Travel Buddies

The "perfect" travel companions!

Death Valley antics.  We were fun and unpredictable back then!

In less than 24 hours Nate and I will be on a 10 1/2 hour direct flight to Frankfurt.  In our almost 6 years of marriage we have made traveling one of our priorities in our lives.  We love it.  Seeing new places, experiencing different cultures, walking for hours and trying some tons of new foods are a few of our favorite things.  And I think we complement each other pretty well in terms of traveling compatibility.  We have come a long way compared to the first real trip we went on as a dating couple with our good friends Jake and Amie.  That trip brought up some of our first conflicts.  In our road trip to the Grand Canyon we discovered we had differences in planning, (I didn't) making decisions, (I felt no need) being tidy, (I wasn't) needing food (I always did) and needing bathrooms (me again.)  All of his structure drove me just as crazy as my free spirit drove him crazy.  Still, this did not stop us from plowing on to many more excursions, and I'm so glad we did. 

If it weren't for that first incredibly fun yet frustrating trip I don't think I'd appreciate the slow changes that have occurred in us. We've listened to each other, adapted to each other and edged our preferences towards each other.  NOW, I am happy to arrive to all scheduled departures abundantly early so Nate won't be stressed out.  He keeps his eyes out for logical rest/food stops at all times.  I mark restaurants and sights I would like to see BEFORE we leave (mostly).  He sits and reads books at cute little cafes (for a bit.)  Neither of us are outrageously tidy in a hotel room.  We agree that days should be balanced between planned and wandering, we are willing to ask people to take pictures of us and we will always split our meal if we both feel like the same thing.  Breakfast must always be eaten, and mornings shouldn't be rushed unless absolutely necessary.  Transit systems are meant to be navigated by Nate, walking is perfect for burning the calories of rich and delicious meals and evenings are for watching sunsets/street performers/people in general.  

We know some of the things this trip holds in store for us, such as a visit to a concentration camp, lots of schnitzel, a drive through Bavaria, Hitler's Eagle's Nest, the Sound of Music Tour, sausage tasting and various beer gardens.  However, we have just enough mystery left to leave me giddy with excitement to find out what will happen in the next 19 days!

Maybe not ALWAYS full of joy...

I don't want to start my blog by misleading anyone.  I am not always "full of joy." I am a teacher and there are students who will enthusiastically vouch for that truth.  I am a wife and I have a husband who can also confirm I occasionally lack joy.  I am a friend and many a friend of mine has been a listener to my un-joyful laments.  I am a daughter and a sister and my family has experienced ups and downs with me.  However, I HAVE always loved that joy is my middle name for several reasons. 
a) It's a great conversation starter. 
b) I know I'm supposed to be joyful in all circumstances so it gives me something to shoot for. 
c) I feel good when I live up to my name. 
d) Some people assume I live up to my name even when I don't... it gives me an extra implied aura of joy whether I am joyful or not!  Bonus!

Therefore, joy has made it into most titles I get to give myself and I feel I have the right to because Joy is in my name.  Even if I'm not.  

Now that you know the truth I can be fully satisfied with my blog title as I continue in my adventures as teacher, wife, friend and family member.