The Freedom Chapter

Two weeks into our journey, and it’s been quite the adventure! In Episode 7 of The Freedom Chapter, we recap our whirlwind experiences in Cyprus and Istanbul, with some unexpected challenges and unforgettable highlights.

Our 3-night stay in Cyprus started with a few hiccups—like getting lost on the bus and Julius battling gastro, which led to a doctor’s visit. Meanwhile, Ashleigh made the most of the time, handling travel bookings, beach visits, and exploring local shops. We share our thoughts on Cyprus, including a visit to an impressive castle, and the lessons learned about health and travel.

Next, we dive into our extended stay in Istanbul, starting with an overbooked flight and ending with being kicked off another flight while on standby! Despite the chaos, Istanbul was incredible—five nights (turned six) in the vibrant neighborhood of Sirkeci, close to major attractions. We explored the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, bazaars packed with fake goods, and even squeezed in a run together.

From rooftop dining with park and water views to indulging in Turkish delicacies like baklava, Turkish delight, and Iskender kebab, Istanbul left us with full hearts and full bellies.

Tune in for our favorite moments, tips on travel health, and why checking in early is key to smooth adventures! Follow our journey on Instagram: Julius @juliusbloem and Ashleigh @ashlxgh.

Keywords: Cyprus, Istanbul, travel health, Turkish cuisine, travel tips, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, bazaar shopping, travel insurance, gastro.

In Episode 6 of The Freedom Chapter, we continue our Greek adventure as we set sail on an unforgettable journey through the Cyclades. We kick off by meeting our sailing crew at a café near the port, where we got to know everyone’s backgrounds—our story was definitely unique! Boarding the ferry to Ios was an intense experience, with crowds and sweltering heat, but it was all worth it once we reached our 56ft monohull yacht.

For the next 8 days and 7 nights, we sailed across seven stunning Greek islands, with 10 crew members to start—though we eventually lost one along the way. Our days were filled with 3-5 hours of sailing, swimming in crystal-clear waters, exploring charming islands, and enjoying dinners with our crew. We faced strong winds on several islands, including 20-knot gusts in Ios and 25 knots in Amorgos, where we also visited a breathtaking monastery.

We navigated through highlights like Naxos, known for its party scene and the Temple of Apollo, and Syros, where we stumbled upon a random concert. Mykonos, with its extreme tourism, was the final stop of our 143-nautical-mile journey.

Along the way, we dealt with sea sickness, marveled at dolphins, and swam over a WWII plane wreck. Our favorite parts? The incredible crew, our captain’s expertise, and the delicious Greek food—especially taziki, pastries, and gelato.

Join us as we reflect on the highs and lessons of the week, share recommendations for anyone considering a sailing trip, and give a sneak peek into our next adventure in Cyprus, dealing with sickness, and our upcoming stop in Istanbul.

Keywords: Greek islands, sailing trip, Cyclades, adventure, sea sickness, yacht, island hopping, dolphins, Naxos, Mykonos, travel tips.

A week into our journey, and we’re already immersed in the wonders of Greece! In Episode 5 of The Freedom Chapter, we take you through our first days in Athens and Santorini, filled with unexpected adventures and incredible experiences.

We arrived in Athens after a six-hour flight and spent 24 hours exploring the city. Navigating the Greek train system to reach our Airbnb in Plaka was a challenge, especially with the language barrier, but we made it! Our stay at a new, unrated Airbnb was a gamble, but it turned out great—especially with the bonus of a lift and a friendly owner who also ran a nearby café and bar.

We dove straight into tourist mode, wandering the local streets, marveling at the Acropolis and Parthenon, and running around the ancient ruins. The rich history blew us away, especially when comparing it to New Zealand’s relatively recent past. Athens’ charm captivated us, with highlights like the local cats, massive gyros, and a delicious breakfast.

From Athens, we flew to Santorini for a brief but memorable stay. We got a surprise mega upgrade at our accommodation and enjoyed a quick run before heading to the port to meet our sailing crew.

Tune in as we share our favorite moments, challenges, and the thrill of starting our Greek adventure!

Keywords: Greek adventure, Athens, Santorini, Acropolis, travel, Airbnb, local cuisine, ancient history, navigation, sailing.

The day has finally arrived! In Episode 4 of The Freedom Chapter, we dive into the whirlwind of emotions and events leading up to our departure. We share how we’re feeling as we embark on this adventure, reflecting on our final week—saying goodbye to work, packing up our lives, moving out, and bidding farewell to friends.

We also discuss the excitement of launching our podcast and the incredible support we’ve received from the people we’ve intentionally surrounded ourselves with. You’ll hear about our differing levels of letting go of work and how we’re embracing the “go with the flow” mindset as we begin our journey.

Join us as we recount our brief stopover in Melbourne, a delayed departure, and an unexpected night in Abu Dhabi, where we explored local malls and made the best of an unplanned situation. It’s all part of the adventure!

Tune in to hear the highs and lows of leaving it all behind and stepping into the unknown.

Keywords: mini retirement, departure, packing, saying goodbye, support network, travel delays, letting go, Abu Dhabi, Melbourne, go with the flow.

Ready to dive into the nuts and bolts of planning a mini retirement? In Episode 3 of The Freedom Chapter, we lay out the structure of our upcoming adventure and share our detailed preparation process.

Follow our Mini Retirement on Instagram:

⁠@juliusbloem⁠

⁠@ashlxgh

Discover how we've structured our mini retirement, from daily routines including one hour of exercise, dedicated reading time, and reflection through self-authoring and introspective practices. We also discuss our podcasting plans to document and share our journey.

We’ll take you through the practical steps we've taken: giving notice on our rental, using Trusted House Sitters for our pets, and quitting our jobs. Learn how we've handled reactions from family, friends, and colleagues, and why we chose specific items for our trip, like a Kindle, packing organizers, backpacks, a tripod, and a travel-friendly credit card.

Get a sneak peek into what to expect next as we embark on six weeks of tourist travel, blending holiday experiences with structured daily activities. Whether you're planning your own break or just curious about the process, this episode offers a comprehensive guide to getting ready for a mini retirement.

Keywords: mini retirement, travel preparation, daily routine, quitting jobs, packing tips, travel essentials, lifestyle change, planning, introspection, Trusted House Sitters.

Ever wondered what it takes to turn a regular trip into a life-changing mini retirement? In Episode 2 of The Freedom Chapter, we share how a sudden decision to travel transformed our lives. Initially focused on careers and mortgages, we decided to see the world, starting with a family event in Bali.

Follow our Mini Retirement on Instagram:

⁠⁠@juliusbloem⁠⁠

⁠⁠@ashlxgh

Learn how we rented out our house, arranged pet care, sold our cars, and adjusted our work situations—Ashleigh quit her job, while Julius continued working remotely part-time. Follow our journey through Bali, Southeast Asia, and Europe, where Julius worked 10 hours a week and Ashleigh found a part-time job. Hear about our experiences with remote interviews, skills testing, and landing a job offer in Cambodia.

Discover the insights we gained, such as keeping the mind stimulated, enjoying the process, and being flexible with plans. We'll share stories from our travels, like navigating unexpected challenges in Thailand. We'll also outline our upcoming trip, blending holiday activities with routines for exercise and self-development.

Join us to learn from our adventures and prepare for your own mini retirement. Stay tuned for what to expect in future episodes!

Keywords: mini retirement, travel, lifestyle change, remote work, adventure, planning, self-development, flexibility.

Ready to break free from the daily grind and live life on your terms? In our debut episode of The Freedom Chapter, we dive into the concept of mini retirements.

Follow our Mini Retirement on Instagram:

@juliusbloem

@ashlxgh

Discover what triggered our decision to step away from the 40-hour work week and embrace a life of adventure and fulfilment at just 31. We’ll explore the lack of time, the feeling that there’s more to life and how time seems to slip away so quickly.

Learn about Tim Ferriss’ concept of mini retirements and how we've personalized it to fit our lifestyle. We’ll explain the meaning behind the name The Freedom Chapter and share insights from our previous mini retirements.

Tune in to understand the fundamentals of mini retirements and what to expect in future episodes. If you're searching for a break from your job, a new lifestyle, or simply more time to pursue your passions, this episode is for you.