We have our first houseguest in Penguin, Tasmania…Delightful!

It is such a delight to have our friend Salli here from Hobart, staying with us for the weekend. From the moment she arrived, it felt as if no time had passed at all, as if we had picked up right where we left off on that unforgettable 47-night cruise. There is something deeply comforting about that kind of connection, the kind that doesn’t require effort or explanation, where conversation flows as naturally as breathing.

We have spent hours talking, the kind of conversations that wander from lighthearted laughter to meaningful reflection without missing a beat. It is these deeper, more personal exchanges that remind me how rare and special it is to meet someone in the midst of travel who truly understands you. Life on the move often brings fleeting encounters, brief friendships that fade as quickly as they begin, but every so often, someone comes along who leaves a lasting imprint. Salli is one of those people.

I find myself thinking back to those evenings on the ship, when Happy Hour became less about the drinks and more about the company. Nearly every night, Salli would join us along with Di and Peter, and those gatherings quickly became a highlight of our days. There was always laughter, always a story to share, always a sense of ease among us. It never felt forced or superficial. Instead, it felt like sitting with old friends, even though we had only just met.

Those evenings seemed to stretch on in the best possible way, filled with lively banter and the kind of camaraderie that makes you forget where you are in the world. Surrounded by the vastness of the ocean, we somehow created a small, familiar space among ourselves, one built on connection and shared experiences. It is remarkable how travel can bring people together in such an intense and meaningful way, compressing what might take years into just a few weeks.

Some of my favorite moments, though, were the quieter ones. Several mornings, Salli and I would find ourselves at the Promenade Cafe, coffee or tea in hand, settling into conversations that often lasted for hours. There was no agenda, no rush to be anywhere else. We would talk about everything and nothing, sharing stories, thoughts, and pieces of our lives that somehow felt safe to reveal in that setting. Those mornings carried a sense of calm and depth that stayed with me long after we walked away.

Now, having her here with us in Tasmania, those memories feel even more vivid. Sitting together again, hearing her laugh, continuing conversations that never really ended, it all serves as a beautiful reminder of those days at sea. It also reinforces something we have come to understand over the years of living this nomadic life. The places we visit are extraordinary, yes, but it is the people we meet along the way who truly shape our experiences.

There is a certain kind of gratitude that comes with friendships like this. It is not just about enjoying someone’s company, but about recognizing how unlikely it all is. In a world so vast, with so many paths and possibilities, our lives intersected in a way that allowed this friendship to grow. And now, here we are, sharing time again, this time on land instead of at sea, but exquisite view os the sea before us, continuing to build on that foundation.

It also makes us look ahead with excitement. Knowing that Di and Peter will be coming to stay with us in Marloth Park in August adds another layer of anticipation. These connections, formed in such a unique environment, continue to weave themselves into our everyday lives, creating a sense of continuity that can sometimes feel elusive when you are constantly on the move.

As we sit together, talking late into the evening or lingering over morning coffee, I am reminded of just how fortunate we are. This lifestyle has its challenges, its moments of uncertainty and adjustment, but experiences like this make it all worthwhile. The friendships we have made along the way are not just memories tucked away in our minds. They are living, evolving connections that continue to bring joy, comfort, and meaning into our lives.

We truly are blessed to have met such wonderful people in our world travels. And having Salli here with us now is a beautiful reminder of just how rich and rewarding this journey continues to be.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 28, 2016: