In October 2017, my wife and I left for what would end up being an 18-month journey through Latin America, Europe and North Africa.

We had no set plan and no set return date.

Known as long-term travellers, our timeline was unpredictable and indefinite.

Throughout life, we’ve moved around a lot and have lived in many different cities. And as such, we’ve said farewell many times. These bittersweet moments have always been skewed by our excitement for the journey ahead. Everyone else, without such perspective, only sees loss — however temporary it may be.

This realization hit me was when one of my closest friends hugged me as we said our final goodbye before that 18-month journey. She didn’t say a word, she didn’t have to, the tears on her face did all the talking.

But this isn’t about me.

I’m babbling on about the past because I’m having trouble acknowledging how that feels. The tables have turned. Two of my favourite people are moving to New Zealand today.

I’ve known Gerold for over 20 years, many of his early travels inspired my own. He is one of the most interesting and curious humans I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. Jessica is a truly beautiful soul and has been one of my closest confidants for almost a decade — I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her in my life.

I love them both very much.

As much as I will miss their company, the conversations and their epic hugs, their journey is their’s. I am beyond excited to follow this next part of their story.

Still, New Zealand is fucking far away. And as happy as I am for their next chapter, this hurts.

But I’ve been the one to leave. And in those moments I was blind to the other side.

This perspective makes me appreciate the people in my life all the more.

My temporary discomfort is the beginning of an unimaginable life experience for them.

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Jess, Geej, I love you.

Safe travels.