We already know that we’ve comically overpacked for our trip.

And we’re still lugging it all with us. 

Overpacked in Sweden

A few people have scratched their heads and asked why we chose Southeast Asia. Because the answers to life’s great mysteries lie there, hidden among the wats and the buddhas? Not really. Actually, kind of the opposite.  

Because we decided the destination doesn't matter that much.  Because it will be hard, it will be different, it will be unfamiliar. And with any luck it may also be beautiful, fascinating, and inspiring. Because it is sunny there! Because we love flip-flops! Because even though we're officially grown-ups now it is not too late for us to make the dream of this adventure into a reality. 

And this is exactly the point of our trip – to learn to break free of what we think we need to be satisfied.  Now, we have no intention of shoe-stringing it through the jungle.  But, mentally, we needed to re-teach ourselves how to let it go, whatever it is.

Although our travels pale in comparison to the year-around-the-world types, we hope that this trip inspires others just as we were motivated by our friends who showed us that this trip was not just an idea, but a possibility even when you’re no longer a carefree college grad.  You just have to be willing to make some sacrifices and know that everything will work itself out in the end.

As we struggle to cram one more ounce of indispensable, water-repellent, ultra-lightweight, antimicrobial, antimalarial, antigermophobial, decontamintaing, supersonic NASA-grade microfiber gear into our Trip Advisor highest-rated, maximum carry-on-allowance, premium quality backpacks, there is a nagging voice in the back of our heads reminding us that that what we really need is to break free.

From our stuff.

And we love stuff!

This is going to be hard. 

Anyway, as the trip progresses, we will hopefully shed some of our excess baggage and return home refreshed and itching to do it again.  We’ll do our best to keep this dialogue up to date, so check back often!

Nick & Suzanna