When I started following my travel passion over two decades ago, my friends were curious about how I could pull it off financially. The answer: all my allowances (as a teenager and college kid) and later my wages were saved up in order to explore the world. As I (unintentionally) became a full-time nomad in 2003, peers and strangers were still apprehensive; some of them even a bit jealous.
Then, as I kept documenting my lifestyle, first through email reports in Dutch, then in Dutch and English, and eventually via my blogs It’s Irie and Roaming About, comprehension set in. I’ve always written about the good and the bad of this lifestyle and offer a glimpse into our monthly expenses. More people “get it” now, and their “I wish I could do what you’re doing” has turned into “It’s awesome how you are living, but I couldn’t do it.” There’s the family, the routines, the job satisfaction, the comfort of home, the different priorities. I get it too.
Whether you are an armchair traveler or a fellow nomad, I hope you are still interested in the content and photos on Roaming About – A Life Less Ordinary and that you continue to follow along as Mark and I set out towards new horizons in the new year. Thank you so much for being here, for reading, commenting or offering us mental support and comfort to keep living the life less ordinary. Without further ado: here are the highlights of our last year in the United States and beyond. I’ve added links to previous posts where applicable. My 2017 overview post can be found here.
January 2018
The year didn’t start too well with my mother-in-law requiring a second brain surgery and her hard road to recovery. Mark and I flew back to Massachusetts from California to help out, after finding a replacement house sitter for those two weeks. Six months later, she was back to her old self. Amazing at 82!
February 2018
We finished up our winter house sit in San Diego and said goodbye to Italian Greyhounds Frida and Elvis. We made a few stops along the way to Albuquerque, New Mexico where we began a 6-week house and pet sit with the labs Gunner and Beckwourth.
March 2018
March saw us celebrate Mark’s birthday, host fellow Westy van owners Leslie and Al, and wrap up the Albuquerque house sit.
April 2018
It was a short drive to Santa Fe, where we settled into a repeat house sit for two months, without animals. We enjoyed bike rides, a visit from our good friends Tom and Karmen, a long weekend away, and beautiful desert surroundings. But we also worked as hard as ever on our Wirie business and my memoir.
May 2018
Another extremely busy work month followed until we finished this house sit. We didn’t have much energy to venture far during the weekends, so remained in the Santa Fe area for hikes and relaxation. We attempted to reach a stopping point with a few projects, since we hit the road in Zesty at the end of the month. Dealing with an ongoing windshield disaster on our van was certainly a low point of the year.
June 2018
We tested full-time living in our camper Zesty for two weeks, exploring the main Indian ruins in New Mexico and Colorado, before leaving our home on wheels with the Santa Fe home owners. We took a three-day Amtrak train ride to Boston and managed to meet up with friends in Chicago during a multiple-hour layover. Then, it was family time.
When I tell people “I’m from Belgium,” they don’t realize that’s where all my family and old-time friends live. I see them once a year. Maximum. Sometimes that’s difficult and I’m glad Mark and I have made so many new friends all over the world, in the last 15 years. This year, I revolved the three-week visit to my country solely around family matters, since it was the last time I stayed in my childhood home.
July 2018
In July, I joined my husband in Massachusetts, to spend time with his family, which is a one or two-time a year occurrence.
After six weeks of socializing, Mark and I were ready to hit the road in Zesty for an indefinite amount of time. It would become our new lifestyle. First, we had to spend another three days on a train, though.
My memoir was in the hands of beta readers at that time, and after months of trying to sell our Wirie business unsuccessfully, we closed it down. Nine years of incredibly hard work, lots of energy, time, effort and life adjustments, together with the necessary frustrations for little financial gain had been enough.
August 2018
Our RV trip – and our summer – started in earnest as we took our camper van through Colorado and into Wyoming and Montana. Grand Teton National Park was certainly one of the highlights that month, as we adjusted to van life.
September 2018
Our travels brought us into Washington for a bit and then north, across the border with Canada. We visited friends in Vancouver and hopped on the ferry to Vancouver Island with Zesty, where we explored the sights for three weeks. Observing a black bear catch salmon will be marked in our memories for a long time.
October 2018
Summer turned into fall way too quickly as we “rushed” south through Washington and Oregon. Being able to spend ten days at our friends’ place near Salem, OR and being spoiled rotten with homemade pizza and other goodies, was a welcome reprieve from months on the road.
November 2018
We entered California again, where we continued to meet up with friends and picked up house sitting again for three weeks. I had discovered that work on my memoir was impossible when exploring this country full-time and combining that with translation work. So, back to business it was, in beautiful Ojai.
December 2018
The last month of the year arrived, as we wrapped up the sit in Ojai and drove Zesty down to San Diego to take care of the home and pets of a friend. We’ve come full circle this year, as we celebrate Christmas and the New Year in Southern California again.
Like other years, 2019 will be full of surprises for us. January is pretty much figured out, but after that, who knows what will happen and where you’ll find us… Our goals for next year include finishing and publishing my book, attaining US citizenship, and finally (after being together for 14 years) going on a real vacation together for the first time!
Christmas in Southern California
Mark and I wish you all a fantastic end of the year and an amazing start for the next one. May 2019 bring you good health, happiness, a sense of freedom, and lots of joy!
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December 26, 2018 at 18:15
I had been wondering what happened to the Wirie business. We had one and I think it was a really good product and really appreciated the customer service when we almost immediately broke it. So sorry you couldn’t sell the business.
Looks like for the most part you had a good year. I hope 2019 brings you even more adventures! Perhaps we will cross paths this Spring. I will keep an eye out for Zesty.
December 30, 2018 at 09:57
Thanks for the Wirie compliment, Duwan! We believe it was a great product as well and it certainly helped us live and work on our boat for all those years. The biggest bummer about not selling the business is that we could have taken a big breather financially, if it would have all worked out. Oh well. What’s life without challenges, right?
Wishing you a lot of adventures as well next year. I think there’s a good chance we will cross paths in Arizona in the spring. But, you just never know what will come your way on the road.
December 26, 2018 at 22:07
Those are great goals for 2019, Liesbet. I can’t wait to read more about them as they unfold!
December 30, 2018 at 15:09
I’m quite curious about 2019 as well, Donna. Have an amazing time with your family and Happy New Year! I’m looking forward to your reflections next year as well.
December 26, 2018 at 23:38
Thanks for sharing your fabulous year! So much beauty and friendship. Wishing you well in the new year.
December 30, 2018 at 15:07
Thank you, Janet. And, I’m wishing the same for you. See you next year! 🙂
December 27, 2018 at 00:22
I love your comment about going on a real holiday! I know exactly what you mean. Wishing you all the best for that and all of 2019.
December 30, 2018 at 15:07
Thank you guys! It is difficult to find people who understand, so your comment made me happy. 🙂 And, it’s not that we have anything to complain about, our lifestyle choices are our own, but it is not always an ideal trade-off. There are pros and cons, like always and everywhere. Have a fantastic 2019 you two!
December 27, 2018 at 03:07
Vacation? Isn’t your life a vacation? 🙂 Seriously, I’ve enjoyed following your travels this past year. You’ve taken me to places I’ll probably never see in my lifetime, Liesbet. I look forward to seeing where 2019 takes you and Mark and I wish you both a happy, safe and healthy new year!
December 30, 2018 at 10:04
Thank you, Jill! If only our life would be a perpetual vacation… But, you do need money for that. There’s ups and downs to every lifestyle. For our freedom and flexibility, we give up the comfort of a real home and the proximity of friends and family. For working as freelancers, we give up financial security. For running a business or working on projects full-time, we give up vacation. But, the rewards are what keeps us on the road and “unsettled”. 🙂
December 27, 2018 at 05:22
Liesbet, you sure packed a lot into 12 months…I was interested in Mark’s MA connections as that is where I am from.
We are far from family now and are making sure to build in time to visit family. Thankfully technology is making it easier to stay in touch, but that is different than “being there.”
Looking forward to reading about your next adventures…and good for you on planning a “real” vacation.
December 30, 2018 at 10:12
Not much “planning” going on for that vacation, Nancy. Just “hoping”, but I doubt it’ll happen next year. You never know, though. Our biggest restriction – the business – is gone, but I suspect we are too frugal to make it happen. 🙂
Yes to technology when it comes to staying in touch. For 13 years, the internet has been my savior to communicate with friends and family over email and Skype.
Where in MA are you from? Mark grew up in upstate New York, but his family has lived in MA for many years. The address of his parents has been our residence for over a decade and when we visit, we stay there as well. It’s in the cute and historic town of Newburyport. Have you heard of it? We will be back for a short visit in January.
January 4, 2019 at 18:33
I grew up in Needham, MA and lived in Attleboro, Sharon, and Marshfield. I taught in Attleboro and in Canton. The roots are deep. But we relocated to NH to our little lake cottage, that and our new cottage in FL. So, with the boat as well, we are certainly nomads and snowbirds…but not as nomadic as you! And, yes, I know Newburyport…it is lovely and historic.
January 5, 2019 at 11:20
Wow, Nancy, you’ve been all over the place in MA! The cottages sound mighty nice. I assume you’re in the Florida one at the moment? I think what you have going on is the best of two (three) worlds! New Hampshire’s lakes are pretty as well. I have a good friend who lives at a lake in Newton, NH.
December 27, 2018 at 06:43
All the very best to you and Mark too for 2019. I look forward to reading about all your adventures.
December 30, 2018 at 14:23
Thank you, Anabel, and a wonderful New Year for you and John!!! May it be as exciting and diverse as last year.
December 27, 2018 at 08:47
What a year you’ve had, Liesbet! Was it just a year ago when we met for lunch with Janis in Liberty station? I know what you mean by trying to focus on visiting family. That is challenging enough as we have been pulled in several directions just trying to see everyone during Christmas holidays. As much as we love everyone, enduring 12 hours of traffic just before Christmas is taxing and stressful, especially this trip as we pulled the trailer, makes us rethink our priorities. We make the effort to be here for several days, yet only see some family once, due to their work or their other family obligations. I threatened Hans with the notion of our own trip to Hawaii on Christmas next year and if family wants to see us they can all come over. Let them deal with travel. 😁 I guess I missed that you shut down Wirie! Whatever your new year brings, you both will embrace it wholeheartedly and with passion and zest (wink)!
December 30, 2018 at 14:31
It has indeed been a year, Terri, when we all met up for lunch at Liberty Station. Every time I pass by the Panera, I think about our meet-up. The whole family thing for Christmas is why we try to avoid it and plan house sits. We’d rather return and see everyone outside of the hectic holiday period. I’m sorry the traffic was so bad on your trip south. That seems to get worse every year as well. We planned to drive down from Ojai (Santa Barbara area) to San Diego in four hours and it took us seven. Especially around LA and north of San Diego was bad. I think going to Hawaii next year is a great idea. 🙂
I never wrote publicly about us shutting down The Wirie. I had in mind to post an open letter to the demanding Wirie customer as an insight into our lives for the last nine years, but decided against that. While the business had a tremendous impact on our lives for so long and consumed me so much and deeply, it’s better to just make a brief comment and “forget” about it.
Thank you for the nice wishes and I hope you are enjoying your big break and road trip, away from chaos and traffic. Hugs to you and Hans.
December 27, 2018 at 14:26
You have a wonderful life, but I understand that living with uncertainty is at times unnerving. Years ago, my husband left the security of a teaching job to venture out as an artist/educator, sole proprietor. With two young children, I was not working at the time, so our finances were spread pretty thin.
So, I wish for you financial blessings in 2019 and another round of high adventures, which you and Mark can do with wild abandon. Best wishes on birthing the book, as well. You are building a good platform for the launch here. 🙂
December 30, 2018 at 14:40
Thank you for these thoughtful wishes and comments, Marian. I can only imagine the risk (and fear) involved when Cliff followed his artist dream and you backed him up. Following your passion is so important in life, yet not the easiest path. I’m glad he became so successful, known and respected. It means you made the right choice. Of course, we never know these things ahead of time.
We will see how it goes with the book. As I’m doing research and writing a book proposal, an author platform seems to be one of the most important requirements to draw attention from a publisher. While I’m happy with my blogging platform, the amount of readers and followers is peanuts to what it “ought” to be. But, we’ll do our best. 🙂
December 27, 2018 at 15:57
Those are great goals for 2019, Liesbet. I wish you and Mark a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year! I look forward to reading about all your adventures and the ‘real’ vacation 🙂
December 30, 2018 at 14:41
Thanks, Natalie. That “real” vacation might have to wait until we make a bunch of money one of these years. But, hey, the intention is there. 🙂 Have a fantastic, adventurous, energetic, social and artistic 2019!
December 27, 2018 at 19:37
You have had an amazing year, Liesbet! I really like the photos and the summary, especially as a new visitor to your site. You were in my neck of the woods, Vancouver Island and you obviously saw a lot of the West Coast. I will check out your black bear catching salmon blog. I look forward to seeing where you go in 2019.
December 30, 2018 at 14:44
I’m glad you liked this little overview, Erica. I went overboard with the photos again, but my new year’s resolution is to make my posts a bit shorter, with less photos. 🙂 I had no idea you are from Vancouver Island. What a wonderful place to live!If you haven’t already, checking out a fish hatchery during the fall salmon run is a great excursion. See you in 2019!
December 28, 2018 at 06:55
I enjoyed re-living these months with you – have read most of your blog posts and enjoy them tremendously. We all have a different lifestyle – sharing them in our own ways brings us together as a community. As friends. I wish you both a wonderful New Year. May it bring new joys, adventure, and sustained love.
December 30, 2018 at 14:46
You are so nice, Pam, and I thank you for these wonderful wishes. May 2019 bring you lots of wordplay, family visits, warmth and the right amount of exciting challenges. 🙂
December 28, 2018 at 08:44
An out-of-the-ordinary lifestyle can have its ups and downs but can also be so gratifying. I am grateful for our minimalist lifestyle and would not trade “things” for experiences. It is wonderful to live in a place where we have free choice to make these lifestyle changes for ourselves. I look forward to following your new adventures in 2019. Hope your new year is everything you dream of Leisbet.
December 30, 2018 at 14:52
I love your positive attitude, LuAnn! While – like you guys – I totally enjoy my lifestyle and am glad about the choices we make and the priorities we have, I still often feel restricted by one thing or another. I’m sure that this is because we aren’t retired and have to keep working like everyone else our age. Normal, of course, but it obstructs the lifestyle a tad. I’m looking forward following along with you both and being inspired by your decisions and continued lifestyle. We’d take experiences above material possessions any time. 🙂
December 30, 2018 at 15:08
I don’t know what it must be like to have to juggle work commitments while trying to live an alternate lifestyle but I do admire you so for following your hearts. Unfortunately I let my career consume me, leaving vacation time on the table, and foregoing travel. We are now trying to make up for lost time, although I don’t allow myself to wallow in that time that may have been squandered. I am grateful for each healthy day given me, and each new experience embraced. A healthy, happy, memory-inspiring new year to you both!
December 30, 2018 at 15:11
Well said! Still having good health and being able to enjoy a new start… that’s all fantastic! Enjoy, explore and remain positive and happy. 🙂
December 28, 2018 at 15:17
It has been quite a year Liesbet and I am so happy your mother-in-law made such a wonderful recovery and is looking great at 82 🙂 You have enjoyed some amazing house sits and meeting Frida and Elvis was a special treat for us 🙂💖🐕 I didn’t know you had shut down Wirie and hopefully this will give you more freedom for the years to come. Zesty has already taken you to some amazing places and I wish you and Mark an inspiring, creative, happy and blessed New Year and look forward to hearing about your new adventures 🤗🐾💖🐾 xxx
December 30, 2018 at 14:56
Stay tuned about those new adventures, Xenia. They will arrive, even though we don’t know in what form and when yet. 🙂 We had to finish up quite a few loose ends in regards to The Wirie before I wanted to make that news public on my blog. And, you are right, the closing down will give us more freedom and it was the only way we could have spent those months in Zesty last summer and fall. Enough years of trying to combine work and an alternative (challenging) lifestyle and being frustrated and stressed by it. So, once this memoir is finished, I think we will be able to focus on our travels for a bit!
December 28, 2018 at 16:21
All the best for 2019 Liesbet and Mark. Look forward to reading to where your travels and housesits take you both in the New Year.
December 30, 2018 at 14:58
Hi Suz! How’s the home base treating you? I can’t wait to read more about being back in New Zealand and the upcoming house sit adventures. Mark and I are considering international house sitting at the moment, so you have been an inspiration for us. Wishing you and the Squire a fantastic 2019 and all the best with your health!!
December 29, 2018 at 15:38
Wow Liesbet now that was a year! I’m excited for you to have the freedom to take a real vacation and look forward to hearing what you choose. Best wishes for becoming an American citizen too. Happy New Year and looking forward to updates of your adventures.
December 30, 2018 at 15:01
I don’t think Mark and I will ever get bored, Sue. Creating this post made me realize that we had quite a busy year. No wonder that these last two house sits felt like relaxation in a sense. 🙂 We do have the freedom for the vacation now, but I’m still waiting for the necessary money to arrive, maybe through a big project next year. We will see what happens. The fact that we are thinking about it, might make it happen, right? 🙂 Happy New Year to you and Dave as well.
December 30, 2018 at 07:16
Hi Liesbet! I loved this recap of your year. I follow along (like everyone else) on your blog posts but this seemed to offer a bigger picture of your lifestyle. And as you say, on the one hand it sounds fabulous but as you say, it also has a “cost” that not all of us are prepared to offer. The wonderful thing is that all of us who know you get to follow along and live it vicariously through you. And once Thom and I get home and you are on the road again we would love to have you visit us or meet up somewhere and catch up in person. Just let us know. ~Kathy
December 30, 2018 at 15:04
Hello Kathy! You and Thom are having quite the adventure in the orient! I’m looking forward to stories and more photos. Hopefully in person! As always, we have no clue what’s in store for us, other than that we will be in San Diego (with a two-week trip back East) until the end of January. The hope is still to get into Baja for a little while, but we will see what the memoir condition and the WiFi situation is by then. I’ll definitely keep you posted if we head inland at some point. Enjoy the rest of your vacation and have a fantastic 2019. We will miss you on New Year’s Eve!
December 31, 2018 at 06:27
What a lovely post and year! I am going to hit the subscribe button as I see what I’ve been missing! 🙂 looking forward to following your travels in 2019~ Nice to finally connect! Nicole
January 2, 2019 at 16:31
Hi Nicole! Thanks for the interest and the subscription. I think we have quite a bit in common and I’m looking forward to follow your adventures and experiences as well!
December 31, 2018 at 08:38
What an amazing year its been. Yes, there have been a few low points, but you’ve all bounced back from them with grace, style and even more adventure. Cheering you on as you accomplish your 2019 goal list. US Citizen, published author, and vacationing wife ….can’t wait to read about it all 🙂
January 2, 2019 at 16:34
When you sum it up like that, Lisa, 2019 sure holds some important changes for us! And, yes, 2018 was a decent year. The only thing missing was you. 🙂 By the way, for the first time in over three years of being off Irie, Mark mentioned he has a tiny inkling about wanting to sail or get a boat again. Well, he didn’t really say that, but he admitted to being a tad jealous of fellow sailing friends. That’s almost the same, isn’t it?
January 4, 2019 at 06:14
Keep working on him! Would love to share an anchorage again with you. And I’ve giving out your blog once again to a sailing friend who is curious about your successful transition to land life.
January 4, 2019 at 08:50
Thanks for that, Lisa. Maybe when you guys are a bit closer to us, we will swing by Amandla. Getting a new sailboat won’t be in our ten-year plan, I think.
January 1, 2019 at 08:37
Liesbet, “two decades of following your dreams”…wow, not many people can say that. Even with all the challenges that you will at times have to face with this lifestyle, there is no question that you both live life to the full. You experience more exciting moments in one year than many people do in a life time 🙂 I wish you a great year ahead, full of exciting new adventures and health 🙂
January 2, 2019 at 16:36
Thank you, Gilda. And, the same for you. I’m looking forward to following your camping adventures at some point! And, you are right, I’m pretty happy with the choices I made in life, and I really don’t ought to complain about anything, but the thing that rubs me wrong the most is that other non-nomadic or non-traveling people don’t understand that this lifestyle has its challenges. Resolution for 2019: not caring that people think my life is perfect! 🙂
January 2, 2019 at 10:44
What a great recap. I really like your monthly summaries with the pictures accompanied it. 2018 was quite a year for you guys. Wishing both of you much joy and happiness for the coming year.
January 2, 2019 at 16:42
Thank you, Ellen! And a productive and adventurous year to you and Scott as well. I hope any issues can get squared away and that you’ll be on track again soon, doing everything you’d like to do! On the computer and on the water. 🙂
January 2, 2019 at 20:20
An amazing year. Thanks for inviting us along for the ride
Happy New Year an Safe travels
Laura
January 3, 2019 at 17:45
Have an incredible 2019 as well, Laura. I’m thankful having you by my side here.
January 8, 2019 at 12:42
Liesbet, I just wrote a long comment here that disappeared into thin air. If it so
Ehow appears in your spam, could you post it for me?
Jude
January 8, 2019 at 13:56
Hi Jude, I’ll have a look in my spam folder. Weird it didn’t post, as all your other comments came through without issues. I see that for this comment you used Dr.Sick and a different email address…
January 8, 2019 at 13:58
Jude, I didn’t see it in the spam folder. I’m hoping it’s delayed and will still show up. Sorry about that. How frustrating!
February 10, 2019 at 18:14
Usually your site remembers me, and I don’t have to type my credentials each time. But this time I did have to (sorry for the typos!) so maybe that has something to do with why the other comment disappeared.
Jude
February 12, 2019 at 12:19
Hi Jude!
I’m sorry to read that my site is giving you trouble. I have the same issues with certain WordPress sites and not with others. Either about the info not being saved or not receiving the comment replies from the blogger in my inbox after ticking the box for this. Not sure why this happens, as it’s not with all WordPress sites. Are you still having issues? As in, do you still have to retype your details before commenting?
Thanks for bringing this to my attention.