GIVEN that we started our journey over three years ago by heading close to South America's west coast - Ecuador - we have now practically circumnavigated the globe - in 1,111 days by arriving in Vancouver, Canada from Auckland.
It means that Zenchai, our son, has more or less been travelling half his life. Whereas our daughter, Kobra, knows no other life. She is a true nomad - born on the road, in Brazil, and has rolled with the punches ever since. She transitions from one location to another more easily than any of us.
Vancouver will be our home for the next three months. It feels strange being in a big city again, having become so used to New Zealand's open spaces and lack of frenzy.
But we look forward to the changes - in location, climate (far cooler), economy (more expensive, at least with regards to accommodation) - and the opportunity a place like Vancouver will offer us. We've settled into our cosy Laneway Home from which we can see the snow-capped mountains in the distance.
We are here, though, primarily for CrossFit, as I am on a three-month intern program at CrossFit Vancouver, one of the top and pioneering CrossFit facilities in the world.
I have the qualifications to coach (having passed the exams), but that's just theory and coaching is all about putting the knowledge into practice.
So I'm hoping they will teach me to become a coach - to equip me on my journey to transform lives through CrossFit, which promotes better health and well-being through strength and conditioning and changes in diet.
When I left England three years ago and quit my job of 23 years as a print journalist, the plan was to discover a new passion as we travelled the world. It took longer than I had hoped. But that's how it is.
I knew when I first tried CrossFit, though, that this was it. And I have always been one to chase my passions and make dreams (like travelling the world with my family) come true, regardless of what others think or say.
CrossFit is my new passion and as our travel feels like it is winding down, our attention is focusing more on the future and what that will hold for us. We are planning accordingly.
Vancouver promises to be a pivotal stop along the way.
I know from your blog that you are/were vegan. Has that changed with your embracing crossfit? Do you now subscribe to the paleo diet. I know of a prominent vegan who gave it up after joining the crossfit movement.
Posted by: Amy Moore | 25 February 2013 at 12:36 PM
Hi Amy. I can't call myself vegan, because I now eat eggs occasionally, so long as they are organic and free-range, which is easy to find in Vancouver and was in New Zealand and Australia. But I am often at odds with Crossfitters about diet. I don't eat meat or dairy and at this point it is not a decision I want to reverse. I am happy being the best athlete I can be without consuming meat and dairy.
Posted by: Claude | 25 February 2013 at 03:45 PM
I've really enjoyed following along with your travels. Is there a possibility of you writing a book about your travels around the world?
Posted by: Ian Lord | 25 February 2013 at 08:09 PM
Ian, there's always a possibility. Isn't that what keeps us alive - the possibility of making things happen? Thanks for following our travels.
Posted by: Claude | 25 February 2013 at 08:58 PM
Thank you for your response. Have loved following your families blog, what a wonderful life!!
Posted by: Amy Gillock | 26 February 2013 at 11:07 AM
hi claude and jaime,
we met you guys at the centre of the universe pool in chiang mai one afternoon right before you left. so great to see your travel adventures here… wonderful and inspiring!
all the best to you in vancouver!
marissa, paul and balthus
x
Posted by: Marissa Newell | 01 March 2013 at 03:55 AM
Hi Marissa. Thanks for the message. Remember you guys well. Such a shame we didn't get to hang out for longer. Hopefully, we'll meet again.
Posted by: Claude | 01 March 2013 at 03:59 AM