I'm going to New Zealand - Join Me.
Post-election reflections and my end-of-year retreat
Hey there, reader. I know - long time, no Missive.
I took a break from this newsletter and suddenly Donald Trump has been re-elected, searches for Americans moving abroad spiked 1,500% overnight, and it seems like the topics I cover for this newsletter are suddenly more relevant than ever.
Mexico City is about to get swamped.
I apologize for the long absence, but I had a number of personal matters combined with a shift in professional priorities which took up my bandwidth for this newsletter.
But I’m excited to reconnect and share a little of what this year has brought — along with an opportunity I’m thrilled to invite you to.
The past year has been one of both challenge and growth. I’ve spent much of it deep in the trenches of writing my first book, a labor of love that has stretched me creatively and demanded more than I imagined. After four years of near continous work, I hope to be able to share more details with you all soon.
I’ve also been expanding Cuéntame, my storytelling show in Mexico City, into a hub for solo performance in Latin America. This year, we’ve brought visiting artists from abroad, launched workshops, and even created a quarterly series called Words in Progress to help develop new one-(wo)man shows, including my own. If you’re curious about our work, follow along at @CuentameStorytelling or check out our new website.
This summer I spent a month in Lisbon — part writing retreat, part scouting mission. As you probably know, Lisbon has emerged as a hub for digital nomads, and I wanted to explore its potential as a creative base after my time in Mexico City comes to an end. I’ll share more about my experience there in an upcoming article.
And then there’s the broader world, of course. With Trump back in office and the U.S. elections exposing deep divisions, I’ve been reflecting on the future of globalization an liberal democracy — how we can understand the blind spots of the left and rebuild something rooted in connection and resilience. These are questions I’ll be exploring in the months ahead.
While I am still trying to find out what publication pace of this newsletter feels sustainable, I’d love to hear your thoughts as well about what topics you’d like me to cover and what paid bonuses you’d like me to offer. Share your comments below.
In the meantime, I’d love to share a retreat I’m hosting next month in a country many Americans are trying to immigrate to — my ancestral homeland of New Zealand!
Parihoa Ignited: Rekindle Your Creative Fire
As we near the end of a turbulent year, I’m excited to invite you to an experience that feels perfectly timed for this moment: Parihoa Ignited, a three-day creative retreat I’m hosting with my friend Anna Davis at the stunning Parihoa Farm on New Zealand’s west coast, from December 6–8.
This retreat is designed to help you reflect on the year that’s passed, resource yourself for the year ahead, and reignite your creative fire in the company of like-minded souls.
And, if you’re fantasizing about moving abroad to New Zealand to ride out Trump’s second term, this might just be the perfect scouting mission. ; )
Set on 711 acres of coastal farmland overlooking the Tasman Sea, Parihoa is a space to reset, surrounded by panoramic views, organic cuisine, and serene walking trails. Anna and I will guide you through a range of practices, from meditations and writing prompts to somatic exercises and deep dives into your imagination, to help you unlock your creative potential and set a clear, inspired vision for 2025.
What to Expect
Day 1: Arrival & Welcome
We’ll open with a welcome dinner and guided reflections, setting the tone for connection and creative exploration.
Day 2: Reflect & Resource
Through writing, meditation, and movement, we’ll navigate creative blocks, unearth your creative dreams, and resource your energy for what’s next. We’ll end the day with a cacao ceremony to reflect on 2024 and set intentions for 2025.
Day 3: Rekindle Your Creative Fire
We’ll refine your vision for the year ahead through group exercises, creative brainstorming, and movement, closing with a sharing circle to commit to your creative path.
Who Is This For?
Whether you’re creatively stuck, seeking inspiration, or simply in need of a reset, this retreat is open to anyone ready to reignite their creative energy. No matter your background or experience, we’ll meet you where you are.
How to Join
Spots are limited, and I’d love for you to join us. To learn more and reserve your place, visit www.parihoa.com/ignited.
As I work to finish my book and reflect on the lessons of this year, I’m reminded of how essential it is to create spaces for renewal and connection — whether through writing, storytelling, or retreats like Parihoa Ignited. Thank you for being part of this journey. I look forward to reconnecting in this space, at Parihoa, or wherever our paths might cross.
Warmly,
Marko
P.S. Know someone who might benefit from a creative reset? Feel free to share the details for Parihoa Ignited — let’s end the year inspired and ready for what’s ahead.
