So many people have asked us all sorts of questions that we thought they would make good content for our blog.....if you're curious...
Why would you leave good jobs to travel now? Are you crazy?
Crazy or smart? Aren't they one in the same? Completely changing our lives wasn't a decision made easily or lightly. For sure, there are times when we question our sanity; actually, truthfully, only Amy does that. But mostly we are very comfortable with the change we forced about ourselves. As we're sure you can imagine, a decision like this is made over time and for us was an accumulation of both desires and wake up calls.
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Both of us have a strong curiosity about other places and people and natural environments. -
Over the past couple of years we've tried to put together a few different trips but we never felt that we should be away from our jobs for more than a week or two. We gave up trip planning on a number of occasions because if we were going to travel so far we wanted to see more and not be so rushed to do so.
We questioned the work, accumulate, want more, work more, accumulate more mentality.-
We realized that the satisfaction material things bring us is very fleeting, if not bring down right disappointing. -
The economic down turn and having a friend die and another get terribly sick woke us up to the fact that we can't take anything for granted. Money and health can be fleeting. -
Life is short. -
Why wait? Why not now? - Work will be there in one form or another for years to come.
How much is this going to cost you?
We don't know for sure. We have a total number that we don't want to exceed and we're going to live moderately. We plan on renting places that have a kitchenette so we can do some simple cooking and not go out for every meal. We will take advantage of free or discounted offers. Not rushing through an area allows us the freedom to go to the museums on the days they are free, for example. Tour operators offer specials at the last minute and we'll take full advantage. Western Europe and Russia are not on the itinerary for a reason – they are terribly expensive and the US dollar is weak.
Did you go completely zen and sell all of your stuff?
We didn't go completely zen. Just partially. We sold and gave away lots of stuff and stored the rest. We were able to rent our house to a couple of medical professionals. We feel very fortunate to have found them as they seem to be the perfect fit for our home. They needed all of our furniture and pots and pans as they are living free of their stuff. They move around with their clothes only. Which, by the way, they highly recommend.
Why didn't you include Southeast Asia?
We tried. We wanted to. But the world is huge. We're just seeing a slice of it as it is. Our intent is spend enough time in each location so that we can try to get a feel for the local vibe as well as see the sights, so the Asian continent will have to wait. It's high on our list for another adventure.
Are you coming back?
Yes.
What are you going to do when you get back?
Steve has a few ideas of businesses he'd like to explore. Amy liked working at Symantec. So we'll see.
This is a hard question to answer right now. We're staying open.
Are you worried about how your relationship will withstand spending 24/7 together?
Not really. We like each other a lot. We are of like mind when it comes to most things and we talk things out when we disagree. And we know that it won't all be perfect. Travel, at times, is exhausting, overwhelming and frustrating. We discussed how our relationship's bright and dark side will be illuminated more than ever this year. Fortunately we've been tested a few times in the past and have worked it out each time. We believe in our partnership. Our mantra – patience, compromise, communication. Oh and he has his guitar and she has her yoga.
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