Where we’ve been – part 1

When most people look back at how they “got into” travelling, I’m willing to bet that the story begins with one trip that changed their lives and thereafter opened a floodgate of curiosity about the world. My (Patrick) story, however, begins with a trip that didn’t happen. In my final year of high school, our planned trip to France was cancelled as a result of a teacher’s strike. While I do remember feelings of frustration, I think I was more determined than anything else. I promised myself that I would get to France and see the country at my own pace. Even though I had to wait another six years, I eventually made it to France (and a whole bunch of other countries).

After finishing my undergraduate degree, Ashley and I were presented with an excellent opportunity to take a big trip. We were both living in Waterloo, Ontario but were planning on moving back home to Vancouver, BC. And, we had money. In April 2008, we left for Europe for three months. Our travels took us to Ireland, England, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Austria, Netherlands, Belgium and, of course, France.

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

London, England

Algarve Coast, Portugal

Granada, Spain

Cinque Terre, Italy

Santorini, Greece

Prague, Czech Republic

Does this even need a caption?

After we got back from Europe, I recall people telling us: “it was a trip of a lifetime.” Well I guess they didn’t anticipate a 10 month round the world trip in our future.