I’ve been aching to get out into the world again. These past few weeks have been laden with our apartment move, recovering from sickness, unsuccessful meal planning, full schedules and general tiredness. I suppose that’s one of the big lessons of adulthood: no responsible life is one constant thrill. An occasional victory among mundane routines is more like it.
Anyway, I’ve been so excited to share with you our travel plans for the summer. One reason why I’m grateful for my freelance job and my husband’s academic calendar is that we still (get to pretend we) have summer vacation! That means we can explore, wander, serve others, and push ourselves in ways outside of our everyday work.
Our summer is two-part. Two international destinations in late June and July before buckling down back to work and school in August.
(source)
Part 1: Japan
Japan is probably one of the most picturesque countries, ever. As an outsider looking in, I adore their minimalist style, impeccable perfectionism, and unparalleled food.
We are thrilled to be able to spend 2 weeks wandering through Japanese cities and countryside. Plans are still in the works, but we’re looking forward to experiencing traditional Japanese culture: gardens, museums, tea ceremonies, markets, old inns and of course, sushi. More importantly, we’ll be celebrating my mom’s birthday (hint: it’s a big one!) and getting to spend some real quality time with her.
Ever been to Japan? In recent years I’ve only visited Hokkaido, so I would LOVE any tips that you have on Japan travel!
(photo w/ permission via Katie)
Part 2: Ecuador
One of my goals this summer was to volunteer with children overseas. Truly, it was a desire of my heart, and something that always make me come to life– to be my very best self. I love working with my students here at home too, but it’s always within a serious academic context. I long to play, to laugh and to give of myself fully and freely: the way I’ve done in the past, in Asia and Latin America.
Right when I decided to volunteer, my dear friend Katie of Hope Engaged posted about her trip to South America. She had visited a beautiful ministry called Casa Victoria, which serves neighborhood children in Quito, Ecuador. Katie and I had been in touch for a while (and we finally met in person in February!), so I asked her whether Casa Victoria could use a couple of volunteers in the summer. She said yes, gushed about the lovely couple who runs the place, and I got in touch with them as soon as I could. (Aren’t blog connections awesome??)
So, friends, my husband and I will be spending 3 weeks this summer at Casa Victoria, helping them run their summer enrichment program! We will be taking students on field trips, teaching them how to cook and about our cultures, and participating in all that goes on at Casa Victoria. And, with a little luck, we’ll use our time off to explore the amazing country of Ecuador, because neither of us has ever been!
In other words, be prepared for lots of travel photos! As I often try to tell my students, summer is for seeing the world and expanding our horizons, whether it’s simply strolling through a new part of town, or jet-setting overseas to meet new friends and be of service. I will forever cherish every summer that we get to give of ourselves and to receive– to receive a lot. Thanks for sharing in our joy!
I enjoy viewing photos of people who travel and can’t wait to see photos. I prayed for safe travels.
Your summer travel plans sound utterly incredible! Those are two destinations I’m dying to visit, a large part of it to do with lovely souvenirs to decorate my house with 🙂 I worked as a volunteer at an orphanage in Mexico back in the 2000s and nothing compares to those adorable faces. I can’t wait for posts and pics!
How amazing, I wish I could jump into your suitcase! Best of wishes for your travels!
Ashleigh | Mermaid on the Move
SO EXCITING!!!! That is SO nice of you and your husband to spend your time volunteering in Ecuador! I’m sure it makes travel so much more meaningful. I can’t wait to hear about it!! And I can’t wait to hear what you guys are doing in Japan too!! We are finally starting to plan where we want to go in Japan and could use some ideas!
Ahh so so SO excited for the travel photos!! Both trips are going to be beautiful, and I love how completely different they are! I’m especially curious to hear about Ecuador when you come back. Previously I never really had a yen to travel to South America- I didn’t really have a reason, just nothing really pulled me there. But recently my friend has been trying to convince me to go to a South America backpacker trip with him and it’s starting to catch my interest. Cant wait to hear your stories 😀
xo marlen
Messages on a Napkin
I was so excited to immediately recognize your Ecuador picture since I studied abroad in Quito! There are so many great organizations that work with kids there, so I’m sure Casa Victoria will be wonderful 🙂 And Quito is absolutely gorgeous, especially the historic center (and I’m guessing you’ll be near there because it’s where most of the work with kids happens).
WOW!!! Sounds like such an amazing summer, I had no idea you were headed to Japan too, SO COOL!! and OMG, i’m soooo excited for your time in Ecuador…you are going to love it and thrive there!! Please give Alicia a HUGE hug from us!! xoxo
How exciting! Congratulations! I’ll look forward to following along all your adventures! x
Wow– Cambodia! Now that’s definitely on my list. PLEASE write about it– and about your move of course!
Yes, totally different, I’m sure our heads will be spinning… Oh and we’ll have a fundraising website too, where we post more in-depth updates and prayer requests. I’ll keep you updated 🙂
Thanks Jo-Anne!
Ah you’ll love meeting Katie! She’s fabulous!
And I’m so amazed you volunteered in Romania– do you have any photos? if so let me know!!
Wow! I’m so excited!! If you have any blog posts about Ecuador please let me now so I can read them!
It’s so picturesque, I just hope we capture it well! 🙂
Happy Wednesday to you– thanks for the encouragement. <3
Ah thanks, friend!! 🙂
Wow, you’re going to love San Francisco!! I grew up in the Peninsula and loved going to the city. let me know if you need recommendations, although there are SO many SF guides out there now!
Thanks friend! 🙂
Ah thanks Kiki! I hope you’ll get a chance to go overseas somewhere soon 🙂 I’ll definitely photograph food!!
That sounds unbelievably fabulous!!! Greece is incredible! I wasn’t there for long several years ago, and I wish I could have been. You’re going to have SUCH a great time. Please post photos. 🙂
Thanks girl!!
Ah thanks lady!! 🙂
Yes, I think Japan would be a great choice for you, especially since you’re so good at touring through urban spaces! if you’re ever thinking about visiting Asia, I strongly recommend Taiwan! There’s so much that’s done in English, the food is delicious and cheap, and it’s safe and friendly. 🙂
Ah thanks girl! I’m really excited. Do you have Kyoto photos on your blog?
Ah thanks girl!! And the Grand Canyon will be amazing– see if you can make it to Antelope Canyon too. Those photos are just breathtaking.
No unfortunately– not this time! We’ll be busy working with kids, and our budget won’t allow for it, but I really want to make it to the Galapagos eventually! And your travels in Japan sound amazing! We’re definitely visiting Kyoto.
You sound like you’ve got lots to look forward to this summer too– Iceland is definitely on my list. Please post photos!!
Ah thanks Sheryl!! That means a lot. Enjoy your time off together 🙂
I can’t wait to take them! 🙂
Ah thanks MIca!! 🙂
Prince Edward Island sounds fun!! 🙂
That’s awesome Toyin!! Enjoy– I wish I traveled more for my studies in college. 🙂
Wow–you have a seriously exciting summer planned! I hope you have a blast and post all about it. I’m not entirely sure what’s going on during our summer other than moving, but my parents are taking all the kids to Cambodia for their 25th wedding anniversary–so that will be some awesome family time!
In NC, I’ll be doing a workshop learning how to apply my Statistics knowledge to an industry and the Seattle trip is a conference. But both should help me with my research!
How exciting!! Two very different destinations, and both sound absolutely amazing! I just can’t wait to read all your updates and see all your pictures!
Very interesting
Oh my goodness!!! This is so exciting! Ecuador sounds like it will be such a lifechanging trip. Casa Victoria sounds similar to a home I worked in in Romania called Casa Agar. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with the children! I can’t wait to see photos!
Oh, and isn’t Katie lovely? She is flying to Atlanta soon and we are going to meet! She is so golden. 🙂
Ecuador is amazing! It was my first trip abroad so it holds a special place in my heart. It sounds like a great volunteer opportunity.
So excited to see your travels!! And I’m most excited to see Japan!
Awesome plans! I appreciate that your travel will be part fun, part adventure, and part service. Happy Wednesday Daisy 🙂
http://www.lovecompassionatelee.com/thinkoutloud/2015/4/28/42815
What awesome plans!! I would love to go to Japan too, and I love that you’re using your holidays to give back whilst in Ecuador! You rock 🙂
What two fantastic places to travel to! I have never been to either but they are on the list! Will look forward to seeing your photos!
We are hitting up San Francisco and Destin, FL this summer! Our first time to go to both – I just love new adventures!!
Wow, two wonderful places — can’t wait to read about your trips and see photos. I’d love to visit Japan someday. Enjoy it! 🙂
http://www.mintnotion.com
You are so lucky Daisy! I have no advice, I’ve never traveled international other than my many trips to Canada, but I hardly think that counts. I look forward to hearing about your experiences and adventures. Oh and take food photos. (; That’s one of my favorite parts of vacation posts.
http://www.accordingtokiki.net
Sounds amazing! And what a great thing to be able to give back during your vacation!
I don’t know how this happened, but we have an adventure packed summer – I cannot wait! We have our annual family vacation to Florida, then I go to Greece for a family reunion (I’m still in shock that I’m going to be there!), then we will take the older kids to NY! Even though it’s sad watching my kids grow older, I’m loving the freedom we are gaining with these trips! 🙂
Wow! I’m so jealous! That sounds like it’s going to be amazing!
This is so exciting, you lucky girl. Make sure to have fun for the both us!
So exciting! Traveling to Asia has always intimidated me…it’s just so different then anything I’ve been exposed to, but Japan is the one country I would go to first.
This sounds amazing! It’s so cool that blog connections helped you out with Ecuador 🙂 I went to Japan a few years ago – Kyoto is beautiful! There’s so much to see.
Wow this is going to be AMAZING! I’m especially jealous of your trip to Japan — I’ve heard such incredible things. My boyfriend and I will be taking a road trip from LA to Austin (for our move!) which I’m so excited about. I can’t wait to see the Grand Canyon!
Always, Anita
Oooh will you be going to Galapagos while you are in Ecuador? I love Japan, too. I haven’t been to Tokyo, but I have visited Kyoto (SO picturesque), Kobe (amazing, delicious meat) and Osaka (fun nightlife and street food). All great places for different reasons. 🙂
That is fantastic– good for you! Are you doing research? 🙂
Wow! Your summer plans sound amazing! Your pics will be amazing. My summer plans include traveling to North Carolina and Seattle for some academic opportunities.
How fun!
I would love to visit Japan. 2 weeks sounds like a perfect trip to really appreciate it and explore. I’ve only been to Narita and it was just for one night after a flight home from Thailand was cancelled. My summer adventures are South Korea in July and Iceland in September!
I can not wait to see your beautiful photographs. I’m so excited for you. We alternate our big travel vacations and this year is our year to stay close to home.
Yay! So so exciting–can’t wait to see pictures!
Oh wow it sounds like you are going to have the best summer! I’m so jealous. That Ecuador trip sounds like such a wonderful opportunity!
Away From The Blue
Thats amazing!! Japan would be awesome but your Ecuador trip seems like it will be so rewarding! The only travel plans I have for this summer so far is a trip to Prince Edward Island (only a little over an hour away! haha) but oh well, its a province I haven’t been to before!
Renee | Lose The Road