Living in a small town around the mountains: Routine, Discoveries, and the Joy in Simple Moments

Life in the mountains was something completely different from anything I had ever experienced in Brazil. Living in Gilford, a charming little town surrounded by mountains, was — above all — a fun, unexpected, and enriching experience.

The region itself is already special: it’s located near the famous White Mountains, but Gilford belongs to a smaller and lesser-known mountain range called the Belknap Mountains. And it was there, on Gunstock Mountain, that everything happened — where I worked and lived some of the best experiences of my life.

By the way, fun fact: the name Gunstock comes from the town’s original name, which used to be Gunstock Parish. And it was on that mountain that I dove headfirst into a routine unlike anything I was used to — working in three different restaurants, each with its own vibe, rhythm, and challenges. From simpler cafeterias (Cobble), to pubs (Powder Keg — the best one), to a more upscale restaurant (The Barrel), my time there was never repetitive. The place was the same, the people were mostly the same, but every season brought new lessons and experiences.

From the very first day, I felt welcome. Over time, it felt like I was working with my old school friends — that easygoing, supportive vibe that only true chemistry can create. Of course, there were intense days, especially when the mountain was packed and everything turned into a controlled chaos. But even on the toughest days, between rushes, restocking and some occasional burns, I’d always finish my shift with a sense of growth. And even better — with good laughs and friends I’ll keep for life.

But my mountain routine wasn’t just about work.

On my days off, the focus was on enjoying. And my first big hobby there became a near obsession: skiing. Pretty much every week I hit the slopes. I tried new trails, pushed myself to learn new techniques, and even explored a couple of resorts besides Gunstock. The truth is, skiing is addictive. The more you learn, the more you want to keep going. But let me be honest: it’s not easy. Just putting on those boots already lets you know it’s serious business. And that first day trying to balance on skis? It was like learning how to walk all over again (laughs).

My second favorite hobby was more urban: exploring stores, local markets, Walmart, outlets, and of course, the iconic Dollar Tree — always with friends and my girlfriend. It may sound simple, but for someone coming from a developing country, walking around those American consumer paradises is almost a tourist attraction in itself. Even without buying anything, we had fun just wandering around — and the best part was, it was all so close to home.

Besides that, life in Gilford had a certain cozy simplicity. We cooked meals together at home, hosted get-togethers with friends from other countries, hiked the forest trails around the mountain, and took every chance we could to explore. Literally my kind of moments: “Time for exploring!”

And then there were the little joys: playing board games while it snowed outside, sipping a hot drink after a night of skiing, or cooking a classic American meal after a tough hike. Those simple yet intense moments were (and still are) the kind that make me feel genuinely happy. The kind of happiness that comes from within — the kind that doesn’t need much. Just good people and a special place, like that little mountain town that taught me so much.