What We've Learned

There is a lot that I want to share on being nomad with 2 dogs in Europe. And I've been thinking about what to share on this for a few months now. I think the best way might be to just share a simple list.

To Quote Scott Pilgrim, "I think I just learned something...!"

1. We spent less money being overseas vs. being in Victoria,BC This one really shocked me when I saw the numbers, but it's honestly true. We have spent less than 1/2 of one of our annual salaries (after taxes and deductions) by being overseas. This is excluding fuel for the truck while in Europe, but includes our round trip flights, monthly rent & services (internet, food, vet, etc.), and round trip shipping of the 4Runner. Seeing the numbers on this has really put into perspective how much we can spend when we're at home. It's been really great to live downsized to a point where we only have what fits in the truck (knowing that the dogs own the backseat). We live in an expensive part of the world being on the Vancouver Island. It's certainly beautiful, but we sure do pay a premium for it.
   

2. Beer is delicious all over the world Kelly and I were talking about this 'list' over lunch today. I just turned to him to help jog my memory about what we had on it (as I didn't write this all down longhand). But he did give me the above response. So, I'll take it for what it's worth because it's really very true. No matter where you go this in big, vast world, the beer is always top!
   

3. The world is small It took us going to 'random place' Croatia, to meet a couple who lived right around the corner from us in Victoria for 5+ years (we had never met before!). No, I'm not making this up. They saw our truck, and squeezed a hand written note into the passenger window with their info. We totally ended up meeting up and going for lunch (Thanks Zoe & Matt!!)! It was truly one of those magical meetings! Especially even more so, as we hadn't heard English from the Island in awhile at that point. (And yes, Victoria, you have an accent!)
   

4. Spending 10 months, 24 hrs a day with your spouse is.... Ah, where do I start with all the ways to describe this one? Kelly says "it's cool and it has it's challenges for sure - we'll be transparent about that". (He's a brave guy for answering that one out loud *haha*!!!) However, because we move around so much, there are things that each of us do and it makes life kind of 'flow'. In this way we never need to ask "who packs what" or how duties are divided. We both just know what needs to be done. But there is also an increase in respect for one another that is a bit difficult to describe. Absolutely we there are times where we drive the other one totally crazy, but then, see point #2 above. There is nothing that we can't work through, or discuss over a crisp, cold beer!
   

5. Our dogs are superstars!! I cannot believe how lucky we are to spend all day, every day with our dogs. They have learned so much joining us on this trip, and almost every single one of their negative behaviours has vanished at this point. Dahlia used to have big anxiety issues - especially when it came to packing up and going in the truck. Now she is a super star! She's become such a great traveler that we almost don't even know she's there a lot of the time!! She lets a lot of random people pet her without a reacting, and she may even enjoy attention now! Kona is still working on being around other dogs he doesn't like, but he's totally able to keep himself under his threshold, so big wins there too! Plus, I've learned a lot spending all day, every day with the dogs too! such as: there is never any need to rush. Enjoy walking into the wind. Treat yourself to naps. You can hold it longer than you think. And. as long as we're together, everything is awesome!
   

6. Kelly says: "Knives has an amazing ability to figure out languages" This is from Kelly verbatim. "She may not have the ability to speak ever single language right away, but she can understand the essence of what people are saying really, really, really, really quickly...and even make jokes!" (to which, I replied..."Really?!" and had a difficult time typing this because that was so sweet of Kelly to say and I had no idea he thought that!!). For the record, I still really struggle with British Slang and anything in Dutch....
   

7. Despite what the media feeds us, generally everyone in the world is generous & kind (Except for that one lady in Prague....) I really feel the need to stress this point, because I think that it's not the type of thing that makes headlines on the news. But people are inherently good!

With that said, we fly back to Canada tomorrow. It's going to be strange hearing English everywhere again. And I'm going to do my best to see my country through the eyes of those here in Europe who have shared their love and admiration for our home.

It's a special thing to have the honour of calling Canada home. Just has it has been an honour to have the opportunity to learn so much from Europe.

I think I might just have a few homes now....

See you soon Canada!