Day Two Hundred Ninety-Five: Thirty Degree Temperatures on June 1

This was the first time in my life I have woken up to 30° temperatures on June 1. And even though it is winter in the southern hemisphere, it still took us a little by surprise since up until yesterday it has been sunny and in the high 60s/low 70s. We always say, you can control lots of things when you travel, but you can't control the weather, and you can't let the weather interfere with your fun. We were prepared with our heavy coats and gloves, so it was really no problem for us, and we still had lots of fun.

Too cold for this girl!

Day Two Hundred Eighty-Four: International Bus Trip

We arrived in Santiago, Chile last night and hopped on a bus bound for Mendoza, Argentina this morning. We have rarely traveled by bus and certainly not for long trips and especially not for international trips, but we wanted to have the opportunity to get a good look at the Andes, and we thought this was the best way to do it. The seven-hour ride passed very pleasantly and quickly, and the border stop was not difficult at all. It was quite a nice experience, and the scenery was absolutely breathtaking!

First international bus trip

The road through the Andes

Potrerillos Lake

Day Two Hundred Eighty-One: Rapa Nui

We actually arrived on Rapa Nui (Easter Island) yesterday morning, but we did not start exploring in earnest until today. This is another huge bucket list place for us, and we are so thrilled to have the opportunity to visit, especially during my Year of Firsts! It is a magical place and contains a spot atop a volcano that we all agree may be one of our very favorite places on Planet Earth. From that spot, you have a view of the crater of the volcano, which contains a freshwater lagoon; a window to the Pacific Ocean, where the volcano once blew out the side of the mountain; a 180 degree view of the ocean; a mysterious village used by former inhabitants of the island; and a couple of tiny islands that house a species of bird that were especially important to those same former inhabitants. And when facing south, you have the knowledge that there is absolutely nothing between you and Antarctica except the deep, blue sea. In addition to this dream spot atop Rano Kau, we have been enamored with the Moai statues and the breathtaking landscapes of this small island.

Moai statues on the slopes of Rano Raraku, the volcano which is
believed to be the birthplace of all 887 Moai statues on the island.

Favorite place on Planet Earth with my favorite people on Planet Earth.
(Atop the volcano Rano Kau with the crater and "window to the sea" in the background.)

Day Two Hundred Eighty: First Class Flight

We have flown business class before but have never had a true first class experience until now. Jeff and I decided to spring for the upgrade for our trip out to Easter Island because it was a long flight, at 5:30 am, after a long day and night of flying and waiting around in airports. It was well worth the splurge to get to lay out flat and get several hours of quality sleep with "real comforters and pillows," which greatly impressed the kids! There were several other nice perks as well, and we had a wonderful and easy trip.

I could get used to this!

Day Two Hundred Seventy-Five: Where the Desert Meets the Sea

We got to visit the Paracas National Reseve today, which is a fascinating national park where the desert meets the sea. I have never seen a more desolate landscape and was struck by the intense contrast between the sandy desert land and the blue ocean water. It was almost eerie in its barrenness but beautiful nonetheless. I never cease to be amazed at all the wonders of this amazing world!

Where the ocean meets the desert

Day Two Hundred Seventy: Not Homeless

We are off to South America, and this is the first time we've taken an extended international trip without selling our house and not knowing where we would live upon our return to the States. It feels a little weird. In fact Clay asked me today, "Do you think we'll come back to this house when we're through traveling in South America?" He wasn't even concerned, just curious. But this time around we'll have one less thing to think about upon our return, so I guess that's a good thing.

Day Two Hundred Fifty-Seven: Cushion Foundation

Yesterday it dawned on me that we leave on our summer trip to South America in just two weeks, and today I decided I need to start thinking seriously about what I should pack. We are carry-on only travelers, which I love, but I struggle with the limit on liquids for long trips. I don't wear a lot of makeup, but I do typically use a BB cream, which works as a light foundation as well as a moiturizer and sunscreen. The problem is the container it comes in just takes up too much room in my one-quart liquids bag. So, while I was a Target this afternoon, I made it my mission to see what my other choices were. I was happy to find a "cushion foundation" that looks like a powder compact but applies like a liquid. It has built in sunscreen and everything, and it will likely not be suspect going through the airport. This feels like a big travel win!

Day Two Hundred Forty-Three: Journal with Maps

It was a very ordinary day, and frankly, I didn't expend the energy needed to make a First happen. However, my hubby visited Half-Price Books and brought us all back a surprise. For me, because he knows the way to my heart, he had a beautiful travel journal with maps on every other page. I've never had a journal quite like it, and I love it and can't wait to use it on our trip to South America this summer!

Day One Hundred Thirty-Six: Club Level Me Time

Tonight, we are staying in the Sheraton Gunter Hotel, which is our hotel of choice in San Antonio because we can stay here on points and because it's a very cool, older hotel with lots of charm. When everyone else was ready to fall into bed, I was not, so I took myself down to the club level for a cup of coffee and some alone time. I have been in the club before but never for an alone date. It was nice.

Here's to Me Time!

Day One Hundred Twenty Four: 830 Miles in Five Days

Since Friday, I have logged just over 830 miles behind the wheel. These are actual driving miles and not just snack-eating, nap-taking passenger seat miles. I took Ruth to Tyler for a horse show and then drove her down to Houston for a week of working with her aunt. Then, I headed up to Belton so I could catch my mom in a singing performance, before heading home this afternoon. We are a road tripping family, but Jeff and I usually either split the driving or he does the bulk of it, so this was definitely a record for me.

Day Ninety-Seven: Flight to D.C.

I have traveled to Washington D.C. a couple of times in the past, but this is the first time I have made the trip by plane. (It is also the first time I've had to check a bag in quite some time. We packed in carry-ons, but the overhead bins were all full, so they forced us to check our bags at the gate.) We will be here all week seeing the sights, and I'm sure there will be many great Firsts while we're here.

Day Sixty-Nine: Fellow Continent Collector

Last week, while I was at PT, I got drawn into a conversation with the lady working out next to me and her husband, who was waiting on her. They are world travelers and have lots of adventures under their belts. During the course of the conversation, it came up that the man just needs to get to one more continent to have "collected" all of them. I also just need one more, so this was an instant connection for us. He needs Australia, and I need Antarctica.

Well, today when I came in for my PT appointment, the man and his wife were already there, and he could hardly contain his excitement as he rushed over to me with a printout inside a page protector. It was information about the company through which he had booked his Antarctic cruise, and it was a gift for me because he felt it was really important that I "collect [my] last continent." I have never been given a gift quite like this, particularly from someone I hardly knew. It is rare to meet such a kindred spirit and a fellow collector of continents, and I feel blessed that our paths have crossed.

Antarctica or bust!