Our Travel Adventure On House Hunters International: An Extended Honeymoon in Merida
Imagine the thrill of being immersed in the enchanting beauty of Mérida, Mexico, while simultaneously embarking on a quest to find the perfect place to call home. Lottie and Wyn, that's us, were fortunate enough to experience this incredible opportunity when we were featured on the hit TV show "House Hunters International." From the moment the cameras started rolling to the final reveal, every second was a delightful whirlwind of excitement, joy, and unforgettable experiences. Join us as we delve into the captivating details of our journey on the show, our deep appreciation for Mérida, and the extraordinary memories that will forever hold a special place in our hearts. You might wonder, how were we fortunate enough to appear on an episode of the hit TV show.
How did we appear in the episode?
First, let’s rewind back to early 2021 during the beginning of the pandemic in Peterborough, England. We had just got married and everything was still on lock-down. Creating our own sense of joy, in the late hours of the morning on TV we would both binge watch several hours of House Hunter International on HGTV. The couples we saw in the episodes we very inspiring to say the least. We were quite blown away and fascinated by couples venturing out to a new country searching for homes. This is very ambitious and courageous to put it mildly. Little did we know that while binge watching the episodes, we were slowly manifesting being starred on the show. Fast forward a few months down the line, we took the very bold leap to move on the other side of the world all the way to sunny Mexico! Lottie then came across a post in an expat group from a casting agent seeking couples who wanted to share their experience moving abroad. After debating on whether we should reach out or not, we jointly decided as a couple to reach out to the casting agent. We were humbly surprised when they messaged us back and they were absolutely fascinated with our story! After a ton of paperwork and Skype video call, we were surprised to hear that we were selected to film the episode!!
Embracing the Camera
The flickering lights signaled the beginning of a grand adventure as the cameras started rolling. Emotions ran high as a mix of excitement, anticipation, and a tinge of nervousness washed over us. However, any apprehensions we had were quickly put to rest by the wonderful crew of House Hunters International. Their professionalism, genuine enthusiasm, and warm personalities made us feel right at home. From the very beginning, it felt as if we were exploring the vibrant streets of Mérida with close friends, and the connection we formed with the crew enhanced every moment, making the experience even more enjoyable. Luckily for us, having our own YouTube channel somewhat prepared us to be in front of the cameras. For all things travel and Mexico, you can check out our YouTube channel here.
Exploring Mérida's Rich Culture
Mérida, with its vibrant culture and rich history, served as the perfect backdrop for our house-hunting adventure. The colonial architecture painted in vivid hues, the bustling markets brimming with tantalizing aromas, and the echoes of ancient civilizations in every corner of the city created an ambiance that was truly mesmerizing. As we wandered through the labyrinthine streets, the crew skillfully captured not only our reactions but also the essence of Mérida's charm. Every moment felt like an exploration of the city's soul, and with each step, our love for Mérida deepened. From the charm of Mérida’s famous kissing chairs to the magic of the sandy beaches, Mérida truly captured our hearts!
House Hunting Adventures
Our mission on "House Hunters International" was clear - to find a home that would encapsulate the spirit of Mérida and reflect our unique personalities. The houses we visited were nothing short of breathtaking, each possessing its own captivating character and storied history. We found ourselves transported to colorful haciendas tucked away behind unassuming facades, and cozy modern designs adorned with traditional Mexican craftsmanship. It was a thrill to envision ourselves living in these remarkable properties, contemplating how they would enrich our lives and become the heart of new memories.
As we toured each potential home, the cameras captured every discussion, every heartfelt debate, and every shared moment of excitement. The house-hunting process not only brought us closer to finding our dream home but also deepened our connection as a couple. We discovered more about our individual preferences and desires, and through compromise and open communication, we forged a stronger bond, ready to take on this new chapter of our lives together.
A Clash of Preferences
If you ever had the pleasure of watching an episode of HHI, you can immediately tell how the couples have a conflict of preferences. Lottie has always been drawn to the charm of the lavish hacienda-style home, while Wyn leaned towards the sleek, modern aesthetic. It was during our conversations that we showed our real estate agent, Barbra, that we navigated the delicate balance between personal preferences and finding a home that would satisfy both of our desires. Lottie expressed her admiration for a hacienda, highlighting the allure of its traditional charm, while Wyn voiced his affinity for the conveniences and clean lines of a modern home. This clash of preferences added an extra layer of excitement and anticipation as we embarked on our house-hunting adventure.
So how is it that we can view three properties in one day and make an informed decision as to where we want to live? Spoiler Alert: The filming process takes four 12-hour days to shoot and the property we chose was picked out beforehand. The two other properties are picked for us to view all while we live in the home that we picked. The process of filming is very long to say the least, however it is very rewarding. From the moment they started filming, we honestly felt like naturals in front of the cameras. The initial nerves did kick in when we saw the camera set, however we quickly felt like we were in our own element. Added that we had an amazing crew to work with, this made for an amazing experience that we will forever cherish in our hearts.
A Memorable Conclusion
After exploring several magnificent properties in Mérida, it was time to make the momentous decision. As the camera rolled one last time, the anticipation in the air was palpable. As the episode would have it, our hearts were torn between two exceptional homes, each holding its own allure all while the property we chose was picked out prior. The crew captured our elation and excitement as we realized we had found our perfect slice of paradise in Mérida.
Reflecting on the Journey
While the house-hunting journey was the focus of our time in Mérida, we also took the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the city's rich culture and traditions. One of the highlights was a horse and carriage ride through the iconic Paseo de Montejo. As we leisurely strolled along this grand boulevard, lined with majestic mansions and shaded by centuries-old trees, we couldn't help but be swept away by the romance and charm of the city. It was moments like these that added an extra layer of magic to our time in Mérida, leaving us with indelible memories. Looking back on our adventure, being featured on House Hunters International was an absolute dream come true! Not only did it grant us the opportunity to explore the captivating beauty of Mérida, but it also brought us closer together as a couple. The crew's unwavering professionalism, genuine warmth, and infectious enthusiasm made the entire experience unforgettable, and we will cherish the memories forever.
Living in Mérida has become an adventure of its own. We have fully embraced the local culture, made lifelong friends, and started building our dream life. From exploring the city's historic sites, such as the iconic Paseo de Montejo and the majestic Mayan ruins of Uxmal, to indulging in mouthwatering local cuisine featuring traditional Mayan flavors and Spanish influences, every day feels like a celebration of our decision to call Mérida home.
Conclusion
Being
featured on House Hunters International was an experience of a lifetime
that brought us immeasurable joy, laughter, and the profound
realization that home is not merely a physical place but a profound
sense of belonging. Our ongoing journey in Mérida continues to be filled
with excitement, adventure, and a deep love for this vibrant city. If
you ever find yourself flipping through the channels and happen to
stumble upon our episode, we hope it serves as a source of inspiration,
encouraging you to embark on your own journey of exploration and
discovery.
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