Giving Thanks for the Journey: From Miami to the World
Victor and Kris in 2022
As I sit on a crisp November afternoon in Portugal, sipping a perfectly brewed espresso (seriously, the coffee here is life-changing), I can’t help but reflect on the extraordinary journey Kris and I have been blessed to experience over the past two years. While we strive to express gratitude year-round, this season always inspires deeper reflection, and as we prepare to close out the year, my heart is overflowing.
Leaving Miami—a city that shaped us, embraced us, and gave us a platform as LGBTQ activists and community leaders—was not an easy decision. As native Miamians with most of our family, friends, and colleagues still in South Florida, the ties run deep. But curiosity and adventure called us. Life nudged us to explore, to see the world beyond what we already knew.
Fast forward two years, and here we are—Digital Nomads and proud residents of Portugal. This journey has taken us from snowy adventures in Canada to the vibrant streets of Spain, the charming countryside and coastline of Italy, and the medieval castles and breathtaking sunsets of Portugal. Along the way, we’ve discovered not only the beauty of new places but also the strength of our partnership. Navigating travel logistics, foreign languages, and life’s surprises has deepened our bond in ways we never imagined.
Living abroad has taught us to embrace uncertainty and find joy in the unexpected. Like the snowy night in Mont Tremblant when we had to carry six suitcases down a dark, icy driveway to reach our cabin—or the time we got lost in Genova and stumbled upon a bar where we danced on the ruins of a Roman colosseum. These moments, full of adventure and lessons, have enriched our lives beyond measure.
This journey inspired us to create a platform to share these experiences with others, and we’re thrilled to introduce Ecstatic Nomadic. Launching this December, it will be a space to share stories, tips, and insights from our travels—from navigating visa paperwork to the emotional highs and lows of living abroad. We hope to inspire you to dream bigger, travel farther, and live bolder.
This season, we are especially grateful for the friends, family, and colleagues who have supported us from afar, the cultures that have welcomed us with open arms, and the courage to embrace this extraordinary lifestyle. We also recognize that our privilege to live this way has not come without a cost. Today, we honor the sacrifices of Indigenous peoples, whose lands were taken and cultures disrupted, and we commit to holding space for their resilience and ongoing contributions to our shared world. As we continue traveling, we pledge to deepen our understanding, respect, and appreciation for the Indigenous communities that shape the places we visit.
To anyone contemplating a leap—whether moving abroad, starting a new career, or pursuing a long-held dream—do it. The world is wide, beautiful, and full of surprises waiting for you.
Welcome to Ecstatic Nomadic—living our best life and sharing it with you!
Victor, Kris, and Emma in Toledo, Spain 2023