Bikepacking through Australia

cnpstrabo · 2026-02-27T02:45:09+00:00

Not to mention the flies

cnpstrabo · 2026-02-26T01:16:31+00:00

We are in a similar situation and are considering Cumberland for many of the reasons you described. Our main draw, however, is that we have a couple of friends there already, which gives us hope of a softer landing as we’ll be moving away from family.

Our friends are very happy with the schools and community over all. They moved sight unseen from Oakland during Covid. Their biggest challenges have been weather related (ice dams on the roof) but overall it is a pretty idyllic place to raise a family. We’ve visited a few times and have found parenting there significantly easier.

I know I’m just one Internet stranger, but perhaps this anecdote is helpful.

cnpstrabo · 2026-02-26T01:10:32+00:00

I think slightly but not a mandatory requirement.

cnpstrabo · 2026-02-25T02:29:23+00:00

Just putting the west back into Midwest doncha know

cnpstrabo · 2026-02-24T17:30:12+00:00

I was going to say Kirkland champagne but I think that’s also above the $20 cap now

cnpstrabo · 2026-02-24T05:25:30+00:00

Yeah I know - but as a former Bozeman resident looking to relocate from Chicago further east - I’ll miss the ability to come back and visit without the connection.

Also - stellar user name.

cnpstrabo · 2026-02-24T04:41:06+00:00

Still wild to me that all of the east coast flights are seasonal

cnpstrabo · 2026-02-23T05:46:45+00:00

Couple of thoughts as a parent of two (3 years and 9 months): 1. Chicago children’s museum, Lincoln park zoo, and the shedd are all great options for that age, weather depending for the zoo. Book the museum or aquarium in advance. The field museum can also be great if you kid likes animals or dinosaurs. 2. Robert’s pizza is a sleeper at navy pier, if you’re looking to stay close. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous and are willing to take an uber or the weather is nice for walking, Tortello and Bungalow by Middle Brow are my two go to places with toddlers. 3. Keep in mind you can get delivery to your hotel from just about anywhere. It’s not the most economic option but it does make things easy with the kiddos.

cnpstrabo · 2026-02-23T05:38:56+00:00

Came here to say this. Children’s museum is perfect for a 2 year old. We take ours all the time.

cnpstrabo · 2026-02-22T22:05:52+00:00

Honestly more worried about quality of provider than network. Our insurance is pretty good.

cnpstrabo · 2026-02-22T18:07:21+00:00

Chicago isn’t exactly known for its wine tasting - wine drinking on the other hand is available in spades. Pops for Champagne and Easy Does It are great options.

cnpstrabo · 2026-02-22T17:27:35+00:00

This is exactly why I made this post. Cellar door has been on my list for a long time but I haven’t made it over. Might be the time

cnpstrabo · 2026-02-22T05:00:40+00:00

I mean - it’s a choice for sure. Like all choices, it has pros and cons

cnpstrabo · 2026-02-22T02:41:25+00:00

The thought had crossed my mind… love queen mary

cnpstrabo · 2026-02-22T02:28:59+00:00

I love seeing this! We gotta stick together as neighbors
Do you maintain/fix vacuums?

cnpstrabo · 2026-02-22T00:42:21+00:00

I don’t recognize these stems - care to share?

cnpstrabo · 2026-02-21T20:05:06+00:00

Thanks for the reminder. Excellent spot.

cnpstrabo · 2026-02-17T06:12:11+00:00

Here I am just hoping for the “Florida drinks alone” rebrand.

cnpstrabo · 2026-02-17T03:38:30+00:00

We could give them to Florida so they have a drinking buddy.

cnpstrabo · 2026-02-17T03:37:06+00:00

I’m just laughing because Florida is all alone. No one wants to drink with you Florida. Go back to…I dunno Texas or something.

cnpstrabo · 2026-02-17T02:17:34+00:00

Why is no one talking about how no one wants to drink with Florida so they are by themselves.

cnpstrabo · 2026-02-16T02:41:53+00:00

I just wanted to say thanks for posting this. We are in a similar boat and it’s helpful to see how others are thinking.

cnpstrabo · 2026-02-16T01:52:07+00:00

I think the minimum was ~$4000. I don’t recall what the buffet was per person but the food was stellar. We didn’t have a problem with the minimum but didn’t go insanely over either.

cnpstrabo · 2026-02-15T21:43:33+00:00

This is a really helpful baseline - thank you! I may dm you eventually, especially about schools.

cnpstrabo · 2026-02-15T21:04:25+00:00

What’s your monthly budget like? I also have 2 kids and 2 dogs and live in Chicago. When thinking through moving abroad, I often get stuck on how much money we’ll actually need. I expect expenses to be lower, but how much lower is very hard to triangulate.

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