Testimonial: Rebecca Zanatta
[singlepic=1454,200,,,right]In 2006 my husband and I sold our house in Chicago; quit our jobs; hung up our tailored suits; and spent eight months on an adventure of a lifetime. We backpacked (only three pairs of shoes) and limited ourselves to one 14kg backpack each. We traversed 25 countries on four continents that included 25 flights, 46 bus rides, 12 boat trips, 11 trains, and multiple other modes of transportation including a pedi-cab my husband peddled himself in India and a donkey in Petra. Our journey allowed us an opportunity to see parts of the world many don't ever have the opportunity to see. I couldn't even spell Uzbekistan let alone tell you where it was located before our trip!
[singlepic=1460,200,,,left]It's hard to put into words the different ways in which this adventure changed me. I returned with an extreme amount of patriotism after witnessing firsthand the amount of ingenuity and resources individuals in our country have contributed to the world's development. As Americans we must appreciate that there are millions of people who would switch places with us in a heartbeat to have our quality of life. As a woman I am so thankful to have been born in the United States. I believe that now more than ever, as I had the opportunity to meet several women on our adventure who would do "anything" to come to America. Just as important, is understanding the global responsibility we must consciously acknowledge as Americans.
[singlepic=1449,200,,,right]I also learned if a marriage can survive 24/7 together for eight months it can survive anything! Jeff and I learned our fights usually involved hunger, frustration or sleep deprivation and usually had nothing to do with each other. Constant unpredictable and unfamiliar situations helped me develop levels of creativity and patience I never knew were possible.
It has been two years since our adventure and transitioning back into the "real world" has been more difficult (and easier) than I thought it would be. Easier because within six months we both had jobs, had purchased a new home in Seattle and life was pretty much back to "normal." More difficult because you know how easy it was to leave, travel and come back and have it all come together...so why not do it again?
Upon our return, I was able to pick my career up where it left off. I am a fundraiser and lucky for me, good fundraisers can always find a job. I will eventually work in an international setting, most likely for an organization affiliated with the empowerment of women and girls. I feel strongly my career has benefited from our travels. I live my life with more purpose than I did before our trip and realize life is way too short to spend time in situations that make you unhappy. Our lives are full of choices and it is up to us to be intentional with our choices.
If you would like to read more about our adventure please go to our website: The Plan B Adventure. I hope it inspires you to plan your own adventure of a lifetime.
Leah on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 8:12 am
I really enjoyed reading your post. I am thirty-two soon and have itchy feet that are ready to try out foreign soils.
It is a fear of leaving the security of the day to day grind of paying the bills and living a safe and non-challenging way of life that has put me on hold for some time.
I hope (as it has I) your post will inspire others to go and follow their bliss – Leah 🙂
Patricia GW on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 8:54 am
Travel and experiencing a new culture really has put it into perspective, and filled that void with purpose (and joy).
In three weeks I’ll be moving to Paris myself for one month. I have the same feeling – the incredible surreal realization that I’m going to be living there…. it’s thrilling!!
Abby on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 2:11 pm
Oh, Jenny! Escargot isn’t palatable — it’s delicious! I love your writing style; it’s so fun and energetic. Can you believe how far we’ve come? Everyone, Jenny and I were in the exact same industry and have known each other online and via work emails for years and years. But we’ve only met once, many, many years ago. And one of those jobs she was sleeping next to her BlackBerry for was one I’d just left. And now she’s 33 and living abroad, just like I was last year. Kindred spirits. Jenny, you’re a true inspiration — I can’t wait to see how your adventure unfolds!
Debbie Beardsley on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 3:22 pm
Your life in Paris sounds ideal. It is nice to read about people who follow their dreams instead of wishing they had! Enjoy the rest of your journey.
Terriaw on Tue, 7th Jun 2011 1:40 pm
Wow, fabulous and well said! I love your new outlook on like. After experiencing career burnout and feeling a little lost and purposeless lately, you have encouraged me. I look forward to seeing Paris someday!
Jenny on Tue, 7th Jun 2011 6:50 pm
merci for all the sweet comments! @abby we are soooo kindred spirits! well except when it comes to our differing feelings on escargot…;) and congrats patricia on the move! thrilling indeed!
shawna on Thu, 9th Jun 2011 1:32 am
you’ve reawakened my travel bug. must. return. to. france. (someday.) eat a croissant for me!
Weekly Travel Blog Links — LandingStanding on Mon, 13th Jun 2011 6:16 am
[…] how badly I want to go to Paris… If only we could afford living there for an extended period of time during our travels! Any […]
G. Michael Schneider on Sun, 19th Jun 2011 3:36 pm
I am a firm believer in living and working overseas, just as you described. However, many of us actually like our jobs and our homes and are simply looking to renew and refresh our lives, not change it. However, you can have the same type of cultural experience without having to reach into your own wallet and without having to quit your day job–by taking what I call a “working vacation.” My wife and I have done this 15 separate times, from Australia to Zimbabwe, Turket to Tibet, Mauritius to Mongolia. I describe how to do it in my blog otherguysdime.wordpress.com and via Twitter at @otherguysdime. Learn how to have fun without having to have burn any of your bridges behind you.