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Published: August 23rd 2005
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We made it around the world!
This globe is at the Disney Sea Theme Park, Japan A funny thing happened on the way around the World…
With our around the world journey ended this travelblog will be our last. Of course this has been a once in a lifetime opportunity ,but we hope it’s also a new beginning that leads to future adventures. Thanks to all of you who have followed us along the way (an astonishing 13,000 hits) we enjoyed your kind comments and messages . This is our last chance to answer some of your questions and share some the funniest photos during our trip.
We are quickly settling back into “normal” life here in Florida. Our pets were very well cared for and happy to see us. a and j are already back in school. A and J are working on projects around the cottage and scheming up plans for a new business venture. Since we’ve returned several people have asked questions about our trip. The following is our attempt to answer some of the most asked questions.
Q- Why did we decide to go on an around the world trip?
A- Well…we’re a little crazy? To answer the midlife and is anyone sick or something questions? NO… it’s as simple as
Hang in there!
A funny moment captured in Norway. "a" has such a great imagination... she thought this shot up!
we all had a desire to see and experience places as a family. Our dream started with a list of 50 things we wish we could do or see. We wanted to learn more about the cultures and places in the world. We felt we should go while we were all at the most opportune ages. You know before A and J were too old to remember where they’d been! We did all but 8 things on the list.
Q-Did we plan and schedule where we were going in advance?
A- ?Yes and No. We had to decide which countries we would visit before booking tickets. We did lots of research at the book store travel sections for months in advance. We tended to book the first part of our stay in each country then work on details as we went along. Mostly worked great but in Europe we found it’s best to plan ahead. Example: Driving around looking for a hotel and finding out all the rooms are booked, because we didn’t know the whole world was in town to watch Tiger Woods win the British Open!
Q- Which modes of transportation did you use?
A- You
name it we used it! First we bought One World tickets which allowed us 20 flight segments. Within each country we used trains, buses, small planes and boats . Oh… and we shouldn’t forget to mention the horses, mules, camels and elephants we rode for small distances. We estimate total mileage our out trip at around 50,000 miles.
Q- How much did it cost?
A- Now you’re getting personal! We actually were asked this question at a group meeting while on tour in Israel. We will tell you what we told them…A small fortune! Our advice is if you are planning a family round the world trip start saving now and whatever you think you might need plan to spend more. However, we feel it was worth every penny!
Q- How did we pack for 7 months?
A- We choose to go as light as possible and it was a good choice. Each of us had a medium pull behind bag and a carry-on. It is important that each person can handle their bag on their own. Sure we got a little tired of wearing the same outfits over and over. Although, when we were faced with carrying
Weird Couple
While in Egypt we spotted this kitty inside a pen with a croc! After asking a guide about it he said the cat liked to go in to visit??? our bags up 3 flights of stairs at some of the bed and breakfast places or small apartments we were glad we were traveling light.
Q- What was the favorite place we visited? Why?
A- New Zealand because the stunning natural beauty combined with the warm, welcoming people left a lasting impression.
Q- How many countries did we visit?
A-19 countries and 4 states in the US.
Q- Was it difficult for a family of 4 to have so much non-stop “togetherness” ?
A- Surprisingly not! We were able to break up the times when we stayed in one room with apartment stays and 2 hotel rooms. One note for families planning to travel overseas with older kids…many hotels are only able to sleep 2 people in one room, so budget for that added expense.
Q- What was the high point of the trip?
A- We can’t pinpoint one, but to name a few, our Disney cruise, Mildford Sound in NZ, the whale watch on Kauai, Hawaii, swimming in the Dead Sea in Israel, the Holy Land tour, horseback riding on the beach in Phuket, Thailand and Stonehenge in England.
Q- What was
"A" has a "Goofy" moment
On the disney cruise our napkins were made into character hats. Why would "A" get goofy?? the low point?
A- How to put this delicately?…stomach problems in Egypt‘s 100 degree heat, NOT FUN!
Q- Did we learn anything that changes our perspectives on life?
A- Such deep questions…We all agree that the chance to meet and talk to people as we traveled helped us have a deeper appreciation and respect for the diversity in the world. It’s a real eye opener to see the how many people live in difficult circumstances. . Frankly, we were a little nervous about how we might be received in some places. We knew that Americans are sometimes perceived as “Ugly Americans” but that was not our experience and we were treated kindly by the vast majority. We felt blessed to return to the United States where we have so many conveniences and freedoms.
Q- Would you do it again?
A- Yes! We wouldn’t change a thing. A funny thing happened on our trip around the world…Our family learned a great deal and we grew closer. We will never forget our amazing journey
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Terrierwoman
non-member comment
Sad to see it end.
Well, I don't know who you are but I have enjoyed getting your blog. Maybe someday if you are lucky, we will meet and become life long friends. But for now my email will not be full of "Bond Adventures". Can anyone out there tell me who these people are?