Welcome back! Today, I’m taking you inside the place we’ve been calling home while we build our house—an abandoned cabin tucked away in the Ginatilan mountains. If you’re used to the sleek, organized homes of Norway, this might come as a bit of a shock. It’s raw, it’s simple, and it’s a total contrast to a modern house.
Living in this cabin is like a long-term camping trip, but with the added responsibility of a newborn. We moved in here because we wanted to be close to our construction site, and honestly, the "abandoned" part of the cabin is what gives it character. It’s a basic structure—lots of bamboo, open spaces, and that "free aircon" mountain breeze I always talk about. While it’s far from a luxury villa, there’s a certain peace in the simplicity of it all. You wake up with the sun, surrounded by the jungle, and you’re immediately part of the mountain’s rhythm.
In the video, I give you a full "room tour," though calling them rooms might be a bit generous. We’ve carved out spaces for sleeping, cooking, and, of course, a little corner for Liam. One of the things that stands out immediately is the clutter. Between the baby gear, our clothes, and the supplies we need for the house build, the cabin is... let’s just say it’s "lived in." I know some of you in the comments have been worried about the mess, especially with a baby around, and I hear you! It’s a constant battle to keep things tidy when you’re living in such a temporary setup.
The biggest challenge, aside from the space, is the mosquitoes. Being in the forest means we are constantly on guard. We use nets and coils, but it’s just part of the price you pay for this incredible mountain view and the fresh air. Despite the lack of modern amenities, Jessa has a way of making any space feel like home. She’s the heart of this cabin, managing to keep us fed and happy even when we’re essentially roughing it.
I also spent some time reflecting on why we are doing this. Many people ask why a foreigner would choose to live like this when he could easily be in a comfortable condo in the city. But for me, this experience is vital. It’s about being grounded. Living in this abandoned cabin helps me appreciate the progress of our new home so much more. Every window that goes in, every wall that gets painted—it all feels like a massive luxury because of where we started.
We aren't just building a house; we’re building a life and a set of memories. Years from now, we’ll look back at this time in the cabin and laugh about the leaks, the clutter, and the simple joy of living in the mountains. It’s about the journey, not just the destination.
Thanks for stepping into our temporary mountain life. It’s not always pretty, but it’s real. Stay grounded, stay real, and I’ll see you in the next one!
