Kiwi's Gap Year in Poland Becomes a Family Adventure

Nathan James Thomas left Auckland in 2010 seeking adventure, and sixteen years later, he's found something even better: a home in the woods of Poland with his partner and baby daughter.

The journey wasn't a straight line. After his gap year sparked a fascination with Poland, Nathan returned years later to trace his Jewish family history to the city of Lublin. That connection to the country deepened when he met his Polish partner, and together they explored life in Spain, Hungary, Albania, and Georgia before settling near Poznań, Poland's fifth-largest city.

Today, they live in a small village about 30 kilometers north of the city, surrounded by woodland, lakes, and wooden houses. Nathan works remotely from a home office overlooking the forest, occasionally helping Polish film productions as a dialogue coach while managing projects across New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and the US.

The transition wasn't always smooth. Nathan still finds Polish bureaucracy intimidating and the language challenging, but younger Poles in cities speak English widely, making daily life manageable. The paperwork for registering businesses and securing residency requires patience, a stark contrast to New Zealand's streamlined systems.

Poland's rapid economic growth makes it an exciting place to call home. The country leverages its position on Europe's border and its highly educated population to fuel dramatic development. Poznań serves as a perfect base for working with UK clients, with nearly identical time zones and multiple affordable direct flights to London.

The Bright Side

Life has become more expensive since Nathan first visited. A beer in Poznań's gorgeous old square once cost about $2 NZD but now runs closer to $7. Still, the quality of life remains strong. Comfortable trains with dining cars connect cities across Poland and Europe, making weekend adventures accessible and affordable.

Now that his daughter has arrived, Nathan's adventures look different but equally rich. He spends good weather days taking her for long walks through the woods near their home. The family enjoys Polish summers, when they can sample chłodnik, a light and zesty cold soup made with yogurt and beetroot that's only available in warm months.

Nathan's story reminds us that the best adventures often write themselves when we stay curious and open to where life leads.