Woahh...things are just a little bit (or actually SUPER) crazy right now!
Olivia and I spent all of last week in beautiful Kelowna visiting with my family. Konrad joined us half-way through. We had a wonderful time with my parents, sisters, brother-in-law and my cute niece and nephew. (I am sharing lots of pictures at the end, if you are into other people's family and vacation pictures 😉 )
Kelowna is just such gorgeous place. It's so much warmer there than here in Calgary. I even went into my parent's pool, although it was a touch too chilly for my taste (I hate cold water). Olivia had the time of her life in the kiddy pool almost everyday. And we even went to the water spray park a couple of times.
Konrad and my dad also spend a whole day boating and fishing on the lake. Being confined in a small space over open water with a curious, wiggly almost 1 -year-old didn't sound like fun, so Olivia and I didn't join.
On Sunday we hit the road again and made the long trip home. It was a gorgeous sunny day and Father's Day (Konrad's first), so we stopped on the way at a place called the Enchanted Forest. We spent some family time exploring the fairytale scenes displayed in the woods. Kind of magical!
After one day home, we had to hit the road again. This time on a (shorter) road trip to Edmonton. Still, neither of us felt like sitting in the car again. But it had to be done.
We needed to get our Thai visas, because we are flying to Thailand NEXT WEEK!!
The current plan is to stay in South East Asia for at least the next year or so.
If you've been reading for a long time, you know how passionate I am about travel. Until 2 years ago Konrad and I were traveling through SE Asia. And I am so super excited to get back there this time as family of 3.
Travel will be different now with a child. We will adopt the slow-travel approach even more than before. Our families think we are crazy doing this with a child, but we believe it will be very beneficial for Olivia.
She will get to spend most of her time with actually both parents around, while exploring new cultures and cuisines.
If you remember my blogging days from our last travels, you know how difficult it was to find Western kitchens. Well, the problem then was, that this was still a cake blog and ovens just aren't a part of many Asian kitchen setups.
Things should be easier this time around. First of all, this isn't a dessert blog only, anymore. I am actually super excited to share Asian cooking skills and recipes I'll hopefully pick up along the way.
Also, because we are traveling slower, we are also working with a different budget, that will hopefully allow us to rent more modern apartments.
So this is the big news. We are only at the beginning of our journey and I am looking forward to taking you along through this blog.
As we are in the process of packing and settling last-minute affairs, things are kind of crazy and stressful now. So until we are settled into our first place, postings here might be a bit sporadic.
Now the promised pictures:
These 2 cousins are just 2 days apart, both almost 1, and loving their new-found mobility
Getting some work done, while Olivia naps in the shade
Faith @ PixieDustKitchen
I spent the first few years of my life in Japan and LOVE that we did that- so I am so excited that Olivia will have that same experience. I hope that it's amazing and I can't wait to see your Tai updates! (And I can't believe how much she has grown!)
Regina
Faith, your comment means so much! I am so glad to hear you are fondly looking back at your experience of living in Japan. I am sure it shaped you tremendously. This is my wish for Olivia as well 🙂
Janine
Wow, I hope you have a fantastic trip, Regina!
Regina
Thank you so much Janine! I know it will be the experience of a life time 🙂
jacquee | I Sugar Coat It!
YAY! What an exciting experience for Olivia (hopefully she remembers...). Seeing how the rest of the world lives and loves at a young age, really helps to shape a person. I know it did me! Looking forward to all the wonderful authentic Thai eats from your travels!
Regina
Thank you so much for sharing your personal experience. I know this will shape Olivia, even if she won't remember too much of the next couple of years yet.
Can't wait to eat and share Thai food with you 🙂
Paula
All your pictures are wonderful, lovely family! You sound very excited to be going to Thailand and I wish you safe travels and happy adventures! Looking forward to your post from afar!
Regina
Thank you very much Paula. Yes, we are super excited for Thailand, although all the last minute preparations can be stressfull
Susi Harris
i love to get your postings.its beautiful and lovely.