...
(I'm building suspense)
...
LOML, Mink and I are moving to the US for a year.
More specifically, to Austin, Texas!
At the moment it looks like I might be moving in August, but it could be sooner than that - nothing is completely confirmed just yet. We will be heading over to the States next month for a couple of weeks to visit Texas and get accustomed to the place, though (as much as you can in a fortnight!). I am excited, but I am also somewhat terrified. I would absolutely love to hear from those of you who have moved to the States from other countries and those of you who have moved pets overseas, as I'm anxious to make Mink's journey and transition as peaceful as possible.
And, especially, I would LOVE to know if I have any readers in Austin. I'll probably be pretty lonely when I arrive, and although I'm sure we will make friends relatively quickly, it would be great to get in touch with some Austin-ites (Austinians? Austonians?) Please let me know if you're out there!
I'm so looking forward to spend some time travelling around the States and seeing all the places that I've read about in your blogs. Very exciting! I have always wanted to visit the southern states, specifically, and Austin sounds like a fantastic place to live. Advice and comments are, as always, very welcome.
48 comments:
W-o-w! How awesome! And how positively scary/cool, all at the same time!
OH that is so exciting! Lets hope Boston is in your travels! eeee!
How exciting! I've heard great things about Austin. I have lots of lovely friends in Texas but more in Houston than Austin. I bet you have some readers and followers in Austin though.
I'm a little envious. I have very itchy feet these days!
How exciting! I've always wanted to live abroad for a year (being that I'm in the States, I'd dream of a place like France). Good luck with the move!
So excited for you!
I am sad to say we are not in Austin but we do live near Dallas!!
how exciting! I would love to go to America. I am sure you will have heaps of fun over there.
http://vintagevivant.com/
Hope the link works;this hot chick is in Austin.
Love the style of the dress as well as the color! Lovely hat!
Congratulations on your very exciting news!!!!! Can you tell us more? Why you are going and how the big move all came about?
I'm muchly jealous btw :P
Wow! Sounds like you have an amazinf adventure in front of you! Texas is pretty great and the people are about the nicest around. Finding vintage in Texas was pretty easy when we lived there, but I suppose that depends on location.
We moved our dog from Germany to the states. She did really well, and I worried myself silly. One tip I have is to paint your pet carrier. We covered ours with messages and silly sayings. I think people knew how loved she was and took better care of her. We even taped a little note to the top along the lines of "My name is River and my family is worrying about me. I am thankful you are taking good care of me. I can't wait to get to my new home and play catch in our new yard". lol kind of silly but it made us feel better. Also we put in a pillow case tha smelled like us to keep her slightly calmer, a frozen water dish for the long flight and her favorite toy. :)
Best of luck and if you happen to travel to Seattle message me, I'll give you the inside scoop on what you must see/do.
Hooray! That's so exciting! I think Ms. B from Millie Deel lives in Austin, Texas! And it's wonderful you'll be so close (or at least closer).
iamemmamusic.blogspot.com
Yay!! I am excited too. I am from India. I am sure you will have tons of fun. Since you love vintage and opshopping check out this website www.thrifttown.com. It will be summer here and the timing is just right. Visit california!!! most importantly get medical and dental insurance.
Wow, that is big and exciting news! Is the move for LOML's work or for another reason (if you don't mind my asking)?
Austin is where South By Southwest is held, isn't it? Should be a fun town when all the bloggers and tech-heads invade for a week!
--xo.
how exciting!! Good luck on the big move :)
heyfancypants.blogspot.com
What a great adventure and you'll meet plenty of peeps xx
Wow! How exciting! I hope you manage to find some blog readers/future friends who live in Austin! :)
Oh that is exciting! I don't have any advice, but I do have an excited squeal (squeeee!)
How exciting. My partner has been to Austin as his sister lived there a couple of years. He loved it as the people had such lovely manners and very hospitable people. Not a lot of folk walk there I believe! xx
Wow! Looking forward to reading about your adventures in America.
What exciting news!!! Fabulous!! I'm also curious as to why you are moving and what opportunities await you!?
I can't offer any pet travelling tips, but I wish you the very best!! I have friends that are possibly moving to Houston - maybe I can look you up if I get to visit them!
What a fantabulous adventure it all promises to be! Looking forward to your American posts.
With Mink, it's a long flight and I'm sure you've already checked out quarantine restrictions, so I'm just going to send both you and him (her? I can't seem to recall!) lots of love and calming energies.
X
E
How incredibly exciting! I'm thrilled for you - I've heard wonderful things about that city. Congrats!
Oh my gosh! I SO hope you'll be able to travel some ... if you ever head up to the Midwest you're required to let me know.
that's a great adventure :)
will you stay there for a long time?
http://missarsouillevintage.blogspot.com/
I've been to Austin, and there's lots to do there, a very nice place! While I never moved to anotehr country, I did move with my dog across country, and he did fine. The vet gave me pills to give him before the flight, so that he would sleep for much of it.
Once we got here, Wellington adjusted far more quickly than I did!
How exciting! I live in London and have never been to Texas but send you this photo for your amusement, taken of a plaque on one of London's oldest wine merchants:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/56826483@N00/4413545084/
Wow, how exciting! I went to Austin last year and absolutely loved it. If you're planning on visiting San Francisco (which I'd highly recommend), let me know; I'd love to show you around!
Ahhh!!! I'm so excited for you! I LOVE Austin, TX! I've only been there twice, but I enjoyed it so much! One of the fun things I enjoyed was going to Zilker Park to watch the outdoor plays during the summer. You park your car for $3, bring a picnic and when it gets dark you watch the play (usually a musical). And San Antonio is nearby and the Riverwalk is there which is beautiful. The Alamo is there too and it's funny because it's right downtown amidst some tall buildings and it seems so old and out of place, but cool nonetheless.
But back to Austin, because it's a college town it's pretty funky. The motto of the city is "Keep Austin Weird" so it's not uncommon to see some pretty unique styles, decor, etc. It's really fun. I have been telling my parents for about 4 years now that I'm moving there...but now that I'm in college I probably won't be moving down there any time soon. :(
I can't wait to hear more about your move!
How exciting! I'm so jealous I can barely type :)
congrats! I'm not too far away from you- I'm in New Orleans- austin is a fun city! Lots of great music and such!
if you come to New Orleans- would love to show you around! :)
Exciting! Justs think of all the new vintage hunting grounds... :-)
What fabulicious news! So exciting for you. You will still be blogging, won't you? Because I look forward to reading about your adventures. It does rather put paid to my plan to nip down to Christchurch to go thrifting with you though!
wow! So exciting!! I hope the move goes smoothly :D Maybe you could do a post on how the transporting-Mink process goes... I'm most likely moving overseas this year too and basically the ONLY thing I keep worrying about is my cats :)
Oooh what an adventure! I've never been to Austin but one of my readers did a lovely City Chic post on the city.
http://theglamourousgradstudent.blogspot.com/2010/01/city-chic-austin-texas.html
Wow, how exciting!! As you know, I have recently moved to the US, and as always with moving to a different country and culture, there is a lot to take in! Be prepared to deal with a lot of nonsense in terms of immigration and bureaucracy, but since you are moving because of your husband's job, it might not be as tricky for you as it has been for me. As for you taking Mink with you, yay! I moved over with my cats, and even though I wish I had only good things to say about it, it is not a pleasant experience. Of course, our furry friends must not be left behind, and at the end of the day, it is worth the trouble. I can e-mail you about traveling with pets and/or the immigration stuff, if you'd like!
Austin is a great town with many people who are from elsewhere.
I used to visit San Antonio often - well worth visiting a couple of times. My favorite entertainment is the amazing Schlitterbahn waterpark in New Braunfels (between Austin and SA). I've tried other waterparks, but always decide that they aren't as fun.
If a Texan tells you that a destination is "not far," ask for details -- a four hour drive is still considered not far.
Wow exciting! What an adventure! so happy for you.
What fabulous news!!
Oh wow! That is exciting. You'll have to let us know how you like Texas. My brother lived outside Dallas for five or so years. BTW, I think the demonym for someone from Austin is "Austinites."
Hey. Good news. I have read your blog for over a year. I have lived in Austin multiple decades, am an environmental planner, love fashion and have a few writer connections. Good Austin writers on facebook are Marion Winik, Sarah Bird and Larry Wright (Pulitzer Prize winner, writes for the New Yorker). I know Larry personally. Anyway would be glad to meet up with you when you visit or move to Austin. Very hot sticky summers and mild weather otherwise. Take care & good luck.
Sally Davenport
That sounds very exciting! Congratulations on your new adventure!
Wow, thanks so much for all the good wishes, everyone! I can't tell you how much it means to have this little online group of friends that will remain constant when we leave our 'real-life' life and friends behind.
The Waves - thank you so much for your kind offer, and I will definitely take you up on it.
Glam Grad Student - thank you, I look forward to reading it!
Sally - lovely to meet you! And I'm thrilled that you're in Austin. It sounds like a great city. I would love to meet up for a coffee or something when I visit in April, if you're keen? I don't know my exact dates yet, but I'll let everyone know on the blog when I do.
Thanks so much for all the kind offers to show me around the States, everyone - I would love to see as much of the country as possible and meet as many of you as I can, so I will keep you posted as to my whereabouts. :) I really do appreciate your kindness.
xx
ok, i had to jump out of my google for this!!
i know texas is miles away but you will be here and that's amazing!!
Bit late here, but oh-my-gosh, so exciting! But nerve-wracking. But exciting! Hm - both? :)
I can understand the transporting your cat worry. Hopefully the folk above who have done it will give good advice, but there was a book about some girl who went travelling with her cat... I didn't read it as but wonder whether it has some tips? I cannot remember the name of it now either... actually that is useless help, isn't it?!
But fab news for both of you (three of you including Mink!)
how exciting! I was just in Austin (actually was there when you posted this!) I had a fabulous time. there are so many great places but I particularly like the South Congress Area. great shops and restaurants. I'm trying to put together an Austin post but I've been really sick and out of commission blog-wise.
best of luck!
Hi Andrea,
Austin is just about the greatest place ever. I lived there for 4 years, and had the best time of my life. It is full of intelligent and compassionate people that enjoy good coffee, good beer, good music, and prefer it to be all outdoors. I'm so excited for you. You will have a blast! :) (And they are Austin-ites)
Love your blog, you are so talented in so many wonderful ways!!
~ megan
www.transmissionme.blogspot.com
amazing, Austin will be fabulous and where do I start with great places to visit here, so many, please get in touch in you visit NYC when you are living in States, would love to show you the great vintage fleas etc here. Good luck for your travels, BleubirdVintage is a great Texas based vintage blog/site.
I'm from Austin! I love this city and love telling people about it!! I also have a soft spot for Kiwis (I hosted a band from Auckland during SXSW!) Let me know if I can help!
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