This Is Us. This Is Our Next Journey...

Just a little over two years ago, my Dad and I embarked on a rail journey through South Africa that I would undoubtedly say was life changing for me in so many ways. Not only did I have the incredible opportunity to learn about a part of the world I had never experienced before, I also learned so much more about my Dad and his love of travel than I had ever known before. Though I knew that he and my Mom had been on some pretty spectacular trips all over the world, it never really occurred to me to dig any deeper than the standard: “How was Your Trip?” It never occurred to me to sit with them and actually have an in depth conversation about the culture, the people, the music. The interesting cast of characters they spent their travels with. The places they stayed. The food they ate. It also occurred to me that I had never really thought about travel that intensely myself.

My parents have always felt strongly that international travel was a really important aspect of growth and education for my brothers and I. Perhaps equally as important as what we read in a textbook or learned in the classroom. That’s not to say that domestic travel experiences weren’t also important. They were. But my parents believed it was imperative for us to step outside our comfort zone and experience the world on a more global level. Different languages, diverse cultures and world history. Stepping outside of what was constant, comfortable and familiar every now and again. As a result, my brothers and I have experienced some really special places throughout our lives which I believe have helped shape our approach to the world and how others live.

Those who followed along with my Dad and I on our rail journey through South Africa (www.adventureswithpoppy.me) may know what that trip meant to me and how it was an absolute “game changer” for me in so many ways. Time spent with my Dad that I will cherish forever. Time spent with myself in a way that I have never allowed - in both heart and mind - that came at exactly the right time in my life. This is what travel often offers us. A chance to escape and remind ourselves what the world looks like, what our relationships with those we love truly mean and a chance to stop and take a really deep breath every now and then.

So - in that spirit - off we go again. On December 4th, we will begin our trek to Southern India, where we will embark on another 15 day rail journey. This time, however, we are bringing a special guest along with us: the one and only PJ Paulson. My Dad and PJ have always had a very special connection, I think pretty much since the day PJ was born. They share a love of art, creativity and humor that cannot be matched and PJ has a curiosity about the world that makes him the perfect accompaniment to this trip. He is beyond excited - but also - a bit nervous about what lies ahead. This trip is very much out of his comfort zone, which is exactly why I think this entire experience will end up challenging him and enlightening him in all of the most amazing ways. I am excited for him to learn so much more about his grandfather (“Poppy”) and all of the amazing travel experiences he has had in his lifetime. I am excited for him to learn about the people and the culture of another part of the world that lives very differently than we do. I am excited for him to break from the daily routine of our life and fully immerse himself in this journey that will be filled with adventure…and wonder…and love.

To say that this trip will be “one for the books” might be the understatement of the year….