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| Yeah, I don't have homework tonight! Or ever! |
One of Holt's strongest beliefs was that children did not need to be forced into learning and anything that resembled school at all was counterproductive to their success. Unschooling, child led life learning, was born.
When I first heard about unschooling 8 years ago I thought it seemed crazy. I thought all the things that some of you are thinking right now. What about socialization, grades, college? My children need to go to school to be “on track” with everyone else. I thought it seemed lazy and neglectful and couldn’t imagine going against the grain in such an “extreme” way.
Flash forward to today and you see a very different philosophy in my home. I have spent the past 6 years homeschooling my oldest son. I have since had 2 more children, traveled with them extensively, moved to a foreign countries, and experimented with almost every type of homeschooling you can imagine. Then I discovered the mind opening experience that is unschooling and now I can’t imagine living my life in anything but this “extreme” way.
My oldest son started out life in a mainstream fashion. He attended 2 years of preschool and then went on to half-day Kindergarten. We lived in a wonderful small town with an excellent school system and were lucky enough to get an award-winning teacher for his Kindergarten experience. She was fantastic but through her own admission she could not provide the experience that she felt all the students deserved. It wasn’t a bad experience but we wanted more for our son. What more did we want? That is easy; room for independent thought, creativity, an ability to question things without being in “trouble” - and the freedom to run our household without the demands of the school system intruding.
The nagging question that remained was what could I, as a parent, do? After talking to that very same teacher and a lot of soul searching I decided to withdraw my son from school. She not only encouraged this, she was almost as enthusiastic as I was about the idea. I found that there were many philosophies to choose from within the realm of homeschooling. Since I was still caught up in the “school” mentality, we started by doing a canned curriculum at home. We tried this in many different ways for 3 years until I realized that we solved some of the issues but not all of them. Simply put, we were not enjoying it as much as we thought we should.
At this point I opened up my mind to the thoughts of unschooling and started reading book after book about it. I realized that I needed to throw away conventional thinking and open my mind up to the possibility that what I thought of as learning may not be the only path to knowledge. My discovery took place because of pioneers that came before me, Holt, Gatto, Kohn, and Sandra Dodd. They all showed me, through their writings, a new reality that I will forever be grateful for.
Reading books and opening my mind were the first steps in the process of de-schooling that Wikipedia defines as “the mental process a person goes through after being removed from a formal schooling environment, where the school mindset is eroded over time”. This step is vital for the entire family but for the parent it can be very difficult. We have far more baggage in regards to school and the added feeling and stress that we are responsible for our childrens’ education and, ultimately, their future. I struggled with what seemed like an ingrained need to follow the norm.
I did go to public school after all, and in his book Dumbing Us Down, John Taylor Gatto says “we are schooling children to merely obey orders…” Although I was a bit rebellious in school, I was still conditioned by societal norms and allowing myself to beak out of the box is where I struggled most on my journey to unschooling.
Ivan Illich first coined the term de-schooling in a controversial book called Deschooling Society, published in 1971. In this book he enlightens his readers to the fact that “universal education through schooling is not feasible”. He goes on to explain that the institutionalization of education means an institutionalization of society as a whole. And that it isn’t until we change the way we view education that we can change the way all institutions function. There is a corrupting impact at the institutional level but it is particularly damaging to society when this happens in schools, and it is happening in schools as we speak.
Another big hurdle for me was in understanding that authentic learning happens all the time. I realized over the past few years that you really can’t stop someone from learning no matter what you do or don’t do. My middle child has never been to school or even attempted anything remotely resembling school, yet at 7 he can read because he wanted to. Through simply living our lives he has learned numbers, adding, subtracting, percentage, fractions etc. How? We play war, poker, exchange money, let him do some shopping and all of those things are necessary for him so he has learned it. School puts our children in a box and real life cannot be found within it. I would prefer my children spend their time outside of that box, learning in the real world.
Everything my kids do shares an equal value because they are always learning, whether it is a walk in the jungle, playing video games, or reading a book. I love that my children have a say in what they want to discover. We offer them ideas and show them various paths to knowledge and support their enthusiasm, but ultimately it is what interests them that's most important to us. And don’t we all learn better when it is something pertinent in our lives? I know I do and I know my kids do as well.
De-schooling is an ongoing process and something I will be actively doing for many years to come. It has profoundly changed me as a person and there is no going back ever. It reaches beyond schooling and into our lives on every level. There is a new intensity of respect, equality and unconditional love for all members of the family. We all know now what authentic learning is, it looks nothing like school and we are all happier for it.
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A: Age you made your first international trip
I wish I could say I was as young as my boys were when they first made their international trip but my childhood was some what turbulent so travel was not a priority. After graduating high school my grandparents flew me to Bermuda. I remember getting that first passport and feeling so excited at the freedom in it. I knew that travel and filling up those pages was going to be a must on my life's bucket list.
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| Wikicommons |
B: Best (foreign) beer you've had and why
Beer Lao dark! Hands down, no question about it! When we lived in the US our favorite beer was Newcastle (brown ale imported from England), so Beer Lao dark resembles that the most. After very disappointing beer in Central America, Beer Lao was a nice change. It beats out Newcastle purely for financial reasons. At about 1/4 the cost of a Newcastle with the similar full-flavor taste it's a no brainer in my book!
C: Cuisine (favorite)
This is a tough one! Pizza is one of my favorites and New Haven, CT (my home state) cannot be beaten. But for desserts there is nothing like a cold scoop of Gelato after walking the streets of Rome. Then there is Thai food, where I am currently enjoying every last bite! Hmmm, I just can't pick a favorite, it just isn't a fair question!
D. Destinations. Favorite. Least Favorite. Why?
I would have to say my favorite so far has been Vang Vieng in Laos. It's a manageable small town surrounded by majestic limestone bluffs. The culture is authentic, but plenty of Western touristy joints too. We rented motorbikes and explored incredible villages to the North. We had a fantastic time there. It made the tops perhaps because I really had no expectations going in to the trip and was so pleasantly surprised.
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| Blue lagoon, Vang Vieng, Laos |
E: Event you experienced that made you say "WOW"!
Climbing the steps at Chichen Itza in Mexico! When we reached the top and looked out and around, and DOWN! That was definitely one of my earliest WOW moments! Staring into Crater Lake in Oregon was also one of my entire family's more recent wow moments. If you're ever near there, don't miss it!
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| Oh those stairs! (wikicommons) |
F: Favorite mode of transportation
Train travel is by far the best way to get anyplace long distance. When you get on a sleeper car, you save money on a night's accommodation and they are remarkably comfortable. I don't care how nice a bus or a plane says their seats are, nothing compares to being able to lay down for a great rest and comfortably arrive at your destination. For shorter travel, around a city a tuk tuk is the best, exciting, open air, and always interesting conversation. Short distance in the country, my family will pick scooters any day!
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| Short distance tuk-tuks are where it's at |
Realizing that my life and my children's lives would be forever enriched by our experiences around the world. It changes you from the core of your being and I am so happy to be giving that gift to my children!
H: Hottest place I've traveled to
Super hot is not my favorite type of climate especially when I am pregnant and already feel like an oven. During my first pregnancy we took a road trip across the US. It just so happened to be record heat in the deserts of Arizona and New Mexico. 116-120 degrees during the day, dry heat or not that is HOT! Even cracking the window on the car for a minute felt like a hot blow dryer blasting you. We stopped to see the Grand Canyon and had to leave the car running as we
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| Grand Canyon Wikicommons |
Honestly, every place we have been has been incredible in this department. Costa Rica, Thailand, Laos, many places in Europe. Maybe it is because these cultures adore kids but we have really only been met with kindness and help at every turn.
J: Journey that took you the longest
The long haul trip from Costa Rica to Bangkok, Thailand. We traveled for 2 days. 6 hour flight from Costa Rica to LAX, 20 hours to Taiwan, and 3 more to Bangkok! That was a long couple of days but not nearly as hard as I was expecting.
K: Keepsakes from your travels
Pictures, pictures, and more pictures! I am not one for shopping for knick knacks since we have no room to keep them. We are slow traveling the world and got rid of all our possessions in order to carry what we really need in our backpacks. There is simply no room for extra trinkets. But I make room for an extra hard drive for photo storage, or 3;) My son did pick up a terrible case of hives but as that has dissipated I suppose it doesn't count as a keepsake!
L: Let down site. Where and why?
David, Panama! It was pouring, filthy, garbage every place, and really nothing to do there. We had heard good things about it so decided to drive down from Costa Rica (8 hours) to check out this border town to renew our visa! Perhaps it was the weather or the shoddy hotel we stayed at, but what a disappointment!
M: Moment where you fell in love with travel
From the time I was young I often dreamed of exotic locations. Before I knew what a "bucket list" was I had been creating one in my mind. I think the moment I fell in love though was when I booked my trip to Europe with a girlfriend way back in 1996! Just the realization, that I was going to be seeing the things I dreamed of, sparked a whole new love for the idea of travel.
N: Nicest hotel you've stayed in
I don't and have never really stayed at "nice" hotels. I just don't really see the point in spending a lot of money on a room to sleep in. Maybe the hotel I loved the most was a hostel that my friend and I found on the fly in Switzerland. It was an old swiss chalet with the most amazing views from our balcony. A great sense of community at the hostel, lots of drinking, skiing, and games. I believe we only spent $10 US per night as well. Icing meet cake!
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| Swiss Alps Wikicommons |
O: Obsession. What are you obsessed with taking pictures of?
When I travel I take pictures of everything, obscene amounts of pictures really. Currently, I am in South East Asia and my obsession seems to be with pictures of monks. I am a recovering monk stalker and the recovering part is not going very well! Beware men in orange!
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| Gotcha |
P: Passport stamps. How many and where from?
I am a relatively new traveler but, hopefully, by the end of this year the list will be much longer. At the moment, between the 2 passports I have had in my life; USA, Mexico, Bermuda, UK, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Czech rep., Austria, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, Thailand, Burma, and Laos. 20 countries but I couldn't count up how many stamps I have had as I went in and out of many of those countries on multiple occasions.
Q: Quirkiest attraction you've visited and where.
The Natural History museum in Costa Rica. I know a natural history museum doesn't sound that weird but this place was in desperate need of upkeep. Picture the stuffed animals at any museum but with no upkeep for 10 years. The eyeballs were falling out, patches of hair missing, and mold and dust permeated the rooms. I think the thing that put it over the edge was the multiple human babies in jars section of the museum. Not sure how that got by especially in a Catholic dominated country but it was interesting. Yeah, that is the best word to describe this place, well at least it is the most kind way to explain it!
R: Recommended site, event, or experience.
I would have to recommend Laos to anyone coming to SE Asia. I think a lot of people miss it because it doesn't cater to tourists or seem to have much to offer. The roads are terrible, but the destinations are worth every minute. It is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places I have ever been to, and the people are so laid back and kind. I enjoyed every minute, especially in Vang Vieng, and miss it already! It seems to me to be a more authentic experience than the neighboring (and more popular) Thailand, where a 7-11 can be found every 2 blocks!
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| I don't even need word here (Vang Vieng, Laos) |
S: Splurge. Something you have no problem forking over for while traveling.
I will skimp and save on food and hotels, but what I will not for go because of costs is any unique experience. Some things are touristy and you pay for it but unique is unique and I will gladly shell out the money for a new adventure!
T: Touristy thing you've done
I can admit that I am a tourist! I walk around new cities, camera at the ready and fully enjoy touristy events. I am also a traveler so I try not to spend too much on this category, but as I stated above it seems to be a weakness of mine. I have done LOTS of touristy things from climbing the Eiffel tower to playing with tigers at Tiger Kingdom. Just because a lot of people do it doesn't make it any less amazing in my book!
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| Touristy and amazing! |
U: Unforgettable travel memory
Stepping out of the car to see the Grand Canyon for the first time! I remember my husband and I being shocked at how much it cost to get in to the park and thinking man, all that for a giant hole, I mean really. Well honestly the first second we looked over the railing both our chins dropped to the floor and we felt foolish for even thinking it wouldn't be amazing!
V: Visas. How many of them and for where?
I guess as an American I do not get that many actual visas. Every time you are stamped into a new country that is considered a visa; a visa on arrival. As for actual visas, that I had to apply for, and that take up a WHOLE page in my passport, that is running out of space quickly, it is only 2. One for Laos and one for a single entry tourist visa to Thailand.
W: Wine. Best glass and while traveling and where?
Yuck, am I supposed to like that stuff? I'll take a good cup of coffee or beer over the vino anytime.
X: eXcellent view and from where?
This is another really tough one. Some of the views from the small town I lived in while in Costa Rica were amazing. So are some of the views I experienced after climbing monuments in incredible cities. All in all though I would have to say the view I had in the Swiss Alps. No wait, maybe Crater Lake in Oregon, no actually it must be Vang Vieng, Laos. Yeah, I said it before... I love Laos and you should visit soon!
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| Crater Lake Oregon - Wikicommons |
Y: Years spent traveling
Small trips all my life. 3 months in Europe with a friend and then I left the US for good in 2006 and have been traveling ever since! It has been around 1890 days since we left the US! This newest Asia adventure just started 2 months ago but the plan is to continue and move through the world for the nest few years.
Z: Zealous sports fans and where.
Being that I am from CT and I spent my childhood attending NYC baseball and football games, my first inclination was to say New York City. But then I remember the fanatics of soccer and the zealous behaviors of its fans. While living in Costa Rica I experienced what I could only describe as insanity over a soccer game on the tube. The entire neighborhood would erupt in yelling and cheering during big games! I also remember visiting Europe during the Olympics and stepping into a bar to witness fans going wild. Assuming it was for the Olympics I was curious until I got closer and realized it was just an uproar for a local Soccer team.
Soccer fans win this one without a doubt. Where? I would say everywhere!
There you have it. Now it is my turn to tag other bloggers...tag Family Trek, Road trips for families, and The Nomadic Family.
FOLLOW BOHEMIAN TRAVELERS HERE:
I have been following a lot of travel blogs during the past couple of years. One of my favorites is Family on bikes, an honest account of following your dreams and tackling your fears. When Nancy offered me a chance to have a sneak peek at her new book I was thrilled. I was so excited to read it but even more than that I was honored to help promote it in a book review on my own site here.
I devoured this book! Much to the chagrin of my children, I stole away an entire day reading and thinking about the evolution of the Vogel family during their trip and wondering if and how we could ever do something so, well, difficult! I just couldn't put it down! Twenty Miles Per Cookie is a must-read! How do I know?? When I read this; The kids, "learned that the Earth holds no boundaries for them and they are free to wander wherever their imaginations take them." Is there any better lesson in life?!
The Vogel family has been traveling for quite some time now. Nancy and John met while trying to find a partner to bike through India with. They were strangers who set out on adventure together. Nancy admits that it wasn't a perfect match in the beginning but they began to rely on and trust one another and eventually fell in love. They have lived in numerous countries and visited even more.
Twenty Miles Per Cookie is a memoir that chronicles the first long haul bike trip taken with their boys, 8 at the time. After becoming disillusioned once again with the "American dream", they hatched a plan that would launch them into a 1 year bike trip through deserts, up and down mountains, battling headwinds, along the Pacific coastline, and through Mexico. Challenge after challenge presents itself and Nancy candidly explains how they got through it all together, the only way it could work!
-->She also, through her writing, challenges us to see the world for the good in it. By explaining how many times they were saved by numerous "road angels", you feel a renewed sense of the good in people. How inspirational in this day and age when we are constantly barraged with warnings around every corner to be cautious amongst strangers. The lessons the family learn along the way are revealed beautifully!
Twenty Miles Per Cookie is also a wonderful narrative of a family that can tackle anything. It is thought provoking, honest and raw, and mostly an inspiration! It is a hopeful and positive book but at the same time Nancy also eloquently explains the difficult times with an honesty few of us share with the masses. It is told from Nancy's perspective, with snippets of the children's perspective told through letters they wrote to their grandmother. Nancy also lets the reader in on another special relationship, that which she has with her mother. She writes to her, "I can reach for the moon – and if, for some reason, I fail to get there, I’ll simply land among the stars. And for that I’ll always thank you." How beautiful!
After reading the book I asked Nancy a few questions about their trip. I think you'll be inspired just by reading the answers below! I know it will leave you wanting more...
How long have you been cycling? How about your husband?
Nancy: "I discovered the bike in high school and fell in love with the freedom. While my classmates rode the bus to school, I jumped on my bike and enjoyed the fresh air!"
"I didn't get in to bike touring until quite a few years later. I took my first bike tour in the summer of 1988 from Norfolk, Virginia to New Orleans."
"John figured out the bike touring stuff WAY before I did! His first bike tour was in 1981 when he cycled from Albuquerque to Denver."
Have the kids been cycling since they were small? How did you cultivate a love of biking?
Nancy: "They have been cycling since there were little, but not as much as many other families. Because we lived in Ethiopia when they were little, we only cycled when we came back to the USA for the summer. We started out with them on trail-a-bikes, then graduated to tandems, then the triple, and finally on their own bikes."
"As for the love of biking, I think kids tend to enjoy what their parents are excited about. Our family bike trips were always the highlight of our days and John and I loved them - so the kids got excited about them too."
How long did you save for this trip? I know you camped a lot but ow did you maintain your home and travel without working all along?
Nancy: "Ummm... we didn't. That being said, we always saved "for retirement" and we used some of that money to fund our bike trip. So maybe I should say we saved 19 years??"
What was the reaction of your family and friends?
Nancy: "Our families didn't blink an eye - they're used to us coming up with some cockananny idea and then doing it. We had previously spent a year cycling Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. We had packed up and moved to Egypt to teach. Our sons were born while we lived in Ethiopia. In other words, doing something like this was more or less expected."
You endured heat, cold, sandstorms, mud, rain...what was the most challenging aspect of this trip for you personally?
Nancy: "From a cycling perspective, headwinds are always the most difficult. There is no way to avoid them, but you also know you'll never beat them. When climbing a hill, you know you'll get to the top someday. Hot weather will cool down. Cold temps will warm up. But headwinds never go away. It like battling an unbeatable foe."
"But way harder than the headwinds was the mental block of feeling like I was inadequate. I wasn't strong enough, I wasn't hardy enough, blah, blah, blah. I overcame that once we reached the Pacific Ocean - if I could make it across Oregon, then I was good to go!"
How did this trip strengthen your marriage?
Nancy: "I think any shared experience with your spouse will strengthen a relationship. We have so many memories that we've created together that I can't imagine going on alone. There have been times when I've been ready to march to the divorce office but then I think, "But wait a minute - if we could get through THAT together, then we can get through THIS together."
What ways did this trip prepare you all for the longer journey from Alaska to Argentina?
(John, Nancy and their 2 boys have since rode their bikes from Alaska to Argentina)
Nancy: "Completely. Our Alaska - Argentina trip simply would not have happened without this one. To begin with, we never would have even thought of the idea without meeting people along the Pacific coast who were on their way to Argentina."
"Beyond that, our journey around the USA and Mexico taught us a LOT about bike touring with kids. We learned what kind of pace we could maintain, how much and what kind of food we needed, how to deal with rain/snow/heat/cold. It was on this trip around the USA and Mexico that we worked out all the kinks and figured it all out so we felt prepared to cycle from Alaska to Argentina. And trust me - we had a LOT to figure out!"
What kept you from quitting? Especially during the beginning or when your mom was so sick?
Nancy: "I honestly don't know. I think part of it was not wanting to accept defeat. If we turned around and went back home, we would be failing in many ways - although I always maintained that we had learned so much that we could call off the trip even before we left the driveway and we wouldn't have lost."
"Ultimately, I think what kept me going was knowing that we would look back on our journey with fond memories. Even though I was exhausted or hungry, I knew the time together as a family was a special gift and one I knew I wouldn't regret."
What was the most important thing you learned on this trip? What about your boys, what did they take away from it all?
Nancy: "I think we all took away a feeling of invincibility. If we could ride our bikes across the USA, then we could do anything."
As a mom traveling with my kids, I often wonder what they will think a few years from now. How do the boys view their travel lifestyle thus far?
Nancy: "My boys have grown up traveling; they don't know anything else. Although they do understand, on one level, just how extraordinary their experiences are, they don't feel it. To them, traveling thousands of miles on bikes is normal and they don't understand why people make such a fuss about it. Very few of their friends even know they've done what they've done."
Logistically I must know how did you keep up with laundry? As someone always consumed with laundry (3 boys) I just have to know:)
Nancy: "Keeping up with laundry in the USA was EASY! Every little town has a laundromat, so we just pulled up to one and washed clothes. It wasn't unusual for the boys to go into the restroom at the laundromat to put on their swimsuits as they had no other clean clothes to put on."
"Keeping up with laundry while we cycled from Alaska to Argentina was a nightmare including many hours sitting on the shower floor with a pile of dirty clothes, but I'll leave that one for the next book!"
What do you hope your readers will take away from this book?
Nancy: "I hope people take away the idea that they can do anything. If I, a normal wife, teacher, and mother to twin boys can ride my bike across the USA, then they can do it too. And if they can ride their bike across the USA, then they can do anything. They are limited only by their imagination."
What would you say to someone that wants to do what you have done but is fearful?
Nancy:
"Fearful of what?
Of people? There's no need - this world is filled with wonder
Of cars? Choose roads without much traffic and cycle predictably so the car drivers know what to expect from you.
Of animals? They're more afraid of you than you are of them.
Of failing? What is failing - never setting out in order to "be safe" or at least trying and giving it your best?
Of the unknown? The unknown is scary, but the only way you'll know is to go."
If you are a traveler, a biker, or a dreamer then you need to read this book. It will stay with you and inspire you to tackle your greatest fears and to follow your dreams no matter what the challenge. To purchase Twenty Miles Per Cookie in book or kindle form, please visit Nancy's site. Aside from purchasing the book be sure to follow their blog to keep up with their travels and get inspired!
The Vogel family has been traveling for quite some time now. Nancy and John met while trying to find a partner to bike through India with. They were strangers who set out on adventure together. Nancy admits that it wasn't a perfect match in the beginning but they began to rely on and trust one another and eventually fell in love. They have lived in numerous countries and visited even more.
Twenty Miles Per Cookie is a memoir that chronicles the first long haul bike trip taken with their boys, 8 at the time. After becoming disillusioned once again with the "American dream", they hatched a plan that would launch them into a 1 year bike trip through deserts, up and down mountains, battling headwinds, along the Pacific coastline, and through Mexico. Challenge after challenge presents itself and Nancy candidly explains how they got through it all together, the only way it could work!
Twenty Miles Per Cookie is also a wonderful narrative of a family that can tackle anything. It is thought provoking, honest and raw, and mostly an inspiration! It is a hopeful and positive book but at the same time Nancy also eloquently explains the difficult times with an honesty few of us share with the masses. It is told from Nancy's perspective, with snippets of the children's perspective told through letters they wrote to their grandmother. Nancy also lets the reader in on another special relationship, that which she has with her mother. She writes to her, "I can reach for the moon – and if, for some reason, I fail to get there, I’ll simply land among the stars. And for that I’ll always thank you." How beautiful!
After reading the book I asked Nancy a few questions about their trip. I think you'll be inspired just by reading the answers below! I know it will leave you wanting more...
How long have you been cycling? How about your husband?
Nancy: "I discovered the bike in high school and fell in love with the freedom. While my classmates rode the bus to school, I jumped on my bike and enjoyed the fresh air!"
"I didn't get in to bike touring until quite a few years later. I took my first bike tour in the summer of 1988 from Norfolk, Virginia to New Orleans."
"John figured out the bike touring stuff WAY before I did! His first bike tour was in 1981 when he cycled from Albuquerque to Denver."
Have the kids been cycling since they were small? How did you cultivate a love of biking?
Nancy: "They have been cycling since there were little, but not as much as many other families. Because we lived in Ethiopia when they were little, we only cycled when we came back to the USA for the summer. We started out with them on trail-a-bikes, then graduated to tandems, then the triple, and finally on their own bikes."
"As for the love of biking, I think kids tend to enjoy what their parents are excited about. Our family bike trips were always the highlight of our days and John and I loved them - so the kids got excited about them too."
How long did you save for this trip? I know you camped a lot but ow did you maintain your home and travel without working all along?
Nancy: "Ummm... we didn't. That being said, we always saved "for retirement" and we used some of that money to fund our bike trip. So maybe I should say we saved 19 years??"
What was the reaction of your family and friends?
Nancy: "Our families didn't blink an eye - they're used to us coming up with some cockananny idea and then doing it. We had previously spent a year cycling Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. We had packed up and moved to Egypt to teach. Our sons were born while we lived in Ethiopia. In other words, doing something like this was more or less expected."
You endured heat, cold, sandstorms, mud, rain...what was the most challenging aspect of this trip for you personally?
Nancy: "From a cycling perspective, headwinds are always the most difficult. There is no way to avoid them, but you also know you'll never beat them. When climbing a hill, you know you'll get to the top someday. Hot weather will cool down. Cold temps will warm up. But headwinds never go away. It like battling an unbeatable foe."
"But way harder than the headwinds was the mental block of feeling like I was inadequate. I wasn't strong enough, I wasn't hardy enough, blah, blah, blah. I overcame that once we reached the Pacific Ocean - if I could make it across Oregon, then I was good to go!"
How did this trip strengthen your marriage?
Nancy: "I think any shared experience with your spouse will strengthen a relationship. We have so many memories that we've created together that I can't imagine going on alone. There have been times when I've been ready to march to the divorce office but then I think, "But wait a minute - if we could get through THAT together, then we can get through THIS together."
What ways did this trip prepare you all for the longer journey from Alaska to Argentina?
(John, Nancy and their 2 boys have since rode their bikes from Alaska to Argentina)
Nancy: "Completely. Our Alaska - Argentina trip simply would not have happened without this one. To begin with, we never would have even thought of the idea without meeting people along the Pacific coast who were on their way to Argentina."
"Beyond that, our journey around the USA and Mexico taught us a LOT about bike touring with kids. We learned what kind of pace we could maintain, how much and what kind of food we needed, how to deal with rain/snow/heat/cold. It was on this trip around the USA and Mexico that we worked out all the kinks and figured it all out so we felt prepared to cycle from Alaska to Argentina. And trust me - we had a LOT to figure out!"
What kept you from quitting? Especially during the beginning or when your mom was so sick?
Nancy: "I honestly don't know. I think part of it was not wanting to accept defeat. If we turned around and went back home, we would be failing in many ways - although I always maintained that we had learned so much that we could call off the trip even before we left the driveway and we wouldn't have lost."
"Ultimately, I think what kept me going was knowing that we would look back on our journey with fond memories. Even though I was exhausted or hungry, I knew the time together as a family was a special gift and one I knew I wouldn't regret."
What was the most important thing you learned on this trip? What about your boys, what did they take away from it all?
Nancy: "I think we all took away a feeling of invincibility. If we could ride our bikes across the USA, then we could do anything."
As a mom traveling with my kids, I often wonder what they will think a few years from now. How do the boys view their travel lifestyle thus far?
Nancy: "My boys have grown up traveling; they don't know anything else. Although they do understand, on one level, just how extraordinary their experiences are, they don't feel it. To them, traveling thousands of miles on bikes is normal and they don't understand why people make such a fuss about it. Very few of their friends even know they've done what they've done."
Logistically I must know how did you keep up with laundry? As someone always consumed with laundry (3 boys) I just have to know:)
Nancy: "Keeping up with laundry in the USA was EASY! Every little town has a laundromat, so we just pulled up to one and washed clothes. It wasn't unusual for the boys to go into the restroom at the laundromat to put on their swimsuits as they had no other clean clothes to put on."
"Keeping up with laundry while we cycled from Alaska to Argentina was a nightmare including many hours sitting on the shower floor with a pile of dirty clothes, but I'll leave that one for the next book!"
What do you hope your readers will take away from this book?
Nancy: "I hope people take away the idea that they can do anything. If I, a normal wife, teacher, and mother to twin boys can ride my bike across the USA, then they can do it too. And if they can ride their bike across the USA, then they can do anything. They are limited only by their imagination."
What would you say to someone that wants to do what you have done but is fearful?
Nancy:
"Fearful of what?
Of people? There's no need - this world is filled with wonder
Of cars? Choose roads without much traffic and cycle predictably so the car drivers know what to expect from you.
Of animals? They're more afraid of you than you are of them.
Of failing? What is failing - never setting out in order to "be safe" or at least trying and giving it your best?
Of the unknown? The unknown is scary, but the only way you'll know is to go."
If you are a traveler, a biker, or a dreamer then you need to read this book. It will stay with you and inspire you to tackle your greatest fears and to follow your dreams no matter what the challenge. To purchase Twenty Miles Per Cookie in book or kindle form, please visit Nancy's site. Aside from purchasing the book be sure to follow their blog to keep up with their travels and get inspired!
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In Thailand about 95% of the population is Buddhist. The rest of the population is split up between Christian and Muslim. I personally have never had a lot of exposure to anything but Christianity so I was immediately drawn to the peaceful nature of the Buddhist philosophy. I knew it would interest me greatly and that I would be spending a lot of time visiting the Wats, or Buddhist temples, in the country.
The thing that has surprised me so far is how interesting I have found the Muslim population. As we moved farther into the city I discovered several mosques and my interest was immediately peaked. I admit to knowing very little about the religion but I do know that there is a call to prayer several times a day.
There is a mosque right outside my window now and the call to prayer sparks emotion inside me like I have not felt in a long time. This evening my oldest called me outside because he noticed something different this time. Now I am not sure exactly what was going on, it seemed to be more involved then the usual call to prayer, but I found myself completely immersed in the prayer even though I had no idea what the words meant. As I leaned back against the wall tears began to well up in my eyes. The sound was so incredibly beautiful it is hard to describe in words, but as I listened I knew this has to be an amazing religion, one I plan to learn a lot more about!
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Costa Rica is a great spot for family travel in Central America. It's beaches are one of the most attractive features. Most of the beaches in Costa Rica offer seclusion, beauty, and wildlife. Some are clearly geared towards tourists while others retain the charm of a land less traveled. After visiting many of the beaches of this small country I have compiled a list of my favorites below:
Punta Uva
Puerto Viejo is one of the nicest beach areas that I have ever been to. It is situated on the Caribbean coast and enjoys a beautiful climate year round. There is a real laid back atmosphere with a Rastafarian vibe as a back drop. It is a 5 hour drive from the capitol of San Jose, through a stunning landscape. The area offers something for everyone; hiking, swimming, snorkeling, various adventure sports, and great food. The main town where you will find shopping and lodging is Puerto Viejo but the most beautiful beach in the area is Punta Uva, about 15 mins outside of town on a rustic dirt road. There you will find pristine water, a snorkeling reef just off shore, and most days you will be visited by a local troupe of howler monkeys.
If you go, be prepared; bring your own durable beach supplies, like Rio brand beach chairs , drinks and food, towels, and anything else you may want for a fun beach day. Although the town is a short drive away, the beach has NO services and is somewhat isolated.
Esterillos
Esterillos is also a beautiful beach and a nice option if you are on a tighter time constraint. Only 1 1/2 hours away from San Jose and sitting on the central Pacific coast, this can easily be a day trip. It is also a secluded beach but there are some services including a couple restaurants and small hotels. During low tide there are fabulous tide pools to explore and the large mermaid statue makes a perfect photo op. Beware during high tide, as this is a rough beach which gets populated quickly with the local surfers. Sit back and enjoy watching them brave the waves!
Flamingo
Flamingo beach is situated in Guanacaste, also on the Pacific coast. You can fly into either of the international airports, but this beach is much closer to the Liberia airport in northern Costa Rica. There is a full service marina, the only one between Mexico and Panama, and world class fishing. The beach itself is pristine white sand while the water is crystal clear. It is a more upscale area and that will be reflected in the prices for everything from food to lodging. Scuba diving, golf, jet skiing and deep sea fishing are all popular things to do in this area besides lounging the day away at the beach.
Dominical
Located on the pacific coast Dominical is a gorgeous beach with amazing surf. Popular with surfers and backpackers yet still a small town that has, to date, escaped the boom of development. The final stretch of roadway has just recently been finished shortening the trip by over an hour so it is now just a 4 hour drive from San Jose, not ideal for a day trip. Dominical is a laid back, fun town full of cute boutique hotels and restaurants. If you go, be sure to check out Playa Ventanas during low tide for great cave exploring, Nauyaca waterfalls complete with refreshing swimming holes, and Parque Reptilandia for one of the best reptile exhibits in Costa Rica. And if you venture into the water, again, be careful, riptides are common and very dangerous.
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is the most touristy spot on my list. Although it is absolutely geared towards tourists with a great nightlife, American restaurants, and fancy hotels lining the entire roadway, it is still a beautiful spot and a must see in my opinion. The national park is the most visited in the country and for good reason. You will find stunning tranquil beaches right up against a dense jungle full of monkeys, sloths, anteaters, and more. The park is closed on Mondays so you can enjoy one of the numerous tours in the area or just laze by the pool. There is a diverse selection of restaurants, my favorite being the delicious Mexican fare at Sancho’s, also a must see, or eat I suppose. Manuel Antonio is a quick 2 ½ hours from San Jose, but do yourself a favor and stay at least 1-2 nights to really enjoy the area. This can also be coupled with a trip to Dominical as it is a quick 1/2 hour trip to the south.
Samara
Samara beach is located on the northern side of the Nicoya Peninsula. It's a 4 1/2 hour drive from San Jose, but also well worth the trip. There you will find a long white sand beach with shallow gentle waters that are wonderful for children. There is also a large coral reef to explore and many boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and restaurants to choose from. On my trips to the area there has been no shortage of wildlife, howler monkeys seem to inundate the area and the sea life is spectacular. Be sure to get out on one of the various boat tours where you will discover everything from dolphins, huge manta rays to slow moving giant turtles. Carillo beach is right around the corner, literally, and also worth a visit.
All of these beaches are great choices when visiting Costa Rica. Honorable mention goes to Bejuco beach, Playa Conchal, Playa Danita, Nosara, and Manzanillo. No matter which you choose, tranquility, fun, and pura vida will be had by all.
Puerto Viejo is one of the nicest beach areas that I have ever been to. It is situated on the Caribbean coast and enjoys a beautiful climate year round. There is a real laid back atmosphere with a Rastafarian vibe as a back drop. It is a 5 hour drive from the capitol of San Jose, through a stunning landscape. The area offers something for everyone; hiking, swimming, snorkeling, various adventure sports, and great food. The main town where you will find shopping and lodging is Puerto Viejo but the most beautiful beach in the area is Punta Uva, about 15 mins outside of town on a rustic dirt road. There you will find pristine water, a snorkeling reef just off shore, and most days you will be visited by a local troupe of howler monkeys.
If you go, be prepared; bring your own durable beach supplies, like Rio brand beach chairs , drinks and food, towels, and anything else you may want for a fun beach day. Although the town is a short drive away, the beach has NO services and is somewhat isolated.
Esterillos is also a beautiful beach and a nice option if you are on a tighter time constraint. Only 1 1/2 hours away from San Jose and sitting on the central Pacific coast, this can easily be a day trip. It is also a secluded beach but there are some services including a couple restaurants and small hotels. During low tide there are fabulous tide pools to explore and the large mermaid statue makes a perfect photo op. Beware during high tide, as this is a rough beach which gets populated quickly with the local surfers. Sit back and enjoy watching them brave the waves!
Flamingo beach is situated in Guanacaste, also on the Pacific coast. You can fly into either of the international airports, but this beach is much closer to the Liberia airport in northern Costa Rica. There is a full service marina, the only one between Mexico and Panama, and world class fishing. The beach itself is pristine white sand while the water is crystal clear. It is a more upscale area and that will be reflected in the prices for everything from food to lodging. Scuba diving, golf, jet skiing and deep sea fishing are all popular things to do in this area besides lounging the day away at the beach.
Located on the pacific coast Dominical is a gorgeous beach with amazing surf. Popular with surfers and backpackers yet still a small town that has, to date, escaped the boom of development. The final stretch of roadway has just recently been finished shortening the trip by over an hour so it is now just a 4 hour drive from San Jose, not ideal for a day trip. Dominical is a laid back, fun town full of cute boutique hotels and restaurants. If you go, be sure to check out Playa Ventanas during low tide for great cave exploring, Nauyaca waterfalls complete with refreshing swimming holes, and Parque Reptilandia for one of the best reptile exhibits in Costa Rica. And if you venture into the water, again, be careful, riptides are common and very dangerous.
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| White face monkey in Manuel Antonio |
Manuel Antonio is the most touristy spot on my list. Although it is absolutely geared towards tourists with a great nightlife, American restaurants, and fancy hotels lining the entire roadway, it is still a beautiful spot and a must see in my opinion. The national park is the most visited in the country and for good reason. You will find stunning tranquil beaches right up against a dense jungle full of monkeys, sloths, anteaters, and more. The park is closed on Mondays so you can enjoy one of the numerous tours in the area or just laze by the pool. There is a diverse selection of restaurants, my favorite being the delicious Mexican fare at Sancho’s, also a must see, or eat I suppose. Manuel Antonio is a quick 2 ½ hours from San Jose, but do yourself a favor and stay at least 1-2 nights to really enjoy the area. This can also be coupled with a trip to Dominical as it is a quick 1/2 hour trip to the south.
Samara beach is located on the northern side of the Nicoya Peninsula. It's a 4 1/2 hour drive from San Jose, but also well worth the trip. There you will find a long white sand beach with shallow gentle waters that are wonderful for children. There is also a large coral reef to explore and many boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and restaurants to choose from. On my trips to the area there has been no shortage of wildlife, howler monkeys seem to inundate the area and the sea life is spectacular. Be sure to get out on one of the various boat tours where you will discover everything from dolphins, huge manta rays to slow moving giant turtles. Carillo beach is right around the corner, literally, and also worth a visit.
All of these beaches are great choices when visiting Costa Rica. Honorable mention goes to Bejuco beach, Playa Conchal, Playa Danita, Nosara, and Manzanillo. No matter which you choose, tranquility, fun, and pura vida will be had by all.
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| Wiki image |
ZenHabits
For almost a year now, my wife Eva, my six kids and I have been walking and riding mass transit almost exclusively.
We have bikes but we’re still new to them, and we also use City Carshare for longer trips out of the city. But for everything else, it’s walking and mass transit — for meeting with people, going to restaurants and movies and museums and parks, for grocery shopping (we only buy what we can carry), farmer’s markets, fairs, visiting relatives, and more.
It’s been one of the best things ever for us.
We’ve adjusted from being car users when we were on Guam. I love walking tremendously (I can walk anywhere in the city), but I also love the mass transit … for the lessons it has taught my family.
Some of the lessons we’ve learned so far:
1. How to wait. Mass transit isn’t always on time (surprise!). But rather than look at that as a reason why riding buses and trains suck, we learn how to see that as an opportunity. My boys climb trees while I do pullups and (admittedly rudimentary) gymnastics from a low branch. We tell jokes and I swing the little kids around. We share things with each other, make each other laugh. It’s a good time.
2. How to walk. Mass transit doesn’t take you everywhere, so we walk more than most families. That’s a great thing. Even my little ones are in pretty good shape and rarely complain about walking. We deal with the weather, which is something most people don’t do, as they’re cut off from the world in their glass and metal boxes. Truthfully, we don’t always walk — we love to race each other up hills and be out of breath. It’s wonderful.
3. How to deal with humanity. We’re often shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers, which is something you never experience with a car. We deal with smells, with annoying people, with those who talk loudly, with the mentally challenged, with plain crazy people. In other words, with people. And this is a great thing. We learn that we come in all shapes and sizes, that life isn’t the perfect picket fences you see on TV, that the world is real … and that that’s OK. We’re learning to celebrate differences.
4. How to live sustainably. We haven’t cut our emissions to zero, but by the simple act of giving up a car, we’ve cut our use of resources and our emissions down more than most people will by recycling, buying less, using less heat, using less paper, etc. I’m not saying this to brag, or to judge others. I’m saying we’re learning, and while we have a lot to learn, I think we’re making progress.
5. That transit can be more convenient than cars. Sure, it’s nice to be able to hop in your car and go somewhere quickly, no matter the weather. That’s convenient. But there are inconveniences with cars that we forget about: the frustrations of parking (especially in San Francisco), traffic jams, rude drivers, car accidents, flat tires, car maintenance, having to stop for gas, having to actually drive instead of relaxing on the trip, sitting all the time instead of moving around, and more. Again, I’m not judging cars, but all of that, if you think about it, makes riding on a bus or train actually seem nice.
6. How to live frugally. My kids aren’t poor, but I want to teach them that there are good ways of living that don’t have to cost a lot. That spending money for conveniences isn’t necessarily a good thing. We shop at Goodwill, ride transit, cook in big batches, eat little meat (my wife and I eat none). We’re not the most thrifty ever, but we’re teaching the kids that it’s possible. (Read more.)
7. How to live with less control. When you have a car, you feel that things are under your control (forgetting about traffic, accidents and the like). But when you’re riding mass transit, things are not under your control. You’re at the mercy of the schedule, of drivers, of other people slowing the system down, of trains breaking down and backing the system up, and so on. You learn to let go of the illusion of control, and to deal with changes as they come. This is a miraculous lesson.
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Family Travel Blog
In 1998, I took a 3-month backpacking trip around Europe. No computers, no digital cameras, nothing high-tech at all. Looking back on that trip I quickly realize how much easier a lot of it would have been with the tools we have today. In my opinion, a modern traveler would have to be crazy to not have at least one i-something, or at least an android equivalent. It just makes too much sense, and this is coming from a mom of 3 boys that doesn’t even have TV.
In this age of rapidly advancing technology it is near impossible to exist without such things as an e-reader, iPod, iPhone, iPad, or other smart tablets and phones. They are amazing tools in everyday life and indispensable for those of us that travel with kids.
The following is a list, in no particular order, of the apps that we’ve found make life just a little bit easier when on the road:
1. Google Translate
This is just simply a great tool for translating. Google translate is available in 57 different languages. It can be used with voice recognition or simply by typing a phrase in. The voice recognition could use some work and is not available in every language yet but I expect it will close soon. It is available on any android, ipod, itouch, iphone, and ipad.
2. Iconvert
If you are like me, an American, the thought of converting anything from the metric system to the only system we are accustomed to, the standard system, can be taxing.. Sometimes the brain can just hold only so much information. Enter Iconvert; it will convert basically any form of measurement, weight, area, pressure, energy, speed, etc. It even has some currency and a fuel options. This one is a MUST for us North Americans.
3. All subway HD
Subway systems are often times confusing and not necessarily something you want to wait until the last minute to figure out. This app gives you the subway layout, complete with maps, for over 128 cities worldwide. Although it is not an interactive tool, it is a great component to any travel and can even be used offline. It is available in HD for the Ipad and non-HD for the iphone and ipod.
4. Flightboard
If you are incorporating any air travel into your journey then Flightboard will be a great tool. On it you can keep up to date with arrivals as well as departures and even communicate those findings via Twitter or Facebook. If you are picking friends up or have a friend picking you up, this is a great way to quickly see if there are any delays. For an added cost you can add Flight tracker which will track the exact location of you plane. Flightboard is available on iphone, ipad, ipod, and android.
5. Free Wi-Fi finder
Oftentimes free wi-fi can be tough to find. Just because your hotel has it does not necessarily mean it is free and sometimes there are HUGE charges to use it. No need to go through internet withdrawal. Simply use this free app to scout out where the closest free wi-fi spot is in your area. It is updated every week and at this point includes over 550,000 free wi-fi areas in 144 different countries. If you find a new spot not in the list you can add it yourself!
6. Gowalla
If you want to avoid traveling with heavy guidebooks then this is a great free app for you. This app will allow you to review places like hotels and restaurants, as well as search any area to find the must see places and any current happenings. It also allows you to build a virtual passport, follow a pre-planned trip, share photos, and even earn rewards. Available on all systems and free of charge.
7. Word lens
This app needs to be included for the sheer brilliance of it. Word lens is a translation app that worked via the camera function using optical character recognition. Simply hold the camera over the words or phrases that you do not understand and it automatically translates it for you. This is a newer app and is only available in Spanish to English and vice versa but more languages will be added in the near future. It also is not 100% accurate especially when the camera is shaky. For those traveling through Spanish-speaking countries, at $4.99, this app is a must.
8. Sit or Squat
This free app sounds like some silly parody but trust me, especially traveling with a toddler or multiple kids, a good beat on where a clean bathroom is can be a lifesaver. This is a spot where travelers can rate bathrooms and even include photos. The database includes over 100,000 toilets and more are added everyday. All it takes is one bad experience to realize the value here!
9. National Parks maps HD
If you are traveling inside the US, national parks will be a big part of your must see list. Aside from getting a yearly pass (something I also recommend) to the parks, this app is a great complement to the parks. At the moment, this app offers trail maps to 15 different parks including Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon. This allows for ease of trip planning, what points to see in these enormous parks, and can actually pinpoint exact locations so that you avoid detours or getting lost all together. It can be used offline for those areas that 3G is not available. The app is $4.99 and works with ipad, iphone, and ipod.
10. Pack TM
Pack TM is a packing tool that helps you organize and keep track of what you have packed. This $2 app (they also have a free version with less frills) is a godsend if you lose your luggage or have the feeling that something is missing after a TSA search. Well worth the trouble to easily keep things organized.
There are tons of apps out there and many that are fabulous but not included on this list. There is only so much space on a top ten list! In addition to these useful travel apps, smart phones and tablets offer endless games, books and other educational applications to keep the kids from crawling out of their skin during a long flight or train ride.
Do yourself a favor before your next extended outing and invest in a smartphone or tablet and get these apps. The savings in time and frustration will be worth the cost and then some.
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| Labyrinth garden in Zarcero Costa Rica |
At one point we bought in hard to all the trappings of the ‘American Dream’ with the big house, two cars, bills and debt, two rat-race jobs, family functions, golf league, little league, poker night, etc. It was all well and good, and certainly we found much joy in that life. But life still felt somewhat empty and pointless as we ran on society's hamster wheel.
Our journey began the fateful day we simply pondered the question of “what if there was another way to spend our time on this planet than grinding out a “normal” life?” The mere thought was as if someone had unlocked the small reality box we felt trapped in. You know, the box whose walls read; work, consume, and obey because there's no other way.
When we realized that we wanted more; not more stuff, but more experiences for our children and family, we began to brainstorm about the possibilities -- which are endless when your box of perception is opened. This made us wonder about what experiences were feasible for our family.
After much consideration, dropping out, selling everything and moving to another country became our goal. We felt that we only live once and we wanted to make the best of it. Besides, we figured, we’re young enough that if it doesn’t work out, we’ll either move back or figure something else out.
Already being homeschoolers of our three kids, we had the liberty of traveling during the regular school session. And incidentally, we had less concerns for leaving a good school district in pursuit of our new foreign journey – which is one of the biggest challenges for families considering long-term travel.
Naturally, we were primarily concerned that if we dropped everything, how would we support ourselves financially? Where would we go and why?
Much thought went into these questions and shaped our research. Ultimately, we decided to move to Costa Rica for the experience of a new culture, language, and scenery. Costa Rica was attractive because of the terrific climate, peaceful government, stable economy, quality healthcare, and close proximity to the United States.
We spent the next five years living in and exploring Costa Rica with visits to neighboring countries Panama and Nicaragua. All three of these countries offer a tremendous experience for family travel and should be high on anyone's list of foreign attractions.
So far, we have been technically jobless for over five years, but have managed to always make our living expenses, sometimes with frills, many times without. We have primarily made our living as writers which allows for extreme flexibility.
However, our original goal was to not acquire more than we can carry in case we wanted to explore something new on a whim. But after five years we realized that similar rooting habits were beginning to lock us there.
We now had good friends, a full schedule of classes and other activities, and business interests to attend to. Although we had dramatically simplified and downsized our lifestyle in Costa Rica, we still accumulated furniture, appliances, vehicles, pets, tools, books and toys. Consequently, we once again felt somewhat stuck.
That is when we decided to embark on this new adventure where the goal isn’t a place necessarily or business opportunities, but the journey itself. Again, faced with unlimited ideas and challenges, we begin our research. Where to go? What to see and do? What will be the richest experience for three young kids? How will we afford to travel extensively with a family of five on a modest income?
These challenges don’t frighten us as we have conquered them before. In fact, they only invigorated us with newfound enthusiasm for unknown opportunities. The main difference this time is that we don’t plan to stay in the same location for longer than a month or two.
Indeed, this will present many unique logistical challenges any family travelers will face like functioning in multiple languages and currencies, keeping an affordable roof over our heads and healthy food in our bellies, balancing work with sight-seeing and family activities, managing transportation and destinations, and much more.
As our journey unfolds, stayed tuned to learn from our mistakes and triumphs.
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