An Update from Awassa

It is July 4th and we are hanging out with our dear friends Herb and Danielle along with their boys Miles and Daniel.  This is the first that we have seen them since returning from the trip.  Last night, we thoroughly enjoyed sharing memories with them.  The last couple of months have left little time to even think about our RTW adventure let alone reflect upon what it meant to us as individuals and a family.  In fact, the monthly wire transfer to Hagirso for the our Ethiopian children's school, food and shelter has become too routine.  It is amazing how life just sucks you back in and in a moment one becomes absorbed in their own daily activities and anxieties.  We hope that this weekend with friends acts as a reminder to us about just what is most important in life. 

With that said, below are some recent pictures of Endris, Shemelese and Yenu as they continue to progress with their eduction and adapt to life in Awassa.  We miss them and remain very proud of all that they have accomplished in the six short months since we left Ethiopia.  Wow, six months since we were in Mabret's Village.  Fingers crossed that the near future allows us to return and hug these 3 awesome children. 

News From Awassa

We are pleased and hopeful to report that Endris, Shemelese and Yenu are progressing well in school. They are also assimilating well in their new environment.  Recently, we received a nice note from the head teacher at their school. 

Below are some tests that the kids recently took.  While their struggle is evident, we are so proud of them.  Reviewing the exams reminded us just how tough this must be for them.  However, having watched Mabret, we know that their is no quit in them.  

We also received pictures of the kids.  As a family, we are so proud of them.  This is an enormous undertaking by the three of them and they have stepped up to the challenge.  

Peace Out. 

Home Again, Home Again Jiggety Jig

Approximately two hours from landing at JFK with the boys seated between us in a middle row of four seats, a sudden feeling of sadness and pride swept over both of us. 

The sadness was the realization that our uninterrupted time together as a family was coming to a close.  No more days without definition.  No more days that could begin at 5am for a flight or activity just as easily as they could begin at 8am if the schedule allowed.  No more making it up as we go along...should we do another game drive...should we visit a village...should we hit another museum...

The overwhelming feeling of pride was our collective recognition that Roman and Mabret accomplished things on this trip that are astonishing for people of any age.  They interacted seemlessly with people from backgrounds as different from theirs as night is to day.  They were kind, thoughtful and humble at every turn.  They did not tire of the hard work that comes with travel.  They never complained about the many long days that are a prerequisite to seeing the things and places which we encountered.   

Roman and Mabret, you make your Mom and Dad proud. 

5:30am in London and we are ready to roll. 

Welcome to JFK. 

There were two things that Roman and Mabret were excited to see.  Their beloved dogs...

Ella

And Zeke.

The second thing that kept them smiling on the long trip home is their friends and family.  While we look forward to seeing family in the coming days and weeks, Mabret and Roman's friends live close-by and a few of them were there when the boys stepped out of the car.  This sight brings to mind a favorite movie quote from Stand By Me.

"I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve.  Jesus, does anyone?"  

We are not done blogging yet.   Stay tuned.  

Peace Out!

The Final Four

Day one in London and day one of our bittersweet countdown toward home saw the RTW Adventure Family exploring the Tower of London.  While in London, home is a cozy two bedroom apartment in Europa House which is a bargain compared to hotel rooms in this city which is often referenced as the most expensive in the world.  Just down the street from our front door is the Maida Vale stop on the Bakerloo line of London's Underground. 

While we have been on many ordinary and extraordinary modes of transportation while on this journey, the underground is the most efficient and simple most comprehensive public transportation system in the world.  Roman and Mabret quickly mastered its many lines and frequent interchanges. 

Pretty soon we were downright comfortable.

Maybe too comfortable...

Upon arriving at the Tower of London, we we met with a warm welcome from the Beefeaters.  While technically there to guard the prisoners, and the Crown Jewels within the Tower and to generally protect the premises, since there are no prisoners and the worldwide tourists don't seem too dangerous, they serve as tour guides as well. 

The Tower is impressive. 

Within the Tower walls sit several museums.  Of course, the boys were drawn to the weapons. Boys will be boys.

Here they examine several swords and daggers.

Day two brought the London version of the Fat Tire Bike Tour. As it was such a hit in Spain, we decided to follow the age old advice...if it ain't broken don't fix it.  Jamie from Fat tire delivered with a magnificent 4 hour tour of London's sights and sounds. 

The Houses of Parliament are situated along the banks of the Thames River.   Home to the House of Lords and the House of Commons, at one point in history the decisions made here directly affected one quarter of the world's population.  Attached to the houses of parliament, Big Ben actually refers to the 13 ton hour-bell within the clock tower rather than the tower itself.  However, as is our tourist right, we will continue to make the same mistake as millions 'round the world.   

Buckingham Palace has been the official London residence of the Royal Family since Queen Victoria. This 661 room palace remained the dwelling of the monarchy throughout World War II, even after being hit seven times by German air strikes.

Westminster Abbey was founded, according to legend, in the year 616.  It is home to the crypts of some of the most famous British citizens, including a number of kings and queens, Charles Dickens and Sir Issac Newton.  Additionally, since 1066, all British monarchs who have had a coronation have been crowned in the Abbey.

Trafalgar Square is home to the National Gallery and Nelson's Column.  Lord Nelson was the enigmatic commander the British fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar and is one of England's most legendary military leaders. Today the square is considered one of the most central points in London and hosts events, public gatherings, ceremonies and festivals.  The square also boasts a new sculpture that was unveiled in 2013 and was a hit with Mabret and Roman.   

The National Gallery.

The giant blue cockerel.

The tour also took us through London's peaceful and memorable Royal Parks including Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park and St. James's Park.  The RTW Adventure Family endorses Fat Tire Bike Tours. To our friends traveling domestically, they are now in D.C. so check them out next time you are there.

Day three found us returning to Trafalgar Square to visit the National Gallery.  The museum is totally free which is almost as astounding as the works of art found inside.  Mom put together a hunt that involved reading a map and following clues to locate great pieces of art.  Roman and Mabret nailed all 10 and didn't even realize that they were touring a boring old museum.  Great job, Mom. 

Trafalgar Square is home to street performers of many varieties.  Some with unique talent.

Others who sorta make it up as they go along and recruit volunteers...including Dad.

And finally, some who are like road kill.  Including this fella who is able to pull his body through an unstrung tennis racket by popping his shoulders out of their sockets several times on both sides.

Our final day in London and on this adventure was memorable for just being together and reminiscing both audibly and silently about the journey of the last four months.  

However, we did check off and obligatory box on the London trip.  The Harry Potter photo opportunity which required a one hour line caused by people posing countless times as though they were in a Vogue shoot.  All in good fun.

We also checked out a cool restaurant named Inamo.  The place uses an interactive ordering system which is projected onto the table and operated by touching the items. The system also allows you to set the "table cloth" and do other cool stuff. The cuisine is pan Asian and was yummy.  

Love this pic. 

We had such a full and fun 4 days that more pics remain that must be posted.  Here goes...

We really don't know what to say about this coming to an end. The flight home tomorrow leaves time for reflection. More to come but for now and for one last time while abroad...

PEACE OUT.

Journey to London

As are journey continues, I myself am really excited. It has been really cold here in Madrid and I have been freezing! In London it's going to a lot colder and our Dad is coming to meet us in London. We plan on going to Big Ben in London and the Tower of London. 

I'm so excited to see Dad, London and have the family back together!

One More Time

Wow, I cannot believe how much I miss blogging.  I am sitting in JFK Airport waiting to board Kuwait Airways flight 102 bound for London.  While my responsibilities at the office have been plentiful and days have been stressful and long, sitting at an airport bar dreaming about what the coming days will bring is what makes travel so extraordinary.  While I am sad for Kathy, Mabret, Roman and Katie, I am so excited to make the most of the next 4 days and leave London with great memories of our final stop...for now.   

So you ask, "Why am I sad for Kathy, Mabret, Roman and Katie?"  The answer is because they will not appreciate the true freedom of mind and spirit that comes with long term travel until they return to the grind of everyday life.  In addition, they will miss each other as we grew accustomed to spending so much time together.  There is nothing better than time with your best friends. 

Boarding...

Peace Out.