The Beginning of the Future
The first day of the rest of our lives.
TRAVEL BLOG
This is the day. We're an hour from İstanbul. Our house of nearly eight years was left empty, barren. All evidence of our lives there packed into boxes and hidden away. Except for a suitcase, a duffel bag and four backpacks. It's probably more than we need, it's certainly more than I wanted to carry.
What do I feel in this moment? Flying to Tbilisi, Georgia on a one-way ticket, unsure of where we'll be in a few short months. Excited, anxious, or maybe slightly confused and disoriented. After what felt like an unceremonious final departure from our home, I simply don't know. But how many times can I say goodbye to the squirrels in the back yard? Or stare at the fir tree I both lovingly limbed and despised every spring when it covered our truck in luminous, green pollen before it descends into the realm of sentimental ridiculousness. How are these things supposed to be done? Should we have burned an effigy? An offering to the shared memories of a wonderful home. A fireworks display? Or should we just have walked out the front door, without even a sideways glance over our shoulders at our past existence, and fearlessly marched into the unknown. Who the hell knows. Things going forward will be different, new and engaging, perhaps scary and uncomfortable at times, but I am so grateful to have this opportunity and a life partner who's crazy enough to share it with me.
Right now, I'll partake in the collective excitement of my fellow passengers, as many gaze out the window at Istanbul, several thousand feet below. Some seeing Sultanahmet's ancient skyline for the first time, and others seeing home, that familiar place we left behind. Here we go. Tomorrow, we'll be eating breakfast in Tbilisi.
Thank you for taking the time to read our blog, your continued support means the world to us! If you haven't already, please sign up for emails so you can stay up to date. And remember, step out of your comfort zone when you travel; try new foods, stay in traditional accommodations, try and speak the native language, even a few phrases is appreciated, talk with strangers, accept invites into their homes, and leave the tourist districts whenever possible. If you're not embracing their culture and their way of life you're missing the most rewarding experiences traveling has to offer!
Meet the Author
Hello, I'm Don, a.k.a. Moose. I have a penchant for history, especially ancient Greece and Amir Timur's rule in Central Asia. I'm also an adventurous eater with a love for global street food (naem/แหนม, anyone? Thai-style raw fermented pork is a personal favorite).
But my true passion is rugged, long-distance hiking. The more remote the location and unknown the route, the happier I am. You'll find me most at home wandering the deserts of the American Southwest, or the fringes of Amenia along the Iranian border, or traversing a steep snowfield in the Washington Cascades.
I hope I can share my love for adventure with you.
