By now I am hoping you have watched the above video. There are many reasons to why I have used this in my blog, one of them is that The Lord of The Rings is my favourite series of Movies and it's the perfect excuse to use this as the blogs theme. The main reason, however, is because I think what we are doing mirrors this iconic movie scene. Finally, Frodo gets to go beyond the borders of the Shire and go off on one of "Bilbo's Adventures", but if he had his way he wouldn't have included 'destroying to One Ring" as part of his Travel Plans. If this scene shows one thing, it's that there is no perfect time to travel; there will always be some "burden" that you are traveling with or even travelling without. Okay, so Natasha and I aren't planning on defeating Sauron anytime soon, but admittedly we could be traveling under better circumstances. However, with nothing holding us back and no responsibilities; this is no doubt our best opportunity.

​

In the above still is Sam realising that this is the "furthest away from home he's ever been". Frodo helps him through by putting on a brave face, but really he was just as unsure as Sam. He didn't know what to expect, and neither do Me or Natasha when it comes to traveling. I will have never been so far from home, for 24 years I have never lived anywhere other than the 'rock' in between England and Ireland.

​

The one thing we are sure of, however, is that it's time for something different. We don't quite know what it is yet, but we are hoping traveling can give us more of an idea on how we are to start our next chapter together. Yes, we have plenty of reasons already to stay where we are, but we can't see ourselves living on the Isle of Man for the rest of our lives without  seeing ‘what’s out there’ first. The world is a book, and those who haven’t travelled only read one page.

​

Is Blogging the new Scrapbooking?

​

People have asked me: "Why don't you just try scrapbooking?" To be honest, it wouldn't feel the same to just look at a photograph. I couldn't possibly commit all of our new and exciting experiences to memory this way, even with the help of a 1-lined caption. I feel that the platform for all of these memories needs to be worthy of the memory itself. I mean, what’s the point in painting the picture if you're not going to frame it?

​​

For me, this Blog needs to be the gateway to an overwhelming sense of nostalgia, an 'imaginary ticket' for when we're old, grey and reading this through lenses thicker than phonebooks. I want to be sitting in a rocking chair and only have to turn on my laptop (yes, I will still be using technology!) to be taken back to the tranquillity of Mexico, the thrills of Gran Canaria, even back to the feeling of intimidation in tackling 'The Big Apple' at 21. My one true ambition in life is at this exact moment; to one day sit back, reflect and be proud of everything we have achieved, with no regrets or "I wish we could have's". 

​

I feel that writing this Blog has been a reflection on our positive attitude to life. Whether it be a personal goal or even a health-scare, Natasha and I pride ourselves on our ability to take on any potential challenge with a smile. While creating this book has served as a useful tool in helping me mend physically, mentally it has given me more of an idea of what I want to do and how I want to look back on my life. It has taught me many things: that there is so much world out there to be explored. Most importantly, however, it has made me appreciate the art of travel, that we not only travel to move but to be moved, that each new and exciting travel experience has helped encourage our ambition to explore the world.

​

I would also like this to be a something central for our friends and family to share in our passion for exploration. Without their support, we would not have had the bravery or the opportunity to try something different like this. I think it's great that they can gain an insight into some of the many exciting things we've done and those we've yet to do. I hope you enjoy sharing these memories nearly as much as we enjoy making them! I intend to keep adding to this Blog, I'm sure there will be many more Posts filled with all kinds of new and exciting adventures!