How did Brian catch the travel bug? When I was about ten years old, I read a book by Richard Halliburton that greatly influenced me: Richard Halliburton's Complete Book of Marvels. While there existed a 19th century British explorer with the same name, the Halliburton I read was a young adventurer who made a living writing and lecturing about his adventurous travels.
Halliburton had a gift for the dramatic. He swam the Panama Canal as the S.S. Richard Halliburton, paying 36 cents in toll based on his weight, and possessed a particular gift in writing for young people. Like other successful authors (and teachers), he does not "talk down" to kids. I've reread that book as an adult and still enjoy it. Learning years later that Halliburton disappeared and presumably drowned in 1939 while sailing a Chinese junk across the Pacific Ocean to the Golden Gate Exposition in San Franciso only enhanced his allure.
How did Kathy catch the travel bug? Probably from Brian...
Kathy and Brian
Two retired educators alternating joyfully between seeing the world and enjoying our eight grandchildren (in order of birth), Jake, Avery, Taegan, Lily, Peyton, Riley, Blane, and Jace.
Kathy and Brian met in the clarinet section of the University of California (Santa Barbara) Symphony Orchestra several decades ago.
Brian's Western Canadian roots and Kathy's Colorado ties resulted in their making beautiful music together along with producing a cross-border crop of descendants.
Kathy spent a year studying in Vienna at the Institute for European Studies and the University of Vienna.
Brian started the school band program in Hope, British Columbia, and later became the high school's vice-principal for 6 years and subsequently principal for 15 years before retiring in 2001.
Kathy, in between raising our three children, taught kindergarten and first grade, middle school, and high school - mathematics, computer studies, ESL, and her first love, band, before retiring in 2001.
We enjoy sharing our travel experiences and providing the odd travel tip to friends, relatives, and visitors.
Love your blog... we'll look forward to the updates.