We’ve noticed some more common questions since embarking on this adventure and now that we’ve been living “on the road” for a few months, we figured it was time to address them for everyone.
How do you do laundry?
We were prepared to do all our washing in sinks and brought the necessary gear: sink stopper, high-concentration travel detergent and Tide detergent packets. However, more often than washing it ourselves, we've sent it out through our ho(s)tel or dropped it off at a local laundromat. It's usually pretty cheap. We're happy to report that we've been wearing clean socks and underwear in, like, at least 95% of the photos you've seen!
What has been your favorite place so far?
G: All of Southern Africa was amazing. If I had to choose one favorite, it would be South Africa for the intense variety, with Cape Town as the cherry on top. I can’t really put it into words, I just fell in love with that city.
M: I can't pick. And don't want to. Some highlights are the experiences that pull you into the moment in a special way, such as:
- Etosha National Park, the first time we saw animals
- Surfing in Jeffrey's Bay
- Almost stepping on a tarantula walking to the dive boat on a perfect beach in Seychelles
Was it hard being away from your family during the holidays?
M: Yes, seeing the holidays pass by over social media from so far away feels strangely like being a ghost. Watching while no one knows you're there.
G: In a word: yes. We will always miss our families, even while we were living in Denver and our parents and sisters were on the east coast, we missed them. However, it isn't as hard when you're excited to be where you are and it doesn't feel like a holiday. I agree with Mike, the hardest part was seeing photos on social media!
What else do you miss?
G: I don't miss as much as I thought I would. But there are a bunch of small things I miss. Lately the biggest has been turning on a faucet to brush my teeth. (Because the water in SE Asia isn't great, the safest way to brush your teeth is with treated or bottled water, and I hate it! I feel like my teeth don't get as clean.) Also wearing heels and random foods like bagels and turkey sandwiches...
M: Steaming music and videos, Tempur-Pedic anything, Walking Dead, cooking, using my credit card for everything, getting a paycheck, popcorn with butter, fresh smelling clothes.
Have you guys tried to kill each other yet?
Only a couple of times! Super proud of ourselves. Stay tuned for a post or two about traveling with your significant other…
Do you have burning questions that we haven't answered? Email them to us at theyearbetween@gmail.com!