Tuesday, March 03, 2009

How the Wandering Began

Last week, I received a comment from 3 Bay B Chicks asking, “How did this all start?” Since I’m assuming she understands the creation of the universe and how to make babies, I figured that she was curious about how Hubby and I got started on this life of Wandering. The story of how Hubby and I became Hubby and I is a tale for another day, so in the meantime I’ll tell the story of the how’s and why’s behind our nomadic existence.

Even before Hubby and I started “dating,” I knew he was interested in the developing world. The third foreign country he ever stuck a pin in (after Canada and Mexico) was Vietnam where he spent several weeks on a business trip. His Master’s thesis included research on the economic reform process in a few African countries, and the honeymoon he planned for us was in Thailand.

I obviously entered into this marriage with a vague idea that we would travel to far-flung places in our free time. I also understood that his work would take him all over Africa, Asia, and South America. In 2002, we left Washington, DC so that Hubby could start down the road of finally fulfilling a dream he always had: earning a PhD.

Hubby’s studies and research took him back to South America and steered him towards a career that would finally bring to fruition all his plans for the future. (Can I be more vague?) With his specialties, combined with his sincere interest in the developing world, it was only a matter of time before we finally packed up to leave the comforts of the Real World.

Our first choice was between Inverness, Scotland and New Delhi, India. I realize that Scotland isn’t actually a developing nation but the work they wanted him to do would still have dealt with that realm. We debated for ages over the pros and cons of each location before finally settling on India.

For me, India was a no brainier: my Irish grandmother married my Indian grandfather and lived in Wales; my Welsh-born mother married my Irish father and lived in Canada. It only seemed right that this Canuck and her Yankee husband should complete the circle and head back to India.

Shortly after arriving in Delhi, I decided to start this blog to tell people at home about what I was doing and what life in India was like. Back then I was lucky if I had three hits a day – my mother, and me checking twice to see if I had any hits. Despite the lack of a following, I realized that I loved blogging and loved writing about our weird adventures in this new expat life.

Sadly, India wasn’t the dream job Hubby had been hoping for. A year after unpacking, settling down, and making incredibly wonderful friends, we packed up our things and headed to Nairobi, Kenya where Hubby would work for the Organization. We spent two amazing years in Kenya before packing our things once again – this time for Cairo, Egypt, and a job with the Institution.

Between the years in the Real World and the countries we’ve called home, Hubby and I have always made each other a priority. Luckily, two of our greatest loves (outside of each other, of course) have always been food and travel. We have always tried to combine these loves, which meant as many fantastic trips as our credit cards would allow.

We Wander the World together because seeing it any other way would be dull and lonely. Who knows when Hubby’s employment whims will take us to a new destination, or when my need to see more of the world will find us in an airplane heading off to goodness knows where. But rest assured no matter what we do, or where we do it, I will always share those stories with you.

20 comments:

Roxane said...

What a rich understanding of the cultures you must have gained over the years! And thank you for sharing your adventures with us. I LOVE that picture of the Taj Mahal (spelling?) Mr. H is a yogi so we would really love to go to india one day :)

Karin said...

It is lovely to read about your life's adventures! We attended a wedding last September, a friend's daughter. The newly weds started their travels 2 days after marriage and won't be back home until June, just in time for her brother's wedding! What adventurous young people we have - India, Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam - not quite sure if I have the order right. They've taken weeks out to work in an orphanage - she's an RN. While homesickness may occur, it sure helps to have all our modern conveniences to stay connected!

N said...

Wow...what a rich life you're living in. I'm very impressed. I also love to read more about your adventures.

illahee said...

what a wonderful way to enjoy the world! i am a little jealous, we hardly have the time to travel....

Anonymous said...

Great post! I did all my travelling before settling down here in Sweden. As soon as the kids are a bit older, I hope to take off again...

Anonymous said...

Wander The World is right! The only problem is we can't usually keep up with visiting the places you reside before you move again!!
This time we made it.
merthyrmum

Heather said...

I'm so jealous! I would love to travel, I sorta get to by reading your blog. Thanks! Besides where you have lived, what other places have you visited?

Betty said...

awwwe! And we get to read all about your travels. I feel privileged!
That was really interesting reading about how your traveling started. I would love to travel more, but only for vacationing.

Kathy B! said...

I'm glad 3 Bay B chicks asked the question as I had been wondering myself... I'm thankful that you started this blog. There are many of us who, I think, aspired to travel and then life took us in different directions. Maybe some day when the kids are grown and we're retired...

Sorry, again, about the fire drill yesterday ; )

Anonymous said...

I know what you mean. I started my first blog in Korea :)
Now 4 years and some countries later...
I'm still here in blogland :)
I love to share and I love to read about the places other people are at :)

I'm glad you two have a good understanding for each other and travel together!

Brenda said...

I can relate! Food and travel are wonderful, and even better when done together and with the person you love.

So glad you blog and share it all with us :)

Caution/Lisa said...

Thanks for answering that question. To answer a question you asked me a while back: I ended up earning a doctorate in curriculum with an emphasis in English education. WHAT WAS I THINKING?! I could have followed your husband's choice and seen the world, too. I suppose living vicariously through you is pretty good, though :)

Sturgmom said...

How incredible for the 2 of you to share such exciting adventures! Can't wait to keep reading!

Unknown said...

Wow. What a great story, ahem, I mean life! How romantic, too - Ms. HEA.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

The Blonde Duck said...

That's so cool! Ya'll are much braver than I am. I dream of traveling but worry every time I leave home!

Anonymous said...

That's so great! I'm happy I found your blog.

Roxane said...

ps. I gave you an award over on my blog, check it out when you get a chance!

United Studies said...

Wow...I really enjoyed reading this. Now I am SO jealous and wish for a life like that. You two are living my dream, but sometimes life gets in the way of dreams.

So instead I will keep reading your blog. :-)

Alicia @ Oh2122 said...

This is fascinating.

As is the fact that your genes themselves are made up of wanderers. Small bits of usually far-flung places that came together to make that which is uniquely you.

It's wonderful.

snowdrop said...

lovely post with beautiful photos!
thanks for sharing your travels with us- the armchair travelers :)