Some stories and books are worth revisiting. I know that for the last ten years, I have annually read an autobiography by a Polish doctor, Janusz Subczynski, who emigrated to the United States and wrote about his journey growing up in Poland under Nazi and Soviet Occupation, through the time he practiced medicine in Michigan. Whenever I need perspective on my life and where I am, I find his two-part autobiography, In the Shadow of Satan and The Colors of Life, to fill that void.

Revisiting the doctor’s travels and life experiences, and also considering how much he positively impacted others during his lifetime, I want to continue living similarly with that passion for service. To that end, during my stint teaching summer school this past July, I reflected on the books I have written and the readers’ comments I have received over the years. My focus point was on what books had a more meaningful message that helped others, and continued to meet people where they were during difficult periods in their lives? With these questions in mind, one story stood out above the rest, and it was woefully unappreciated by me.
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The Power of Storytelling in Coping With Grief

Let’s be straight here and back up a few steps: I’m not writing this to toot my own horn; I am simply stating that I know Running With Vince, the story about twin brothers on a final road trip together, serves a purpose. Their relationship in life and death brings perspective on how we all face dramatic life events and how we can move forward, as well as cope with those changes.

More importantly, the book offers a different perspective, one that is reassuring, I believe, on what happens when we lose the ones we love and how that relationship remains present even after death.

Revisiting Memories as a Path to Healing

While many of us are familiar with Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross and her groundbreaking works on death and dying, as well as the stages of grief that we experience, Running With Vince allows room for those stages, but also offers hope for the steps ahead. With Kubler-Ross in mind and Janusz, especially Janusz from our conversations when he was still among the living, I thought it was time to revisit my story dedicated to my twin brother.

Coping With the Loss of a Sibling or Twin

Admittedly so, this was a more challenging project to go back and read through. It had to have been at least eight years since I last picked up the book. Even then, whether I read cover to cover, I don’t know for sure. This wasn’t because I didn’t like the book or the story; part of it was pride.

The Unique Bond Between Twins

When I first wrote the book in 2011 and then had a family friend edit the story in 2013, I felt like my words, as well as my twin brother’s words, were being altered, and it was no longer the story we had co-created. Yes, the premise was unchanged during the editing process, and the major scenes, but certain words and the perspective shared at points didn’t sound like me.

Whether it’s fitting or not, I deleted several versions of Running With Vince during a computer change and file purge in 2022 and lost the final edited copy. I know this because the copies I pulled up on my Amazon account had different file names and year numbers. That made this revision all the more special because it felt like I was back at the beginning.

Lessons From Running With Vince on Hope and Healing

For the last two weeks, specifically, I had the privilege of reading about Christian and Vincent and their unique bond. I got to see into that world again, this twin dynamic they shared, and, of course, relive several moments from my life twenty-plus years ago. The emotions and overall message are still intact, as I intended, which is why I wanted to revise and release a new edition.
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What the Journey of Christian and Vincent Teaches Us

For those who haven’t read the book and are dealing with loss in their lives, especially the loss of a sibling, child, or twin, I believe you will find it helpful in navigating the next steps, the healing process, and the days ahead.

Finding Comfort in Shared Stories of Grief

As for this writer, it was simply lovely to revisit old friends and remember that not every story needs to be War and Peace, but one that embodies a message we can all embrace and understand. If you are looking for something new to read or to revisit, please do.


Tags: #GriefHealing #SiblingLoss #TwinBond #LifeAfterLoss #HealingJourney #CopingWithGrief #StorytellingHeals #RunningWithVince #HopeAfterLoss

I suspect this will be a self-serving blog, to say the least, as I have my first and only weekend off during my summer school and camp assignment here in western New Hampshire, coinciding with the Fourth of July festivities.
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I'll be the first to admit that I used to be a big fan of this holiday, except that it seems like every person and their friend is now out and about on a lake or at the beach during this occasion. Even I smile when I remember those childhood memories of driving the dirt roads from Gilmanton Iron Works over to Alton Bay to watch the fireworks. The even greater excitement was the drive back in the utter darkness, hoping we wouldn't collide with a moose, deer, or fox. To that end, I'm a big fan of staying off the roads this holiday weekend. 

That's my first recommendation to any person who finds this blog. In fact, here's my list of things to do for every introvert on America's loudest holiday. 

1. Stay at home and read. - Yes, I know this one sounds pretty exciting, but hey, why not? This is the perfect time to unwind, grab your favorite summer read, and take it all in. You could go crazy and even pick up one of my books. Rumor has it that I have two new books out, including Brindisi and Me. 

2. Go for a drive on back roads, not only to avoid all the summer and holiday traffic from those fabulous out-of-state loafers and weekend warriors, but to take in the beauty of this great region.

3. Go to Walmart for the real celebration of the holiday. Come on, if you want to see what real America is and what we value, there is no better place to visit. Sure, you should go to a cemetery, a parade if you know of one, or a town celebration, but do one better and check that all off at Walmart. You can even grab a case of your favorite cold ones, whatever that might be. 

​4. If you insist on going to the beach to be like everyone else, whether that's in the Lakes Region or on the Seacoast, go in the early morning. When I write early, I mean before six. Avoid the crowds, walk the beach, especially at Rye Harbour, where only the locals venture. If you are even more ambitious, Long Sands in York is an incredible find with great views and atmosphere. My personal favorite might be Newcastle, or well, shhh, don't tell anyone, but Lubec, Maine. Yes, it's worth the drive, especially if you want to escape for this holiday weekend.

5. The most essential thing to do is to have some ice cream. I don't care where you get some, whether it's at Walmart, where you can buy a half gallon of Friendly's ice cream, or if you want to go old school and head to Memories in Kingston, New Hampshire, or any mom-and-pop ice cream vendor.  Come to think of it, I would say be reckless and do a mini golf tournament. Start in Alton Bay, play the home course, head to Weir's Beach for another round or two (avoid the indoor course at Fun Spot), and hit the Pirate's Cove one on the Meredith line after you play the somewhat challenging course across from what used to be Surf Coaster. I'm still mad about that place closing... Anyway, after you play all these roads, there are plenty of options for ice cream, soft serve, or hard. 

What do you think? Are these some good tips? Do you have any better ideas? 

​-JFK

Here's an excerpt, a preview of one chapter from my newest book, Brindisi and Me: What I Learned from Two Years Living in Southern Italy.

The book is being released on June 30th, after 4.5 years of being worked on. Truly, I started this memoir back in October of 2020. It's a relief to finally complete this work and share it with readers everywhere. 

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The grind of the school year for teachers and the routine many follow make it a challenge to be out and about when the weekends come. More often than not, one of those weekend days is the time to recharge after a busy week, dealing with the ups and downs of school, and the joys and challenges that come from working with children. Some educators can overcome this and can be out and about on a school night. This might mean going to the movies, having dinner, or simply working out at the gym. Younger teachers will often attempt to burn the candle at both ends, going out dancing during the wee hours of the morning and then fighting the good fight during the school day.
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One of the challenges of being in Brindisi or Italy and Europe, in general, is that much of the nightlife and activities don’t get going until later in the night. If you are a morning person, it can be challenging to adopt nocturnal habits after dealing with an entire school day.

Full disclosure: I am not the best person to advise on what to do at night in Brindisi. I’m not the right person to talk about which restaurants, bars, and dance venues are the ideal places to visit. While those are critical cultural spots to make connections within the local community, it’s not what my journey was focused on. 

Having shared this, my weekends would have been more adventurous, especially with exploring the Pugliese countryside, had I visited Lecce and the nearby masserias, olive groves, and wine vineyards during my first year, rather than my second. We all made choices, and I was focused on staying in, paying off debts, and exploring everything within walking distance or that I could visit on my bike.

Interestingly enough, I use my aunt in Washington, DC, as a perfect example. She has been in the DC area since the late 1960s. In comparison, she is familiar with many cool locations and places to visit. She would be hard-pressed to tell you the last time she went into the Capital or frequented a museum or a particular restaurant that wasn’t a few miles from her home.

More often than not, when you live in a place for an extended period, initially, it’s pretty standard for people to explore and try all the new things they can find. Then, as the years progress, once they are settled in place, routines are set. People would rather do what makes them feel secure as opposed to going to a dance club in DuPont Circle. If you have visited the Naval Academy twenty times, why do you have to go a twenty-first time? The same applies to various monuments and locations. I think this happens frequently. It’s only the new people who see more of the surrounding area, while those who have grown up in the region are set in their ways. 

Perhaps I’m wrong, but that’s just been my observation. With that in mind, my familiarity was with the side streets and venues within Casale, rather than the city center of Brindisi. It wasn’t until two years ago that I was able to truly explore the old city and gain a deeper appreciation for Brindisi, which continues to grow on me. The same is true with Bari, Lecce, Ostuni, and other notable spots that are a short train ride away.

I intended to see so much more of Italy when I moved there. I wanted to visit San Marino, Trieste, and Venice, among other spots. There was that urge to play the role of a proper tourist, and yet I was not a tourist but a physical resident in Puglia. 

To that end, my school vacations were spent traveling abroad. I wasn’t as interested as other teachers were in exploring different parts of this beautiful nation. Frankly, I wanted to take a break from hearing Italian and from the trash. I tried to get a glimpse of Poland, England, and Serbia. And even when I visited those places, I wasn’t going to the hotspots. Suppose you ask Americans today where Serbia is, good luck in getting the correct answer. When I visited England, I didn’t go to London; I went to Southport. This is a small seaside community north of Liverpool that boasts the largest pier in Europe and is known for being the city that influenced Napoleon III in planting all those trees along the Champs-Élysées. A similar story with Poland took me to Gdansk and Sopot, where I wanted to experience the rich history of the area and visit the largest wooden wharf in Central Europe.

This doesn’t mean that I didn’t feel drawn to visit Tuscany, especially places like Siena and Florence, or to explore Verona or the mountains. I find that you don’t necessarily want to see the areas set up for tourists. They treat you differently, and that’s a fact.

When I finally left Brindisi and stayed in Italy, it was for a weekend trip to Pisa. I was going there for a conference that was supposed to last the weekend, and I figured I’d be able to walk the streets, get a feel for another region, and perhaps even see some green. If there’s one thing that I missed from living on the heel of the boot, it was the lack of lush green grass and sharp, beautiful, methodical mountains.

 Brindisi at times has an oasis feel, and yet it also evokes those desolate, desert climate and terrain vibes. That in itself was odd because when precipitation would come and nourish the ground, it felt less like the blowing sands of the Sahara and more like a tropical destination. Yet after my first shift in seasons from fall to winter to spring, the change in scenery, especially in Pisa, was therapeutic.

Brindisi to Pisa is a short flight. It was around ninety minutes at best. I was able to get into the Galileo Galilei Airport, also known as Pisa International, if you’re not interested in a bit of history. Out of Brindisi, I believe this was a 4:30 flight, so I was on the ground roaming the streets shortly after six in the early evening. Ready to explore one of the most significant tourist areas in all of Italy and a mainstay for photographers, I did my best to visit this historical city in Tuscany, home to Galileo, by doing what all Italians do: walking the streets.
I looked at Google Maps and even printed off a sheet giving me directions to my hotel, which was three miles from the airport. I knew the general vicinity and that my room was on the backside of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Even if I got lost, I could go to the tower and head directly west towards the water. In between those two spots, the hotel would be waiting. 

If you want to get to know a place and get a feel for any location, get lost. Seriously, lose your cell phone and any maps or directions that you have, and just will yourself to wherever you need to be or want to visit. While I wish this were my plan, it was also out of necessity, as there was a similar lack of road signage, just like in Brindisi. Once I crossed over the Arno River, I meandered toward the northwest.  

Let me tell you what I discovered: a meaningful walk along the majestic Arno, which served as the divider between the part of Pisa closer to the airport and the other half that led to famous monuments, churches, and my favorite landmark, the horse track. Strolling through a city park that lined the river, I stumbled across a statue of Galileo Galilei with his finger out, pointing towards the stars.

I had no idea that Galileo was from Pisa, to begin with, nor did I expect to stumble across this famous person in history. Mesmerized by that fact and by the gardens that were springing up along the river with fresh flowers and buds, it was a wonderful moment. Springtime in early May is an ideal time to visit. You get off-season rates but with fewer people and bearable weather. As I relished in the scent of flowers, I knew the trains went north of my location and were parallel to the tower and my hotel. Wanting to be different, I avoided the popular roads with the occasional sign directing me to the Tower of Pisa. 

Instead, I went underneath a tunnel and back onto a main thoroughfare where I could take in the mom-and-pop restaurants and stores. This wasn’t like when you do a search on Google Maps and type in “restaurants,” and they say “Italian restaurant” or “Chinese restaurant.” These were places that you had to zoom into the actual city streets for them to list the name.

They were also restaurants and venues that followed the siesta schedule and embraced later hours. This doesn’t mean those visiting Pisa wouldn’t stumble across these hidden gems. Still, you are in for a different experience several blocks away from the horde of tourists fighting to get to McDonald’s next to the famous tower. 

Shortly after passing a small bistro, I contemplated how close it was to my hotel and whether it would make sense to stop by and grab a bite to eat. Admittedly so, it was getting close to seven, and I wanted to check into the hotel and get settled first. The meandering continued until I found myself on Route 551. 

I did a double-take, crossing the street to make sure that the aggressive drivers couldn’t calculate how many points one could get for hitting an American. With the traffic beside me, I took in the smells and the sounds, and smiled when that open field came into view. There was the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and from a vantage point I never considered. There she stood, the backside of the tower, from a perspective of an undeveloped grassy knoll with the surrounding churches standing guard.

To be frank, I was dumbfounded. Why had they never developed this area? I wasn’t complaining either. If anything, I was relieved they hadn’t because shortly thereafter, on the left as I cut through and around some bushes, I arrived at Allegroitalia Pisa Tower Plaza, a five-star hotel and resort that had an awesomely inexpensive rate because it wasn’t in season.

Sure, the pool wasn’t open, but it didn’t mean I wasn’t getting the same caliber of room and the same quality of treatment that people would otherwise receive in June, July, and August. Having said that, if you want to visit Pisa, I suggest you visit in early May. The weather is warm but comfortable, and the monument area, if that’s what you’re drawn to, is a short walk from the train station. You can stay in Pisa for a day or use it as a central location to explore other parts of Tuscany without any drama.

You’re still gonna get some people, but it’s not the massive crowds that you would expect during the summer months. And for the more adventurous, you could get off the beaten path literally and follow the horse path that I found on Viale delle Casine. This was the street off my hotel, which I found to be the most enjoyable part of my entire trip, and hands down my favorite part of Italy until I visited a masseria.

Let me paint you a picture of the beauty, the natural beauty that I did not expect to see in this area. Looking to the right of my hotel, a short ten to fifteen-minute walk under the train tracks would lead you into the tourist mecca with prices to match. You can buy your Pisa hat, postcards, a shot glass, and a t-shirt. More importantly, you can get that elusive selfie pushing or kicking over the tower. If you want to experience more culture, you can walk around the other structures and see the impressive churches that surround the tower.

Perhaps you won’t fall victim and go to McDonald’s or any restaurant within a four-hundred-meter radius of this tourist hub. Instead, you might just find yourself on one of the many side streets, around the lush and serene city parks with vintage cafés and small shops with character. If you’re like me and just want to avoid people, you wouldn’t dare walk towards the tower in the daylight hours. Truly, if you want to get the place to yourself, seven in the morning is ideal for this traveler. Some eager tourists shared the space, but it was doable and not overwhelming. When the tourist bus arrives, you can be long gone, enjoying nature or the sea. 

I don’t think many people realize this, but Pisa is right on the water. If you look at a map, it’s clear, but for some reason, I overlooked this fact. It wasn't until we were descending to the airport that it clicked that this city was nestled along the Mediterranean. My hotel was situated in a truly special spot. Instead of going right to the tourists on their Italy tours, I went left and walked along vast fields, horse trails, and a beautiful forest.  

The mountains loomed in the distance. Their sharpness reminded me of Mount Chocorua and Cathedral Ledge in my native New Hampshire. The vast fields that lay out in front of the mountains were a green reminder of the Mount Washington Valley and North Conway. Without realizing it, I had stumbled upon an area that was a picture-perfect replica of my home region.

The fields with their crops and tall grass sang to me. Like on the Arno River, there were beautiful and vibrant flowers littered around small villas and homes along this horse-trodden path. It was as though we were back in time, seeing these stucco-covered homes, and yet the distant sound of the train served as a reminder that we weren’t in the middle of nowhere.

I continued on this horse path until I came to a large gate of what appeared to be a nature preserve, lined with trees that I knew would lead to the sea. If I’d been in Pisa for more than a weekend, there’s no doubt the sea was the next progression in this journey. And yet, I was content in that moment to turn around and walk back in the light rain. 

The most memorable aspect of the return trip was recognizing the horse training grounds. This was where many boarded and trained their steeds. With my parents dabbling with horse racing in the 1990s, this was another wink to my past and brought a smile to my face.
I saw a restaurant at the stables' entrance and wondered whether it was worth the effort and time to explore. From the outside, it didn’t look special. It was meant for the people who trained the horses, who needed a warm meal and convenience. This was not a tourist hot spot, let alone a place for people coming in off the street. 

And yet, here I found Ristorante Le Scuderie. This was a no-frills, working man’s place with wooden tables, some benches, and chairs. It was the perfect venue for people trekking in mud or dirt.

I sat down at a table near a window and looked at the people who were there before their siesta break. There was no fine china. For that matter, my menu was nothing complicated, with only a few items to choose from. This was a place where you get a home-cooked meal, and that’s precisely what I did. I ordered clams with linguine, perfectly balanced with olive oil, basil, and oregano. I paired it with an old-school Coca-Cola and enjoyed every single bite.

Watching the rain fall and hearing the melody of grown men conversing about their day, I imagined working with the horses and how they would be there, heading back to the stables or perhaps home after their meal. I imagined their conversations leaning towards family or soccer as well. I could only understand a few words here and there, but it was nice because I felt like I was with my people, and yet I was able to enjoy this meal in this moment by myself.

Like the countryside right out the door, the meal reminded me of growing up on the Seacoast and of our dear family friend, Miss Angie, who always cooked the best Italian meals. As with the calzone that melted my taste buds and my heart, on my first few days in Italy, this meal in Pisa renewed my soul. You might think I’m exaggerating, but this weekend rejuvenated me after a long winter season. 

Just getting out of Brindisi and seeing another part of the Italian countryside, another city, was soothing. I didn’t feel like a tourist, but like a fellow countryman, save one who couldn’t speak the language well. This was also true the night before, when I ate at the hotel by myself because I had gone to eat at seven thirty. No other customers appeared until well after eight thirty. By then, I was on my liquor dessert, ready to call it a night. 

At the hotel, I got my first taste of being wined and dined in Italy in a well-to-do manner. I even came down dressed up, wearing the remnants of my school outfit, which was a collared shirt and dress pants.

Avoiding their cocktail bar, I asked to be seated, and so they put me at a table for two in front of this magnificent window, which spanned the entire room and looked out onto the back of the Tower of Pisa. It was the exact picture I had when I had come in off the road only an hour earlier. Wanting to indulge, I ordered various things I had never tried before. The one course that stood out was the Chianti beef. It was unbelievable and one of the best meals I’ve had, considering the flavor and the overall taste of the meat itself.

If I hadn’t enjoyed my simple homey clams with linguine the next day, I would say that the Chianti beef was my favorite meal of the trip. Still, the fact that my lunch at the horse racing restaurant brought me back to the memory of my youth and a time of innocence was too hard to beat.

My third meal may sound like a disappointment, but when I walked off to see the tower, I noticed a Chinese restaurant near the campground. It was a bit farther down. For some reason, I always enjoy trying Chinese food in different countries. When I was visiting my parents in Panama, one of my last meals there was at a Chinese restaurant in David. 

I like going to Chinese restaurants for two reasons. For one, you get a good amount of food for the price, and there are usually many options to choose from. In Italy, restaurant bills add up quickly. Whether I was playing tourist or not, I needed to compromise on what I was willing to pay. The previous night’s meal cost seventy euros, while my wonderful lunch cost ten euros. I didn’t want to break the bank, so the Chinese buffet for another ten was a solid play. 

On a different trip, I found a quaint Chinese place outside the Vatican. Only a short walk from my boutique hotel, it was equally convenient. With the hours of service time varying so much, I wanted convenience. After walking the streets for twenty minutes and ignoring the multitude of pizzerias, with no desire to eat Italian, this small, mom-and-pop Chinese restaurant, which seated at most twenty-five people, was a good call.

This place was cool for several reasons. Aside from having the place to myself, they made good dumplings. I enjoyed them so much that the owner brought me extra dumplings to sample. I thought she was bringing me another order of the same dumplings I ordered, but this was their vegetarian option. While they weren’t as good, they were decent and free — two positives when one is traveling. As for the service, they were attentive and eager to check on me, which was a nice change from dining out in other Italian establishments where the staff do their best to ignore you for as long as possible. 

In Pisa and Rome, I had good luck with Chinese. While that’s not the purpose of this chapter, I will say that if you like people-watching, aside from the Vatican, this is where you'll find more locals eating. Consider the cost, functionality, and a night out that suits everyone. At the Pisa place, it was just me and a bunch of families.

I think it’s essential to emphasize how food truly drives everything. As travelers, of course, we all want to taste the local cuisine, but there are always so many options, and I know for myself that to truly get a taste for the area you’re in, you need to step outside and be willing to go in a different direction.

The weekend trip to Pisa felt like a trip back home. Even though I felt like I returned to New Hampshire, I equally longed for Brindisi. By Sunday morning, I was ready to go back to my apartment in Materdomini and sleep in my bed again. I secretly prayed that my neighbors and their children were not home and that the werewolves that lived above me had disappeared. Regardless of those wishes, I was ready to return to my new stomping ground. Even though I already dreaded leaving the green of Tuscany, I felt pulled and eager to see the Adriatic and the olive trees. 

Still, in Pisa, what I remembered the most was how clean everything was. It was such a contrast to Brindisi. Yet, in a way, the city, even with its beauty, felt like a hospital room. Be careful to touch anything; don’t mess things up. In Brindisi, it was okay to touch, smell, and embrace.

Leaving my hotel, I walked back to the airport but this time through the center of Pisa, around the monuments, and then down well-worn cobblestoned streets. The air was fresh, and the cooing birds and the vibrant colors of all the flowers put me at ease. Yet as I walked back to the airport, I couldn’t help but think that as much as I felt a kinship with Pisa and the surrounding area, so much so that I was recentered at my core, I felt like the area didn’t speak to my soul the way that Puglia did and continued to do upon my return. 

I will admit that at the airport, when I saw several people in line waiting to board our flight a whopping eighty minutes early, unlike my first flight to Brindisi, where I was annoyed and dumbfounded, on this occasion, I just had to laugh. The ever-growing line, with little space between people, marked the transitional point from Tuscany to the southern part of Italy. While I wasn’t that eager to get back, I can understand why they wanted to be the first in line, ready to board that plane and return to where the spirit of Italy spoke to them the most.  

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If you liked what you read, check out the entire book when it comes out June 30th in paperback or digital form. Or better yet, preorder a copy with the link below.

#BrindisiAndMe #SouthernItaly #ItalyMemoir #ExpatLife #TravelWriting #PisaTravel #TuscanyAdventures #LivingInItaly #FoodAndTravel #ItalyBeyondTourism​

As I stretch out across the couch with the late afternoon sun baking the apartment walls and to the hum of intermittent construction noises in Tanger, I reflect on how every book writing process differs. I should be working on my latest piece, a collection of travel essays from when I explored Poland. 

The topic itself is intriguing and fun to revisit. With twenty-something trips during the school year, I explored everywhere I could in that country. Still, as I put those memories to words, it's slower than I expected without the vlogs to drum up every detail. I fixate on street names when it’s unimportant or focus on random side stories that fellow travelers aren’t going to relate to, and yet that’s okay. 

At this stage of my writing career, the fun is simply creating. I’m 36,000 words in, and that’s a nice amount. While I hoped to be at 40k by the end of the weekend, a rib injury is also draining me of creative energy and the urge to write. I am remiss of that fact, but then again, we have to pace ourselves. 
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With Emotional Spending out, I have been able to focus on other projects, which has been nice. Brindisi and Me, the project of projects, is finally at a point where another read-through will be enough, and then that memoir on time living in Italy will be complete. Here’s the working book description.

Sent to southern Italy to live and teach for two years, this book focuses on Jonathan’s time spent in Brindisi and Puglia. Growing up in New Hampshire, Jonathan had enough preconceived notions to make even him blush upon arrival. While culture shock certainly took over, Jonathan found a connection to the area, the people, and the energy that permeates this part of Italy. Years later, he looks back fondly on his time spent teaching at a small international school, while navigating the ups and downs of being an expat in an area where few spoke English. Culturally, the area is not user-friendly for introverted people, and this was one of the many challenges Jonathan faced head-on.

Serving as part memoir and travel blog, Jonathan reflects on the early stages of navigating the visa process, from first impressions upon flying over the Atlantic to getting acclimated to apartment living, cats, dogs, and siesta times. He delves into the refugee situation, the concept of the good life, and where to find the best, ideal holiday retreats, among other topics. 

This book is intended for expats or those considering a move to Italy, particularly those interested in international school teaching and what to expect, not only in Brindisi, but also in other countries where life differs from our hamlets in the United States.  

In the weeks ahead, as the school year ends, I hope to have another update. Who knows, maybe I can get to 50,000 words next month for the Poland book and give you a timeline for when Brindisi will be ready for your eyes to enjoy. 

In the meantime, here’s my vlog from Tarifa, where I announced the release of Emotional Spending. Even if you don’t feel pulled to the book, the hike has some great views and some ice cream to die for. Till next time.

​JFK

The new book on my financial journey is out. The joys of publishing a new book means getting the links correct and making sure that the digital and print versions are ready to go. With that noted, they should be at this point. Fingers crossed. 

I thought it would be nice to include a preview chapter for those inclined to the topic. Here's the introduction from Emotional Spending - My story to a debt free life. ​

                            Introduction
Many people struggle to overcome debt. More often than not, debt is not only a symptom of a problem more prominent than a financial one, but a more significant issue. Until you can look closer at what got you into this mess, the life you imagined for yourself and your loved ones is a glimmer of the dreams you once shared. 

In this book, I want to direct the conversation mainly to my fellow Millennials and Generation X, those children of the 70s, 80s, and early 90s who were left to their own devices as our parents worked during the day and often would be out and about several nights a week for their entertainment. We have a common understanding and a shared perspective, and those experiences are what I draw from.

Growing up in an affluent community, I experienced it firsthand. In my case, I was always more focused on living the life I had when I was a child. I wanted the same type of house, a similar neighborhood and area, with dinners out and vacations to Florida, Martha’s Vineyard, and overseas. Cars were never my thing, but they would be part of the package, including a cottage on a lake; you name it, and this was part of the plan. 

Many of us want, at the very least, what we had when we were younger, if it was a good upbringing. For those of us who didn’t have these things, we consumed enough media from movies and music to aspire to be that generation of people who deserve a particular life, and in many ways, without the amount of effort needed to reach that means.

However, our parents afforded this lifestyle, the reality of our formative years left us unaware of the actual cost. Once you are on your own and reality hits, the actual cost of owning and maintaining that lifestyle comes to the front. 

Early in my twenties, I learned I could live a moderate lifestyle and maintain some of these wants, but having them all without assistance was impossible. There was always the mindset that my ship would come in. I was told that the universe would provide the difference if you bought more of one thing. There was never a time that I doubted that money would take care of itself.

I don't know if that’s the delusion of youth, but the audacity to believe that my screenplays or books would do the trick, with no dues paid or network in place, gave pretenses to the real world. 

The mighty credit card saved the day, creating the illusion of wealth when I didn’t have it, and the slippery slope I would follow and deal with in the years to come. There were points at which I could have adjusted the track I traveled and prevented further harm, but timing is everything, as is experience.

This book is intended to give hope to those looking for motivation or a means to get out of debt for good. There is no better teacher than personal experience; save learning from someone else who has been in your shoes, done stupid things, and lived to find a way forward.  

My financial journey is typical of my generation: cars, personal loans, house payments, credit cards, and everything else in between, while navigating relationships, fights over money, and what that entailed in the long run. I’ve lived it all, and want to share my story with you and what I learned.

The idea of financial freedom and what that meant was vital to each step along this path. I found a purpose in focusing on those debts and creating a budget that eventually eradicated all that drama.

It can be done.

Anything can be accomplished when you set your mind to that goal, but as I will show you, I found that realistic expectations during and after this debt-free journey are vital to living a full life. Some people will jump in and focus so much on their debts that they miss out on the little joys of each success. More importantly, they won’t come up for air long enough to bask in the sun and be present in daily living.

Sure, it’s easier to be focused for a time and to play later. Still, some of you, like me, don't have that luxury when there is so much debt that the journey will last over five years, especially if you are doing this alone in a single-income household and don’t have a career that quickly generates six figures or more a year.

Granted, that doesn’t mean people who make that amount have an easier road. Far from it, these people likely have more debts, more out-of-control habits, and are more prone to live paycheck to paycheck, even if they make double or triple the amount I take in as a teacher. And yet, we are all the same.

We do stupid things with money, but with some effort and focus, we can take control of the situation, come out ahead, and live a full life. 

The following pages contain different topics and stories based on my experiences and those around me. This is meant to be a judgment-free zone. It’s a glorified story hour that lets you know you aren't alone. 

Whether we focus on credit cards, car payments, student loans, timeshares, buying a house, or simply vices, there’s a topic for anyone on this financial journey to freedom. Beyond those topics, we will explore the importance of understanding your relationship with money and your partner if you have a significant other. 

We will continue with an example of an actual budget that many, I know, don’t follow. I’ve been there. I get it, but there’s no reason why after reading this book, you don’t at the very least, start a budget and find out where your money is going. It’s your choice, but I like the power of knowing what money is coming in and, more importantly, what money is going out.

Finally, I’ll tell the entire story of my debt-free journey. When I was at my lowest, those calls on Dave Ramsey’s radio show of people sharing their stories on overcoming their debts gave me hope and purpose. I trust sharing each step along the way, might do the same for you.

To that end, we will conclude with lessons learned, a sense of purpose and direction, or at least some food for thought about your financial journey and legacy. 

We are all at different stages with our money and how we use it to reach our goals. We live, we learn, we grow. In this case, I hope you don’t make the same mistakes I did and get some nuggets on improving your overall situation.

Best of luck on your financial future. 

Jonathan Kuiper 

#EmotionalSpending #DebtFreeJourney #FinancialFreedom #BudgetingTips #MoneyHabits #OvercomingDebt #PersonalFinance #LivingDebtFree​

 I had to think about the last time I had a new release. Surprise, surprise, it’s been three years since the release of Rusty Star, my previous fiction piece. While I had every intention of writing a sequel to that book and still have the first chapter in the proverbial can, that’s been put aside for now.

Life has brought some interesting twists and turns these last three years. I left New Hampshire behind and took my “talents” to Krakow, Augusta, and Morocco. I didn’t intend for things to play out this way. I certainly didn’t think I would be in a writing funk, forced to journal for two and a half years until my mind was settled to create a new published work. 
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Then again, the travel vlogs took priority for two of these years, which stunted some of the energy I needed to be in that correct writing state. To that end, the latest work was written in January. I’m excited as it’s part memoir, part financial advice, and simply storytelling focused on how I became debt-free and the steps I took to achieve and maintain that style of living. 

I think it’s a fun read. It may be a bit revealing about my life, but it's a fitting story nonetheless. It shares that we all have reasons for falling into debt and opportunities to right that ship. I’m sure someone will take value from the book. Even if just one person can make a change for the better, the time it took to write this was well spent. 

In honor of my twin brother, Emotional Spending will be released in paperback and digital form on April 16, 2025. Get your copy now. Next month, I’ll update you on Brindisi and Me. Till then, happy reading!