They want to go to New York City. Not museums. Not a festival of some kind. Not a show. Not a historic tour. They wanted to go to the New York City that existed in their mind, and I knew that meant Times Square. The New York that they would recognize from movies. And, more importantly, the New York that all their friends would recognize in the pictures they were sure to post on social media.
And then it happened: it was like it just clicked. Every kid, on their own, found something that peaked their interest. Some were skipping rocks, others just sitting and enjoying the view, some looking at the small bugs and fish they could find, and others trying to balance on logs.
There was no one else in the world besides me, Sarah, and the cool breeze on my face as we rode through an empty city feeling the freedom of our young existence in a foreign country. Possibilities were endless, our love infinite, and the smiles on our faces miles long… or at least that’s the feeling I get when I remember it.
Malayaka House is a place of infinite possibilities and is constantly changing, yet it always feels the same each time you are there. Things change because there are 36+ kids these days and they grow, their interests change, and each volunteer that visits shares something a little different. It is why this place is great to visit once, and even greater to visit often.
I love when I get to spend time, whether it’s a weekend or full week, living in one house with friends or family. There was something magical about spending 24 hours each day in close proximity to people you love.
I saw Matt jump in the middle of the giant rock he was standing on, and then disappear into it. I had no idea where he went. He didn’t jump off. He didn’t land. But just submerged into the rock. Completely vanished.
Sitting around a fire with people I love is one of my favorite activities. This was one classic summer vacation activity that I wanted to share with the kids. As I walked to the fire, Dawayne came with me.
Of all the things to know about me, the fact that bagels, pizza, and pasta are my favorite foods is one of the most important. I am a Jersey boy and that is how we are trained. Arkansas is not the best place to find any of those things, so when I’m planning to travel I will start searching for great places to get my fix a few weeks ahead of time.
Our spring break trip in South Africa included visiting an elephant sanctuary, riding ostriches, exploring underground caves, ziplining through a forest, and jumping off the highest bungee bridge in the world. However, one of the moments that remains most vivid, even nine years later, took place late one evening on a quiet beach.
Scrolling through the ‘gram, reading travel blogs, listening to podcasts about location independence, and scouring all the other places cool full-time travelers are sharing their experiences always makes us desire to ditch the house and jobs and head out to explore the world full time. However, we (probably) will never be full-time travelers and it comes down to two main reasons.