Hedgehogs Without Borders
   

Hedgehogs Without Borders

On March 3, 2005, Jessica and Tim set off on an epic 18-month round-the-world adventure. That trip may be over now, but the storytelling has only just begun!

This website is here both as a record of our trip and a resource for other travelers. Please feel free to leave us a comment at the bottom of our journal entries!

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions
Help Support our Trip!
The Junior Hedgehog Club
Contact the Hedgehogs

Month-by-Month Map


View a month-by-month
map of our journey

:: October 6, 1977 ::

I am born at 11:45pm and all is right in the world. I am given my precious Blankie by my Grandmother and my beloved Minerva the Mouse by my Dad. (These two things will be loved every night for the next 27.5 years.) One problem my parents notice about me: I appear to be bald, and shall remain that way for about the next 5 years.


:: 1980-1995 ::

I start school a year early. Early reports show I “socialize too much” in class, but that I’m a very good student. (Later reports will show the same thing.) I am probably considered a teacher’s pet, but not in the bad way. More in the “I was able to pull the fire alarm as a joke in 4th grade and not get in trouble” kind of way. I am very athletic, so much so that a boy broke up with me my freshman year because I talked about running so much. I lose interest in running (read: I develop asthma) my Sophomore year, but enjoy volunteering and being a nerd. I start college hunting very early.


:: 1995-1999 ::

I apply early decision and am accepted into Haverford College. This secures my place as a nerd forever more, but luckily I am among friends. I graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.


:: 1999-2000 ::

I am in denial about graduating college and have put off finding a job or applying to schools. I apply for a weekend position as a cashier in the gift shop of The Barnes Foundation, a world famous art gallery a few miles away from my college that I have never heard about before. (I figure the weekend work will serve me well while I look for a job.) Instead of the cashier position, they make me Assistant Director of Education. This is humorous as I know nothing about art.


:: 2000-2001 ::

I escape the craziness of The Barnes Foundation, only to land in an even crazier place: City Year, a part of the Americorps National Service Network. I am suddently leading my very own team and pretending to look like I know what I’m doing. We perform over 18,000 hours of community service projects in Philadelphia. My team puts me through hell, but I love them for it and I’m a better person when I leave than when I arrived.


:: 2001-2005 ::

I land a 5 day temp job at the American Red Cross. I am asked to stay on and am hired full-time into a brand new position. They are also a little crazy and give me a nice office and a laptop. I like them for these things.


:: November 7, 2002 ::

I meet a boy named Tim. We are friends for several months, but he’s so nice I decide to keep him as my own.


:: June 18, 2003 ::

On a gorgeous summer evening, sitting outside a Dairy Queen while eating blizzards, I ask Tim to travel around the world with me.


:: March 3, 2005 ::

With my Blankie and Minerva the Mouse safely stowed away at my parent’s place, the coolest boy in the world steps on a plane with me to travel around the world.



:: Comment by Sunnie at 02:52 PM on Feb 24, 2005 ::

Oh! I hadn’t even noticed… you’re starting your trip on my birthday! Hooray!

:: Comment by Swany at 04:28 PM on Feb 24, 2005 ::

He may very well be the coolest boy, but he is also the luckiest!

:: Comment by Marisa at 05:45 PM on Feb 24, 2005 ::

It’s kind of interesting to note that not only was I born 10/1/77, but also late at night - 10:30 or so I think? And also did not even begin to grow hair in earnest until I was five. We’re twins, I SWEAR! ‘-)

Also, the first real day of your trip is also the only day of the year which actually means something (pun on words):

MARCH FORTH.

You do that. ‘-)

:: Comment by Tim the hedgehog at 10:56 AM on Feb 25, 2005 ::

For the record, Marisa, we both love the “March forth” thing. How perfect is that?

:: Comment by Connie at 11:00 AM on Feb 27, 2005 ::

I woke up this morning thinking how close you are to your adventure with a song stuck in my head that I hadn’t thought of since grade school.

“I love to go a-wandering along the mountain track. And as I go, I love to sing. My knapsack on my back.”

Looking forward to your updates.

:: Comment by Noah at 11:19 AM on Feb 27, 2005 ::

Have a wonderful time! And please be careful in those third world countries. :-)

:: Comment by Loofa at 05:32 PM on Mar 5, 2005 ::

You forgot about your meeting your Loofa and then leaving him to run around the world with a reat guy!! Glad to hear its going so well, and have a great time!!

:: Comment by seana at 05:04 PM on Mar 8, 2005 ::

i never new the details off you guys gettting together. that just makes you story even sweeter. i wish i had a love story like.sxxxxxxxxxxxxoooooooooooolove seaNA

:: Comment by Jessica in NM at 09:19 PM on Mar 22, 2005 ::

My Darling JQ! I am so proud of you for setting off on this grand adventure, and hey, green is not such a bad color on me. Love ya lots and good luck. Looking forward to the stories!

:: Comment by Lauraballs at 09:16 PM on Apr 6, 2005 ::

Hey guys, Glad to hear everything’s off to a good start. Your site is quite impressive. Kudos to you and yours. Fa rizzle. Much love. Meow.

:: Comment by daddy at 07:19 PM on Apr 12, 2005 ::

every time i read your bio i become very misty eye love always from all of us woof meow chirp and big binkies

:: Comment by Sister Soldier (The Post Hog) at 01:26 PM on May 13, 2005 ::

Love the updated pic!

:: Comment by john karakaian at 03:04 PM on Sep 7, 2005 ::

I used to work with your dad at CF tell him johnboy says hello……and don’t forget to visit Greece, I hear its wonderful this time of the year !!

:: Comment by Mama Wise at 11:20 AM on Dec 6, 2005 ::

Tim and my son Mike have been friends for many years and I met Jessica at Mikes Wedding. I knew they were perfect for each other. Enjoy your travels and be safe. Lots of love to you both.

:: Comment by Jennifer at 06:13 PM on Nov 6, 2007 ::

Met your father and his beloved dog, Max in Marion, OH a few weeks ago. I was taking pictures of intersections and he told me of your travels and the origin of the name. I am from Pittsburgh, PA or as he called it "IKEA Country". Happy and Safe travels to you both!!!!

Meet the Hedgehogs!

View Jessica’s Biography

View Tim’s Biography