For the last few years, Oregon has not only been home for my husband and I, but for all of our cats too. Berenice, Norman, and Stella were all born in the Czech Republic, before moving to Oregon with us. For them, they were trading the familiarity of their home in Czechia, and familiarity with the Czech language, for a new space with new smells. And for people who spoke and cooed in the English language. They never once went hiking in Czechia, and I’m not sure if they fully understand the change when moving continents.
For Albert and Apollo, they were born in the house where we lived with my family. It was all they ever knew. Used to the immediate freedom of having a cat enclosure to enjoy, and long 3hr drives to different trails. Dogs and small children running through the house whenever someone visited. Having morning greetings through the glass door with the feral cats waiting to eat on our porch.
So many routines, smells, and comforts that will change.
Our decision to leave the USA, was sudden but also always the intention.
After two years of struggling to get approved for a mortgage, covid-19 changed the lives of many. My husband and I lost work for six months that year, and it affected our finances immensely, given we were self employed. The benefits offered to a non-American citizen were close to none, and for those self employed, not much either. So much relied on our savings. And despite covid-19 affecting work for everyone, taxes were still owed. The housing market suddenly lurched forward, as the need of housing for many continues to rise across the globe.
The hope of one day being home owners, ended there.
So we looked to my husband’s home country, Czechia. Where not only the number of cats you own is not discriminated against in a rental option, but my husband’s family also lives as well.
It was time for a change, we realized.
In scenery, and environment. In culture, and food. In work, and family.
So many new experiences to look forward to, and some good changes for the better as well.
And so we head out on this new adventure, with all of our cats joining us. We’ll be flying from Oregon USA to Prague CZ, with two of our close friends helping us travel with our cats. With nothing but three suitcases, and four cats in tow.
Both cars sold, and many materialistic items finding new homes.
I hope this change will not only bring us new experiences, but our cats as well. We sadly will no longer have a vehicle to travel long distances comfortably with them. Nor will we have an outside enclosure, which has become their favorite space. But we’ll have a bigger home that’s only ours, for them to claim fully as theirs. More affordable healthcare for both human, and cat alike. And new humans for them to meet and cuddle, as they meet more of our family on a different continent.
Wishing you all a lovely rest of your year. I hope to keep you in the loop of our newest adventures, in Czechia, very soon.
Livia, and the Norwegie crew
