The Plan

For those of you just tuning in, here's a 'get up to speed' post.

For years Robin and I dreamed of travelling around the world. It was always an abstract dream, like being a multi-millionaire or a world-class snowboarder.

Earlier this year it suddenly dawned on us that we were in a position to make that dream a reality. We've saved up a small nest egg, are still fairly young, and have no long-term responsibilities (read: kids).

A plan formed. We would sell off all of our worldy possessions, buy a couple of motorcycle, and travel the world for several years. As a first step to ensure this was the lifestyle we really wanted, we took a half-month trip north of the Arctic Circle in Alaska. We had many adventures, saw many interesting things, met many incredible people. There were downsides to riding motorcycles too. Often we were wet, cold, muddy, and terrified of the road. The final straw came when Robin broke both of her arms in a small accident. We eventually realized that motorcycles would be too dangerous for a trip of this duration.

Though our original departure date for the big trip was September 15, we decided to wait until January 15. This gave Robin enough time to heal and wrap up her responsibilities at work.

While Robin continued her work in Seattle (and in Europe and many US Cities), I took a mini-trip through the USA. Yeah, I'm a weasel for going out to have fun while Robin worked, but I'd already quit by the time we finalized the trip changes. I had a nice 'last fling' with my motorcycle on this trip. I got to ride the Black Hills of South Dakota with my aunt, watch for aliens in Marfa Texas, and work a pit crew for the Baja 1000 race in Baja California Norte, Mexico. I ended my trip a couple of days before Thanksgiving back in Seattle. I'm now in Seattle doing trip preparation. This includes selling off my old motorcycle, buying a jeep, and many other random things.

So on January 15 Robin and I will set off. As many of you know by now, our plans change day-to-day. However, right now the plan is to head down the west coast to Mexico. We want to spend a week in Baja California whale watching and relaxing. Then it's off to New Orleans for Mardi Gras (we actually have reservations made, so this one's a pretty sure thing). Afterwards I'd like to see a Space Shuttle launch in Florida. From there it gets vague. We think we'll head to Mexico City and rent an apartment there for a few months, but who knows.

Since the duration of the trip is unknown...a year or so if we don't like the lifestyle, up to 12 years if we do like it, we're in no hurry. We'd like to stay in various places for months at a time to get a feel for the true local flavor, learn the language, make friends, etc.

We've already met many amazing people in the early stages of this journey (you know who you are!) and hope to meet many more. That's really one of the most compelling draws of a trip like this. Please keep in touch.

Stay tuned, we'll try to keep it interesting!