Where in the world are we?
Sarah Says:
Dear Family & Friends,
I truly cannot believe that the time has come to type this message to you. After at least a year, if not longer, of talking, planning, saving, changing our minds, researching, changing our minds again, booking flights, breaking it to you, getting very excited and getting very nervous - our big adventure will start in just 2 days. There’s a big plane leaving Seattle on Monday with 2 seats on it for us. We have no idea what waits for us on the other side - and I don’t think we really want to know. All that we really have to worry about for the next 3 months is hoping for a nice cup of coffee in the morning, a nice cold beer in the afternoon and some fun in between. Hopefully, we’ll come back to our home and the people who mean the world to us richer for the experience. I didn’t even have a passport when David Browne came into my life. He introduced me to the world outside the United States and for many years this - what we are doing - has been my dream. He’s having his time living abroad right now - with us here in Seattle. As a dream come true, I’m about to have mine - for a little while.
Now, there have been some family and friends out there who’ve expressed mild devastation about our journey. I want to speak directly to you for a moment - you know who you are. I just want to say - I love you with all my heart. David and I are the luckiest people in the world to have so many people enriching our lives and you’ve shown us that tremendously as this day has drawn near. Before I start crying in my keyboard, I’ll close. Take care, everyone! We’ll be in touch!!!
Dave Says:
Haven’t started packing yet. Doesn’t really matter. I probably have enough baggage anyway. How light can one travel? I remember coming to Seattle with just two suitcases. Those suitcases are long gone, replaced by technical marvels of modern living complete with wheels, compartments, straps and other accoutrements essential to today’s traveler. I like my new luggage but still feel a little nostalgic for my trusty old fashioned £10 suitcase. Over the next three months I plan to consider my luggage carefully.
January 2nd, 2005 at 4:03 pm
I am so excited for you guys! As hard as it was at first to contemplate having you so far away, and not immediately accessible on a Mom’s whim…. I’ve adjusted, and couldn’t be happier for you. I guess a mom is allowed to get all sentimental and whatnot so I will just say that my heart will be with my darling daughter and my wonderful virtual son-in-law. I love you both, go in safety and have fun! Hugs… xoxoxo (P.S. and come back!)
January 2nd, 2005 at 7:52 pm
Hi!
Your Mom (and virutal mother-in-law) copied me on your letter. I will throughly enjoy following your travels. Sarah, I’m very proud of you! Now, go, don’t look back and have the time of your life. Nancy, this summer,when I’m crying because Thomas is going to South America for 2 months, you can say the same thing to him!
January 3rd, 2005 at 10:41 am
Sarah and David, Here’s hoping you have a blast! I know quite a few people from New Zealand and they are wonderful people. Don’t be surprised if you run into a bit of 4-part acapella harmony there; it’s very popular in New Zealand. Those small islands have 19 choruses! I have the opportunity to meet many Sweet Adelines at International SAI events many times a year from Auckland, Christchurh and Wellington. I hope to get down under to meet my friends on their home turf sometime!
One of my friends told me she runs a deer farm there. It was fascinating when she described the high fences they had to construct to keep the deer from leaping out!
Also, don’t forget to immerse yourself in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ medieval atmosphere that probably still exists in Wellington after Peter Jackson completed his marvelous tribute to JRR Tolkeins books. Perhaps that’s a bit too commercial for such seasoned tourists as yourselves! Well, just immerse yourself in the lovely kiwi culture anyway!
What a great idea on the blog too! I hope you don’t mind if I steal it when I make my very first stomp off the NA contintent to England/Ireland/Wales in May!
Lots of love and I’ll be checking back for your experiences and comments as you enjoy your trip! Again have a blast!
Love, Aunt Gwen
January 4th, 2005 at 5:52 am
Guys! This is Beth. (I’m too lazy to fill out an account). Hope you are staying comfortable on your flight. I’m thinking of you as you step off the plane and into the country that will be your home for the next three months (and ONLY three months–no longer!). Here are the pictures from New Year’s. Miss you already!
http://www.ofoto.com/BrowsePhotos.jsp?&collid=417166699105&page=1&sort_order=0
January 5th, 2005 at 7:48 am
Wow - I can’t believe how quickly the leaving date has come… Wishing you both a wonderful and adventurous ride! I’m sure this will be the journey of a life time, especially with you two behind the wheel. Looking forward to keeping up with your expeditions via your blog. We’ll live vicariously through you as we are up for our late night feedings and baby-what-not!
Amy, Shawn and Jackson Stephens
January 8th, 2005 at 2:15 pm
Our first friday night without Dave and Sarah…pretty sad. Hope you guys are safe and having a great time. I’m drinking wine at work and it just ran out. When the booze in the office is gone you know it’s time to go home! Love, Beth