Our trip around the world: by Melina
Our Family Trip Around The World
In June of last year, we sold our house in Sonoma and started our trip around the world. Although we had to cut the trip short, it was a lot of fun and an amazing learning experience. We were exposed to different languages, different foods, and different cultures.
Before we left on the trip, I was a little sad. We were going to be moving away from the place I had spent most of my life - 10 years - and I was nervous about going to some of the countries we had picked. However, I ended up seeing my friends much more than I thought I would, and the countries I had some reservations about turned out to be awesome. I’m glad I chose to go instead of staying behind and going to a regular school. Yes, this was a choice because my mom was determined to go either way! I was a little worried about not being able to get back into the routine of normal school, but with the Coronavirus, my school is starting back online. While traveling, my IST Tracey - Independent Study Teacher - helped me manage my classes and assignments so that I had time to enjoy all the places we were staying instead of just working the entire trip. Through my IST and my mom I was able to weave our travel destinations and school curriculum together. My favorite assignment was marine biology in Thailand.
One of my favorite parts of the trip was Japan. I loved the feel of the country as well as how clean it was. Different parts of Tokyo had different feels to them and I loved being able to explore. One of my favorite places in Japan was Nanako Broadway. There were so many cool stores and food places that were all in one place. I also liked the food in Tokyo and my favorite meal was the one Dad and I had at a little ramen place the day before we left. It was such a small space too — you had to stand behind the person on the stool —while they were eating—to secure a spot. I’m a little sad we didn’t make it to Harajuku, but now we have something saved for the next time we go. I am hoping to return with my friends next year. I am not sure if mom will go back since she is not a big fan of crowds but I know she does want to go to Mt. Fuji, so maybe she will come?
I also really enjoyed our stay in Thailand. This was the part of the trip I was the most worried about. Other than the extreme humidity, this portion of the trip went really well. Our first place was an awesome villa near the city of Chiang Mai, which kept us close to many temples, but not super close to the city center. We went to an outdoor market and a night market, with the first one overwhelmingly smelling of fish. Dad also took Zach and I zip lining in Chiang Mai which was awesome, but very sweaty. Another great moment was the Yee Pang festival which is a lantern festival in Chiang Mai. We happened to be there on the night of the festival. We didn’t go into the city because there were major crowds, but we were able to see the fireworks and floating lanterns from where we were staying. It was so cool.
In December we went to London where I got to see Six the musical. I absolutely loved it! It was even better than I could have imagined. The theater was very small and cramped but it didn’t matter. Just Mom and I went because we didn’t think it would be appropriate for Zach, even though he does know all the songs.
Florence was our next stop, after London, where we planned to stay for several weeks over the Christmas holiday season. We stayed in several Airbnbs in Florence and also in Fiesole, where we spent several days around New Year’s. Each place was so unique and had its own character. I enjoyed walking through Florence and seeing all the different architecture. Dad and I bought museum passes and went to as many as we could fit in. My favorite museum was the Uffizi. Mom took us to her old apartment, but couldn’t remember exactly which door it was so we have pictures in front of 3 different doors on the same block. I am not sure any of them were the actual apartment since she forgot the address. But at least we were on the right street. She really wanted to show us the inside but that wasn’t possible.
We went to Bologna after Florence and Fiesole and then to Milan. We flew to Scotland where we spent a week in Edinburgh. I loved exploring Edinburgh and discovering places that might have been the inspiration for buildings in Harry Potter. We went on several great tours in Edinburgh and mom, Zach and I explored a few museums and parks while dad had client meetings. In Aviemore, Scotland, our next stop after Edinburgh, I was very sick. There’s not much else to say except the shortbread was good.
Back to London and this time we stayed in an Airbnb instead of a hotel. I loved having my own room. We did a lot of walking when we were staying at that Airbnb because mom believes that you see the best things on foot and have more flexibility. We went to the Tower of London and saw the six tower ravens. One of them was throwing trash all over the ground, literally sticking its head in the garbage and pulling trash out. The ravens are huge!
Overall, I would say the trip was a really great experience. I learned a lot about different countries and cultures, especially in Japan and Thailand. There were so many wonderful experiences that I got to have while traveling like taking a tuk-tuk with my dad in Chiang Mai, swimming with a bunch of baby sharks in Koh Lanta and snorkeling, kayaking and paddle-boarding above The Great Barrier Reef.
The food I tried while we were traveling was another great part of the trip. I especially loved the ramen my dad and I got in Tokyo and the Pad Thai in Thailand. In England, I loved the sausage roll even though it stabbed my mouth. All the fresh pasta and focaccia in Italy really messed up my diet but it sure was delicious.
I enjoyed almost every moment of our travels. One moment I did not enjoy was when I was so sick in Scotland. Running to catch planes, or being jet lagged from so many time zones was all a part of the adventure so it didn’t bother me. It was also very fun to stay in different places that we wouldn’t normally live in—-like the apartment in New Zealand that was right in the middle of the city. Mom and I spent so much time on the awesome balcony there. I’m grateful mom and dad decided to make this trip happen and that we were still able to go. I had such a unique freshman year of high school. It was a great experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat!
We did pretty well on our goal: 11/16 destinations.
Already looking forward to our next trip!
