Travelling with our ladies

Anna and I have both done some extensive travelling. I pre-dominantly focussed on the SE asia and Anna frequently visisted the Americas. I travelled mostly on my own as I had a hard time finding the ideal travel buddy. My pace and interests were too different to that of my friends. I am sure Johan can remember our short two day rendez-vous in Rome. With Anna, I found my ideal travel buddy and we have made some amazing trips already. 

During this holiday, we are quite often told that we are "brave"/ "inspirational examples"/ "heroes"/ etc. because we dare to go travelling wih such young kids. There is the occasional "you are completely out of your mind" btw as well. Travelling with young kids indeed entails challenges and risks and it is not always easy. It requires a lot of planning, checking (do we have everything with us?), flexibility and especially 'patience' is often tested. It can also be stressful as we are constantly confronted with different challenges. That it implies risks is obvious but that is somehing you just need to accept and not think about all to often. 

The pace of such a holiday is lower, we cannot do all the things we used to do (from climbing mountains to having fine dinners) and the days are not as full/ long as they used to be. We however get so much in return for that. The view from a mountain can be awsome, but the smile on Junia her face when riding a caroussel is so as well. Going for a morning coffee, "mott" (milk in Juniaans) and a koekie gives (almost) the same joy as going out for a nice dinner. Letting Alma experience new 'things' is as exciting as going to an art gallery ourselves. The good old Thai expression 'same same but different' is absolutely applicable!  

The toughest parts of our journey have so far been the travels between the various locations. This is almost like going on a holiday each and every time and all with kids know how stressful that can be. The Ipad (Junia to play with) and the airco (which makes Alma sleep) made several of our travels a lot easier though. The little books we took with us are still interesting although Junia can almost read them to us by now. Promising a fika or ice cream to Anna makes every car journey easier. The Iphone is thus a precious tool to kill any waiting time and a breast calms down Alma in all occasions. Both ladies help us btw to beat all queues which is ideal when travelling. 

So when we take things as they come (not an easy thing for me), keep our heads calm in stressful situations, are flexible to changes, keep the overview, accept the risks and do not forget our driving licenses, Junia and Alma are the best travel buddies we can imagine. Each and every time, both ladies impress with their flexibility and upbeat/ enthusiastice attitude. They really make our little travel group complete. Obviously, the travel bug can be transmitted. 

Checking the check-in

Pushing the luggage trolley at BA airport