Lately I’ve often found myself standing at our window and staring at this perfect ocean view:
It’s because I know that in just a couple of short months, we won’t have it anymore.
Yes, we’ve made our decision!
Thanks to the input from our Executive Decision Making Committee (we’ve foregone hiring just a Chief Decision Maker and made y’all part of the committee, justsoyaknow) – we have given our notice that at the end of our house sitting contract (June 10th), we will not be extending. We are trading in our stylish pad in paradise for the open road, where a whole new adventure awaits.
Crazy? We sure think so sometimes. Like when we’re driving amidst the bright jungle foliage, windows down with the refreshing breeze on our sweaty skin, listening to FM Belfast “I wish I had a house, in the Caribbean…” Or when the kids excitedly scream our names as we walk onto the school grounds, knowing that we could be made permanent fixtures at the school, and in their lives, for next year. And of course when we’re basking at “our” beach without a soul around to disturb the blissful silence or sound of crashing waves.
We could easily make this our life, indefinitely. But we are giving it all up in the name of adventure. Call it a fear of commitment, an addiction, or even an affliction, but the thought of sitting still in one place (no matter HOW beautiful) makes us both quite antsy.
Is there something wrong with us?
A recent post by Johnny from onestep4ward.com posed some very insightful thoughts on travel and the resulting “fear of commitment” that it may cause:
“I think it’s fair to say that the general consensus is that travel is good for you, it enlightens us, broadens our minds, helps us take a more holistic view of our lives and the relative ease in which we grew up. But very few people discuss the potential damage that traveling could cause – what if this lifestyle of ultimate freedom, where a day without a cool new experience is seen as a ‘boring’ day, causes us to shirk commitment?”
Are we now damaged goods? Will we ever be satisfied to stay in one place, or are we meant to wander forever?
Somedays I believe that being perpetual travelers is our calling – as much as it is for doctors, teachers or parents who believed from the start that *this* is what they are meant to be and do. While doctors have a need to heal, teachers to impart knowledge, and parents to create life, we need to see new land, engage new people and learn from new experiences.
And so…off we go. Excitedly so! We will take our scheduled flight back to Canada to dump our beach clothes and pick up our walking shoes (and give smooches to our family and friends that we miss dearly). We expect that our stay in Canada will be brief, and then we will start our overseas adventure in….
IRELAND!
County Meath to be exact (less than an hour from Dublin), where we will be doing a two month house sit at Killyon Manor, self described as “one of the prettiest stately homes in Ireland. Dating from the tenth century, most of the visible architecture is from the 17th and 18th centuries.”
We’ve never been to Ireland, and have only been over on that-side-o-the-pond once for a couple of weeks, several years ago when we were fairly newly married and travel newbies. After having been touring Latin America for almost 18 months when our stay in Honduras is over, this will be a very interesting change for us, and on that we couldn’t be more excited about!
Looking for your advice and tips on the land of shamrocks, shillelaghs and leprechauns…!
facebook
twitter
instagram
pinterest
youtube
How exciting! I’d love to go to Ireland as well. Housesitting sounds like a great way to go about it.
Laura recently posted..Transportation Adventures to the Island of Sylt
Yes Laura, I think we really lucked out with this gig…the home owners seem to be quite fantastic and it will be an awesome way to explore Ireland and get to know the surrounding community. We are very excited!
Ah, congrats on coming up with a decision. We’ve never been to Ireland before but Jack’s parents have and they love, love, love it there so much they’ve been coming back very other year.
jill- Jack and Jill Travel The World recently posted..Meet Deb and Dave from The Planet D
Cool! Ireland has been high on my “to see” list for awhile so this all worked out pretty well!
Wow and Wow!!! So awesome!!! Can’t wait to hear all about it…and MAYBE even get a chance to see you two before you do this and I do that!
More pics and more good times!!
When do “you do that”? Have you landed on a date? We will be swinging through Cowtown mid-June so we hope to catch up with you then!
I cannot believe you will not be in Spain with us…I feel like you two are playing hard to get…
…but, yes, Ireland sounds awesome! Might be a bit rich for our budgets right now, but someday we would love to get there…
Congrats!
Skott and Shawna recently posted..Resigned To Resigning
Haha, well, we will get to Spain eventually, so perhaps you should change YOUR plans – ha! Pete and I talked about doing El Camino this year but I don’t think we can – I tore my Achilles Tendon just 5 months ago and I think walking that far would be too much this year, it’s taking a long time to rehab. There is a shorter one in Scotland (120k) that we might try after Ireland if I’m feeling up to it.
Fair enough….I’ll talk to Shawna and see if we can swing by and have a pint or two of Guinness with you before, we head down south to Spain….
Skott recently posted..Resigned To Resigning
What an awesome decision. Wish I was coming with you – may even be able to trace back some family if I did.
Thanks Auntie Judy! Maybe we can track them down for you! xo
Awesome. We just were just talking about getting Ireland on the list. We look forward to hearing about your adventures!
The NVR Guys recently posted..Travelogue – conducting a B&B showdown in Provincetown
Thanks guys! Maybe we’ll cross paths?? Get over there! 🙂
Excellent! I’ll come across from London to meet you & do some sightseeing. Can housesitters have guests?
That, I don’t know. Will have to confirm!
What a great idea! Even more so since we’re going to Ireland soon, too. Got an extra room in that castle? 🙂 We promise to learn the rules to “would you rather…” before we meet in person.
Seriously, though, we are excited at this new adventure, especially since it is so different than your location in Honduras.
As for the “downside” to travel, what is wrong with being committed to what makes you happy and avoiding what doesn’t? Seems like common sense to me. But then I’m an admitted commitment-phobe. 😉
Betsy Talbot recently posted..A toast to fast friendships
Thanks Betsy! I hope we do get to meet with you guys while we’re over there! Yes, please study those rules though. We’ll have to turn it into a drinking game so as to *punish* you when you don’t follow them!
We are excited for the change too…we’ve been on this side of the globe for quite awhile. It will be sad to leave, but it is time for a change!
And while I agree that there is nothing wrong with continuing to shirk any sort of commitment to a place, I have to wonder if it will, EVER, end! We could be on an endless world tour…need to work next then on how to make more money doing it… 🙂
So it’s confirmed! Cool! I’m excited for you guys, can’t wait to hear all about it. xo
Gracias Jonicita! xo
That sounds fantastic! Can’t wait to follow your adventures and see some more beautiful photos. Even if I don’t get to visit you in person this makes it feel like we are not out of touch! xo D
I hope we’ll get to see you before we take off again!! Will keep you posted on when we’re coming through Deadmonton…
Soooo excited and happy for you! “commitment”, commshmitment – what’s THAT all about anyway? Nonsense! I mean, who says we’re “supposed” to stay in one place anyway? Shoot, if we weren’t meant to wander about this great big, wondrous globe – than why do we have FEET? (and also, why is there so very much fascinating diversity to lure us, huh?) I mean, HUH???
But seriously, I agree that those who perpetually move hither and yon – never staying but a few days in any one spot, for years on end – might well be missing out on the deeper joys only found when staying put in a place for a goodly while can bring. But the “slow travel” you two have chosen would seem like the best of all worlds. And what could be more diverse than shifting from a balmy tropical isle, to an ivy-covered, centuries-old Irish estate? It’s sure to be a wholly new adventure indeed!
Just one burning question: So what – in g’s holy name – is that silly ALLIGATOR doing in your new front yard???
Thanks Dyanne! I know that you will always know how to make me feel better about everything! 🙂
Good question, re. the alligator. I’ll find out when I get there – ha!
I’m glad SOMEONE addressed the alligator issue…:)
Congrats Pete & Dalene! Ireland rocks..
Raymond recently posted..Life and Death in Peru — The Plight of the Humble Guinea Pig
Haha, we will find out about the alligator, and get back to you all! 🙂
Congrats on making a decision guys! Ireland is very high on my list of places to see, so I am now completely envious of you. You know, more than I was before. Just sayin.
Enjoy! 🙂
Justin Hamlin recently posted..Foto Friday
Thanks Justin!! It’s been up there on my list for awhile too, and will also serve as our gateway to all things European as well. It is just the beginning!
Awesome guys! It looks like we may miss you just barely but I can’t wait to hear about all your new adventures!
Erica recently posted..East Meets West- My Cultural Journey Through Dubai
*Sigh*…I guess we’ll have to put off our Nena sing-a-thon for another time! Too bad we’ll miss you!
So pumped for you! Erin go bragh!
I think I know what that means…
Teri recently posted..I Heart iMovie
Ooh, I will have to find out what that means! Let me know when you know!
Awesome! My Boss is from Ireland and our first stop in Europe in June is her family home in Athlone, smack bang in the middle of Ireland 😀 The manor looks AMAZING, so jealous! I will make these things happen for myself one day 🙂
Thanks Penny, a toast – to Ireland in June! 😉
Hi,
Came across your blog through Twitter.
Still reading through the posts.
What exactly is house sitting? People actually pay you to use their house while you are away? 🙂
Cheers,
Madhu
Madhu Nair recently posted..Hotel Reviews- Jaisalmer- Rajasthan
Hello Madhu, thanks for stopping by. House sitting is essentially taking care of someone’s house while they are away. Generally you don’t get paid, but we have heard of instances where you can. We wrote an article about a month ago (https://www.hecktictravels.com/housesitting-101) which explains the basics and how to do it. As well, we will be releasing a follow up article pretty soon so hope you stay tuned… Cheers!
Jealous! We lived in Dublin for a year so if you need any advice….
You will just love Ireland. My link above goes to a post about things to do in Dublin.
Please have several pints of real Guinness and Kilkenny for us. Enjoy the craic!
Caz Makepeace recently posted..How to Improve Your Travel Photography – Part 1
Awesome, thanks Caz! I am certain we’ll be taking you up on your advice. And thanks for the link, we will have a peek. Can’t wait for the Guinness…. Seriously can’t wait…
Wow nice craic! So next stop after that Amsterdam? Bloemkool, Heineken…Xx
Een bloemkool en Heineken Partij! You know we’ll be hitting up your guest house for sure!
Yay! And also, yay! You will not regret the decision of place, and I think you should satisfy the wanderlust as long as you can. I was just having a discussion with some friends last night about how you have to seize the amazing opportunities as they present themselves.
I only got to spend 3 weeks on the Emerald Isle and it was AMAZING. Don’t put too many beach clothes in your pack though 🙂 Oh yeah, I want a smooch when you get back to Canada too. Just sayin’.
Awesome news! I know how much you two wanted to make it over to Europe, so congrats on making your decision! Can’t wait to hear more.
Thanks Christine!! You are certainly right. It’s not easy to leave when you get settled and make relationships, but Europe is calling us and we’re answering. We can’t wait!!
Oh wow!! When is this happening?? We’ll be in Ireland for three weeks in July; shoot me an email if you’re around that time because perhaps we could finally meet for a drink? Good luck with the move =)
Andrea recently posted..Autumn in El Chalten Part One- Fitz Roy Trail
Yay! We will be there in July and August! Emailing you…now…
Ireland sounds perfect! I have not been, yet, but have heard that you always have a friend in Ireland. A new adventure sounds good right at this moment and can’t wait to follow yours in Ireland.
Debbie – European Travelista recently posted..6 Walled Cities of Europe
Thanks Debbie! I hope to have LOTS of friends in Ireland! I’m sure the good beer will help… 🙂
Kali is foaming at the mouth with jealousy right now! He loves Ireland and was recently hoping there was some way his grandfather’s Irish citizenship could get passed down to him (nope – his dad would have had to apply for citizenship before Kali was born), so I’ve been hearing a lot about Ireland lately.
He’s trying to convince me to GO THERE RIGHT NOW!1!!, so hopefully your posts on Ireland will placate him a little….. or probably just get him more excited, lol.
Thanks Christy! Sorry to make you have to deal with a foaming mouthed Kali 😉 We are certainly looking forward to what it has to offer. And then the door just opens to Europe/Asia/Africa, whatever, wherever. It’s gonna be exciting.
Ireland is a really nice place, I love its countryside, but not the weather! Get some raincoats 😀
Anyway, 100% agree with what you just said, I feel the same, just cannot stay in one place for long, no matter how amazing it is. Wondering if this ever changes 🙂
crazy sexy fun traveler recently posted..UNDERGROUND TOWN – GUANAJUATO
Congrats for Ireland, guys! The manor looks fantastic! What months it’s going to be? It’s going to be super cool if we can visit you again. But it doesn’t seem we are reaching there anytime soon 🙂
Dina recently posted..Paddleboarding 101- How to Paddleboard from Honduras to Belize
Hey Dina – we get there at the end of June and stay for just over two months. Then…who knows? 🙂
Wow, such a big change but an amazing choice nonetheless. Ireland is on my list (since she’s in my blood). I’m excited to hear about your adventures there.
It is definitely a big change. Going to be strange being away from LA culture, but really looking forward to what the other side of the pond has to offer. I have a feeling we will be over there for a while…. Stay tuned!
Wow – sounds fantastic! Ive never done house sitting but it sounds like you guys are old hands! I very much look forward to the Irish tales – enjoy the beer!
Nicole @ WomanSeeksWorld recently posted..Love Your Sport Love Melbourne!
Hey Nicole – the beer is what we are looking forward to most I think – ha! If you are ever interested on getting into house sitting, here is an article we wrote on how to get started!
How does one become a house-sitter? I’ve done it a few times for friends and they’ve always responded very well. But I would love to do this sort of thing long-term and move from place to place permanently!
Props to you for taking the adventure!!!! I was just in the Bahamas and I can attest to the fact, it’s a tempting place (tropical paradise) to simply … stay. However, if you have the urge to move, you have it and taking that when you can is probably the best decision you could make – even if at times, scary!! Congratulations! Can’t wait to follow the adventure!
Kirsten recently posted..Friday Five for 41511
Hey Kirsten – I just sent you an email with some info, but check out this post from us on how to get started. Sounds like you have some good experience already so it should actually be quite easy for you to get jobs!
It is a little scary to leave this comfy little paradise, but it was just…time. Time to switch it up!
Yes! Love your choice. Ireland is one of my absolute favorite places. County Meath — a perfect choice. Can’t wait to get back to Ireland myself! The people, the landscape, history, family roots and wonderful pubs – all great. Enjoy!
Thanks Cathy! We’re so excited to get there, and are already saving our pennies for all the pubs we will be frequenting! The pints are going to cost a little more than here in Honduras, I’m guessing… 🙂
Awesome! Bit of a cultural shift from Honduras but sounds like another great adventure is brewing… look forward to it! 😉
Cam recently posted..Pictures of Machu Picchu- the Lost Incan City in Peru
I like your use of the word “brewing”. Can you tell that we are most excited about the beer we will consume when we will get there? 🙂
i LOVE ireland. i’d recommend heading down to co kerry and doing the ring of kerry drive.
for resources, my very favorite site is http://www.IrishFireside.com – you’ll find tons of suggestions there!
lucky you!
wandering educators recently posted..Book Review – Joshua Tree- The Complete Guide
Thanks so much for the website! Bookmarked! 🙂
I’ve lived in Dublin for two years and travelled a bit throughout Ireland, haven’t been to County Meath, but you can rest assured you are going to meet very friendly people.
It’s an old and mysterious land, you’ll enjoy it. Looking forward to your posts from there!
Thanks Angela! We may hit you up for some Dublin advice!
Ireland is very cool and lively, you’ll have fun there, I’m sure. That house looks lovely. How did you find it?
Hi Sophie! We found it on housecarers.com – check out our Housesitting 101 article for details!
Loved my time in Ireland- if you are so close to Dublin, make sure to take a day trip to Howth (about 30 mins. from Dublin). Small seaside fishing village- absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks for the tip Jade! We will be sure to check it out.
I miss the ole Emerald Isle. You guys will have a blast just be sure to let yourselves become immersed in the local pub culture.
Ditto on Jade’s advice for Howth, its definitely worth a visit as is the west coast if you’ll have some wheels to get you around. We recommend a stay in Dingle and Kinsale if you have a chance.
Oh, no worries, we will be “letting” ourselves get immersed in that culture – no problem! 🙂
We will find our way to Howth! And to the others as well, hopefully…
Hmmm…Ireland. I’ll have to stay tuned to hear about your adventures. Good luck!
YYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!! How awesome for you guys!!!! 😀 Congrats!
sam kelly recently posted..Who Am I
Gracias Samicita! xo
Wow, we have looked at each other and said this exact thing before.
“Will we ever be satisfied to stay in one place, or are we meant to wander forever?”
Want to see Ireland ourselves but off to Prague now, then…. who knows?
-David & Veronica
Hmmm. Let me know if you ever come up with an answer to that question!!