Day 6…Thank you for all the kind wishes on our 13th anniversary of world travel…

As we sat in the Promenade Café, deeply engrossed in our online work, a lovely woman approached our table with a warm smile and a gentle curiosity in her eyes. She hesitated for only a moment before asking, “Do you have a few minutes to chat?” Of course, we both looked up instantly and said, enthusiastically, “Yes, absolutely!” We always enjoy meeting new people, especially while sailing, when so many interesting stories seem to unfold in the most unexpected ways.

The woman introduced herself as Elaine, and within seconds, the conversation flowed as naturally as if we’d known her for years. She explained that she and her husband, Glen, had met us on a cruise in 2016. (They began their journey in 2017). As she began to recount our earlier encounter, the memories slowly resurfaced—faces, names, shared laughter, and the common thread of wanderlust that connected us all during that voyage. But what she shared next left us utterly humbled and touched to the core.

Elaine said that after meeting us all those years ago and following our posts about full-time world travel, she and Glen were inspired to do something bold. They, too, decided to sell everything, let go of the traditional life they’d known, and embark on their own global adventure. For years, they’d been reading our blog, keeping up with our stories, triumphs, and even the occasional challenges we’ve faced along the way. She stopped by our table that morning simply to say thank you—thank you for inspiring them to change their lives, to take that leap of faith, and to live their dream of seeing the world.

For a moment, we both sat there quietly, absorbing the weight of her words. It’s one thing to write about our experiences each day, to chronicle the ups and downs of a life untethered, but it’s another entirely to realize that our words have helped shape someone else’s journey. We felt a wave of emotion: gratitude, disbelief, and joy all wrapped into one.

We told Elaine how much her kindness meant to us and how deeply we appreciated her taking the time to stop by. After all these years of writing, of spending countless hours editing photos and crafting stories from faraway places, moments like this make every bit of the effort worthwhile. To know that our journey has touched someone’s heart or encouraged them to follow their own path of adventure is the greatest reward we could ever imagine.

Elaine told us that she and Glen have been traveling continuously for several years, exploring countries across the globe. They’ve discovered new passions, met countless fascinating people, and grown closer as a couple through the experience. Listening to her, we couldn’t help but smile. It was as though we were hearing our own story reflected back to us. The fears, the excitement, the unpredictability, and the profound freedom of waking up in a new country every few months, often for them, only a few weeks, resonated so deeply.

Before she left, we exchanged contact information and made plans to dine together on the ship one evening for dinner. We’re already looking forward to hearing more about their adventures and sharing stories from the road, comparing notes about destinations we’ve both loved and those we still dream of visiting. Encounters like these remind us that travel is not just about places. It’s about people, the human connections that form across oceans and time zones, weaving a tapestry of shared experiences.

After Elaine left, we sat quietly for a while, reflecting on how extraordinary it is to have this kind of exchange. When we first began our travels back in 2012, we never could have imagined the impact our daily posts might have on others. We were simply sharing our story, documenting our lives on the road, one day at a time. Over the years, we’ve received countless kind messages from readers around the world. But meeting someone in person, those whose lives have been touched in such a tangible way, is truly special.

There’s an indescribable feeling that comes from knowing our path, uncertain as it once seemed, has inspired others to take their own leap into the unknown. It makes us even more grateful for the life we lead and the privilege of sharing it. We often say that travel has been our greatest teacher, but moments like this remind us that connection is its greatest gift.

As we resumed our work in the café, the ship gently rocking beneath us, we felt a renewed sense of purpose. Elaine’s visit was a beautiful reminder of why we continue to write every day, even after all these years. It’s not just about documenting where we’ve been, it’s about sharing the spirit of exploration, the courage to embrace change, and the endless beauty of this big, interconnected world.

How fortunate we are to live this life, to share it with readers and fellow travelers, and to occasionally meet those whose paths have intertwined with ours. Each encounter, each shared story, adds another layer of meaning to our journey, and for that, we couldn’t be more grateful.

Be well.