A new year is full of possibilities. Here at Biltong and Bourbon, I’m grabbing the reigns with both hands and riding into a year of changes and growth. I hope ya’ll continue to come along for the ride.

It’s official. After 405 days of waiting, I finally received my visa making me an official resident of South Africa.

It’s been one year since I moved to South Africa. So much has changed I sometimes don’t recognize myself.

There’s nothing that can strike fear into the heart of most South Africans more than inviting them to a good ol’ fashioned American barbecue.

One of questions I’m most frequently asked is “Do you miss America?”. Well, yes and no, but it’s not a question that has a simple yes or no answer.

Today marks six months and a few days since I moved to South Africa for a girl. I’ve learned a lot and I’ve also changed a lot. Most importantly, I’ve learned to just relax into this whole transition and take in what this beautiful, weird, and sometimes dysfunctional country has to offer.

One of the biggest changes since moving to South Africa is not being the bread winner in the family. I have embraced my role as trophy husband.

Being an expat is a wonderful experience, but it’s not all wine and roses. There are some things that, if you’re not prepared, can range from simply annoying to full out frustrating. Even though I’ve had my share of frustrations, I wouldn’t change my experience for the world.

South Africa is an incredible nation with incredible food, wine, scenery, opportunities, and people. I wish people knew more about the real Rainbow Nation and not just what they hear in the news.

Well, it’s now been another couple of months and I’ve learned more interesting and quirky things about my new home country. From plastic bags to polite drivers, there's lots to learn and love about living in South Africa.

If you’re looking to live the American Dream, maybe it’s time to leave America and find it in another country by becoming a digital nomad.