Though we often feel like we find new homes everywhere we go, the homes where we grew up will always and forever be our base, where our roots grow strongly as we explore the world.

It is just as awkward as it is normal, to step inside and hug our parents and siblings and pet our cats and dogs after a few months of traveling.

We have now recharged our batteries a bit and are ready to take off on Monday. We will fly back into Ankara in Turkey and from there we’ll cross to Iraq.

We received an extraordinary e-mail the other day from Jwan, who got roots in Iraq. He spoke just as warmly about his country as we do about our own families.
“I hope you don’t change your minds about hitchhiking through northern Iraq. It is a beautiful place, especially in the mountains.”

Thanks for following us into the new year!