In just a few months it will be one year since Tim and I returned to the States. I find that last bit of trivia painful to write. I miss living like a turtle with everything I own on my back. I miss the long bus rides, eager to arrive at our next stop but also losing myself in the scenery we pass along the way. I miss what an adventure it can be just doing the simple things in life – finding lodging, ordering food, even just using a phone would often be different in a different land. (And I won’t even mention the adventures that come with foreign toilets!)

I miss meeting new friends, travelers and locals alike. I especially miss the instant connection we had with other travelers – the instant bond where all the bullshit and the small talk is cut out, and you get to what’s really important.

There’s a song where one of the lines says, “There’s not a word yet for old friends who’ve just met.” (Bonus points to whoever guesses the singer and his species.) Tim mentioned that song to me the other day and tears came into my eyes because that sentence alone captures our dear, dear friends who we met on the road.

We were lucky enough to have two of those friends visit us in Washington, DC for six days last week. Becky and Andy from England made an impromptu visit to DC (Andy for a work conference and to see us, and Becky simply because “life is too short not to see your friends”). And although Andy did have to work a bit (just a wee bit), we made the absolute most of the time. Sightseeing, lounging, cooking, eating, drinking, reminiscing, joking, and above all else enjoying our time with the four of us together again.

Now I have happy memories of long car rides and good conversations, of the small falls and the Great Falls, of a Saturday afternoon picnic, and flamenco dancing. I have happy memories of racing to the Capitol Building at top speed, watching two Brits admire the Magna Carta, crawling through air ducts, and seeing the Lincoln Memorial under the light of the full moon. I have happy memories of shopping at an outdoor market and hunting for fish sauce, homemade pizzas and pad thai, pitchers of Sangria and bottles of beer, exchanging presents and hugs goodbye. And above all, I have happy memories of the four of us sitting on our back deck with the warm Washington DC breeze floating past, music playing, and the conversation (and wine) flowing.

Before their visit to DC, we had only spent about 10 days with Becky and Andy: around 7 days in the Galapagos Islands, and another 3 days in England. Their recent visit nearly doubled the amount of time we’ve spent with one another, but looking at us you wouldn’t know that we’ve only spent a handful of days in person together. You would only see that we already share a lifetime of memories and we’re keen on creating many more.

I can’t think of any other way to describe that bond than by saying again, “There’s not a word yet for old friends who’ve just met.”

Tim and I have thousands and thousands of memories (and probably even more photos) to remind ourselves of our unbelievable, life-changing trip around-the-world. But what I’m happiest about are the strong friendships we’ve made. With time, our memories may fade. But I truly doubt the friendships we made on the road will.

So, here’s to all our friends. To talking non-stop and laughing even more. To reminiscing about the past and creating new memories for the future. To acting impulsively and to planning a bit too. To sharing stories and sharing dreams. To understanding what’s important. To feeling at home. And to knowing life is too short not to see your friends. Cheers, everyone, cheers.

Oh, and Bex and Andy: come back soon. We miss you.