Two weeks and counting…

In two weeks from today, we will be leaving Penguin, that quiet seaside town that has gently settled into our hearts, for a second time, after our visit ten years ago, we’ll begin our journey to Brisbane, Australia. It feels almost surreal to say it out loud. What started as another temporary stay has slowly woven itself into our hearts in a way that makes leaving just a little bittersweet.

Penguin has offered us a kind of calm that is not always easy to find. Our days here have been simple, yet full. Morning coffee with a view of the sea, the sound of waves nearby, and the ever-changing sky that somehow never grows old. We have wandered these streets enough times to feel a sense of familiarity, exchanging smiles with locals and recognizing the quiet patterns of life in this small coastal town. It is in these moments that we are reminded that travel is not only about seeing new places, but also about feeling them.

And yet, as always, the time comes to move on.

The thought of Brisbane brings with it a completely different energy. A larger city, warmer air, and the subtle buzz that comes with a place that is always in motion. It will be a transition, as it often is, shifting from the peaceful pace of Penguin to something a bit more lively. We have learned over the years to embrace these contrasts, to appreciate each place for what it offers without comparing it too much to the last.

But this time, Brisbane is not just another stop.

On the 14th, we will board Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas, setting off on what promises to be an unforgettable 25-night journey across the Pacific, all the way to Seattle, Washington. We’ll stop in Hawaii for lunch with our friends Kathy and Don, and end up in Seattle, then on to Vancouver to spend four days with our friends Rita and Gerhard in a lovely hotel near their home.

Even after all these years of travel, there is still something about an upcoming cruise that stirs a deep sense of excitement in both of us, as long as we don’t get sick this time. Perhaps it is the idea of unpacking once and waking up somewhere new, or the anticipation of long days at sea where time seems to stretch in the most delightful way.

There is also the excitement of what lies ahead on this particular voyage. A 25-night cruise is not just a getaway for most travelers; it becomes a temporary way of life. Once again, will settle into the gentle sway of the ocean, reconnecting with people we met on this same ship four months ago, with that familiar feeling of being surrounded by endless water, and likely find ourselves slipping into routines that revolve around morning walks on deck, shared meals, and conversations with fellow travelers who, like us, are drawn to this lifestyle.

Of course, it is not only about the ship itself, but also the journey to Seattle. Crossing the Pacific carries a sense of distance and wonder that is difficult to describe. There is something humbling about being out on that vast expanse, watching the horizon stretch endlessly in every direction. It reminds us of just how big the world is, and how fortunate we are to experience even a small part of it.

Leaving is never just about departure. It is about carrying pieces of each place with us, allowing them to become part of our story. Penguin will travel with us in that way, tucked into our memories as we make our way to Brisbane and beyond.

And then, before we know it, the day will arrive. Bags packed, door closed, one last look before we go. Ahead of us, Brisbane, the anticipation of boarding the ship, and the promise of 25 nights at sea, leading us all the way to Seattle. Once in Seattle, Rita and Gerhard will pick us up at the port and drive us on the two-hour journey to Vancouver, Washington.

Once again, we step forward into the unknown, grateful, curious, and ready for whatever comes next.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 29, 2016