So we took a year off and went travelling.

So yip, we took a year off to travel & see family. 6 months of travel, 6 months of seeing family. I think it’s fair to say there were some interesting reactions, though once we explained that the main motivator was that our parents aren’t getting any younger, well, people could understand that. There were fears about “jobs” and “careers” etc, but, Maaike was able to put her job on hold for a year, and I came back to a better position than what I left… so, it really has worked out well.

It is very luxurious to be able to take an entire year off and go do whatever you like. Highlights: well, Antarctica without a doubt was one of them. 2 months of hiking in Patagonia with really exceptionally pleasant weather was definitely another. I think that the huemul circuit at El Chalten is my new favourite (multi day) hike. The biking from The Netherlands to Ireland was brilliant, I would absolutely do that again as a method of holidaying. And of course, spending lots of time with family was ‘gezellig’ (as they say in Dutch – warm cosy feeling).

Thanks to Maaike for making this year happen. I’d never have taken a year out if it wasn’t for her, no way, but I’m super glad we did head away. Where to next?