My hope is to do some blogging while we're there so you can have a glimpse of the adventures we have. First, I'm going to answer some of the typical questions we've had from those we've told about our plans.
Why?
Because we can! Nate works from home and since he is self-employed he can make his own schedule. Because he works on the phone he can work anywhere. I am on a leave from teaching this year (and have made the BIG decision to keep staying home unless the tiniest of part times becomes available) so I am free as a bird (a bird with two kiddos.) We've always talked and dreamed of going somewhere exciting for a year but then realized we'd really miss our friends/family/home if were were gone that long so two months is our compromise. And Hawaii because sunshine, warmth, ocean and Mai Tais. The Big Island specifically because it's the cheapest of all the islands for longer term housing.
Where will we be staying?
In a two bedroom, two bath condo just more than mile south of Kailua-Kona. We will be on the ground floor so it has a nice larger porch area with a BBQ and outdoor seating. There are two pools on the grounds and the property is across the street from ocean, though no beach access.
What will happen to our house while we're gone?
We are so lucky to have a past co-worker of mine whose family is jumping from house-sit to house-sit while her son finishes his senior year of high school. They will live in our house and make sure everything is safe and cared for.
Is this a work trip or a play trip?
Both! Nate will work some days and we will play some days. The exact days depends on the sales he makes. When he works the kiddos and I will have "normal" days, hopefully including lots of pool time, walks, story time at the library and playground visits. When he doesn't have to work we'll choose our adventure or relax and enjoy living in paradise.
Are we renting a car this whole time?
This has been kind of difficult. We found a rental car that was way cheaper than any other option and per day not bad. Per day added up for two months is a lot though. If we both want to be able to drive the car there is a huge up-charge. If we want anything bigger than a car the price is absurd. It was looking like we'd have a fairly small car with only one of us able to drive it. Finally though, Nate found a van to rent on craigslist for a much smaller price. This is a risk because there are no guarantees through craigslist but we are able to keep our car reservation up until the day of so we will have a chance to at least check the van over before canceling the other. Does anyone have experience with making up lease-type agreements for something like this? That's our best idea to plan for if the van breaks down or has an issue...
When are we going?
March 12-May 15. SOON!!
