Comments on: Letter About Traveling Abroad

By: Kelly Pledger Weeks

Kelly Pledger Weeks — Mon, 07 Oct 2013 01:28:47 +0000

In reply to Alison.

This is so fun to read. You know that I was one who listened to all your stories of Prague and was inspired to go because of you! I will never forget the tales you told or the passion with which you told them. I will also never forget the beauty and awe of Prague when I got there. It also changed my life and encouraged my desire for travel. It changed my view of my home and of my world. It changed my career path. I also enjoyed every single minute of every single day (even the ones where I was crying and missing home). I thank you for the seed that got me to Prague for two years. I have since taken my students back (and to other places as well). I hope to take my oldest son to South Africa this spring and both kids to Ecuador this summer. I’m scared to death to travel with the kids, but every time I talk of another country, Avery says, “I want to go.” And so I want him too!

Looks like you are having a blast. Can’t wait to keep reading.

By: Alison

Alison — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 10:37:55 +0000

In reply to Kerry.

How much fun! I hope my kids will laugh about all the memories from being over here when they grow up! It sounds like you all have lots of treasures from your travels! I know what you mean about it being addictive and never enough! One of the reasons I blog about traveling is that I relive it as I write about it. Makes it last a little longer! 🙂

I know how hard it is to travel with little ones! Seems like shorter trips are best!

Sadly, I have almost no pictures from my season abroad. I had my backpack stolen early on (camera + journal + passport). So I only have memories! Though I wish I had more pictures, I am pretty sure I would be mortified if there was some version of Instagram from back then. Yikes!

By: Kerry

Kerry — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 15:23:29 +0000

I love this. My parents took my brother and sister and me to Europe for the first time in 1985. My brother had just graduated from high school, my sister was 16, and I was four.
My mom just found her journal from that trip a few weeks ago and had a laugh over a story from our time in Italy. We were having a hard time finding a restaurant that was open late, and everyone was getting hungry. My sister hugged me and told me she was proud of how patient I was being, and I responded, “I don’t need hugs. I just need noodles!” 🙂
I’ve been back a few times, most recently for two weeks in Scotland in 2006, but it’s addictive and never enough!
My husband and I desperately want to travel with our boys — right now, our oldest is four, and I look at him and think how brave my parents were to travel with me at that age! But it gave me such a love of history and the great literature and art that go along with it, and I’m so grateful they recognized the importance of teaching us to appreciate those things.
By the way, I think I speak for everyone when I say that we’re going to need some photographic proof of the crushed velvet and black lipstick…

By: Alison

Alison — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 20:12:09 +0000

In reply to June Miller Edmonds. I have been super spoiled to have my family so close by for all these years! We're still in the adjustment period for sure! I love hearing childhood travel memories! They stay with us forever. I'm excited to see where you go next, June!

By: Alison

Alison — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 20:09:11 +0000

In reply to JBab. How fun! What wonderful memories! I love how the things we get to see and places we go influence and shape us! Even decide careers! So fun!

By: Alison

Alison — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 20:07:31 +0000

In reply to Tina @ Girl Meets Globe. Thanks so much, Tina! I have LOVED revisiting Prague through your blog and stories too!

By: Alison

Alison — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 20:06:39 +0000

In reply to Heidi Sorrell. You come from a gorgeous part of the country yourself girl! :) And thanks so much for this reminder that yes, travel is AMAZING but it isn't everything. And all of our longings are echos of the truest longing of all! Beautifully said, friend. Still, if you ever find yourself crossing the Atlantic, I would happily wander the Highlands with you! XOXO

By: Alison

Alison — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 20:03:56 +0000

In reply to Zack Andrews. Zack, Thanks so much for sharing this story of living abroad! I love it and I can't wait to hear about that next adventure too! So fun!

By: June Miller Edmonds

June Miller Edmonds — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 18:14:28 +0000

I’m sorry you’re having some hard days, and I pray they will be few and far between. I agree with you wholeheartedly about the adventure and excitement of traveling to see and explore new places! I love it!!! When I was 13, my parents started taking my 2 sisters and me on wonderful summer trips to see this country and Canada. We did this every summer till I graduated from college! Wonderful experiences, wonderful memories! You have inspired me to travel again and expand my adventures across the Atlantic. It is great fun to think about the possibilities!!!

By: JBab

JBab — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 15:53:15 +0000

I love to travel and did a lot in my younger days. My mother was English so I went to visit my aunt and cousins in London for a few summers. They were great and took me places and let me be part of their lives. I loved it! It was so green and different from California that it was an adjustment coming home. Then I took a college tour of Italy and studied art. It was fantastic and fired up my passion for art. So now I’m an art and English teacher. Your letter captured the joy of seeing new things. It is great you are sharing that with your kids. Travel opens up our minds and heart to the beauty and wonder of life.