Our Favorite Things

Looking back on our final post-China trip, there were highs (amazing views and incredible people) as well as lows (multiple bouts of food poisoning and 12 hour layovers). But the latter quickly faded to distant memories, as the former became embedded as some of the most incredible experiences of our lives.

As a wrap-up, we tried to narrow it down to a short list of our most incredible stops and experiences by country. Enjoy!

Ganges River Sunrise Boat Ride, Varanasi, India- Seeing masses of people who had made a pilgrimage to one of the most sacred spots for the Hindu religion was moving.
Camel Breeding Farm, Bikaner, India- Our first interaction with the one humped version. How can you not love the friendly, curious creatures? These 'young males' found Tiffany quite intriguing and couldn't help but come check her out at the gate.
Hobbiton, New Zealand- The set may have been partially torn down, but it sure was fun to reenact our favorite Lord of the Rings scenes here!
Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand- We can't tell which was our favorite part, cruising over the glaciers in a helicopter or actually landing on the glacier and getting to walk on it. The whole experience was kind of like jumping straight into the Discovery Channel.
Climbing the Harbor Bridge, Sydney, Australia- For Tiffany, the climb up to the top was the worst part of Sydney, but actually being on the top and safely descending it was the best.

Lord Nelson's Brewery, Sydney, Australia- Zach loved nothing better than to end our Sydney days with a nice cold pint and mashed potatoes topped with a meat pie topped with mushy peas. Leaping Tiger Gorge, Lijiang, China- Zach and Tiffany walked off all those meat pies on a two day hike through some of the most beautiful parts of China. This stop had Zach jumping for joy at the beautiful landscapes.
Food Markets, Xinjiang, China-Although it made Tiffany sick, the fruit and other cuisines available at the markets around Xinjiang were gorgeous to wander through and sample.
Kashgar, China- Wandering through the old town of Kashgar made us realize why part of the Kite Runner movie was filmed here. The roads were charming and the people (particularly the children) were gorgeous and friendly.
Gobi Steppes, Mongolia- Helping rescue a 3 month old foal who had lost her mother was incredible, almost like a Mongolian version of 'Bambi' (fortunately, the two of us don't get too emotional or attached to animals...).
Arbud Sands Camp Games, Mongolia- The camp horse hands insisted on us playing a range of 'amped up' children's' games. Zach was in heaven while Tiffany felt the experience was one shade away from Abu Graihb.
Paris, France- After a collective 5 cases of food poisoning, we thoroughly enjoyed putting back on the lost weight through a steady diet of crepes, pastries, and other goodies. Here, Zach enjoys his flower of gelato.
Paris, France- Here Zach bounds around a Paris treasure...
Chateau Andelot, France- We aren't sure what we loved most, our hosts or lounging around in luxury at a true French Chateau.
View from Room at Chateau Andelot, France- It just doesn't get more beautiful than that.
While we were sad to leave all of these incredible places and experiences, we were ready to retire a few things as soon as we set foot back in the US...

Our matching his 'n' hers Salomon travel shoes (the only pair of shoes each of us wore for 4 months)

And our trusty backpacks, which held all of our worldly possessions during our travels:

Stay tuned for one last entry on our life in the Bay!