One Year Off discussion, Chapter 9 - 17

[AquariJenn]

Thank you for joining our discussion of One Year Off: Leaving It All Behind for a Round-the-World Journey with Our Children (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1885211651/ref=nosim/storknet00) by David Elliot Cohen.

Please post your thoughts and feelings from the second section of the book as David and his family travel through more of Europe and Africa.

Questions for discussion:

* How have your initial thoughts of the book changed?

* What insights has this trip provided him about his life and his family?

* What was your favorite part thus far? Your least favorite?

[AquariJenn]

I'm still really enjoying this book. He has quite the vocabulary. I don't think my perceptions have changed any. It's good to see that all the travelling is really making changes in his life. Having no set agenda makes travelling much more enjoyable, esp. with children. I was completely blown away by the amounts of food they serve in Sardinia! Wow! How do they eat that much? The people sound really fantastic. http://www.storknet.com/boards/smile.gif

I think it would be fabulous to go on an African safari and see the animals in their natural environments. But from what he describes, it is very dangerous! http://www.storknet.com/boards/eek.gif

The nanny is essential. It would have been a much different trip if they hadn't taken her along.

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Jennifer
Co-Moderator Time for Mom: A Reading Circle

Mom to Katelyn Eileen (http://personal.lig.bellsouth.net/lig/j/e/jenneric/NovDec.html), since June 2000
Be the change you want to see in the world.
-- Mohandas K. Gandhi

[Laura_008]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved what a fast read it was! I don't have the book anymore, I had to return it to the library, so I can only go by whay is posted to remember what was in what parts, so bear with me! http://www.storknet.com/boards/smile.gif

The descriptions of all the food they ate made my mouth water! And I agree - how on earth did they eat that much food?? I also love how each meal was like a celebration to them. They seem to be such happy people!

I loved the African safari, but would have been really nervous with small children. I can't imagine taking a 2-year-old to Africa. Shoot, I don't think I'd have taken a 2-year-old out of the country at all! But I'm a wimp. http://www.storknet.com/boards/wink.gif

I also agree that the nanny was essential. I don't know that I would have had the fore-thought to bring her along.

I also think it makes a big difference that the husband and wife have both already travelled out of the country before. It would be a lot harder on people such as myself who have never left the country. I wouldn't even know where to begin.



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~Laura~
Meagan LeighAnne (http://www.picturetrail.com/lauradarlene) - 09/17/99

[Caryl]

I'm really enjoying this book, too! I liked reading your comments, Jenn and Laura. Jenn, you asked some great questions in that first post.

How have your initial thoughts of the book changed?

I am not as nervous for them. I am letting it be their trip, and their risks. (I think once they arrived in Africa and went hippo-watching, I just let go and let them make their own decisions. http://www.storknet.com/boards/wink.gif )

What insights has this trip provided him about his life and his family?

One of my favorite parts in this section is when David describes how he's become much more laid-back:

When you travel with three small children for any length of time, you eventually learn that speed and efficiency aren't part of the plan and schedules are meant to be broken.

I was also touched by his description of watching his shy daughter Kara at the disco.

What was your favorite part thus far? Your least favorite?

His description of Istanbul made me want to visit that city! Sardina sounded wonderful, too. I wanted to be right there with them when they explored the ruins of Ancient Greece. Africa sounded absolutely beautiful and amazing!

He picks out great stories to tell, doesn't he? And have you all noticed the titles of his emails? Those always make me smile. "Ready, Fire, Aim" (his first email to everyone about the trip) and "Your Wife Doesn't Love You." http://www.storknet.com/boards/biggrin.gif

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Caryl
Mom to Charon, 7/19/99
Co-Moderator for the Reading Circle and Heart of the Home Forums
"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives."
--Annie Dillard

[k-mom]

I loaned this book to someone, so I am doing this completely by memory.

* How have your initial thoughts of the book changed?

I don't think that my initial thoughts of this book have changed much. Except for the fact that the more I read the more jealous that I get of their trip!

* What insights has this trip provided him about his life and his family?

I agree w/Caryl that the author has definitely become a more laid back parent and traveler. To travel w/children is so much different than just traveling alone w/your spouse. Their is so much more responsibility and work, but also so much more joy.

* What was your favorite part thus far? Your least favorite?
[b] My favorite part is the description of Sardinia. The beautiful island and the friendly people. Oh and did I mention the meals? I would be in heaven http://www.storknet.com/boards/smile.gif His description of Sardinia made me want to travel there.

I also loved the African portion. From riding through the slums where he hopes that his children realize how lucky that they are, to the hippo almost attacking their boat, to sleeping in tents on the game reserve. What an adventure!!

My least favorite part?? I didn't have any.

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Heather, 29
SAHM
DH - Sean, 31
DS - Tommy 12-10-99
DD - Gracie 03-09-01

[This message has been edited by k-mom (edited 08-20-2002).]