In this video, I’m talking about what it’s really like for my family to create a “home away from home” here in East Africa—specifically in Zanzibar, Tanzania, where we’ve been about four years (and before that, Rwanda). The big takeaway is this: a good expat life doesn’t just accidentally happen. You’ve got to be intentional. For us, that means putting things on the calendar, building rhythms, and making space for peace—like our weekly check-in where my wife and I sit down together (separate from date night) and see how we’re doing. I also walk you through a real “day in the life” moment: we planned a simple brunch at a new café within walking distance—palm trees, ocean breeze, quiet, and no rush-rush mode. We talk about the food (yes, smoked salmon made an appearance), but more importantly the lifestyle shift: slower pace, fresh food that can take longer because it’s truly fresh, and spontaneous cultural exchanges—like a friendly conversation with a European expat married to a local, where silence is normal and you don’t have to fill the air with noise. If you’re thinking about leaving the USA, I also share how I approach the “best country to start with” question: know your why, picture where you’ll thrive (not just survive), and choose an environment that actually fits you.