Around the world in 147 days

The last time we undertook such an adventure was back in 2015-2016, long before Brexit, or Covid, or TikTok.

Our barometer of success back then with Lottie, aged 3 1/2, and Hatty, just over 18 months, outside of survival, was playgrounds, and just how many we could visit during our 173 days away from home. We came in at 97, just shy of a century, but nonetheless an impressive average of a new playground every 43hrs. An average that was only rivalled by our bottles of wine consumption during those same 173 days.

So it is time for us to go again, although this time success will not be measured in playgrounds, we hope, and we certainly won’t be setting any records for wine consumption. In fact we don’t really know what success will look like. Clearly family unit survival. It would be nice for everyone to stay safe and well, for everyone to still be talking to one another by the end of the trip, and for us to have strengthened our family bond. Outside of that, no real expectations.

With so much focus today on setting goals for the future and not living in the present, and the constant bombardment of society’s definition of success, we are approaching this adventure with a completely open mind. Yes we have a route in mind, places we want to see, certain educational responsibilities for the girls, but we have not set any objectives or goals or targets. We will be seeking our fulfilment and joy, plus whatever else life throws at us along the way, simply in the journey itself.

So if you are in any way interested in hearing how two parents in their mid-40s, who have spent the last 20 years on the corporate treadmill, get on exploring very different parts of the world with their two incredibly loving, caring and adventurous 11 and 9 year old daughters, then you are most welcome to follow us here. We would love to get your ideas and input along the way, and hear what you are up to in your own journey through life.