Marking a Milestone!

View 2008 Recap Slideshow

As we say goodbye to 2008, Lou and I cannot help but celebrate the 100th post on our blog, by looking back at what a life-changing year it has been. Living abroad has been a whirlwind adventure, introducing us to new jobs, friends and way of life. It has been both a challenging and rewarding experience as we immerse ourselves, if ever so briefly, in countries and cultures so different from our own. From a family-owned rubber operation in Koh Yao Noi, Thailand to the Jemma El Efna in Marrakesh, Morocco, we have been enamored and intrigued by the colourful people we have encountered, the unique foods we have tasted and one-of-a-kind experiences shared together in our first year of marriage.

We know that some people hate looking at our blog (Linsey - you are envious of our trips, but we are more envious of your return to student life and naps!) but hope others appreciate the glimpse our photos and blurbs provide into another side of the globe. Living abroad, we have picked up so many new hobbies (the true way to see a city is by pounding the unbeaten pavement), interests (I have drug Lou to every foreign food market and tasted the best dragon fruit, manchego, olives and mulled wine available) and at the same time, an appreciation for the convenience and choices provided in America. We have learned so much living abroad about ourselves and the different places and people around us that sometimes, it is a shame that we cannot share more of our exploration via photos.

Here are some of impromtu photo highlights of 2008:
As our Christmas trip to Bavaria lasted close to two weeks, we decided to mark the end of the year, in stark contrast to the way we spent most of it with no flights or luggage, but simply us at home with a home-cooked meal and and a nice bottle of champagne.

The fire definitely still burns in us to travel and see the world during 2009 and throughout the rest of our lives, but it is also very exciting for us that after four years of living in Washington, D.C. and over a year in Dublin, we will eventually find our way home to Minneapolis. We look forward to becoming a more regular fixture in our families and friends lives, becoming home owners and maybe even owning a microwave again.

We hope that everyone is blessed with much joie de vivre in 2009!