how painful it can be to move away from family. The loss, the guilt, the grief. The whole sloppy mess of emotions I’ve felt over the last 7 years. Since writing that post, I’ve gotten daily emails from conflicted…

  • 21 Quotes About Chinese New Year (the traditional, the sincere, and the hilarious)

    21 Quotes About Chinese New Year (the traditional, the sincere, and the hilarious)

    Chinese New Year is around the corner. And even though we can’t celebrate in the way we are used to, I couldn’t let this year pass without writing about it. It’s far too special to ignore. So, I decided to learn a little more about the holiday and pick up some good quotes about Chinese…

  • Malaysian Legends and Folklore that Could Rival Disney’s Best Tales

    Malaysian Legends and Folklore that Could Rival Disney’s Best Tales

    Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Everyone knows the Disney tales. Some are all fluff, others are a bit dark, and some border on grim. But Malaysian legends are just as juicy, twisted, and ghastly. I’m not surprised these legends have stood the test of time. This is the Malaysian folklore that…

  • Food Delivery in Penang: The Best Restaurants in Penang that Deliver During MCO

    Food Delivery in Penang: The Best Restaurants in Penang that Deliver During MCO

    Last Updated on January 24, 2021 by Kirsten Raccuia Well, here we are again. MCO part deux. No one is happy about it. And we are all worried about the economy. To play a part in helping our island paradise’s economy, I refused to cook for an entire week. Simply refused. I know. I’m very…

  • Should I Stay Or Should I Go? (It’s Not Just a Clash Song)

    Should I Stay Or Should I Go? (It’s Not Just a Clash Song)

    Last Updated on January 17, 2021 by Kirsten Raccuia Well shit. That didn’t go as planned. I should be writing this from Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. The big city that was calling our names. The place to wear heels, eat glorious food (not just street food) and get our big city fix. We…

  • Step Back in Time in Penang’s Most Eclectic Heritage-House Airbnb

    Step Back in Time in Penang’s Most Eclectic Heritage-House Airbnb

    Last Updated on September 20, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Have you ever wondered what it was like to live in a refurbished shophouse of yesteryear Penang? Well, Mark and I got the chance when we were invited to stay at 29 Ceylon Lane, an Airbnb in the heart of George Town. Since living in Penang,…

  • 2020: a Look Back & a Look Forward

    2020: a Look Back & a Look Forward

    Last Updated on September 20, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia I had high hopes for 2020. And now that it is over, I can look back and say it was a year of learning. Some of it was good, plenty of it was terrible, but all of it was eye-opening. I’m glad 2020 is over, but…

  • Abroad at Christmas as an Expat: Finding New Ways to Celebrate

    Abroad at Christmas as an Expat: Finding New Ways to Celebrate

    Last Updated on September 20, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia A lot of people choose to be abroad at Christmas. But as an expat, celebrating Christmas abroad is part and parcel of our lives. Sometimes it gets lonely, and people get the holiday blues, but I think adopting some new traditions and blending them with the…

  • Realities and struggles of Greek life for an Expat

    Realities and struggles of Greek life for an Expat

    Last Updated on October 7, 2021 by Kirsten Raccuia Welcome to My Expat Interview Series. This is an insider’s sneak peek at the truths and realities of expat life. Not just from my point of view but from expats around the world. They are sharing their stories with the dreamers, the movers, the curious. You! This…

  • Best Places to Live in Malaysia for Expats, Digital Nomads, & Retirees

    Best Places to Live in Malaysia for Expats, Digital Nomads, & Retirees

    Last Updated on November 7, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Malaysia is known for its fantastic food, diverse culture, gorgeous landscapes, and incredibly warm-hearted locals. All that is great when you go on vacation, but you need that and more when deciding to move to a new country. Unless you are prepared to pioneer or want…

  • Living in Penang: Pros and Cons of My Island Life

    Living in Penang: Pros and Cons of My Island Life

    Last Updated on January 17, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia There is no such thing as a perfect place. I would know since I’ve lived in three US states and six foreign countries. But since moving to Malaysia in 2013, we’ve learned all the living in Penang pros and cons.   If you read my last…

  • 5 Stages of Culture Shock (AKA 5 Phases of the Expat Journey)

    5 Stages of Culture Shock (AKA 5 Phases of the Expat Journey)

    Last Updated on November 7, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Did you know there were actual stages of culture shock? No? Me neither. And I have a degree in cultural anthropology. So that’s embarrassing. Clearly, I’ve forgotten more than I remembered from my hazy college days. Anywhoooo, so yeah. 5 stages of culture shock- they’re a…

  • Living in Croatia: What Life is Like for an American Expat

    Living in Croatia: What Life is Like for an American Expat

    Last Updated on January 4, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia Welcome to My Expat Interview Series. This is an insider’s sneak peek to the truths and realities of expat life. Not just from my point of view but from expats around the world. They are sharing their stories with the dreamers, the movers, the curious. You! This…

  • Lessons I’ve Learned from Living Abroad

    Lessons I’ve Learned from Living Abroad

    Last Updated on November 4, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia We’ve been living abroad since 2013, and while I may be a slow learner, I’ve picked up a few things along the way. My expat life has been full of what the f*cks, challenges, tears, and laughter. But above all, it’s been enlightening, and I wouldn’t…

  • Reasons to Move to Another Country: 34 Expats Tell Their Stories

    Reasons to Move to Another Country: 34 Expats Tell Their Stories

    Last Updated on December 16, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia What encourages people to move to a country? Love, work, culture? A better lifestyle like us? School? There are so many reasons to move to another country. And unless you are new around these parts, you’d know that we moved for a lifestyle change. To escape…

  • Healthcare in Malaysia – Everything You Need to Know

    Healthcare in Malaysia – Everything You Need to Know

    Last Updated on November 7, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Sadly, for most Americans, affordable healthcare is a joke. And top-quality, affordable healthcare is even more laughable. It’s one of the reasons some people move out of the country. It’s not why we moved, but it’s certainly a benefit that healthcare in Malaysia is affordable, and…

  • Answers to All Your Burning Questions About Moving to Malaysia (Part Two)

    Answers to All Your Burning Questions About Moving to Malaysia (Part Two)

    Last Updated on November 4, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia You’ve got questions about moving to Malaysia. I’ve got answers. After last week’s Q & A sesh, I got loads of emails asking fantastic questions about moving to Malaysia. So here you go. Let’s do this! How safe is Malaysia? Quick answer = VERY safe. Look,…

  • Q & A Sesh with Your Girl in Malaysia (Me)

    Q & A Sesh with Your Girl in Malaysia (Me)

    Last Updated on October 26, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Every week I get loads of emails asking about moving to Malaysia and expat life. I get it. I was in your shoes once and wished I had a girl on the ground. So here I am — your fave expat in Malaysia (or most likely…

  • Easiest Countries for Americans to Move to RIGHT NOW

    Easiest Countries for Americans to Move to RIGHT NOW

    Last Updated on February 14, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia Let’s be real… America is the eye of a shit storm right now, and who knows when things will change. Like millions around the world, we watched the debacle – I mean the debates. Also, like millions, I have never felt more uncomfortable, more anxious, and…

  • Living in Strasbourg – An Aussie Expat Moves for Love

    Living in Strasbourg – An Aussie Expat Moves for Love

    I’m about to give you an insider’s sneak peek to the truths and realities of expat life. Not just from my point of view. From expats around the world. I’ll be sharing their stories with the dreamers, the movers, the curious. You! The idea behind this series is to share other expat stories because:  1. You are…

  • How to Get to Tioman Island: The Easy Way

    How to Get to Tioman Island: The Easy Way

    Last Updated on January 27, 2021 by Kirsten Raccuia Tioman is one of those islands that people dream about. The lush hilly interior pours into the crystal clear sea in an idyllic paradise. No one is on the beaches, which adds to the rustic and remote feel. I think some of the reason it feels…

  • How to Get to Perhentian Islands (Notes from the Road)

    How to Get to Perhentian Islands (Notes from the Road)

    It all started with a 5:30 am wake up, which I was NOT happy about. As much as I want to be a morning person, I am not. I especially don’t like waking in the dark – that seems totally wrong. But we had an east coast Malaysia road trip planned, and we weren’t exactly…

  • Which Island is Best for a Short Getaway in Malaysia: Langkawi, Tioman, or Perhentian?

    Which Island is Best for a Short Getaway in Malaysia: Langkawi, Tioman, or Perhentian?

    Last Updated on September 20, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Malaysia is full of island paradises. Some are easier to get to, some are pretty commercial, and others are super remote. But the three most popular islands for a short getaway in Malaysia are Langkawi, Perhentian and Tioman. All three are vastly different from each other,…

  • 8 Things I Hate About America (as an American)

    8 Things I Hate About America (as an American)

    Last Updated on November 4, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Last week I wrote about all the things I miss about living in America. But that left me feeling very unbalanced. There are a lot of things I absolutely DO NOT miss about living there too. There are some things I hate about America. So, this…

  • 7 Things I Miss the Most About Living in America

    7 Things I Miss the Most About Living in America

    Last Updated on February 24, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia There is no question that what I miss most about living in America are my friends and family. But those aside, there are a few other stragglers that drive me nutso – even after all this time. Or maybe it is because I’ve been here so…

  • Expat in Denmark: Is the Lifestyle All it’s Cracked Up To Be?

    Expat in Denmark: Is the Lifestyle All it’s Cracked Up To Be?

    Last Updated on August 10, 2020 by Kirsten Raccuia WELCOME TO MY EXPAT INTERVIEW SERIES!  I’m about to give you an insider’s sneak peek to the truths and realities of expat life. Not just from my point of view. From expats around the world. I’ll be sharing their stories with the dreamers, the movers, the curious. You! The…

  • Cheong Fatt Tze – Blue Mansion: Should You Stay There?

    Cheong Fatt Tze – Blue Mansion: Should You Stay There?

    Last Updated on November 4, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia The other day for our 17th anniversary, Mark and I decided to do something different, and the Cheong Fatt Tze Blue Mansion Hotel was calling our name. We’ve been there a zillion times for the tours, the food, the bar, but never to stay. So, we…

  • Unique Places in Penang (that are Not in the Guidebooks)

    Unique Places in Penang (that are Not in the Guidebooks)

    Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia I may not be Malaysian, but after living in Penang for nearly seven years, I think I qualify as a local when it comes to certain things. I can drive in two lanes at the same time and not look in my mirrors once. I can…

  • How Moving Abroad Will Improve Quality of Life

    How Moving Abroad Will Improve Quality of Life

    Last Updated on July 20, 2020 by Kirsten Raccuia Does moving abroad improve quality of life? Well, that depends. But for me, the answer is yes.  Not because I had a crappy life back in the US, quite the contrary. We loved the fabulous life we created in Chicago. We just knew there were other…

  • My Moving Abroad Regrets: How to Learn From My Mistakes

    My Moving Abroad Regrets: How to Learn From My Mistakes

    Last Updated on July 12, 2020 by Kirsten Raccuia The other night at dinner, my friend Hank asked me if there was anything I regretted about moving overseas? In seven years, no one has ever asked me that. I think we are so busy living life, living in the present, that we don’t often take…

  • Expat Interview Series: When it’s Time to Go Home

    Expat Interview Series: When it’s Time to Go Home

    Last Updated on July 5, 2020 by Kirsten Raccuia WELCOME TO MY EXPAT INTERVIEW SERIES!  I’m about to give you an insider’s sneak peek to the truths and realities of expat life. Not just from my point of view. From expats around the world. I’ll be sharing their stories with the dreamers, the movers, the curious. You! The…

  • 15 Moving Abroad Quotes that will Inspire You to Chase Your Dreams

    15 Moving Abroad Quotes that will Inspire You to Chase Your Dreams

    Last Updated on August 10, 2020 by Kirsten Raccuia Over the last seven years of living abroad, I’ve had plenty of time to figure out expat life. Sometimes it’s a walk in the park, other times, it feels like jumping off a bridge, but most of the time it’s somewhere in between. And no matter…

  • Checklist for Moving Abroad: Everything You Need to Know

    Checklist for Moving Abroad: Everything You Need to Know

    Last Updated on September 15, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Congratulations! You’ve decided to move abroad! It’s super exciting but can be extremely overwhelming. You have to be really organized, and if that isn’t your strong suit, I’m here to help. This checklist for moving abroad will keep you prepared so you can focus on moving…

  • Moving Away From Family: Will the Guilt Kill You?

    Moving Away From Family: Will the Guilt Kill You?

    Last Updated on September 20, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia I’ve said this before, I’ll say it again… moving away from family is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. It doesn’t get easier each time you move, or each time you say goodbye. It sucks every.damn.time. If someone tells you it gets easier with…

  • Apartments for Rent in Penang: What You Need to Know

    Apartments for Rent in Penang: What You Need to Know

    Last Updated on June 15, 2020 by Kirsten Raccuia When Mark and I moved here, the hunt for an apartment for rent in Penang began on day one. We knew we wanted to live in Tanjung Bungah, but that’s about it. We looked at 38, I repeat 38, homes. It took us 10 long, torturous…

  • Expat in Chiang Mai: How to Reboot in the Rose of the North

    Expat in Chiang Mai: How to Reboot in the Rose of the North

    Last Updated on September 20, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia WELCOME TO MY EXPAT INTERVIEW SERIES!  I’m about to give you an insider’s sneak peek to the truths and realities of expat life. Not just from my point of view. From expats around the world. I’ll be sharing their stories with the dreamers, the movers, the curious. You! The…

  • Cost of Living in Penang: How to Budget for Expat Life

    Cost of Living in Penang: How to Budget for Expat Life

    Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia So many people ask us why we moved to Malaysia.  The cost of living in Penang is only one of the reasons. But it’s a big one. There are probably other, cheaper places to live in the world, but Penang has a standard of living that…

  • 7 of the Best Malaysia Books to Leave You Breathless

    7 of the Best Malaysia Books to Leave You Breathless

    Last Updated on December 26, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia There are A LOT of Malaysia books out there. And I did NOT read any of them before we decided to move here. I’m not bragging about that smart move of mine, just being honest. But in all fairness, we decided to move in December and…

  • Moving to Malaysia? This is How to Pack

    Moving to Malaysia? This is How to Pack

    Last Updated on November 9, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia If you’re looking for a complete packing guide for moving to Malaysia, this is not it. And there is a reason for that. You can pretty much find (almost) everything you want here, and certainly everything you need.  Unlike what a lot of people believe, Malaysia…

  • Penang Expats (& All Expats): How to Meet People in a New Country

    Penang Expats (& All Expats): How to Meet People in a New Country

    Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia I’ve been living in Penang as an expat since 2013. One thing I’ve learned is how crucial my friendships here have been for me. They have nurtured me, consoled me, and made my life on this island more meaningful. Without them, this island could easily have…

  • Expat Interview: French Lifestyle Through the Eyes of an American

    Expat Interview: French Lifestyle Through the Eyes of an American

    Last Updated on June 16, 2020 by Kirsten Raccuia WELCOME TO MY EXPAT INTERVIEW SERIES!  I’m about to give you an insider’s sneak peek to the truths and realities of expat life. Not just from my point of view. From expats around the world. I’ll be sharing their stories with the dreamers, the movers, the curious. You! The…

  • My Ultimate Penang Itinerary: What to Do in  Penang in 3 Days

    My Ultimate Penang Itinerary: What to Do in Penang in 3 Days

    Last Updated on February 28, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia Penang had me at hello. I didn’t want to like it. I certainly didn’t want to move here. But George Town sucked me in like a Kardashian at a Chanel store. Obviously, I have a soft spot for Penang and know it like the back of…

  • Honest Advice for Working from Home (Day Jammies are Totally Acceptable)

    Honest Advice for Working from Home (Day Jammies are Totally Acceptable)

    Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Not sure about you, but I’m a little tired of all those “how to work from home guides” that are currently being sent out. Most of them are written by people who always work from home and have the hang of it. I too have the…

  • 14 Days in Captivity: My Life During the Lockdown

    14 Days in Captivity: My Life During the Lockdown

    Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia I’ve been really struggling with whether to post or not. Does anyone want to read more about Covid-19, that f*cking bastard of a virus? Do you want to read about travel? Prob not. Honestly, it feels shitty either way. But I’ve been keeping a journal since…

  • Kota Kinabalu Itinerary: The Ultimate 5 Day Adventure Guide

    Kota Kinabalu Itinerary: The Ultimate 5 Day Adventure Guide

    Last Updated on December 29, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Kota Kinabalu is as exotic as it sounds. If the name conjures up visions of headhunters, indigenous tribes, and people living in the jungles hunting food with blowpipes, you are spot on. That’s how it used to be. And deep in the jungle that still exits.…

  • Expat Interview: Moving to a Canadian Farm for Love

    Expat Interview: Moving to a Canadian Farm for Love

    Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Welcome to My Expat Interview Series!  I’m about to give you an insider’s sneak peek to the truths and realities of expat life. Not just from my point of view. From expats around the world. I’ll be sharing their stories with the dreamers, the movers, the curious. You!…

  • 7 Places to Visit in Malaysia in 3 Days

    7 Places to Visit in Malaysia in 3 Days

    Last Updated on October 19, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Planning a mini-Malaysian vacay but not sure where to go? No worries – I’ve got you! Here is a list of the 7 best places to visit in Malaysia in 3 days. After living in Penang for 6, going on 7 years, I know all about this wonderful…

  • Multicultural Kids: How Expats Raise Their Families Abroad

    Multicultural Kids: How Expats Raise Their Families Abroad

    Last Updated on February 26, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia When Mark and I first started dating, we discussed having children. It was not something I ever imagined for me. Truthfully, I never imagined being married. But after 17 years, I can honestly say that letting Mark talk me into marriage was the best thing I…

  • The Best Festivals of Malaysia: How to Plan Your Trip

    The Best Festivals of Malaysia: How to Plan Your Trip

    Malaysians love a good party! Give them any reason to throw a celebration, and everyone will attend. There are so many festivals that it’s hard to keep track. But fear not my friends. I’ve just made you the ultimate guide to the festivals of Malaysia sorted by month. Most people don’t realize that Malaysia is…

  • Penang: Where to Stay to Make the Most of Your Holiday

    Penang: Where to Stay to Make the Most of Your Holiday

    Last Updated on November 4, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia When you are planning your trip to Penang, where to stay is the most crucial feature that can make or break your holiday. There are so many hotels in Penang, Malaysia. And a lot of blogs list them off like Trip Advisor. But the ones I’ve…

  • Working Nomads: How do they Fund Their Lifestyle?

    Working Nomads: How do they Fund Their Lifestyle?

    Last Updated on February 24, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Ever wonder how working nomads make money? Well, I do. I’m a working expat and feel like I don’t travel as much as I would like to. Being a working nomad seems like the ultimate dream for me. So, I asked some of my nomadic blogger…

  • The Ultimate Langkawi Itinerary: What to do in Langkawi for 3 Days

    The Ultimate Langkawi Itinerary: What to do in Langkawi for 3 Days

    Last Updated on March 26, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia When you picture a tropical island with turquoise seas and a lush interior, you are picturing Langkawi, Malaysia. Since we live so close, we pop over regularly and have explored EVERY inch of the island. People keep asking me what to do in Langkawi, so I…

  • 25 Dos and Don’ts in Malaysia to Make You a Better Traveler

    25 Dos and Don’ts in Malaysia to Make You a Better Traveler

    Last Updated on February 28, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia Before you travel to Malaysia, there are a few things you should know. Like how you point could be offensive or kissing your husband could make the locals uneasy. This post is going to explain it all. These are all the dos and don’ts in Malaysia,…

  • A Look Back at 2019 + 2020 Goals

    A Look Back at 2019 + 2020 Goals

    Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia A Look Back at 2019 + 2020 Goals I have to admit, I love January. It’s hopeful. It’s promising. It’s ambitious. And then there is February. All the promises, resolutions, goals that I make in January, all my good intentions, go out the window. I know…

  • Christmas in Penang: A Multi-cultural Celebration

    Christmas in Penang: A Multi-cultural Celebration

    Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Christmas For a Jew in Muslim Malaysia When we told people we were moving to Malaysia; they thought we were crazy. Here is how the rest of that convo would go… Friend: “But it’s a Muslim country.” Me: “Yes, it is.” Friend: But it’s a Muslim…

  • How to Be an Expat: Tips from the Pros

    How to Be an Expat: Tips from the Pros

    Last Updated on September 18, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia Moving overseas has its challenges and its rewards. But don’t just take it from me. I’ve asked some of my expat blogger friends to give me their best tips about how to be an expat. There is so much crap advice out there now. I want…

  • Lone Pine Hotel: Review of a Boutique Hotel on the Beach

    Lone Pine Hotel: Review of a Boutique Hotel on the Beach

    Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia I’ve been living in Penang for six years, and it never occurred to me to take a staycation. When I was presented with the opportunity by the Lone Pine Hotel, I jumped at the chance. I have to admit that I had never even been there…

  • Pure Energy Spa Review: Welcome to Blissville! 

    Pure Energy Spa Review: Welcome to Blissville! 

    Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia I’m a sucker for ambiance. I’ll frequent a restaurant with an incredible ambiance, even if the food isn’t great. Conversely, I hate going to a restaurant with great food if the atmosphere sucks. I’m all about the vibe. When I walked into the Pure Energy Spa…

  • The Best Hawker Food in Penang: How to Eat Like a Local

    The Best Hawker Food in Penang: How to Eat Like a Local

    Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia In Penang, food is a pastime, a sport, a national treasure. Most places have sports teams that they root for, argue over, have heated debates about. Not here. It’s food. And I’m not talking about fancy, white-tablecloth restaurants you go to on a date night. Although…

  • Expat Life: How to be a Happy Expat

    Expat Life: How to be a Happy Expat

    Last Updated on January 19, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia When people move overseas, they might expect a little culture shock. A little homesickness. But what they don’t expect is to feel melancholy and sad. Having a happy expat life isn’t a given, even if you are a generally positive person back home. Let me put…

  • 9 Things To Think About Before Moving to a Foreign Country

    9 Things To Think About Before Moving to a Foreign Country

    Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia It’s easy to daydream about moving overseas. Grass is always greener, right? But in actuality, picking up and moving to a foreign country is a significant undertaking. One not to be taken lightly. There is a lot to consider before you go, and even more to…