Our bags are packed, boxes are sent and the house is cleaned and keys returned. I would love to tell you that this last week in the hotel has been stress-free and we’ve just been playing at the pool and relaxing. I thought that’s what it would be, but truly getting rid of everything almost everything you own and packing and repacking takes a lot of work! Up until today we’ve been doing work to close down accounts, sell our car, and so on. We’ve made like twenty to-do lists checking three or four times to make sure they are all checked off. The last thing we want to do is have a loose end to fix when we are overseas.
Incase you are curious we’ve whittled all our stuff down to this:
- 4 large suitcases
- 2 carry-ons
- 1 diaper bag
- 2 laptop bags
- 1 small travel bag for important docs.
- 2 car seats
- 1 umbrella stroller (I know that we could carry both kids and will in the airport, but the Riviera is hilly and the strollers there are apparently made from gold they cost so much)
Then we sent 12 small boxes mostly consisting of winter clothing that was too heavy for the suitcases and english books. Both S and V are voracious readers and we had a hard time parting with books. Toys no problem, but books oh my. And my fabric stash. I cut it in half and only sent the best of the best along.
When I was at the post office sending out all these boxes, which I did in two batches, both time the postal attendent questioned the things I was sending as they have to read the customs forms. Fabric scraps? Cookbooks? Blankets? It seems a bit silly when I think about it in retrospect but these were the few things left that I couldn’t part with and I knew wouldn’t get broken. Like the blankets I made for the girls, an apron my best friend made me when I first got married. I wanted the girls and I both to have things which would make us feel comfortable and homey.
Today is our last day in Tucson I am not sad to leave the place, only the people. It seems like you only see the true beauty in a place when you are about to leave it. I’ve been having a lot of thoughts like, “Why can’t I be happy here, we have so many lovely friends?” Then I remember why when one child or another falls on a cactus, or the bobcat walks through the backyard, or it’s 90 degrees in March. So I push aside any doubts and look to a bright future and all the things it will mean for us.
It feels a bit like being a reverse pilgrim, minus the religion part. Now I get to be the foreigner with an accent . I feel like I should play the Star Track opener with Mr. Spock. ”
“Space, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Her five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before.”
Of course I don’t want to exaggerate and say I’m leaving the planet or anything, but I am moving to a place I have never been to, don’t speak the language and don’t know anyone. It might as well be very close! I am never one to regret the decisions I have made, so lets do this! I’m so glad I don’t have to say goodbye to you, only that I will see you on the other side of the pond.
Once we get situated in the hotel over there I will try to post some pictures so you all know we are doing fine and tell you the harrowing tale of taking two children on a 16 hour plane flight! Incase you need any tips I wrote a whole series about it here.
Much love and thank you for your encouragement!
KC
All the best KC. I hope your trip is wonderful. You have been in my thoughts. See you on the flip side!
Ahh the flip side. So close. I keep thinking about you living in Japan as a kid.
Big, BIG love!
To you to my dear friend!! So great to hear your voice today.
To My Family:
Not gonna cry, not gonna cry. I love you guys. What an adventure! Phone Home ET!
Love Mom
Love you mama! Thank goodness for FaceTime. Remember ten years ago when I moved to Italy and barely had a cell phone?!
Safe and happy travels to you!
Thanks Meryl!
Best of luck on the trip. It will all work out beautifully. Such an amazing adventure you are embarking on. I must say your words about AZ really resonate with me. I have great friends here, but I am not happy living here. Eventually we too will leave.
Heather, I so feel you. I feel it’s impossible to raise little ones here the way I envision it. I spent all my summers outside romping in the open mesas. I want my kids to spend huge amounts of time outside and here you can’t do that safely as a kid.
Sorry I’m late to the party, but I am so happy for your family! What an exciting time!
-It seems like you only see the true beauty in a place when you are about to leave it.-
Boy isn’t that the truth! But it sounds like you have sturdy reasons for branching out, and I can’t think of a more natural way to learn a language, than to just BE around it. You are going to do great! xo
Thank you for the kind words Angie. I feel confidant in that I speak Italian and thanks to that can read some French. If feel like I have to have a little bit of crazy in me to do this!
Wow, sounds like everything you’re dealing with in preparation is pretty intense. Sounds like you’re doing great though! So excited to hear about your adventures.
Best of luck on the plane!!
Thanks Amanda. All the intensity is over now. Though the plane ride will be interesting. At least we know all out seats are together!
Well, you are leaving the planet as you know it. And your destination is a whole new world complete with a different language. I’m sure you’ll be fine. The natives are friendly and the weather is lovely. And in your own way, you are taking your little bits of home with you. Be safe! A bientot!
Thank you so much Melissa! Boldly I go!!
Wishing you all the best KC. I look forward to hearing about your new adventures and seeing your photos of another country. Have fun and all the best for a peaceful plane trip. xxoo
Thank you very much Julie!!
I wish you save travels and that the children sleep 8 of those hours
. Good luck!!!
Eight hours would be awesome! Let’s hope they go to sleep quickly. And that I sleep!
Safe travels my dear friend. I wish you guys all the best.
PS I will check in again in a few days
Hugs.
Thanks Kim! I’m so glad to see your travels have gone well and you are safe at home. Getting a postcard from someone in vacation while being in hotel myself was too fun!
What an exciting adventure! Hopefully the flight over goes well and I look forward to hearing about your adventure on the other side of the world.
Thank you Josee!!
Good luck hon, I’m sure the flight will be fine, It’s long but not to long. We’ll catch up to you on the otherside, looking forward to seeing you forging your new lives and the adventures the bring.
And yay to no more cacti to fall into!
Yes! Thank goodness for no more cactus! Funny story getting out of the car yesterday D almost dropped S on a cactus! They are everywhere.
Take good care and enjoy your trip – go happily and safely
Wow – we’ll be in the same continent (I’m the UK) when you arrive 
PS – thank you, thank you for the travelling tips! We are flying to Canada to visit my family for a couple of weeks during Easter time – first time flying with my 19-month-old daughter…
Looking forward to hearing your adventures.
I’m glad you enjoyed the travel series. Pass it along! I used all of my experience to create it. Good luck on your flight! And happy travels to you as well.
Oh, how those words resonate with me! Living here is hard for me, too…I long for my kids to do the things I did as a child, too. You are going to excel at this adventure, and we are going with you…consider us tucked away here, rooting for you and supporting you
I have to stop now, I’m crying. Much love, and safe travels!
Me too! Bah!! sob. Will let you know when we arrive!
I’m so excited for you guys and can’t wait to follow along on your journey!
Thanks Sara!