While the World Race is the most difficult, minimal, raw year I’ve ever lived it is still such an adventure! Here’s a list of the highlights from this year. Now obviously this isn’t all that the year was, but writing this reminds me of how much the Lord must love me to include so many special adventures.
1. Walking ALL day through Lviv, Ukraine on the hunt for a castle with Jacob
My friend Jacob and I spent a whole entire day in Lviv, Ukraine using google maps (offline) in an attempt to locate some castle ruins. We walked literally across the entire city! Later that night, 20 minutes before curfew we stumbled across it accidentally. Figures!
2. Cutting my hair to absolve a bet with Connor
I had a weird emotional attachment to the bottom four inches of my hair for several reasons. One being that a boy had told me a few years ago that I looked better with long hair. That’s a dumb reason, I know. But still it stuck. Another being that my hair grows at a snail’s pace! Regardless, I’m a woman of my word so when Connor shaved his beard off (his end of the deal) I had to make good. At 3AM. With my friend Emma who can cut a really edgy bob but maybe not a professional shape. This night was wild from start to finish but it’s one of my favorites!
3. Night-swimming in Pacasmayo, Peru almost every night with my best friends
We would dive into the pitch black frigid waves, push each other under and swim till we had to catch a tuk tuk back home. I had salty hair that whole month and I still don’t regret it!
4. Cliff jumping into crystal clear water in Thessaloniki, Greece
This one kinda explains itself. Look up the pictures – it’s a beautiful city and previous visitors include the Apostle Paul!
5. Grilling on the sidewalk in Draganesti, Romania with Carly and Connor
It’s amazing what all you can cook on a rusty grate with a pile of charcoal and a makeshift chimney! We cooked everything from random beef parts to chocolate cake on that grill.
6. Paragliding in Pokhara, Nepal
I went soaring through the sky like a hawk! Or like a very white, very blonde pigeon. Seeing the world from up high like that can’t be fully captured with words so I won’t try. I just highly recommend trying this one out!
7. Our 74 hour travel day from Peru to Chile
This was a nightmare when it was happening! Now it’s just a mildly comical fever dream as I look back. From the first bus breaking down in the desert overnight to the last bus leaking during a monsoon… This was anything but a typical ride down the road.
8. That 14 hour boat ride from one Indian village to another
This was special for the fact that we were supposed to have two boats but instead only had one. So twice the capacity with that many hours could’ve led to a lot worse than a few leg cramps! This was a once in a lifetime kind of day. Not the kind that I dreamt about, but I’ll never forget it for sure.
9. Going out for a NICE meal in Valparaiso, Chile
A fancy dinner on the World Race is few and far between. We all dressed up, did our makeup and tried our best to look like respectable young ladies. Pictures were taken, good food was had and laughs were innumerable.
10. Sleeping in bathtubs, closets, bunk beds, tents, pillow forts, boats, busses and airplanes
I’m not exaggerating when I say that sleep is one of my hobbies. I’m the absolute BEST at it! I’ve done it in all of the above vehicles and places and all of which were restful and rejuvenating.
I’m glad that I could take you all on a little journey through those especially exciting moments I’ve had! This was so fun to write and I’m hoping it was fun to read!
