Today’s blog is written by Katy
Suitcases zipped, passports ready and just enough chaos to make it memorable.
Not only has the world changed a lot since our last big adventure in 2018, but so has our little family. The kids are growing up right before our eyes, stretching into new versions of themselves. And so are we. Nick is 13, Matt is 11 and Olivia is 8.
We’re taking this opportunity to press pause.
For a few months, we’re stepping away from routines and schedules. We’re trading carpools for cobblestone streets and practices for piazzas. We’re choosing roads instead of routines and sunsets instead of schedules. We want to see the world through each other’s lens. To gather stories instead of things.
We are a family of five travelling to five countries in Europe.
Dave is on a deferred salary leave from his role as a high school administrator. I’m taking leave from my music teaching position in French Immersion. I’ll continue working on the Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular while we travel. It’s hard to believe I’m heading into Season 18. I feel incredibly lucky to carry that creative work with me on the road.
Right now, our life is wonderfully full. Work, school, hockey, soccer, piano, gymnastics, tap, basketball, house, garden, and all the driving in between. We’re taking a break from all of it.
We’re leaving behind Canadian mountains, ocean air, rushing rivers, and deep green forests. In their place, we’re diving into history and culture. We’re excited for the kids to stand in front of monuments that have existed long before Canada was even born.
Our adventure begins late Sunday morning – after a few final hockey games and some hard goodbyes.
I’ll miss spring in the garden. The tulips and daffodils are just beginning to push through the soil. I’ll miss our friends, our community, and yes… my own bed (and pillow).
But mostly, I’m excited.
This trip has been years in the making.
Dave and I will be writing regular blog posts and sharing photos along the way. We’re also hoping the kids will chime in with their own perspectives – because let’s be honest, they’ll probably see things very differently than we do.
We’d love for you to follow along.
The Itinerary:
- Mar 1 – 6 Paris, FR (France)
- Mar 7 – 22 Valencia, SP (Spain)
- Mar 23 – 26 Barcelona, SP
- Mar 27 – 28 Carcasonne, FR
- Mar 29 – Apr 25 Cotignac, FR
- Apr 26 – May 4 Verona, IT (Italy) – Brenner Pass 7 day bike ride: Vipiteno, Brennone, Bolsano, Trento, Riva, Verona
- May 5/6 – Venice, IT
- May 7/8 – Rome, IT
- May 9 – 18 Puglia Region, IT – Stay in San Michele Salentino
- May 19 – 21 Athens, GR (Greece)
- May 22 – 24 Santorini, GR
- May 25 – 27 Naxos, GR
- May 28 Rhodes, GR
- May 29 – June 5 Oludeniz, TR (Turkey)
- June 6 – 11 Sarigerme, TR (Holiday Turkey Village)
- June 12 – 14 Cappadocia, TR
- June 15 – 20 Istanbul, TR
- June 21/22 Paris, FR
- June 22 HOME
It's About the Ride 