FAQs

“Are you Ready?”

It is a whirlwind. Sometimes we think we are ready and then we realize a detail we missed and freak out. “Not ready!” Everyday is a flurry of activity ticking off to do lists. But if the list isn’t done, we’ll still be on the plane!

“What about your jobs?”
We both really like our jobs and hoped to return to them. Thankfully, both employers granted us unpaid leave for this experience. Interestingly, this is the detail that our kids were most concerned about. When we got approval they were so relieved!

“And your house? Wait, don’t you have a dog?”
Fortunately Heidi’s cousin recently graduated from college and landed a job close to us. He’s going to live in the house and take care of Bullet along with his 2 roommates. Hopefully, it’s mutually beneficial!

“What about the kids’ schooling?”
We will travel during second semester of 5th and 7th grade. Officially, we are homeschooling them. But, we are excited about the organic natural learning of roadschooling. On our adventure in 2002, we met kids travelling who had great maturity and wisdom from their experiences. We don’t know if we’ll be great teachers, but we’re thrilled to take the walls off of their classrooms. For the structured expectations we are using Aleks.com for math and myon.com for reading comprehension. We found a teacher to kick off our roadschooling in Uruguay with a PE and foreign language unit (surfing and beachside Spanish classes!).

“Are the kids getting excited?”
I don’t know. They are showing more excitement as it is getting closer. Definitely excited about not going to school. Definitely nervous about leaving friends and family. They have no idea what to expect.

“Where in Europe are you going?”
We are just dipping our toes in Europe. We love visiting the more developing parts of the world for a number of reasons. One, we seek unique wildlife and landscapes. Two, we love the reality check of being among the economic majority of people on our big blue marble, not just the privileged. Three, we can’t afford it. The kids can save that for another time. But, this trip we are very excited to visit Bulgaria since it will be 20 years since Heidi landed in that beautiful country as a Peace Corps volunteer. Overdue for a trip back, and thrilled to share it with the kids.

“Are you worried about terrorists?”
We follow State Dept warnings and traveller’s advice. But, we are more worried about crossing streets, staying together, vehicular travel, etc. Terrorists get a lot of publicity, but what are the odds? And it appears they can happen anywhere. Other dangers will be just as much on our watch list.

“What are you packing?”
We each have a backpack with all our own stuff and a day pack to carry the shared stuff and electronics. We are each bringing about 5 outfits and will launder when they are sufficiently dirty.

“Where are you staying?”
So far it is mostly houses through airBnB, hostels and inexpensive inns. We have some Hiltons targeted for a splurge thanks to Chad’s points! We aren’t bringing camping stuff, but we hope to camp in a few places where supplies are available.

“Do you have it all planned?”
No. We want our itinerary and time line to be guided by our spontaneous desires. So far the kids have had little involvement. They don’t know what they don’t know to advocate for. Once we get going this will change. And we’ll meet other traveller’s sharing their advice on where to go and where not to go. We will watch ever changing security situations. All these factors will guide us as we make plans along the way.