New York, New York

Well, we did it! We moved everything into storage, rented out our house, packed our bags and flew to New York (through JFK), not to return to Seattle until October, when we’re on our way through to Australia. 

Travel days are always a bit stressful, when you are trusting other people to handle your luggage, but when that said luggage represents most of your prized possessions for the next year it hits a bit differently. We tried to pack as light as we possibly could for such a long trip, and managed to fit most things into three checked suitcases and a couple backpacks, but we’ve already had a casualty- Emily’s little Stokke Jetkids carry on broke a wheel! It’s seen us through a number of international trips over the years, and having this little carryon has been great as Emily can ride it through the massive airports (like JFK!) where short little kid legs would get pretty tired if they had to walk the whole way. We’ll try to find something to take its place while here in NYC for a few days before we fly to Athens.

Manhattan is one of Anna and my favorite places to visit, especially for shopping, Central Park, and the food. But it’s so funny to try to share that joy with Emily- we try to point out the amazing giant buildings, such as the Steinway Tower or the building that looks like a giant stack of Louis Vuitton luggage, but as we’re pointing them out, Emily glances, but then says “look at this pretty flower!” or “come here, bird!”, WAY more interested in nature than any man-made spectacles.

I suppose that’s part of the point of this trip, though! To travel slower, with minimal schedule, and see things through a child’s eyes. So for our first adventure in Manhattan, we went to the Central Park Zoo, where Emily was able to see a red panda, pet some sheep, and play on turtle sculptures. Later today, we’ll check out the High Line and Chelsea Market.

Until next time!

-Nick