Ep. 30 - Why We Left Zürich, How to Become an Expat, and Porto AirBnB

<p>Okay guys, welcome back to Late Checkout — and welcome back to Brian. 🇨🇭</p><p>If you <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3W9KpjKSLQqI1pmcwQjWx4?si=GcY5A6idQ2C57assbRS2rQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">caught the last episode</a> (episode 5) he was on (spoiler: it aired the literal day we got the offer to move back to the States — the universe is WILD), this is officially Part 2. And honestly, we could talk about Switzerland for dayyyss, so Part 3 is already loading.</p><p>In this one, we&#39;re pulling back the curtain on the decision that changed everything — why, after six years of building a whole life in Zürich, we said okay, it&#39;s time to come back. We&#39;re talking:</p><p>– the real motives behind leaving (spoiler: one of them was me seeing this brand through)– how Brian <em>willed</em> this move into existence <strong>(a masterclass for anyone feeling stuck in corporate)</strong>– having our second baby in Switzerland and the 5-star hospital experience I still dream about (those omelettes, the Ayurvedic massage, the lake view — I&#39;m not kidding)– the chaos of packing up a whole life while postpartum with a newborn and a toddler– buying our Airbnb in Porto (<a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1593448040295131006?check_in=2026-06-17&check_out=2026-06-20&guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=f81bb7f4-d7f3-4f8c-9935-d5d6ba803cb2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">say hi to Casa Oliva</a> 🇵🇹) and every plot twist along the way– the reverse culture shock of landing back in New Jersey with two kids, a dog, and a completely different version of us than the one that left in 2018– the one thing I miss the most about living in Europe (and how I&#39;m soothing the wound)</p><p>If you&#39;re someone sitting on a corporate job dreaming of an expat life, a parent mid-transition, or just someone who loves a behind-the-scenes relocation saga — this one is for you. Take it all with you, put it in your back pocket, and let it be your expander.</p><p>Pour yourself something slow. Let&#39;s get into it.</p><p>Tchau Tchau,xx Laura</p><p><strong>⏱️ Chapters:</strong>00:00 – Part 2 setup (and why this aired the day everything changed)05:30 – The real reasons we left Switzerland14:00 – Having baby #2 in Zürich (and the hospital that served)22:00 – Brian on willing your career into existence34:00 – The bittersweet slow goodbye42:00 – Buying the Porto Airbnb (Casa Oliva)56:00 – Landing in NJ with two kids and a dog1:05:00 – What I miss most about Europe1:12:00 – Ciao ciao</p><p><strong>🔗 Stay in my world:</strong>→ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/laurajanela_/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">@laurajanela</a>→ <a href="https://laurajanela.com/newsletter/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Newsletter</a> + <a href="https://laurajanela.com/travel-guides/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Travel Pocket Guides</a>→ <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1593448040295131006?check_in=2026-06-17&check_out=2026-06-20&guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=f81bb7f4-d7f3-4f8c-9935-d5d6ba803cb2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Book Casa Oliva in Porto</a> </p><p><br></p>