Traveling is my favorite. There is nothing like it in this world. I love meeting new people, learning historical tidbits, and seeing life through someone else's eyes. It's so hard to narrow down our favorite traveling moments, because there are so many beautiful memories to choose from. Here are a few more of our favorite pictures throughout the years, and the stories that accompany them. Enjoy!
1. Berlin, Germany
So I had basically been wanting a traditional Dirndl for a few years now. My first real time spent in Germany was when I was seven months pregnant, and let's be honest, no one wants to see a round belly trying to squeeze into a corset, so clearly that was a no go. This time we were in Berlin, hundreds of miles from Bavaria where these are actually worn, but I managed to find the one store that sold them in the region and even convinced Meggi to get one too. Aren't we cute? I now have justifiable reasons to return to Germany AND hit up every single Oktoberfest from now til eternity. I'll definitely be bringing it with me on our upcoming trip to Germany. Check out the itinerary here. Expect my Halloween costume this year to involve Germany :)
2. Paris, France
Here's a picture of our little nugget enjoying the artwork at the Palace of Versailles. This particular piece is called the Coronation of Napoleon, but Roman seems more fascinated with people watching. Gramps's shoulder seems to be a comfortable perch. Traveling with children certainly takes a little more effort, but it is SO worth it in the long haul. Kids are adaptable and learn to appreciate art and culture by example. I can't wait to take both our boys on many more adventures like this.
3. Albi, France
This one really warms my heart. This is a picture of Jordan at the finish line of the Gran Fondo World Championship of Amateur Cycling in Albi, France. He worked so hard that cycling season and was rewarded by qualifying to race against the best cyclists in the world. It was a dream come true and I think it lit an already burning fire in him to race competitively. Stay tuned for more cycling victories and traveling adventures. I'm sure Albi was just the beginning.
4. Pohnpei, Micronesia
This one's a throwback to my year spent in Pohnpei, Micronesia. It's okay if you've never heard of it. It barely shows up on a map. In this picture I am proudly toting a fish I caught with only an empty water bottle, some fishing line, a hook and a piece of coral. Although you can't see it well in the photo, this fish was some beautiful purple tropical wonder. This was definitely a year of firsts.. and one where all those years of survival skills training actually came in handy.
5. Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE
Now for the absolute cutest photo in the collection. Here is Roman atop the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the world's tallest building. Those teeny, tiny buildings in the background are massive skyscrapers. It's unreal to be so high up off the ground. Isn't he precious? I mean look at that face!
6. Cairo, Egypt
The pyramids were featured in our last photo blog as well, but one glance at this picture and you can see why it's one of our favorites. To essentially be alone at the pyramids and have no crowds to wrestle with was an awe-inspiring moment. As tourists you're used to fighting crowds and waiting in line, but that was not the case here. We had the place completely to ourselves and as you can see it was a beautiful view.
7. Lucerne, Switzerland
Speaking of places that are peaceful and serene, here is one of my favorite shots from the Lion Monument in Lucerne, Switzerland. This particular carving in the rock face commemorates the fallen Swiss Guard. You can almost feel the pain and anguish on the lion's face. The sun was out and rain was peacefully falling around us, which gave it an almost dream-like feeling.
8. Innsbruck, Austria
Let me tell you about this amazing woman to my left. We met randomly on a plane and became friends for life. To date we have traveled to six countries together, not to mention back and forth to each others homes in separate states. Have I mentioned how much I love travel? Sometimes the most beautiful accidents happen as a result of chance encounters on travel, and Aimee and I are living, breathing proof of that. Here we are in Innsbruck, Austria, having the time of our lives! Check out our tour heading to Austria in 2019.
9. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam makes our list again in our favorite travel photos because.. hello.. Amsterdam is amazing! I don't think I could quite anticipate how much I would love this city. Here we are cycling the streets. People in Amsterdam do everything by bike and you have to be ultra-street-savvy to keep up with them. Riding these bikes was a thrilling, and petrifying experience and one I can't wait to do again when we head back to Amsterdam in the spring. You can check out that itinerary here.
10. Cancun, Mexico
With every new country comes a beautiful mix of food, culture, language and music. Here is a fond memory I have of our time in Mexico. This was our first international trip together--before kids--and in fact, from our honeymoon. This mariachi band was so enthusiastic and full of energy! I have a soft spot in my heart for Latin music, and being that this memory is associated with our honeymoon, it makes it extra especial!
Tell us about your favorite travel memories. Drop a photo in the comments or on Facebook and tell us about a particularly memorable time you had abroad. Feel free to check out our upcoming tours and join us on our adventures. Happy 2018 everyone!