Friday, June 24, 2011

From Left To Write Post #1: The Travel Bug

OK, so here's my first post for my new reading and writing group, From Left to Write. Hope you like it! As a member of From Left to Write book club, I received a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own. You can read other members' posts inspired by The Unexpected Circumnavigation: Unusual Boat, Unusual People Part I on book club day, June 28 at From Left to Write.

Travel...is something that interests me, but I don't think much about it. I'm happily raising my kids in CA, 2 hours to the beach and the mountains and San Francisco and of course, spending several weekends in San Diego (a.k.a my children's fav place) during the year. I haven't much thought about leaving the country on a vacation. Though, to be honest, I do sometimes think about visiting Hungary, where my Dad was born and lived until he was a teenager, but it's not something I'm actively planning (or saving for!).

However, after reading this month's selection this book, The Unexpected Circumnavigation and also
360 Degrees Longitude: One Family's Journey Around the World (checked out of the library-not part of my group's monthly reading) right afterwards, I am anxious to travel! I have been bitten by the travel bug-and for several reasons. Of course, I want to see the tropical waters and the islands that Christi and her husband sailed around (I am a beach girl at heart). But I also want to show my kids other cultures, other ways of life. I totally buy into the idea that Americans are spoiled, we have too much, too much comes easily...I don't want my kids growing up ungrateful for what they have. Being grateful and thankful myself, as well as raising children who are, is important to me. That's why our family started sponsoring Kalab from Africa. But I really feel now that it would be eye opening for my kids to see the world for themselves, to experience it, instead of Mommy just telling them to finish their dinner-don't you know kids are starving!

I admit, too, I've secretly wanted my hubby to find a job in another country (for a year) so we can experience a new way of living together. As the kids are getting older, I see that hope slipping away, but who knows...I've been eating up all these blogs lately about families making a big change, moving overseas, quitting work for a year to enjoy a new life somewhere...sounds so appealing, even to me, a "responsible-lucky I have a teaching job in CA-feet on the ground type of girl". All I know is that I am starting my travel fund today...it's just pennies right now, but hoping it will grow!

8 comments:

Thien-Kim aka Kim said...

I like the idea of traveling to another country with my kids. They are both young (under 6) so I'm sure reality will be much for challenging. I hope you go somewhere exciting!

Joy said...

This is my first week, too. Your travel ideas sound like an enlightening experience for everyone!

April said...

The cool thing is, they'll have their whole lives to explore the world. My 13-year-old just went on her first out-of-state trip without me for a week. I have a feeling there will be many more opportunities to come.

MAMA BRANDI said...

As pennies turn to dollars, dreams turn into reality! Your family will love traveling, whenever you go!

Alicia said...

If you believe it, you can achieve it. Corny I know, but you've started with those first few cents! You're much braver than me in wanting to live in another country. I'm excited for you!

Taylor said...

I would move to another country in a minute - wouldn't even think twice!! What fun!

Robin said...

I just opened a savings account just for travel. Specifically, for eco-tours with my kids, working vacations where we can see more of the world... and help improve it.

AwwwTrouble said...

Lately I've found myself wishing for a brief overseas job (more likely a job my husband got, not me, as he is chief breadwinner). I don't want to tour around for a brief vacation, I want to have the experience of immersing ourselves someplace else. I think it would be a big adventure and just shake things up a little bit and then after a year or two we could return to our regular lives back here. I don't want to move permanently, but I'd love a change every once in a while. My husband thinks I'm slightly batty, I think.