A New Journey Begins

2018 was an exciting year for us in so many ways. Matt and I moved into our first apartment together in DC, I graduated with my master’s degree, and we got married on December 21^st in a lovely private ceremony near Doylestown, PA. It’s been quite a wonderful and intense whirlwind, to say the least!

About a year and a half ago, just before I moved to Austin to embark on the first 10 months of my master’s program, Matt and I were indulging in bottomless brunch and mimosas at a Greek restaurant in DC when the idea for this big backpacking trip started to take shape. Perhaps the mimosas were taking their effect (just kidding!) when we began to discuss our ideal next-steps in life together after my eventual return from Austin. We considered that we’d feel ready to leave DC and try out a new city; I’d be looking for a post-grad career shift; and that we were young, healthy, and lucky enough to have savings for a big adventure. With those reasons in mind, along with our insatiable wanderlust, we started researching destinations, considering timeframes, and closely tracking airfare prices. In October we purchased our one-way tickets to Sri Lanka!

Matt wrapped up his last day of work on January 2^nd (pro-tip: If you work one day in a month, you get healthcare for the entire month!) and we are now in California visiting family and celebrating our marriage with the west-coast crew. On January 15^th, we will fly to Asia and start the next chapter in our journey.

We plan to travel anywhere from four to six months, and countries on our itinerary include Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Singapore. Check out our itinerary page for updated details on our schedule and plans. We’ve packed clothes and supplies in just one backpack each, taking note of packing recommendations from many friends, family, and random travel bloggers who have ventured on long-term trips before us. Matt and I will record many of our experiences and travel perspectives here to share with you, and plan to post photos and update our itinerary regularly.

We feel so grateful to take this bold next step with the support of all of you. Thanks for your kindness, love, and time spent together in 2018. Happy new year, and stay in touch! We miss you already!

 Cheesing after our wedding ceremony on December 21st, 2018 at the Black Bass Hotel.

 Posing with LBJ after receiving my master's degree in public affairs on December 8, 2018.

Sunset walk on the Hermosa Beach Pier on January 4th, 2019.