“What was the best part of your trip?”
That’s probably the question we’ve been asked the most since returning last month. It’s hard for us to pick any one part of our trip as “the best”, which is probably a sign we did something right.
But I’ll do my best to answer it anyway. In general terms, the best parts of our world tour were:
togetherness
For a family of 4, being together 24/7 for 9 months (often sharing a single bedroom and bathroom) can be hard to imagine. But this turned out to be one of the most rewarding aspects of our trip. I’ve spent more time with my kids in the last 9 months than during their entire lives before that.
Not that Danielle & I aren’t glad to be back where we can dump them off allow them to visit friends and relatives while we get some alone time, mind you. But getting to spend so many hours just hanging out and talking with the kids, and learning and discovering things together has been absolutely priceless.
slowing down
Though we were only gone for a little over 9 months, it seemed more to us like a couple of years. In a good way. I guess not having to rush around from one obligation to another really altered our perception of time. It was really nice having time to stop and smell the flowers, the ocean, or the weird stuff cooking in the market stalls.
not working
Most Americans over the age of 25 wouldn’t even think of taking 9 months off from work, at least not on purpose! That’s too bad, because breaking out of the routine of work and school for an extended period has really re-energized us. We could never get that from a 1-week vacation.
sunsets
Before the trip, we were usually too busy working, commuting, or putting food on the table to enjoy a sunset. But on the trip, we could make time for them every day. Some of them were truly spectacular.
“But really, if you could pick just one thing…“
OK, if I had to be specific, the absolute best part would have to be:
Living on a cruise ship
It’s always been our favorite way to vacation, but to actually call a cruise ship home for 3 months was the coolest thing ever. We’d do it again in a heartbeat.
Of course, that wasn’t the only great part – we’ll talk more about the best and worst things about a family RTW trip in later posts. There will be lots of other cool changes coming to the blog, too – so stay tuned…
{ 5 comments }
This is a great list and very inspirational and relaxing to even read. Not working, sunsets, togetherness, who could ask for more?
The togetherness and the slowing down will be a long remembered time for Hannah and Olivia—and Mom and Dad. And that is truly precious.
Too Cool!
Oh.. Sunset and NOT WORKING! I don’t need more reasons.
Also I’m looking forward to your next post. I love to hear both sides of the story. It can’t all be warm and fuzzy, can it?
You guys got pretty close. Have you traveled in London yet? That would be cool to vistit European places too!
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