Adapting and Thriving: Skills for a New Life

In this episode, Emily sits down with Kirill Mendelson to explore his remarkable journey from Moscow to the United States. Kirill reflects on his family’s immigration story, the hurdles and unexpected joys of embracing a new culture, and his bold career shift from medicine to the business world. He also delves into raising bilingual children, preserving cultural heritage, and his aspirations for future adventures and personal reinvention. Tune in for an uplifting conversation about rediscovering freedom, redefining purpose, and embracing transformation in midlife.

TIMESTAMPS:
00:50 Introduction to Age of Reinvention
01:41 Kirill Mendelson’s Journey Begins
03:18 Challenges and Adaptation in a New Country
06:50 Educational and Professional Shifts
16:27 Building a New Social Circle
19:56 Raising Third Culture Children
27:50 Balancing Heritage and Identity
31:23 Future Plans and Reinvention
40:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Emily Bron: Welcome back to another episode of the Age of Reinvention, eco living, free cities, and intentional communities podcast. I’m host Emily Bron, and today we have not a standard interview, but a conversation topic with returning guest Charlotte Tweed from Liberty Travel Coach Company. Have you ever wondered What living in a truly free society would be like, or at least, did you consider a community of like minded and freedom loving people?

Get ready to satisfy your curiosity, because we are diving deep into the world of Free Private City Foundation. and eco living intentional communities with our special guest, Charlotte. Charlotte from Mexico and I, currently from Canada, both participated online in the International Liberty in Our Lifetime live conference, which took place in Prague from November 1st to November 3rd, which took 2024, just a week ago, it was my second online participation in this yearly event, and I was personally happy to explore new, exciting projects.

And learn new names of the creators and community developers working worldwide under the umbrella of the Free City Foundation. The Liberty in Our Lifetime conference in Prague was an absolute treasure trove of insights about free cities, eco living, and intentional communities. And we will discuss today our impressions.

me and Charlotte from the meetings and dive into some of the most captivating presentation to inform you, my listeners and followers about what is new in the world of innovative living and free economic zone development concepts. Here are what we will exploring. Just in general, no time for details, but the latest developments in the Free Cities Movement, inspiring new living projects from around the globe, including a seasteading villages development on the sea and ocean.

Practical tips for enhancing your personal freedom. Plus we will uncover our thoughts and advice and what projects, in our opinion to join and community, to find the communities of freedom loving people to make such significant life changes. Whether you are seriously considering a move, Or just love learning about new living possibilities.

This episode is packed with valuable information and insights. So let’s embark on this enlightening journey together. Charlotte. Welcome back to the Age of Reinvention

Charlotte Tweed: podcast. Thank you for having me, Emily. I’m glad to be back to have a conversation with you. Thank you.

Emily Bron: And we both attended the Liberty on Our Lifetime conference in Prague online.

We both wished that we would participate in life, but it didn’t happen this year. Maybe we will meet each other first time in life next year. And I, I don’t know where it’s going to be. They say, by the way, it was last time for Prague. Yeah maybe they will move close to our America’s locations.

Mexico. I hope so. But. What were your initial impressions and key takeaways from the event

Charlotte Tweed: of this year? There is so much information packed into three days to two days at the conference. And then they had the extra day and so many speakers. I appreciate all the information and sometimes it’s.

It’s overload. I have six pages of notes, and more follow up I want to do and more connecting I want to do with the people heading up these projects and get to know them better. I would like to see more communities that are already, people have inhabited, that people are living in. There’s a lot of concepts and concepts, they’re fantastic concepts, fascinating.

I’d like to see a little more people in those concepts.

Emily Bron: Absolutely agree. Because I believe both me and you actually considering to join one of the community. So maybe several in the different time period. And like with all respect, it’s a lot of work. Especially for people coming from different countries to navigate local legislation and probably some immigration and development issues they might face so with all respect, they are on different stages of development, I would say, yes.

Charlotte Tweed: Yes, I would agree. Yes. Some are very, it’s just the idea, the concept. Yes. Some have started moving, so there are some projects that, we’ll touch on today that there are people living there. The population is small, but there are buildings, that

Emily Bron: Let’s speak with details, because again, for people who may be even not familiar with the concept, but I repeated several times, liberty on our lifetime, because it’s actually tagline.

It’s Ideas and meeting gathering of people who really believe in Liberty, but we’re trying to segue now to the more kind of practical projects because there are many projects and they all interesting, but both me and you looking for concept as well as a real project, I would say, yes, or physical project.

So what stood out

Charlotte Tweed: to you the most? I’m still very interested in Montelibro and Montenegro. They actually won the intentional community award. So I liked that they did that this year. I thought that was a nice touch to do that, to recognize, what people have done. It’s a small community right now, but, like I said, the services are there, there’s buildings there, they have events there.

So there is already a community. That is thriving. That is growing. So there is a place there that someone can move to. And even if not necessarily move right into that community, it is close enough to other cities within Montenegro that you can maybe move to the city if you’re not interested in the small community.

Small aspect, you want the bigger scale, more coffee shops, more restaurants, more architecture, that type of thing. You can live close by and still support the community in events they put on or, shop with there.

Emily Bron: I absolutely I agree with you and I liked Tatiana and I hope, I wish she will be in a couple of weeks providing more details.

She invited to the podcast as well. And from my personal impression of Montenegro this year like I, I see myself, but again, need to come again because I was not in a bar, the city that when, where they started the community actually, and now they’re building a little bit on a suburb.

Barre it’s a city when I have already couple of people that I know from Toronto. And yes, and I believe that Barre it’s pretty good place, connected, and there is even ferry from Barre to Bari in Italy. I remember when I was on Barre, Years ago I was looking and it was really funny for me that on other side there is a bar It’s you know, similar almost similar name But Yes They already building the active They young most I would say different generations But they might and I believe they attracting people now from several age groups Yes.

Do you agree with it? Because I’m

Charlotte Tweed: not I agree. Yeah. And I would agree right now. It appears to be a younger population.

Emily Bron: Yes. But actually my view I’m looking, trying to follow, what are trends. This was the country. Have has actually because with European Union and Montenegro is still considering to be part of, and Union has a European Union, such a, some problems now, look, Germany is collapsing.

So we will see what’s going to be with other countries and Montenegro. It’s it’s too small to build their own economy, in some sense, it’s good for people who are ready to be. Outside of the big political events or social life. They have enough of it. And I believe from migration perspective, it’s all.

Kind of fluid now. People coming, leaving, coming back. So in couple of years it will be more stable in many places. Because a lot of people in search. In search, checking like out, looking, considering young, elder one where they can live. And I believe both me and you are Of interest to serve these people and to help them to find the place which will be better match The expectation.

Yes, and I completely agree That monte libera is kudos to them giving like step ahead in construction sense what is your Perception of other projects in different countries.

Charlotte Tweed: Other projects that were presented this year. There’s Lieberstadt, which also has people, I guess we’ll maybe stay on the topic where people are living right now, and we can move on to Concepts that are up and coming.

But Liberstad was discussed, which is, it’s also a small community. I think it’s about the same size population as Montelivero, really. Montelivero, 20 some people they have now, but a completely different community as well. Different climate. Because, Norway is going to be a little, a lot more harsh of a climate than Montenegro is going to be.

Montenegro is the Mediterranean climate, so that I think is a big factor for people there that may want to consider that. I know for me it would be a big factor. The the climate. So

Emily Bron: as well for me I cannot see myself like four hours from city because we need, especially when we are new in, in, in country and community We need some even organization, some legal stuff to be connected with even we don’t want, but we need connections with the cities and different companies and organization, but now it’s not about us.

And yes, I believe that Monte Libera is better positioned. Climate wise, city wise even I would say for people from North America who used to the different life standards, no, you can live good, but it would be different and sometimes we’re looking for difference. But we are not prepared.

We don’t know how it will change our lifestyle. If we open for the changes and we will accept them, positive way, it will be really very interesting journey of self discovery. But let’s go back. I can tell you that from the old Projects and some of them I would listen again, the presentations what I like that new communities and new projects joined the movement like I do you remember one communities that Germans built in Venezuela Margarita Island, Crypto City.

Yes. And so I understand that the more oriented, like I didn’t remember the names, but really the more oriented for crypto communities for people who are interested actually to work or to have a business or already have business in this direction. And even concept is interesting and I.

Hope I would visit maybe them one day. I’m more to the project who, I say, for the normal people, no, you can bitcoins, it’s not defined, like, all in my life. Even I have it or I don’t have, I understand importance of, this parallel economy, I would say, but many people need something else.

Yes. What would you

Charlotte Tweed: say? Crypto City was quite different. The good thing about them as well, they are moving dirt, so there is action happening, but they’re, they are very selective. So they have to approve and vote on you if you’re going to be accepted into the community.

Emily Bron: But you know what?

I agree with this aspect. Even look, even in some community like condo living in Canada, or, there are some rules that to accept new people, you need to go through some process, yes, of acceptance and maybe to have interview with people because it’s a serious matter specifically when you leave your country and you go to some island, say, to leave with people that you might not have idea or even you communicated with them online.

But you should understand that you might have different interests, different cultural, traditions and preferences. And just to say that you like freedom, which is okay, and liberty, and you don’t like, like your other government ruling it’s okay, but it’s not enough to live in harmony with other people.

Yes.

Charlotte Tweed: Everybody has a different idea of what freedom is, what they’re looking for. So that’s why it’s so nice to have all these different communities because they are all so unique. So you need to find the one that fits in with you and how you fit with it in with those people, so that you follow the voluntarism concept.

I want to be there. I volunteer. I understand. Here’s your contract, read it, sign it, agree with it. Do you, this is how we’re going to live here. If you don’t agree with it then why would you even want to live there? So it’s is a way to bring the like minded people together.

Emily Bron: And by the way, I’m curious now, when you speak about volunteerism, which many people were mentioning, what do you mean for you?

Charlotte Tweed: So for me, it’s based on libertarian concepts, right? So the non aggression principle. So if you’re going to move there, you have to, the one thing that you can all agree on from what I’ve gathered is there’s no aggression.

We can’t. We can’t fight. We’re going to get along and it’s something that you are voluntarily agreeing to their concepts of what their community is going to be like. Emma, is that how you understand it or how do you understand voluntarism?

Emily Bron: Let’s, I was born in Soviet Union, where volunteerism was part of our culture, and again, there is always, and I’m so curious when I, specifically over the last years, no, and I was, I am familiar with volunteer work in Canada, because as a new immigrant, I was going, when I was doing my first steps on Canadian market or we need to, I learned, I knew that and I worked as a volunteer.

What does it mean you work by free? You just give, provide you, you work just for company to get Canadian experience. It was the story of getting local experience. Even your experience might be we hire and but you need to understand how people are working here, but from the employer perspective, it’s just, free work for benefit of the company and just the look if you like this person or not.

And, but. It’s one type of volunteer work, and you’re probably familiar yourself like in the university, in schools, and over the last years, it was promoted a lot of volunteering works, and again, organizations are open and even promoting some free work, I would say this way.

And for me, I understand. But living in community again, like when you live in family, you are not first of all, you’re not writing contracts, I believe, but you do a lot of volunteer work because it’s your family. Yes. And you need to do it. And for me, I think I understood that living in community of especially new community, it will be a lot of work that should be done it’s especially the first years probably.

And you need to do it yourself or together with people depending on your skills and, level. And I was thinking myself because one of the points that I was always was clear about, even after many years living in North America North American culture, it is what it is, built in individualism.

Mostly, especially Americans, Canadians a little bit less, but a libertarian movement with all this respect built on individualism. So when I was thinking, like, how North Americans No, because It’s very important for people to be on the same page because even in definition, which are, basic and important like freedom, voluntarism, people might understand it.

Like different features of the community in society. Like for me, non aggression principle, yes, it’s a given. What is my voluntaristic approach? Is it, I agree with it? I understand volunteerism that you need to work sometimes together. You need to find time to get out of your probably home and and work together with others, or I don’t know.

I spent many years on working in Soviet Union. We all working like on the agriculture, working on cleaning cities. And it was always a nice words about how. Free and democratic we are. Our people have a little bit different kind of approach. For me, it’s importance of definition. And I believe that each community should define it and clear on the website and probably later on the contract to specify.

What is the freedom? What is the volunteerism? And, obviously, nobody would like to live we all want peaceful, harmonious communities, but people are people. We have sometimes disagreements, and you cannot throw out a person, after a month or two, or, I believe it will be a lot of interesting development.

Yes, and I wish I’m looking after I realized how differently I understand freedom and not only me, many of us, yes, and some other positions and I took time to learn about, anarchism. I learned it at school and lately I look at this new kind of anarchist movement here and there. For me not all anarchists are libertarians, vice versa.

And when people think that anarcho capitalists are the same as anarcho socialists No way. Like for me. But even taking all these isms, and words away, it should be, I believe, clear to people what this one or other community is about.

Charlotte Tweed: I agree. And I, even, listening to people speak and talk it’s learning a whole new language again, really the terminology.

So what does that mean? Most Canadians don’t even, have never even heard the word libertarian. They don’t know what it means. Three or four years ago, I didn’t know what a libertarian was. I had never heard of that before. I’d never heard of the Libertarian Party. What, what is it?

Emily Bron: But I think we have it in Canada.

It exists in the United States. But we’re all learning. We learn a lot of things over the last four years. Don’t we? About government and about ruling, so we started, to be more cautious, I would say, about wording and definition. And yes, and I believe it’s a lot of learning curve for each of us.

And sometimes people using the same words, but they have absolutely different

Charlotte Tweed: ideas behind it. Different definitions, even for democracy. I think, it’s language has become so confusing, and they want us confused so that we can’t make a decision. So it’s it’s trying to get your idea across or understand these concepts.

How do I explain these towns and what they’re doing? For people to understand them and sometimes I’ll pick a word and go, yeah, commune comes to mind because that’s something that somebody understands, but they’re not really communes. Why not? By the way, by some definition, living together. So what’s the definition of commune?

When I think of commune, is it just a community of like minded people living together that kind of live on their own? They live in their own parallel society? Or is it a community where they share everything? Where your food is all shared? Is that like what, how do I commune? How to write community?

They share everything there. Nobody has their own business. It’s so much. Cause the money is controlled by, by one person, right? So what do we mean even by the word commune?

Emily Bron: It’s common ideas and agreement to live together, again, and there were different examples of the common Jesus Christ let’s, it was the first common what he created in Qumran and his and his students with, say, disciples and people who were interested in supporting his ideas.

It was, I don’t know about details who was responsible for the budget and all this, but it’s one type of the Cuban. A lot of commune we know in France, in Russia, like in Soviet Union, like in Israel there were several time of, because it’s were socialistic movement at the beginning. Very interesting examples.

Like kibbutz, it was actually commune, but and they were different until now. They’re different, more kind of socialistic, more communistic, but like capitalistic. But there, there are already historical. Working models but I believe what eco living and free cities trying to create to take the best maybe pieces from the past, but to create economical model of future, let’s say, based on the mistakes or whatever observation or what is not working now.

Lately in, yes, in society. It’s how I understand it. And obviously, because people are coming from different cultures, and they have different understanding, or maybe they’re very selected about, what type of people in communities they would like to to have members. As a new members, for me, it’s very interesting, but it’s a lot of search and research for people who are trying to guide to this communities themselves.

Would you agree?

Charlotte Tweed: Yes, I would agree.

Emily Bron: I

Charlotte Tweed: would agree.

Emily Bron: I was particularly fascinated by presentation of Patrick Schumacher, known architect, who planned already the project City of Liberland. And it was, I believe, parametric urbanism, and he discussed it. With Minister of Justice of Free Republic of Liberland.

And I, I know that both of us became e residents of this country. That’s why I decided to discuss with you a little bit. Because this conversation and they were speaking about Metaverse, really building Metaverse virtual city. Which I was familiar with this concept before, it was it on their website but I was expecting and they were promising to build like physical community and metaverse because people are all over the world and it’s convenient place to communicate, to discuss Kind of forum but next level of technology, but for me, it’s appeared now that the moving, at least at this period, more to the metaverse direction, because Yes the construction that they started on physical island that they have between Serbia and Croatia kind of not moving forward.

They have some legal or whatever issues and probably till they resolve it, they working on different How do you understand it?

Charlotte Tweed: Yeah, I think Croatia seems to be the biggest issue there. That Croatia doesn’t want to recognize them. There have, there are some people living in Liberland, but it’s very rustic, I guess is the best way to say it.

And they were putting up structures and those got taken down. And it does seem to have stalled out. And I also got that from Michelle, Michael the Minister of Justice for Liberland. Yeah, that they really focused on the metaverse, and I think that’s more their way to build a community at this point and to keep the dream alive and to keep it moving forward and to keep people interested and interactive.

It’s again it’s not for everybody. I’m looking for Physicality. I’m not, I’m still a little bit hesitant with certain technologies and that type of thing and I like to stay in reality. Yeah, so that’s my view on it, but I’m sure some people would find it extremely interesting and be very interested in the metaverse.

Emily Bron: So I understood that, yes, even with the residency for Liberland at this time and point I will look on other projects. And other projects are happening, popping up here and there. And I liked as usual presentation of Leader Tu Bel, and it’s very inspirational and he speaks and understand a lot about, international legal and economical landscape, I would say.

But we will see I hope that they will come up, soon, with what they hinted a little bit earlier about cities, that they are in communication discussion with Some government in Latin America, I understood or Caribbean like as far as I understood it. So it’s existing city, but probably which is running low, in economical development and government want to give a boost and attract a new people and investment.

But you have already structure, you have Culture existing, you have local people, which I would be personally very interested to mingle, like to communicate with even I need to learn the language. And by the way, did you notice the announced that kind of official language, cities will be English.

It’s very nice, but I believe anyway we need to find a way to communicate with local people. Yes.

Charlotte Tweed: Yes, I agree. That’s one thing with, me being from Canada, that English is really the universal language of business. So that is the one that gets adopted. So that kind of makes me a little bit lazy on that end of it.

But I am in Mexico. I am learning Spanish. Poco a poco. And I can get by. So I do agree that’s very important. And I know there are some communities as well that create their own language. very much.

Emily Bron: Really? What community? And what language? Don’t we have enough, not enough languages?

Charlotte Tweed: I don’t want to learn a made up language.

I think I’d rather stick with one that’s a little more

Emily Bron: universal. Ah, meta language. No. Because there is Esperanto, it was developed like international language that would unite in, more than a hundred years ago, unite people from the different cultures, kind of common language. It was in trend for some time, and after then disappeared, because probably people were lazy, or They just connected with different countries and they learned the local language.

You need to learn it. But maybe it’s for new generation when they would not able to speak normal language. They will speak this, cut it. Yeah, but jokes aside, I at least get the project by Ivan Kohl. You remember this gentleman from Hong Kong who was looking for, and I remember him from a couple of years ago, I met him on some online event, but his presentation about 21st century city in England, in UK, Freeport, I think he’s close to something really tangible.

And And I believe the biggest success in this regard, because he found full understanding from the local government. I don’t know, it’s what he told, like municipality or like this region. And they are happy, they fully understand each other. And the city, already there’s some something and they, they have investment and he was saying that it’s a city for people from Hong Kong, but I believe it will be not only for people from Hong Kong.

Charlotte Tweed: No, I don’t think so. Not if not being in the UK, I think it would attract other people as well. And if I recall correctly, he’s modeling it after a city that is in Japan right now. And I want to say it’s the Toyota City. Yeah, I was looking on the website. It’s interesting. It’s, for, when I did research, I looked at that city a while ago, actually, when I wrote an article about 15 minute cities.

And it’s, I’m like, I don’t know. Sometimes, it seemed, I’d be curious to hear more of his vision and what his plans are. Because 15 minute cities raise, raises flags for me.

Emily Bron: You know what, I can tell you that initially 15 minute city, and I understand your hesitance because I’m the same. It was very good livable concept created by a Latin American architect.

And it was created really for convenience and for a place to be developed for people to live. To communicate for not to spend hours and commute like I was for more than 20 years in Canada, but because this concept was taking a board, by, elites and like certain organizations as many good concepts they take and they change the concept such a way that even the good.

Concept we became suspicion to but by itself if it will be free I don’t know how free it can be because technology would be used in in this city. We cannot live I believe fully Rustic life. I don’t know. It’s up to community And how’s it going to develop and security with All understandings that I, like myself, I don’t like cameras in every corner and be followed by, but we have our cell phones, which followed with us in every place we are in.

But like now, seriously speaking, specifically when you are in new country or creating, you need security because. The world is, very vulnerable just to feel that you are safe inside. It all depends who are the people who, on top of this, what ideas they, yes, they follow. But technology, if it’s used for the kind of people, as I say, for the improving people’s life or serving people for the lifestyle, I am okay.

And and practically speaking, I’m over the last years and for me, it’s a big change because I was going every day to downtown. I was traveling, but over the last years, I started to live to like my community I’m living here. And it’s very important and convenient to me that they have clothes.

Actually, 15 minutes. Amenities.

Charlotte Tweed: So I appreciate that where you can get everything within your walking distance and stay close and not have that long commute because I’ve had those nightmare long commutes myself. It’s the control that the government might issue over you. That’s my concern that they’re going to lock your face.

You’re 15 minutes city and you won’t be able to get out. That’s the concern with a 15 minute cities.

Emily Bron: Yeah, but again, like we have like propaganda or I would say different opinions on many things. So the question are in details who are ruling and you know what kind of rules and what kind of people you are surrounded by.

Because, look, they were trying to implement it in UK, I was following, and as far as I know, people were against it in small city, existing cities in UK. Okay, we will follow IvanCo project, and I believe it will give us some answers. Look, there are so many things that I wanted to discuss, and I’m looking on the time.

I can tell you that I like with all this project, physical projects which were presented, some thoughts, and I remember Vince Graham, who presented inspiring free cities through creation of beauty. Because, again I would like to live in a beautiful place. Nature is okay, but, beauty is very important for our well being.

Yes, I believe so. And Oskar Koreas, who presented visualizing the future. But it’s not about the title, even title is good, but about the concept. And I understood that he was clear working on and thinking for years probably about how to build community, how to form this cohesive, group and condition for people to like it and to live in harmony and the community would satisfy different people needs.

Charlotte Tweed: Yeah, I, he was with the region tribes. And he has, yeah, he has a, start your journey on tribes platform. So I have to look more into what he’s doing as well. Now, was he the one who had a project? This started a

Emily Bron: Nicole Reese, which I will speak with her to tomorrow was in Mexico for some time. And I even believe he’s from Mexico, but because there are so many different communities and the Nicole spent some time, I’m reading her substack.

I’ve subscribed on echo living in Costa Rica. She was visiting several communities and Not visiting, she lived with them for some time and through experience, I believe they collected a lot of ideas, what is working, case studies, I would say, and I believe that they united together Nicole and Oscar, and they get to this concept, but it’s mostly for eco living.

Like for this type of communities, and I remember Michael Lewandowski and Lila Blake were speaking like the topic was discovering a new culture for humanity, which very interesting, nice kind of, I would say philosophical concept. I just. I hope that I will live till the time it will be implemented.

No maybe it will be all taking speed lately. And I believe it’s for younger generation. And if they will create this something. And I was looking on their rendering and Meta cities, it looks fantastic. I don’t know if I belong to this, but

Charlotte Tweed: Yeah discovering a new culture.

I I went away from that one scratching my head going, I don’t know, I didn’t get that one.

Emily Bron: They’re not only discovering, they’re trying to build it. They, but they coming with concept which I was, like, asking question myself. So you can build you can have and contract the city.

You can work to improve it, infrastructure. You can build it from scratch. It’s what some communities are doing. But at the end of the day yes, you need, they’re trying to envision and actually work on the new culture. Again, voluntarism, again, like, all these ideas, and I would be very curious to follow up how it’s going to work in reality, because sometimes, vision are not meeting reality, or when they met each other, They make some adjustment, like what works and what doesn’t work, and it might be very interesting fusion.

Charlotte, it was another topic which was I believe covered by several speakers of the conference about seasteading, and I remember that the first time when I heard about this concept, like a couple of years ago. I even didn’t understand what it’s about. It took me time to look online and to find and see the pictures and listen to presenters, how they explain it, that I’m just trying my best to explain to others what it is.

But the presentation during the conference by Joe Quirk, I remember he was speaking about seasteading. It’s from one side, it’s futuristic concept, but from other side, they implemented already several they name it floating cities, but it’s more kind of the villages. Floating cities, As they say, a solution for climate change on the water, in the seas and oceans.

And I believe some projects were started near the Panama. And some projects of this kind near the California. And what they were speaking about Arc. Project near the Philippine so I don’t know. It’s a different project. Are they moving?

Charlotte Tweed: The one that I’m most familiar with is the one off the coast of Panama.

Ocean Builders is the company that is building those seapods. And Grant Ramon is the one who is a co founder of that. Company, and he spoke at the conference as well. So he’s living in one of the sea pods right now. So off the coast of Panama and very interesting. If you want to follow him on Instagram, I post to share a lot of his stuff on my story sometimes too, because some people they’re water babies.

They love the ocean, and this would just be an absolute dream for them. So they’ve come up with different prototypes that they’re trying out. For different water depths, he’s he’s close to shore. So he, I can’t remember how many feet deep he is, 20 feet. I don’t quote me on that, but there’s different ones.

So they have ones that can go out on the high seas, but the ones that they’re testing right now are the close to shore ones. And I think they’re beautiful inside 360 degree views around you. They’re bright, they’re white. They just look like such a nice. Clean, appealing atmosphere.

I don’t know if I’d want to live on the water seven days a week. I still like to be on land. For me, how I would find it interesting is possibly owning one as a rental.

Emily Bron: Yeah, just to try this experience, to have experience.

Charlotte Tweed: Yeah, to have the experience. And I think it would be a great investment for a rental property if something like that would be allowed.

Like an Airbnb or that type of thing. To go and stay in one for a week. Yeah. I think would be super amazing to do. They already completed, they open the gates and accept people. Yeah, like you, yes, you can buy them. It’s not cheap.

Emily Bron: Yeah, because they were speaking about even some resorts, near a resort, floating resorts near the Philippines, and the project looked amazing, and kind of streets and home buildings and ArcPad.

Charlotte Tweed: Yes, that was the ArcPad. The first floating resort. It worked. That they have. And the concepts are interesting because you think, okay if you go out on the high seas, like I listen, Joe Quirk and Titus had a panel discussion and they were talking about how it would work on the high seas.

And he said, you have to have it by the equator if you’re going out into the high seas, because that the winds aren’t there. The drastic weather’s not there. So you’re not going to get the hurt that I’ve apparently I didn’t know this. The hurricanes don’t go over the equator. They go, So you don’t get the massive waves where you could put a city out on the high seas.

And then they have concepts where they do fish farms that, fish farm has a negative connotation. But when they’re close to land, they get really polluted because they’re so full of fish poop. And that’s what the fish are floating in. But when they’re out on the ocean, that’s the healthy, correct environment.

So they can actually make cages that attach to these. floating towns or cities where, so they can farm their own fish, they can farm seaweed, they can, do gardens. It’s quite it’s a very fascinating concept.

Emily Bron: Yeah, the concept and ideas and actually for some, luxury tourism and adventurers.

And, if people, I remember when I read, spent a lot of money to live in some building from ice, like to sleep in, these ice castles, like why not to try water castles? And but speaking about the liberty, no, it’s like for some people, it might be extension of their liberty opportunity to leave outside of mainland country society.

How you understand that?

Charlotte Tweed: Yes. And if you relate it to how Joe related it to was cruise ships. And I think this is a way to, to help people understand that it’s a new concept. Cruise ships. Fly their own fly flag of a country that they choose for different reasons. So they are, they’re like a giant floating city already.

So you may be out on the ocean flying a cruise ship under the flag of the Bahamas, for example, for whatever reason that you may want to follow their rules for certain things. Employment rules fall into those different countries then. So it’s it’s certainly a different way to look at freedom and liberty because you’re not attached to the dirt of the country that the country is in.

It’s out on the ocean.

Emily Bron: Yes, but like from my experience, and I was on a cruise, I don’t remember, three, four times in different, in Caribbean, in Europe, and like from even cruise number one, it was clear for me that it’s not for me. It’s not for me. I can spend one week but maybe because it was very restricted short time on to visit the city and I always wanted to spend more time and actually to spend evening and to go to the cafes to feel, to get this feeling of the local culture.

And but for me even the biggest cruise ship, it’s, I feel claustrophobic. I need Yeah it’s, because it’s isolated place, even it’s big, for this reason I even don’t like island. Again, I can spend some time, and I was Turks and Caicos, but but to live on the island, I’m not speaking about Japan or UK.

It’s a culture. It’s a whole, it’s a big, it’s a countries. Yes. But just island and Sark, I believe it’s one of the nice kind of miniature example and very cute, I would say,

Charlotte Tweed: but,

It’s not for everyone. No, absolutely not. Island lives like, it’s just like you said, island living isn’t either. I’m not an island girl, but I discovered that from spending three months on the Aesaurus.

It’s no, I need to be on land. But just because I wouldn’t live there, I love visiting but for some people, it would be the absolute perfect place to live. And I always say this about the Aesaurus, because when you’re out there in the ocean, the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, pretty much, with nothing around, it feels like you are on a different planet, and you feel very secluded.

And if you’re that type of person that wants that it’s perfect for you. Like you, you feel like nobody can touch you out there, like nobody knows we’re even here. You’re doing your own thing and I think that’s what it would be like with Seasteading as well.

Emily Bron: And I think there are some periods in our life when we want this seclusion.

We probably need it for one or another reason. And what I like about Free City Foundation and actually the concept And many projects which are joining now that there is a variety of lifestyles for different types of people, for different ages, for different preferences, and I wish all of them would be included.

Prosper, in the development and completion of the project because it’s give opportunity for people really to learn about different environments, community types, and even themselves. Because probably before you spend some time on island and I spend some time I even didn’t know that it’s not for me.

I, yes, you need to spend some time and and love different experiences.

Charlotte Tweed: Yes, yeah. And I think I’m, that’s why I’m excited to see a lot of these projects take their next step. The other one that I wanted to touch on that I’m very interested in is Freedom Towns. It’s something, it appeals to me very much because I like that they’re going to be a small population.

I’m not a big city girl. I like, I grew up on a farm. I like small. 500 is their population. They plan on having the housing and agriculture is going to have dedicated space to agriculture. So they’ll be self sustaining and that’s a big part of it. And I think that’s very important in the world moving forward that where you’re going to live, You’re not going to have to rely on imports coming from another country that you’re, where you are is going to be self sustaining food wise.

I think that’s going to be very important. So I really like that part of their concept as well, that they’ll have schools businesses, and I also like that. They’re not going to be their intentions, not far away from a main center or main airport so that you are still connected to big city.

So you’re close. Close to hospitals or something like that, if you’re going to need that type of thing, or you still want to get that culture, you can go and live in your little small town with your like minded people, but you’re not going to be secluded and remote. And that type of lifestyle is something that I am personally interested, that really appeals to my want, my needs and my desires.

So I like that

Emily Bron: and you’re speaking now about the project in Portugal, am I correct? Yes. Okay, and I am following this company as well And I know that they’re planning at least to build additional community in Azores for people who like Variety, probably, who likes seclusion. And, but, with flights from Lisbon to Azores, it’s pretty doable, as I say.

And I know that they’re planning additional communities in different countries and continents, at least it’s what they say now, and I really wish them the best, because I would like to join them as well, and meet you at some of the communities. But probably we will meet each other in Mexico before then.

Yes, and, but eco living was a hot topic at the conference. And thank you, I understand now your vision and what is a better place for you. So what other projects resonated with you and you think our listeners would should know about? I think we covered You mentioned in Argentina. Did

Charlotte Tweed: we talk about Argentina?

No, we didn’t. Las Propa Forgive me. No, not Prospera. Prospera is in Honduras. Las Proprietarios. Proprietarios. Yes, I remember something. What do you like about this one? I was just intrigued by the land deal that they were offering. You would get a thousand square kilometers of land to anyone who pays the entry fee of two hundred and fifty U.

S. dollars, and I found that intriguing. So I haven’t looked into it further. I’m going to they’re looking for people to help with promotion and for people to live there. They don’t have the land yet. There are places, there’s a few plots that they’re looking at, and he has said that, and Argentina is just an interesting case in itself.

For the magazine that I used to edit, we had a writer that was, she was from Argentina, she’s currently living in Dubai. And she said some things in Argentina are extremely expensive, and some things are extremely cheap. And land, apparently, is very cheap. So it’s I hate saying that, I shouldn’t say the word cheap, affordable.

Affordable is a much more appropriate and But 250 for the kilometer? Yeah, it was a thousand square kilometers of land to anyone who pays the entry fee of 250 US dollars.

Emily Bron: But it’s entry, you don’t know what this entry means, maybe to get to the door. I need to,

Charlotte Tweed: yes, I’m going to do more research on that.

Emily Bron: Yes. And and I understand that having a land, it’s important and Argentina make waves lately with changes exactly in libertarian direction. I can tell you that I was dreaming about Argentina and Buenos Aires in particular when I was a girl. I don’t know why I always liked Argentina.

Something in my DNA was telling me that I need to go to Argentina. Oh, because there were some family, some relatives who left years ago and they, I even found them after, but I’m very looking forward to be in Argentina, but I would like this community a little bit to mature. Yes, because obviously I want to visit them.

We need the people, we need the people, we need the property, we need the buildings. Absolutely. Everyone, at this point, they need investment, but later on, when investment comes, we’ll be satisfied. For to start and build what is important for community to be commune people.

I know Charlotte we can speak for hours about our topics and it was really a lot of to process. I even didn’t process all after the many presentations provided. But What are your personal takeaways overall from the conference and are there any changes or new initiatives you’re considering as owner of the Liberty Travel Coach Company as a result?

How it will affect Your vision and work for the near future.

Charlotte Tweed: I really, I must go to the conference in 2025. I think I have to meet these people in person and build the connections, build the relationships. It’s just in person is so different. So I was so like we had said at the beginning, I was so hoping to attend this year, but it just did not work.

So next year, I must go and meet these people and make those connections. I’m still, something that hasn’t changed. I’m still very interested in Montelibro as an option for clients moving forward, focusing more on the projects that do exist, that have people living in them, and paying close attention to these ones that I think are up and coming that.

I have that clients can move to, or that will be planning on settling okay, we’ll take, for instance, Portugal, if someone’s interested in Portugal, maybe focusing on the Lisbon area where, freedom as has planning on doing their town. And I know they can’t announce it yet. It’s not the deal is not done yet, but focusing on the countries that, Seem to be open to this type of concept.

I see.

Emily Bron: And lastly what advice would you give to someone listening who is considering making the leap into the alternative lifestyle of what we discussed or joining an intentional community, what would you say?

Charlotte Tweed: I think start now, start doing your research now, find the people to connect with now.

Learn as much about the country, about the organization, about the companies that are putting these plans and projects together. If you can go visit these projects, go. You have to go and see. And if, especially if you intend on buying I highly advise not to buy until you have seen. You must go see.

And if you are going to go that that a rental is possible, go for as long as you can. Long term rental, at least a month, immerse yourself in the community if possible.

Emily Bron: I absolutely agree with you. Charlotte, it’s been an absolute pleasure having you share your insights and impressions from the Liberty in Our Lifetime conference.

Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to add? To our followers. So maybe some other ideas you have.

Charlotte Tweed: It’s always inspiring to be around people who think the same way. And there are, they are out there. They’re not alone. We found each other online, Emily. Yes. I’m really happy for this part.

Yeah. So we have different ideas about different things, but that’s good. We’re, we are individuals. We may think alike, but we are individuals. So you just really need to focus in If you’re intending on making this leap, what it is that you really want and really dig deep into that so that can help you and help me help you determine where you want to go.

So yeah, if you’re interested too, I’ve just recently put together a new ebook. It’s a short guide that 20 mistakes to avoid when relocating to a new country. So I can provide that to Emily and she can help that. It’s free. So

Emily Bron: thank you very much for your work opinion. And I’m actually thinking about attracting, people who would be interested in such communities, in such projects.

For me, this topic is new as well, and I do it in parallel ways. With my other topics for 50 plus people because I believe believing in such uncertain time times, and it will be for up to five years, maybe is it some people who even not considering it today might have big interest or certain interest in the future, and there are not so many as a podcast of venues to learn about new project and as me and you were all coming kind of our ways and learn about this project and both were inspired and we and it actually connected us with even with all our differences and I believe if people are open to discuss and to understand each other, the differences, it’s it’s what make it interesting if it’s not, far away differences.

And I always even say people ask the questions followers think about it write to us and we will do our best to help you to find and I will do the best and I have already line up of speakers who are from Free City Foundation and I have interviews with people outside the foundation, but who are built in such communities because I believe it’s what our future might be even we are not considering it.

Today. Thank you very much for being with us today, Charlotte. I was as usually enjoying our conversation, and I believe we will continue to to discover new communities and to speak about them providing information and some educational knowledge. background, I would say, for people who who don’t have ideas, but might be on the lookout for alternative communities or way of living.

Thank you very much. Exactly. Exactly. Great. Thank you, Emily. Thank you. Wow, what a ride that was. A huge thank you to Charlotte Witt for sharing her experiences and insights from the Liberty in Our Lifetime conference. Let’s recap some key takeaways. The Free City Movement is gaining momentum worldwide.

There are exciting projects happening on five continents. Personal freedom can be enhanced through practical strategies. Feeling inspired? Hear what you can do next. Follow Age of Reinvention podcast for updates and future interviews. www. freecity. org Share this episode with friends who might be interested.

Remember, the journey to freedom starts with small steps. Whether it’s exploring new ideas, or considering a relocation, you are already on the right path. Got questions or want to learn more? Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Age of Reinvention or Charlotte at Liberty Travel Coach. We are here to help you navigate this exciting new world of possibilities.

Thank you for tuning in. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review. Until next time, happy travels, and stay curious and keep dreaming big. Your perfect free city might be just around the corner.

Kirill Mendelson

President at Bio 911 dba Spaulding Decon

With over 20 years of experience in sales, contract negotiation, and operations management, Kirill Mendelson has built a diverse career spanning multiple industries and regions. From managing multi-million-dollar accounts and overseeing projects from purchase to installation to consulting for small and mid-sized enterprises, he has developed expertise in executive management across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

Kirill’s career began in direct sales and evolved into a focus on the gaming industry, where he navigated global operations amid significant industry consolidation. This shift has inspired him to explore new sectors, leveraging his extensive international experience and leadership skills to drive growth and innovation in emerging markets.

In the Age of Reinvention, redefining freedom, lifestyle, and purpose at midlife becomes a remarkable journey. In this blog, we dive into the inspiring story of Kirill Mendelson, a man whose transformation reflects the essence of living anew, sharing narratives that touch on immigration, self-discovery, and adaptability.

A Story Crossing Borders

Kirill’s journey began in 1991, during a pivotal time when he transitioned from the familiar grounds of Moscow Medical University to the vast opportunities awaiting him in the United States. More than a simple geographical change, Kirill’s journey epitomizes the challenges and triumphs faced by many immigrants adapting to new environments while nurturing their distinct aspirations.

The Turning Point

Kirill shares how familial and historical connections to the United States ignited his desire to stay when he visited the country in 1991. His family’s history, filled with stories of immigration and adaptation, set a precedent for his decision to carve out a new path in America. Emphasizing the surprise of his father, who supported him despite initial reservations, Kirill recounts his decision to transfer his medical education to the U.S., eventually choosing a path in business administration over medicine.

Adapting to a New Culture

Despite having a background in English, Kirill recounts his initial challenges in daily conversational fluency and cultural adjustments. He accredits his resilience to his exposure to American television and news programs, which helped him adapt quickly. The invaluable support from new friends and acquaintances at UNLV eased his transition, mirroring the experiences of many immigrants who built their new social circle in unfamiliar territories.

Discovering a Passion in Business

Over time, Kirill shifted focus from pursuing a medical career to exploring the business landscape, eventually finding a niche in the gaming industry. This transition marked a significant reinvention in his professional life, aligning his ambitions with the dynamic opportunities Las Vegas offered during his formative years in the U.S.

A Global Perspective

Kirill’s life is further enriched by his passion for travel, which he shares with his wife. Together, they aim to experience diverse cultures firsthand and aspire to explore 120 countries by turning 60. This adventurous spirit is about ticking destinations off a list and profoundly understanding and engaging with global communities.

Family and Cultural Identity

Another dimension of Kirill’s journey is the challenges of raising ‘third-culture kids. ‘ Living between Russian heritage and American culture, Kirill’s children navigate a unique identity. His children’s empowerment and resilience highlight the broader theme of adaptability and acceptance, essential traits for achieving a sense of belonging in an ever-changing world.

Visions for the Future

Looking ahead, Kirill envisions a retirement filled with purpose, curiosity, and continuous exploration. Whether through community service or slow travel that immerses in local cultures, he seeks to redefine what it means to lead a life of fulfillment and legacy in the midlife years.

Concluding Thoughts

Kirill Mendelson’s story invites us to consider the possibilities available in life’s later chapters. His tale of reinvention reminds us that midlife is not merely an age but a transformative period that allows us to reconnect with passions, reflect on experiences, and pave new paths enriched by wisdom.

As we conclude this narrative, we encourage readers to ponder their reinvention journeys. How might you redefine freedom and purpose in your midlife years? Stay tuned to the Age of Reinvention for more enlightening stories and perspectives on living with intention and joy.