The Big Move
- Kerstin Fleischer

- Jan 26
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 25
You might be wondering—why on Earth would we leave a cushy and comfortable life in San Rafael, Marin County, California, surrounded by beloved family and friends, for an uncertain future in a country where everything is, quite literally, upside down? A fair question!
And, of course, the answer isn’t simple. Our life in Marin was shaped and defined - maybe too much - by Tom’s work. His job provided us with a very comfortable lifestyle, allowing me to focus fully on Julian and pursue my many creative interests. But it also came at a cost. Tom was constantly working long hours, endless business trips, and even when he was home, his mind & attention were always elsewhere. His "home office" in the garage became a symbol of how much of our life revolved around his work. There seemed to be no way out, and over time, we all grew increasingly uneasy. It wasn’t sustainable.
Tom longed for something more meaningful—time to write poetry, stories, and songs, to be in nature, to reconnect with himself. Meanwhile, I carried a strange guilt for having a more creatively fulfilling life while he was trapped in a cycle of work. The only way to break free was to take a bold leap. We needed a drastic change.
And so, we chose Australia. Julian embraced the idea from the start—he fell in love with the country immediately, and after years in his beloved Waldorf school, he was ready for a new adventure too.
Leaving wasn’t easy at any stretch. We loved our home, our family, our friends, our sweet dogs. Those last three months were heartbreaking—saying goodbye while desperately trying to find ways to stay connected.
This blog is one of those ways. A space to share our journey, to keep in touch, and to bridge the distance between our two worlds.
Until we meet again!






































I can't wait to see how this adventure unfolds for you all! Sending lots of love! xoxo