The Rawlins family

We had a very inspiring visit from the Rawlins family, David, Jane, Beth, Thomas and Shona who were finishing up their year long World tour. Hailing from Licolnshire in England, David, a teacher and Jane, a software specialist decided to go for it and show their children the World. Many months later they were full of stories and were eager to encourge other parents who are thinking of a similiar trip.

Jane shows the bus to us.

Sean and David check out the bus.

Before the trip started David weighed ll the kids and gave them each a pack containing 20% of their body weight….that’s travelling light for a 10 year old.

Thomas rides shotgun.

Among the countries visited are India, S.Africa, Malawi and Peru. When asked which country was favourite a unanimous ‘Malawi’ comes back. The people were genuine and friendly and it was a different experience from oppressive S.Africa.

Beth

During their time in the Amazon they swam in Piranha infested rivers, emboldened after locals told them not to worry. Fortunately David was the only one too get bitten, a lilttle nibble on his foot!

Shona seems to feel at home in our back alley.

The mosquitoes were quite a problem but they discovered a remedy by accident….eat a lemon. The odor of the lemon seemed to scare the nasty insects away for a while.

Landing in the US they were shocked at the prices in Hawaii and agreed it was their least favourite place.

Arriving on the mainland in Los Angeles they bought a 1971 VW Bus and have used it successfully to travel and camp up the west coast. Unlike ours its a pop top that allows more sleeping room.

It was so cool to listen to their stories ( including watching CNN in India and hearing the same gun shots out their hotel window ) and sense their enthusiasm.

They fly out of Vancouver Canada in a couple of weeks back to England. Learn maore about the Rawlins at their website.