The little seed of an idea was planted over four years ago when traveling on a train in Bolivia. As we compared stories with another family that was traveling with their kids, we heard about how they enjoyed the wonders of the Galapagos Islands. They also told us that their 10 and 12 year old girls were a great age to be able to really appreciate the islands. Emilia and Philip-Maynard, 8 and 6 years old at the time, did the math, and the four year plan was hatched.
Since then, the seed has grown. Philip-Maynard has had the four year countdown going with total confidence that the trip would happen. Emilia made it clear at the end of our year in Latin America that she’d be interested in more travel, but only for a maximum of three months. So the plan evolved, and with lots of research, planning and plotting, the 3 month trip in 4 years has simmered away.
I quickly realized that I could not go to South America without a visit back to Colombia where I grew up. Though it’s been 25 years since I’ve been there, I haven’t considered going back because of the armed conflict and drug related violence. However, in recent years I’ve heard from Colombians that things are getting much safer in many parts of the country, and I’ve been encouraged to consider a visit. So, with addresses in my pocket, and two kids in tow, I’m returning.
As we pondered other options for this trip, we also considered looking into doing volunteer work. “Working with animals!” was Emilia and Philip-Maynard’s immediate vote.
To date, we’ve arranged to work at two animal refuges in the Amazon Basin in Ecuador (Merazonia and Paseo Los Monos ), as well as at Mariposas Amarillas children’s centre in Colombia. During our three weeks in the Galapagos we will spend half the time exploring the islands, and the other half volunteering at Hacienda Tranquila.
James will join us for the last five weeks of the trip to work at one of the wildlife refuges and go to the Galapagos. He’s being a very good sport about the three of us leaving to start our adventure ahead of him, while he keeps his nose to the grindstone at work!
All of this planning and arranging has felt a little unreal! Once our feet touch the ground in Bogota, I think the kids and I will actually believe that we’re on our way. We look forward to keeping you posted!
Traveling Trio + 1 
Ah Rebekah this all sounds so wonderful. Have a great trip, be safe, have fun and keep blogging. We look forward to sharing your experiences through technology.
Rebekah
I am so impressed. Have a wonderful, safe trip. Enjoy every moment with your beautiful children.
Elaine
Thanks Elaine!
Hello Davies family!
You are already missed, but we are all SO excited to experience the beauty and magic of your trip vicariously through your pictures and posts. See everything, do everything, get home safe.
Much love,
Your friends at the art studio
Have a great trip. And thank you for fitting in a visit just days before your departure. It was special. I look forward to reading all about your adventures. xxo.
I hadn’t known any of this history (except that you’d made the earlier trip) and was fascinated to read that this has been developing for 4 years. We (Woof & I) have one question: What about Ellie? Is she going too, this time? There wasn’t a word about her in your first entry… Can’t wait to hear more – and to see some photos.
Hi Barbara
It’s James. Elly is suffering the same fate as I am – banished to rainy Vancouver. We both rattle around the house, wondering where our people are. Elly runs to the door, yipping excitedly every time someone walks down the street, thinking that they must be coming home.
Okay, maybe I’m getting a little anthropomorphic here (not to mention sappy). When I leave to join the others in May, I’ll be leaving Elly behind as well. She’ll be staying with friends who have looked after her before.
Even though we took her with us when we traveled for the year we were away in 2006, we’re not settling in one place for as long this time, and the airlines have become less friendly about letting us take our dog along as carry-on luggage.
Safe travels – we look forward to hearing about the fun and adventures !
Alison, Jules and Jeremie
Have a wonderful trip!!! If you are near Cuenca in Ecuador let me know for some very nice contacts and site visites…QUE FELICIDAD! Mil besos de Mari y John y Caro y Gwyn
i look forward to hearing all about your amazing trip through everyone’s eyes – have a blast!
You are already speaking, smelling, hearing and may be thinking in spanish.
What music to the ears. Philip – Maynard: I played you a farewell song on Wednesday,
Happy Farmer. Did you hear it? Have a happy time all 3 of you and keep your ears
sharp for new songs.
Keep well, lots of love
Ali
Hi Emilia,
Hope you’re having a good time!
Miss you and look forward to reading the blog.
Sophie
so we need to know, if you crossed against the 4 lanes of traffic (as Gregg and I did in Moscow…. oooooh) or with the lights 😉
Safe and happy travels to you and the “girls” (but Phillip-Maynard knows better 😉 )
Hi Susan, Gregg, Lorienne and Kirdan (sp?)
We crossed at the light rather than dashing across four lanes!! We’d love to hear your Moscow stories.
Hola.
He estado siguiendo paso a paso los relatos de tu viaje. Fascinante cómo describes la experiencia y tus impresiones desde el otro lado (como viajeros y extranjeros). Cómica la situación de los bafles del equipo de sonido a todo volumen – nada raro en la costa, incluso en las zonas residenciales.
Con ganas de seguir leyendo más. Que lo sigan disfrutando.
Nydia
Looks like your having sooooo much fun !!! Sorry I couldn’t write earlier. 😦 I’ve read EVERY entry wish I was there!! Judy and me made a new Molly eagle episode……it’s no fun without you two!! Can’t wait till you write another entry!!!!!!!
-Maddie
Rebekah, I have just spent the last 3o mins immersed in your trip, thankyou for sharing such wonderful stories and pictures. I think you will be in Cali by now and I hope that your reunion with your friend and all of your memories is going well. We miss you at the clinic -we have had different RN each week so far! Looking forward to your next blog. Cheers. Mary
Hi Mary,
Thanks so much for the note! I often think of you guys on Thursdays. I won’t wish myself back too soon, but it will be great to catch up in a couple of months.
wow you’r trip looks like alot of fun!! i keep track of every single entry, i have bad news & good news, good news is i’m going to AUSTRALIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (in june) & Bad news is our guinea pigs both got some kind of contagus desieas (is that how you spell it?) and they died……..:”( i’m sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo sad
~maddie
😦 😦 😦
P.S: cirkids is no fun without you!!
bye bye ~Maddie
I love reading your blogs and sharing them with Satya and Phoebe. Looking forward to seeing you soon!