I had the priceless opportunity to meet up with Rich in Thailand during one of his port visits. It was only for a few days, but it was absolutely well-worth the travel to have that precious time together and I am so glad I went when I did. Since then, all port visits for the rest of his deployment have been cancelled due to the earthquake in Japan as their MEU is on-site flying humanitarian missions. But back to Thailand...The trip was also a great test-run for how Rich and I will manage Kilimanjaro and travel to Africa together. Rich and I have never traveled internationally together other than heading to Mexico on our honeymoon and to Canada for holidays (neither of which I really consider international). From my own experience, I know that finding someone you can travel with that doesn't drive you absolutely insane is often a difficult task. I was delighted to learn, however, that Rich and I make great travel partners!
While in Thailand, we had the opportunity to go zip-lining, ride elephants and ride in the back of an ox cart--All completely new adventures for both of us. Obviously we were also trying them out in a country neither of us have visited before. In addition, while I consider myself adventurous and not easily scared of trying new things, I found myself very nervous taking those first few steps off the platform 100 feet in the air when we were zip-lining. Luckily, I have an amazing partner in Rich and he was able to help me trust in the line and the harness and take a leap of faith. After the first one I couldn't get enough!
This trip taught me so much about Rich and about how he interacts and responds to foreign cultures-- I must say, for a farm boy from upstate New York, he was very open-minded and gracious to all that we encountered. I can't wait to see that side of my husband again in Africa!
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