Traveling for a year...holiday?

When we meet new people, they always ask, so....what are you doing?

Getting this opportunity to wander around all over the world to our hearts content is definitely a gift and a huge opportunity!  Getting to meet new people, eat new food, travel in unusual vehicles....so cool!
But, vacation?

We've definitely had our fair share of perfect beaches, quality cappuccinos and delicious food...it isn't all suffering, however, traveling in general definitely has its moments of stress and frustration, so the term 'holiday' or 'vacation' doesn't really feel quite right while I'm walking along the side of the highway covered in dirt and sweat with a pak on my back at noon, not knowing where I'm going to sleep that night....I believe some people would connect that with homelessness, not a holiday!

This being said, we wake up every morning and think the same thing....wow!  I can't believe we are here!

Sometimes it feels a bit selfish...especially when the person cooking us breakfast in some places will never get to see the wonders we've seen that might just be around the corner for them.  Eating food that a local person might not be able to afford.  Getting a 1st class bus ticket, because we can.  Then, we are fully aware of how lucky we are to have so much access to so many places and the knowledge that we are choosing to be where we are. 

We are leaving Tanzania tonight for a flight to Egypt, which will leave one more week in Africa before heading to Europe.  Africa is not an easy place to be, see, eat or sleep.  It's expensive, it's dusty, you can't drink the water, and nothing works the way it should and of course, you are guaranteed to get ripped off with bright white skin, but for all of the hassle and all the times I swore all I wanted was to be back in the states with a job an apartment and a good book, the whole experience seeps into your heart and forces you to feel whether you like it or not.  I don't know if it's right or wrong to do what we are doing, but the education we are gaining from getting to be in all of these places....it forces my brain to grow and learn and be open to new cultures and foods every day!  Life long learning!

The bright colors, the great big smiles, the humor in finding a chicken under your bus seat and the sound of voices singing in the distance....I'll never forget it!

After Africa?  It's off to London, Norway, Paris, Madrid, the East Coast of the States, Montreal, Minnesota!, Chile....and then we'll be done and have babies!  (right Rodolfo?).  6 months down, 6 to 9 months to go!  We are so lucky!