Welcome to our little home in the cloud! Here is our intention for this blog:

1. Create a log of our travels so Tina can remember them. We understood from the beginning that Tina would only have implicit memories of the first years, so hopefully a collection of photos and stories can turn them into explicit memories as well.

Packing for first trip

2. Share our experiences and lessons learned with the rest of the world. We have gained tremendous value from traveling with our daughter, and I would love to help other families enjoy the same rewards.

Sunset in Cappadocia, Turkey

3. Develop a forum for the discussion of worldschooling. There are dozens of families traveling long-term with their kids and they take advantage of the natural learning opportunities that happen in the big, wide world. I hope this site can be one place for like-minded folks to share their ideas and spread the word to others who might be interested in the nomadic lifestyle, or at least using unique adventures in their local environment to foster learning.

Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

4. Provide evidence of the learning Tina gains through worldschooling. I know very well that our choice to keep Tina out of school could be a risky one. In many ways our society is set up to benefit children who follow the traditional path of school, university, job, etc. However, we are beginning to see alternative forms of learning move to the forefront (homeschooling, unschooling, democratic schools, MOOCs) with equal stories of success. While she is only 5 years old, I can already see more positives from our choice to worldschool Tina than negatives from keeping her out of the traditional school system.

Worldschoolers in Lima, Peru

5. Create a project with Tina to facilitate computer literacy and build new skills (writing, photography, graphic design). I had to learn about website design to get this blog started and Tina is learning along with me. This site is also a launch pad for a book series we are writing about Tina’s life. Our ideas are still in their infancy so I imagine this site will grow along with us.

Photo by Tina, Age 4

6. Provide a place for me (Aimee) to reflect on learning, travel, culture, and the meaning of life. I have a background in cultural anthropology that taught me to be an observer of human behavior and our environment. I also hold a strong ethic for social change, so if my musings can impact others then I feel it is my responsibility to share them.

Hmong women of Sapa, Vietnam

Thanks for taking the time to read about our lives and intentions. I hope this blog has some purpose for you too!

 

The Travel Crew

 

Tina (given name Agustina) is the impetus and inspiration for our family’s travels. She has genetic roots from all over the world (German, English, Italian, Spanish, Peruvian, and more) and she’s a true Third Culture Kid. Tina loves ballet and art. She brings her favorite doll Uniqua (from Backyardigans) on every trip.

 

 

 

 

 

Aimee (aka “La Mama”) is the brains of the Travel Crew. She wears many hats: mom, wife, professor, researcher, surfer, travel planner, newbie blogger. Having been born in Venezuela, raised in the United States, and transplanted to Peru, Aimee has decided to call herself a world citizen.

 

 

 

 

 

Edgar (aka “El Dada”) is the brawn of the Travel Crew. He’s a Peruvian at heart but a nomad in the soul. A natural negotiator and entrepreneur, Edgar figures out ways to travel cheaper and longer. He won’t be contributing here because he’d rather be surfing.