We spent at least one night in London, Hyderabad, Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Mussoorie, Goa, Mumbai, Pawna, Bangalore, Singapore, Kuala Lampur, Sandakan, Kota Kinabalu, Hong Kong, Hilo and Kona. We traveled approximately forty thousand miles.
Most useful travel accessory: Evan's Baby Bjorn Travel Crib. Don't leave home without it. Most versatile travel clothing: My Keen Newports. Wore them to the beach, trails, parties and even lunches at the Secunderabad Club. I wore them everyday for nine months and then left the remains for Savitri's husband to wear. With some care he'll own them for years.
Most important travel tip: Do it. It's cliched but it is surprisingly easy. Kids aren't a burden. In fact their flexibility and adaptability are inspirational. The cost isn't that much more than just living in Austin for the same time. There are a hundred reasons within easy arm's reach why you shouldn't embark on months of travel. We couldn't find one that was a show stopper.
The kind of travel we liked the best is going and staying put somewhere for a while. We spent over 10 days in Goa, about two weeks in Hong Kong (in both places over two trips), over a week in Mussoorie and almost three weeks in Hawaii. And that's the way we like to see places. Slowly and lazily.
Except for Kuala Lampur, Singapore and Sandakan, every other place we visited was either with friends and family or to visit friends. Seeing places is great. But being with people you like is even better.
Evan and Vivian had an amazing time. Vivian was on the cusp of learning Hindi. She acquired a familiarity and comfort with India and traveling that I hope stay with her for life. Evan transitioned from a bumbling toddler to a worldly wise traveler. He has a limited vocab, but it includes a first-hand notion of the sun, moon and stars, chocolate, wine, cheers, dolphins, monkeys, backpack, airplane, beach, waves, sand, and who knows what else.
My primary objective was to spend some time with my dad and figure out the next steps. I achieved half of that. Which is good enough. And Evan and Vivian got to know him one tiny bit. Next steps shnext schepts.
Thanks to everyone who made the last nine months so memorable. In Austin, Hyderabad, and along the way. Who took the time to travel with us. Who blessed us and wished us well with fair winds and sunny skies and gentle rains and connecting flights. And finally thanks to my lovely wife who kept things moving along smoothly and took everything in her stride.
The final analysis: will we do it again? Most certainly yes.
2 comments:
Arun... that was not only beautifully written (as always) but also quite inspirational. Your travels brought so much experience and adventure to your family... in that way, you and Aaron are alike and I appreciate that. Some of us are more hesitant to just jump in, though once we do, we have an amazing, MEMORABLE time!
Though your children are so young and may not remember much of these travels, photos & stories of them will keep the memories alive, as we know first hand with all the travels we've done with our kids.
CONGRATS to you, Jo, Viv and Evan for taking the time to try this new life of seeing the world in new light. I really am inspired and loved reading every word you wrote!♥ - Beth
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