All Around the World

We had a baby - but we never stopped traveling.

by Jamie Rich

November 9, 2009

Two years ago, passport and frequent flier number tucked in her diaper bag, our four-month-old daughter, Eloise, wound through the cobbled streets of Fez, Morocco strapped to my husband's chest. Slabs of raw meat hung from butchers' stalls and the smell of freshly dyed leather and Moroccan spices filled the ancient walled city. Our little "worm," as my husband, Brian, calls her, craned her neck to absorb the scenes. Women and children kissed her cheeks and hands in the market. And like the mysterious Islamic call to prayer sounding overhead, we experienced something spiritual — sharing our passion for travel with our infant daughter. By the end of her first year, we had hit Morocco, England (twice), and Cameroon. Despite our excitement over our baby's adventures, we caught grief from friends and family about dragging our infant around the world.

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Before parenthood, we globe trotted without a care. Our passports grew thick with hundreds of stamps from work and leisure travel and a two-year stint in Moscow, where I became pregnant. With the news of the pregnancy, the warnings from our seasoned-parent friends became louder.

"You'll see," our friends said. "Once you have a kid, life will change, and you won't travel anymore."

The excuses ranged from financial constraints and travel-related illnesses, to disrupting sleep schedules and the inconveniences of air travel. Gripped by their kid-fears, most parents we knew let their children dictate their lives. Rather than grounding us, our daughter's birth fueled our sense of adventure. Of course having a baby meant tweaking our lifestyle a bit, but most of the changes we made accommodated our desire to see the world, not her schedule.

Visions of the three of us crisscrossing the continent in a safari jeep made me giddy with excitement. In January, and with Eloise walking and talking, we accepted another overseas assignment, and our family moved to Douala, Cameroon. Visions of the three of us crisscrossing the continent in a safari jeep made me giddy with excitement. For a few months, our move to West Africa fit neatly into our plan of raising a little citizen of the world. 

Our two-year-old recited her ABCs and counted to ten in both English and French. She knew the difference between a water buffalo and a cow. And she understood that the world is larger than "Birginia," where she was born, or "Norf Carwina," and "New Orweans," where her grandparents live.

Our big world shrank pretty small this spring, however, when we hit some turbulence. The only bug we had hoped she would catch was the travel bug. So when our Cameroonian doctor stood in our bedroom and told us that Eloise had malaria, tears welled in my eyes and self-loathing thoughts ran rampant through my mind.

©2009 Jamie Rich and Babble


“It is interesting to note how passionate folks feel regarding this author's experiences with her family. Having read through all of the comments, there is a definite majority of people offended by the author's use of language. The point, to me, is not really where these experiences took place, but that they took place at all. Most of us would like to travel with our families, some to exotic lands, others prefer the many places worth discovering in their own backyards (relatively). It is so easy to come up with reasons why NOT to do something, it can get in the way of new experiences. Take the plunge! Start with going to a local state park for a day hike. Set your expectations fairly low, and see where it takes you. You might be surprised. Our baby steps eventually led to a one year trip away with our 3 children (aged 3, 7 and 8 when we began) that none of us will forget. While there are always exceptions, the logistics of travel only get in the way when you let them.”

0
November 20, 2009

“There are numerous comments here from people who seem to be offended by the author's disapproval of Disney World as a vacation spot. I agree that the tone is borderline condescending at times and that the author is clearly proud of her accomplishments with child (shouldn't she be?), but Disney World is used more as an example to illustrate the author's main point, which is that having children does not need to curtail interesting and rewarding travel. Perhaps it would be more constructive to try and extract something positive from the article... I live in Cameroon as well (and know the author) and I think these kinds of stories are inspiring as my wife and I currently travel extensively for work and pleasure and don't want to stop when kids come along. Kudos to those that don't let having children hold them back from doing what they want to do (travel or whatever).”

1
November 17, 2009

“I wanted to add we have been to Disney World three times with our kids. Every time I meet people from all over th world there. In fact the majority of visitors seem to be non-Americans. Why? They love the Disney experience. My friends in the UK and France say Disney is their number one destination. There is plenty for kids and plenty for adults. Don't knock it until you try it. I suspect the author comes from money and does not have to worry about saving for her child's education or pay off her own student loan. Typical upper class white girl who thinks going to the third world somehow makes her more exotic and wordly. You want to take a trip your kid will remember all of her life? Take her to Disny World. I promise it will be her favorite memory.”

1
November 13, 2009

“Gee seems that such seasoned tavlers would have been able to prevent a malarial infection in their child. Malaria never goes away. It has life long neurological implications, it is not like a cold that you cure. You did not have mosquito netting or spray? Malaria prevention medications have heavy duty side affects though and should not be used on children. I do hope you at least have the common sense to have her immunized for Hepatitis, Typhus, meningitis, encephalitis and Tetanus which are rampant in the third world. I have traveled to third world countries with my children only because I had to. I never took them out at dawn or dusk to avoid malaria. We slept in nets and we were all immunized. I would never allow a stranger to kiss my child either. Human saliva is full of bacteria and infectious agents. It is not rude to say no. Travel with a baby is fun if you are smart about it. This lady sounds like she did not want to be bothered with the chore of caring for a child since it might harsh her idea of herself as a globetrotter hippy. We have been many places with out kids and they still loved Disney. Africa is for grownups, kids still like Mickey Mouse and Tinkerbell and that is okay. Take a trip for her for a change instead of yourselves.”

1
November 13, 2009

“I would love to travel more, but for most of us in the US we don't get much vacation time, and all my time off has to cover for my son's sick days. In that sense, vacation is a luxury ...”

3
November 13, 2009

“Hey Babble readers! We're implementing some new changes to the commenting format to make it work better for you. Thanks for your feedback and stay tuned! --BabbleEditors”

1
November 12, 2009

“Wow, lots of haters here! However, it's just as easy with two as one. My wife and I travel a lot (for work AND fun), and both our kids (3yo girl, 7mo boy) cope amazingly well with change on a day-to-day basis, but if we move around too much, they start getting a little ansty, off-kilter. And moving countries (to live) has been incredibly stressful for our daughter. So there are pluses and minuses, short-term and long-term - so long as parents are aware of the potential effects travel can have on children and employ mitigating strategies, as the author did, then it can be a positive experience for almost anyone. Disneyworld (Orlando) is great, by the way - don't miss it, loads of fun, even for jaded wanderers.”

3
November 11, 2009

“I traveled a ton as a baby, when my father's job took him traveling, but when my sister was born we stopped. She hated everything about traveling, and even now she only goes to beach resorts. Is wanderlust genetic? Did they do anything to help their daughter grow accustomed to travel? How frustrating to read articles about someone else's wonderful life, when they give no hint as to how they pull it off. I always hear people say that travel isn't as expensive as it seems, but how much does it take? two thousand a year? Five? Ten? Do you just have to luck into the kind of job that takes you all over the world? Did anyone help them figure out how to make it work?”

3
November 10, 2009

“I think this is totally possible with the right type of child. I grew up traveling the globe with my parents, but I was very mellow and easy going. I could sit through a transcontinental flight with a couple books and some stickers. HOWEVER, there is no way I would choose to travel internationally with my son even if we could afford it right now. He makes a 2 hour flight seem like 6 because he can't hold still. He also greatly relies on a nap schedule to keep him sane and has been like this since day one. I hjope I will be able to show him everything I was able to see, but it won't be happening any time soon. To assume that other parents are just afraid and therefore limiting themselves in ignorant and unfair. I am glad that you have had such wonderful ex periences but you should be writing with a tone of gratitude rather than judgment.”

2
November 10, 2009

“That sounds lovely. Good for you both! - Shan”

1
November 10, 2009

“I think this level of travel is something that works well when children are very young and gets much harder as they get to be older. My 2 1/2 y.o. son has handled cross-country trips pretty well but he has a hard time sleeping and he tends to go on mini-hunger strikes because he's too overstimulated to sit down and have a meal. I'll continue to take my son on U.S. trips but he'll be staying with Grandma when my husband and I go overseas.”

0
November 10, 2009

“For those who want one person's specifics on traveling with a toddler, below is an excerpt from a piece I wrote for the Austin American-Statesman. Hope you enjoy and find it helpful. One of the shared passions that drew my husband and me together was a desire to travel extensively, so as soon as we married, we started preparing and saving for a yearlong journey through Southeast Asia and India. Just after our daughter Willa’s first birthday, we were ready. We distributed our clothing and supplies between two backpacks and, with new passports and a budget of $15,000 (we were a one-car family, renting a 1-bedroom, and scrimped and saved for years for this trip), dedicated ourselves to a year of traveling by boat, bus, tuk-tuk and train through places we have always dreamed about: Bali, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and India. On any given day, our experiences were joyful, frustrating, exciting, boring, funny and exhausting. To a certain extent, travel was easy: Additional clothes we picked up at markets (my husband can find a flea market anywhere on the planet), disposable diapers could be found everywhere (cloth diapers grew too frustrating for us - refusing to dry during the damp rainy season), books were swapped out at guesthouses and delicious food was plentiful, inexpensive and kid-friendly. There doesn’t seem to be a guesthouse in all of Asia that doesn’t serve pancakes, fresh fruit and yogurt, and for every city block there are at least two street carts selling grilled meat and fish on skewers with accompanying bags of sticky rice and fried noodle dishes. Our travels took us through family-oriented cultures that welcome children in all aspects of community. Strangers and friends alike treated Willa with great affection, pinching her cheeks and fixing her hair with bows. We squeezed ourselves into the crowded covered pickups that serve as public buses and there were never signs of inward groans or rolled eyes from other passengers when they saw us boarding with a baby. People held Willa’s hand, offered her sweets and gestured for me to let the legs of her sleeping, curled-up body stretch out onto their laps, so she would be more comfortable. Willa eased our entry into just about every situation. She delighted in the company of others, especially young children, happily letting her little self be picked up and hugged and kissed. I was proud to have her as our ambassador and hoped her openness and enthusiasm reflected well upon us. Trying to provide Willa with some stability, we brought from home her stuffed giraffe, her stuffed rabbit, a barnyard of plastic animal figures and several books. Every week, or so, when arriving in a new town, we would establish ourselves in a new guesthouse. We would unpack everything, allocate a space for Willa’s belongings, cover the beds with our sarongs that doubled as baby slings to maintain similar sheet textures and smells, and try to make our rooms as homey as possible. As much as we were able, we timed our bus rides to coincide with Willa’s naps, as the rocking motion would put her to sleep for hours. We tried to arrive in new places with time to play and get settled before bedtime. Unfortunately, the Indonesian and Indian train schedules did not mesh with ours. More than once we found ourselves discarded on a train platform at 4 a.m. Of course, the biggest comfort to Willa was my husband's and my presence. We all three shared a bed — Willa sleeping through the night in her own crib in Austin was a memory from another lifetime. And I continued to nurse her through the journey, much longer than planned, because it contented her and helped to keep her healthy and hydrated. Having Willa with us meant no late nights talking over endless bottles of Beer Lao with new friends. It meant having to pass up a jungle zip-lining adventure and deciding against a junk trip through Halong Bay because we didn’t want to subject Willa to six hours on a boat or subject vacationers to six hours with Willa. It meant very little alone time for my husband and me, individually and as a couple. But then these are the sacrifices of a parent, regardless of where you are. It was especially exciting to explore these countries and cultures with Willa and have so much new for the three of us. As my husband and I experienced different social practices, languages and foods, combing market stalls for the best spring rolls, noodle soup and grilled fish, Willa was learning to walk and talk. What also appealed to us about Willa’s company on this journey was that she forced us to travel at an unhurried pace in order to accommodate her needs and curiosity. We stayed in some places longer than planned because our guesthouse had a huge room in which Willa could spread out her toys and move furniture around. Or because when we stayed in that rundown hotel with karaoke blaring through the floor from the bar below she slept all through the night. Or because there was a nearby park or beach where she liked to play (wide expanses of trash-free grass to play and tumble on are hard to come by in Southeast Asia). Willa saw her first — and 20th — elephant on the grounds of Angkor Wat, whose ruins make a truly awesome playground. We spent a month on the coast of Southern Thailand after finding the perfect stretch of beach where Willa could run and swim. Most wonderful of all was spending this crucial time of being a new family together. Though some of our best moments on this trip could have taken place anywhere — long bike rides and early morning walks, reading books in quiet camaraderie, rainy afternoons spent wrestling in bed together — I don’t know that I would have savored them as much had we been home, where there are the distractions of work and daily tasks. On this trip our time and energy were dedicated to one another, and we had the freedom to fully nurture and enjoy our family. It was a great gift. Friends and fellow travelers would often speculate about how much of this trip Willa will remember, and we wonder that ourselves. When we were on the coast of Cambodia we met a woman who said, “She’ll remember that she was with you and she was happy and that’s all that matters.” I agree.”

5
November 10, 2009

“Childrens' temperments vary. One child's receptivity and tolerance to new experiences will not be the same as another's. My husband and I took our infant on trips frequently. We drove for weekends out of town just a few hours away from New Orleans where we live. We took him to Connecticut when he was 4 months old, then on to England and France when he was 11 months old. He did well. He enjoyed meeting all our families and friends. He seemed to enjoy sightseeing and hiking. He just didn't sleep a full night for two years. I wonder in retrospect if our constant shuffling him from place to place, bed to bed, didn't make him feel a little unsettled...He is a guy who likes stability and routines. Now that he's able to talk he asks for an itinerary. He outlines in order what he'd like to do , where he'd like to go and who he'd like to see. My husband is a photojournalist who travels the world and before our son starts school for real we want to travel extensively. I do have some misgivings, though. I now know his personality and know that we're going to have to work relatively hard to bring some routine to him even while traveling. We'll be going to England next month so we'll have to try out different ways to make him feel secure.”

1
November 10, 2009

“We're decidedly middle class, not rich, and we love travel. We've stuck w Western Europe (ie not had the exotic adventures of the author), but would never let having a child keep us from travel. It's fun! Don't be a hater. It totally can be done. Loved the article. http://mamameyeah.blogspot.com/2008/07/what-i-learned-from-my-long-european.html”

2
November 10, 2009

“You don't have to be white, privliged or wealthy to travel like someone who posted here. I am Asian Indian and now live in the United states and raise two children here. However my life before I came here was fairly "exotic" by western eyes...I lived in many different cultures and countries before arriving in the US. And so we still travel...with kids and without. I enjoy it. My kids go back almost every year to India...enroute we make stop overs in Europe and Asia. They have eaten gelato in Tuscany and seen the Bhosporus in Istanbul. Not sure what all they remember but they remember the experience of travel and undertand that the world is a very large place and yet can be very small. Now my kids have travelled a lot within the US too...national parks and monuments etc in the summer. We spend money on travel...money that the average american family spends on a larger home and fancy cars. It's a choice we make. I do agree with someone here that for American's international travel with kids is viewed with a lot of suspicion and fear. I get admired for making a trip to India by myself with two kids under the age of 5 sitting on planes for 24 hours. Yes there are parts that are not fun. But it's a different perspective and I grew up like that so it's very hard for me to sit year round in my slice of suburbia and think that;s all there is to the world. I think that is what the author is trying to convey.”

0
November 10, 2009

“To three comments down: We don't watch TV, are vegetarian, used cloth diapers and travel. (We used disposables when we were traveling, though - but you might find those G diapers with flushable inserts are right for you). We didn't go anyplace with malaria. We're not planning to go to Disneyland. For us, it wasn't because travel broadened our child in any particular way - it would be nice if it happened, but unless you have more vacation time than most people, it seems unlikely. It was because we like being with her, and she likes being with us, and we'd rather have her with us than leave her with a sitter for an extended period. Traveling with a baby and toddler is certainly different - you can spend hours feeding the swans on Lake Geneva and not learn anything about the history of the place. But it has its advantages - in most places, a sizeable number of people love children, especially babies in the 5-9 month mark, and that creates an emotional connection I never had traveling without her. Perhaps this is the spiritual experience the author is trying to relate.”

0
November 10, 2009

“I don't like this new comment format because there is no way to have a dialogue in the comment section. It's nice to be able to choose a user name so that you can track comments back and forth. I think it's also sad that there are so many readers who take the article as a personal affront and an expression of lavishness. In other developed countries, travel is more important than having a second car or fancy clothes. It's only here that it's seen as something for the rich and/or retired.”

0
November 10, 2009

“We took our daughter to Rome when she was 3 months old and just had a ball. She spent most of the time, against my chest, in a sling, asleep but, we were excited enough about our experience that we are going to try to work a big trip like that into our schedule at least every couple of years. While our jobs tie us the states most of the time, traveling like that seems to have become fun again with the help or our (now) 11 month old.”

0
November 10, 2009

“We are expecting our first in just over two months and can't wait to hit the road with her. I understand that there are many variables that she may come with, that may make travel more difficult, but I am so tired of hearing about how we should "just wait 'till you have kids" to discourage us from taking less conventional routes. We don't watch TV, are vegetarian, are planning on using cloth diapers, and plan to hit the road every chance we get. And our friends and even strangers we happen to start chatting to on the subway, are very quick to discount our choices with "wait 'till you have kids". So, for those posters who say this author is smug or condescending - I get what she's saying. The choices to have a less conventional life with children are constantly judged, often by the smug and condescending, who cannot conceive of children and travel/no TV/vegetarianism/cloth diapers, etc, etc, etc. Keep travelling and keep writing about it - we need to to hear more from parents outside of the "today's parent" lifestyle!”

0
November 10, 2009

“I like the article. I suspect you do know there are more choices than Disney and the 3rd world? Lots of people go to Yosemite or Sicily instead :-) I found travelling with young children easy too. Things like breastfeeding, slings, co-sleeping makes babies/toddlers highly portable. Also, a playground/beach or area where a toddler can play where ever we go as neccessity. I suspect my kids don't get much out of experiencing foriegn cultures as much as I do, as they are getting older (3 & 6yo), they prefer playing/swimming/running/jumping/getting dirty/singing/dancing so we're doing more things to keep them happy (in lovely European places as we live in the UK).”

2
November 10, 2009

“I like the article. I too would have liked it even more if the author had moved beyond broad platitudes about the value of travel. Tell us more about what it was actually like to go with your toddler. I love, love, love the short bit down by the frugal traveler of the NY Times who went overseas with his infant. He actually talks about bringing formula, spending time on the plane, his day with his baby, and back at the hotel. Give us some details. No one really needs hear about the spiritual value of travel. Either they are with you or not. Give us more!!”

1
November 10, 2009

“this is brilliant and calms my fears of child and travel. thank you for wonderful insight!”

0
November 10, 2009

“I don't like this redesign.”

6
November 9, 2009

“Euro or Asia Disney is still acceptable for those Disney loyalists who have obviously missed the author's point. For most people including me, traveling with one, two, or three kids is daunting. The author is telling you that it's doable and for those on the cusp, give it a try. The experiences and sensations can only benefit your kids. If traveling east or west of the Mississippi River is your metaphorical "Dakar" then hop in the car or the plane and give it a try.”

0
November 9, 2009

“um, hello. Lines like these: "I hope she senses that same mysterious calling we felt that first year in Fez and lets passion, not fear, guide her through her life." How is that NOT condescending? I am not a "fearful" person, but rather one whose husband has a very lucrative ob that keeps us in our city in the States. She implies that anyone who does not live her "citizen of the world" life is fearful and destined to love Disney. Get over yourself, I say.”

3
November 9, 2009

“How does the author act "above the rest of us"? She has chosen an adventurous path. I don't feel insulted one bit. It's like saying that someone who has a career in show business and is relating work stories is "name dropping". Get over the jealousy, people! Be comfortable with the choices you make in your own lives!”

1
November 9, 2009

“I'm really sorry to flamer here b/c I hate when people flame, but I find this article so smug it makes me want to stop reading Babble. This writer's assumptions and condescension are palpable. Perhaps I am envious (and I am a bit), but also maybe I am just a little sick of people like this who have stumbled into a very lucky situation and act like they think the rest of us are philistine boors. I traveled the world as a child and I did before my children were born. Now I am grounded. I can barely even get to the gym, let alone to Cameroon. Good for you for being able to do this, but shame on you for acting like it makes you somehow above the rest of us.”

5
November 9, 2009

“I love the story and the pictures were fabulous! Great Job! :)”

1
November 9, 2009

“I would have found this article a little more interesting if they had discussed the nuts and bolts of traveling with little ones (where do you get diapers in Cameroon? etc.). Also, I'd like the remind the (oh, just a tiny bit smug) author that many things are possible with one child in tow that become extremely difficult with two or more little ones. It's always easier when the parents outnumber the kids!”

3
November 9, 2009

“Let's please not forget that there is a middle ground here. There are those of us who, while having no desire to pursue your sort of travel with kids, also do not put DisneyWorld at the top of our travel list. Please don't condescend - it is not an either/or proposition.”

7
November 9, 2009

“I think exposing children to all the world has to offer is an unimaginable gift and truly one that I hope I can provide in some way to my daughter. However, it seems you also have careers that allow you (force you?) to travel and take assignments all over the world. Sitting here at my desk at the office, I feel some resentment at this idea that "Disney World" is the best I can do or want for my child. My husband and I work hard, try to save, try not to freak out at the cost of health care and child care and all the other things in the world that need care, and try to provide as many interesting extras as we can. We're not struggling, by any means, but we're not in a position to escape this very real life. I guess I have two closing thoughts: 1) Perhaps you can write another blog that talks more about where families (who are not able to travel around the world, but perhaps can take 1 trip a year) can go to get some of the experiences you've had, and 2) In your desire to uproot yourself every 2 years or so and explore the amazing place that is this earth, keep in mind that even the most amenable, easy going, adventure loving children needs roots, consistency, and a feeling of belonging with their peers, and that usually only happens when they can stay somewhere for an extended amount of time. I wonder how excited Eloise will be to pull up stakes when she's in school and making her own friends and connections to her world. Thanks for writing this - I was moved and inspired. Enjoy the rest of your wonderful family adventure!”

4
November 9, 2009

“I can definitely relate to this desire to keep traveling even with kids, and I think there are wonderful things about it. We have lived in Mexico City when our oldest was a baby, and have since traveled with the kids to Mexico several times and Costa Rica. However, I think the tone of this article is a little smug and superior. Example: "Maybe we shouldn't take all these risks with our daughter and just live a "normal" life, in which Disney World tops our travel wish list." The author may find that the logistics and cost do become increasingly difficult if she has more children and as they get older. Not that the dream must die, but at some certain tipping point it can become more work and hassle then it's even worth. And Disney World, which I always used to scoff, well.. my kids would love it so I think I'm going to take them!”

2
November 9, 2009

“Sounds great. You'll be singing a different when you have more than one kid.”

4
November 9, 2009

“As a non-parent myself, but an aunt to two gorgeous little imps under 4, I can objectively view the comments below as a mixture of support and jealously based on people's different life experiences. I thought your article was fabulous. My parents took myself and my sister everywhere around the world with them on holiday and country moves from the age of 2 months and we've relished every single moment of it. Travel is an amazing education and those lucky enough to experience as a lifestyle will always have their eyes wide open to the amazing experience and appreciation of life around them. Still traveling as a lifestyle choice well into my 30's and knowing that you don't need to be "privileged" to do it, even if I have children, I never intend to stop!”

1
November 9, 2009

“I can't believe all the negative comments here. I think some moms just look for articles they don't entirely agree with just to post a scathing comment. Ladies, get a hold of yourself... try some yoga or other ways to deal with your negativity. Anyways, to the author - congrats on being able to figure out how to travel with an infant/toddler. I think it's awesome. Many may not be able to relate to your lifestyle, but that doesn't mean it's wrong.”

1
November 9, 2009

“I like the concept of exotic travel with a child, but a few things might get in the way for the other 99.9% of us, from lack of money to children with special needs to multiple children. I am happy you are living the way you want to, but as a person who never went farther than 3 hours away by car her entire childhood, I think people can be open-minded no matter how geographically limited the childhood.”

2
November 9, 2009

“After changing diapers on 4 continents, I can say I share your enthusiasm. Malaria should definitely be a serious consideration for anyone planning travel with a baby or toddler, since the antimalarial option isn't always so great or an option at all, depending. I'm so glad your daughter came through it okay! We did well with Bite Blocker extreme in Thailand--no DEET and it was effective for all of us. Thanks for sharing your notes and good luck on life in Cameroon! -Shelly (author of Travels with Baby)”

2
November 9, 2009

““This is the most flagrant example of wealthy, white privilege I've ever read on Babble- and that says a lot." - whoever wrote that - all I can say is shame. Being so enraged with jealousy and small mindedness must be hard to live with. You can feel free to sit at home in your own misery but don't expect others to follow.”

3
November 9, 2009

“Very inspirational. I am expecting my first in December & had been lamenting the fact that I wouldn't be able to travel as much as I wished any longer. But your tale has given me renewed resolve to continue on with what I love & to take my little nugget along for the ride. Thanks!”

1
November 9, 2009

“I have to admit I am a bit jealous. We thought we would continue traveling after we had our son, but he proved to be a difficult baby. I could barely keep up with what I had to do on a daily basis. The idea of a long flight and travels was way too exhausting. As he gets older we hope to start traveling more. btw, I think a lot of the people putting you down are also jealous. I hate the attitude of "just you wait until you have kids". Every kid is different. On the other hand, I take a very slight offense when you talk about other people letting kids dictate their lives. Everyone I know who says this kind of thing has an easy child. So count your blessings, and keep voyaging!”

3
November 9, 2009

“What a wonderful article! I love everything about - very few parents decide their children shouldn't dictate their lives and instead expand everyone's horizons to accommodate each family member specifically. Way to go!”

4
November 9, 2009

“Great story and a good example of showing your child the world - speaking from my own experience, the worldly experiences today, that are remembered long from now, will have an immense impact on your child's view of people and the world.”

2
November 9, 2009

“This is the most flagrant example of wealthy, white privilege I've ever read on Babble- and that says a lot. To begin with: the "mysterious" Islamic call to prayer? Only if you're not one of the billion plus people who hear it every day. It seems like your cosmopolitanism hasn't taught you much. Also, according to the CDC, "in Africa, a child dies from malaria every 30 seconds." But I'm sure glad a bout with it served to confirm your parenting choices- after all, isn't that what really matters most?”

19
November 9, 2009

“Great story! We're not as adventurous as you (yet) but it was planning our first trip with our daughter that inspired me to create havebabywilltravel.com - I think the more stories we hear from traveling parents, the more new parents will be able to deflect the naysayers and see the world with their baby in tow!”

2
November 9, 2009

“Wow, I have to say I'm more than a little envious of your ability to pack your child up and go. For what it's worth, you must have had a very easy-going baby. Mine had colic and did nothing but eat, scream and sleep for the first nine months. She required a very strict napping/sleeping schedule that severely curtailed my daily outings, nursed every two hours, could not fall asleep anywhere except her crib, and would NOT under any circumstances ride in an infant sling/Baby Bjorn carrier without crying until she puked. That we both made it through the first year alive is a miracle, but we didn't travel with her until she was 18 months old and had outgrown the worst of it!!”

9
November 9, 2009
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author bio Jamie Rich lives in Douala, Cameroon with her husband and their two-year-old daughter. When not freelancing from West Africa, she makes her home in Alexandria, Va. Her work has appeared in Washingtonian, Washingtonian Bride & Groom and Northern Virginia Magazine.

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