It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it. – Oscar Wilde

Although the above quote by Oscar Wilde is not directly applicable, it’s a great quote that serves to spark both the mind and the imagination.

Gift. Sponsor. Partner.

1. Writing a detailed blog that provides valuable information to future budget travelers (and entertainment to everyone else) is a time consuming task. If you like what you are reading and/or find the information on this blog useful, consider supporting the individuals that make it possible.
2. Natalie and I have the unique opportunity to interact with people from all over the world. A few people have mentioned to us that they would be interested in gifting materials to specific people groups (read: give the kids who are kicking around a pigs bladder a soccer ball). I am not sure if this was just one odd ball person or not but it seems like a good idea. Natalie did some research and the following items are average prices for the displayed materials. If you have other suggestions, leave them us a comment.
   • - Bottle of Water: $1
   • - Soccer Ball: $15
   • - Book in a local language: $8
3. Natalie and I looked for sponsorship by attempting to court large companies such as REI and Merrell. This was not successful. As a result, we are turning our attention to the people. If you want to be a part of Sponsoring a part of our journey or a specific event or activity this is for you.
   • Disclaimer: Natalie and I are not looking for you to finance our vacation. If this is something you want to do, excellent. If this is something you think is offensive, pretend you never read this.
   • - 2 cups of coffee: $3
   • - 1 AT&T International Phone Card: $10. (Just think, we could call you!)
   • - A pizza or a common meals shared with the local: $20
4. This one is for my mom. Here is what you need to know about my mom: she is a gift giver. She like to show that she cares about people by giving them gifts. She believes that giving gifts is better than receiving them (I completely agree) so she told me I had to find a way for her to give me a gift for my birthday. This is my solution.

The people you (may) know

Last modified on 2009-02-15 08:31:37 GMT. 1 comment. Top.

The more we talk to people (i.e. friends, family members, complete strangers) the more conversations we have that go something like this.

Justin: Actually, we are not sure how long we are going to be gone.

Random Other: I see.  Well that sounds exciting….. Hey, have you ever thought of going to Estonia (enter your favorite random country here).

Justin: Hmm. Natalie and I have not exactly finalized our route yet (complete truth) but everything is a possibility.  I do not know much about Estonia (translation: where is Estonia?), can you tell me more about it?

Random Other: Well it is located in Northern Europe just south of Finland any my (insert distant relative, friend, spouse, co-worker, etc.) lives/visited/may be still alive in Estonia.  You should go visit them.

Justin: That sounds great.  Can you help me get in contact with them.

Okay, not every conversation follows this dynamic but this is more realistic (and exciting) than you may think. That being said, if you know someone out there in the world and you think we would like to meet them or they us, leave us a comment and hopefully we can make that a reality.

Natalie and I are not going to spend a year going to tourist attractions and sitting in restaurants and bars designed to attract the affluent traveler. Rather, a main motivation for traveling the world is to interact and experience different cultures and people. To do that, we plan on really experiencing the cultures we travel through (not just those individuals who work in the service industry). Although we can meet people on our own, any connection that you want to share (no matter how tenuous) could lead to some great experience. I promise that we will take pictures and send them to you!