How did we get here?
Sofia: I am writing this blog from the rooftop of our hostel in Manila. We finally made it! I can’t believe it. They serve breakfast here. We had eggs and toast; there was a dulce de leche spread for the toast which was very tasty. Here’s the view of Manila from the rooftop:
Anyways, to get to this point was quite the journey. This blog will briefly summarize the last few months.
- On our first date, we talked about wanting to travel for an extended period of time, maybe in a few years after we leave Seattle.
- Fast forward early 2024, we had more serious conversations about what that would look like. Maybe I would leave sooner and travel alone, and then Bruno would join. Maybe we’d travel a few months, maybe a year. We landed on leaving together in December 2024. Bruno had a work project deadline in November, so that gave us a concrete timeline to work with. We talked with our landlord to end our lease in December and that was that - we committed to making it happen.
- October/November - we gave in our work notice, and started selling and giving away our belongings. It was bittersweet.
- End of November - Sold and got rid of most of our stuff. We got our travel vaccines and medications. We ate one last time at our favorite pizza place (Lupo) and nearby cafe (Vita), and I had one last class and hug with the yoga teacher and studio which became a weekly place of solace. We moved out of our apartment into a small hotel room, where we stayed for our last few weeks. The moving process was truly awful to get through.
- Mid-December - Our last day at our job and said bye to our dear friends. We were lucky to meet amazing people in Seattle, and develop deep and beautiful friendships. I was so sad to say goodbye; many tears were shed. I had my final therapy session with my wonderful therapist who I talked with every week for the past 3.5 years. We officially untethered from all the connections and places that made Seattle home. We had our last hugs with friends, shipped a few boxes, and flew back home.
Headed to the airport in Seattle:
We both spent a month home (NY and Québec), getting our logistics and planning started.
Then came packing!
I am travelling with a carry-on suitcase and a backpack. We packed clothing for a week, planning to do laundry weekly, and I wanted to leave space in luggage for accumulating items along the way. The main task for me was to think through every item - to make sure it’s actually needed and worthy of taking up space and weight in my luggage. Matteo (my brother) bought me packing cubes which were very useful (thank you!).
Bruno: I’ve been interested in minimal packing for a few years, and wanted to continue on this trend for this trip. This means that I’m leaving with a single backpack (carry-on size, 33L). Like Sofia mentioned, we are planning to do laundry somewhat frequently, so we don’t need to bring that many clothes. I’m also using packing cubes (with compression), which are amazing!
Here is a picture of everything I brought:
And here it is packed:
I’d like to write another post about packing in a couple of months, reflecting on how it has been so far.
Sofia: Bruno joined me for our last week in NY together, which was so nice. We caught up with friends and family and then said our final goodbyes ❤️
At the subway, heading to the airport:
What’s next? We’d like to travel for the next 6 months, let’s see how it goes!