Today is February 1st, which was my official due date. However, just like his mother (I was born two weeks early), my son was eager to come into this world and graced us with his presence a month early. Thus, today marks Joaquín’s first month of life! Before he was even born, I dreamed about where I would take my little explorer in the future. The following are ten countries that I have previously visited and that I cannot wait to travel with him to:
Argentina
Before I can take Joaquín anywhere, his first international trip will definitely have to be to Buenos Aires, Argentina to visit his father’s family. Not a bad first stamp in the passport though, right? Unfortunately for him, he will be too young to enjoy dulce de leche, empanadas, and Malbec, but what he will not be able to have in the way of food and beverages he will make up for in love. He has so many people eagerly waiting to shower him with affection!
Cuba
One of the most fascinating countries I have ever visited was Cuba. It has been almost eight years since my trip there and now that the travel restrictions for Americans have been lifted, I am itching to return and this time with my son. Cubans are amongst some of the nicest people I have ever encountered and I can already picture how inviting they would be to us. Plus, if he is anything like his father, he will absolutely adore the beaches there.
Brasil
I have a feeling since Brasil is both his mother and father’s favorite country in the world, he is going to have a soft spot for this extraordinary country as well. I plan on watching the movie Rio with him as much as possible when he gets a little older.
Bermuda
I so want to teach my son how to swim at a pink sand beach!
Italy
Even though none of my Italian relatives are still living in Italy today, I think it is important that we visit the countries that make up Joaquín’s heritage with him. Plus, who does not love Italy?
Germany
While his Italian relatives are no longer in Italy, he has plenty of relatives still living in Germany. My German grandparents babysit almost every day and speak nothing but German to him. Hopefully, he will be trilingual!
China
Since I am a Chinese Medicine Doctor and speak Chinese, China plays such a huge part of my life and I want to share that with him. China was the country that opened up my eyes to the world of traveling and hopefully it will inspire my little explorer to follow in his mother’s footsteps.
South Africa
What a dream come true to be able to go on a safari with my son! I can already picture the huge smile on his face as he spots animals in the wild. His entire nursery is decorated with elephants, so I am secretly hoping he will love them as much as I do. Though, his father calls him “monkey,” so I would not be surprised if that ends up being his favorite animal instead.
Australia
What is there not to love about Oz? I would like to take him around the continent in a camper van like I once did. It was the best way to experience Down Under in my opinion. I drove from Melbourne all the way to Uluru and back. With him I would like to do the same trip, but continue all the way to Perth.
Turks and Caicos
The one country Joaquín “traveled” to while he was in the womb were the Turks and Caicos. His father and I talked about how badly we wanted to become parents while we were there without even knowing that we were already indeed parents (we found out we had conceived a week after we came home). I think it would be really special to return to the place where we spent the entire trip dreaming of of him.
Which country do you think is the most child friendly and that I should add to my list?
Someone was eager to start exploring! I know my future kids will be just as adventurous – and I can’t wait to take them to the US to learn to play baseball, go to summer camp and get to know my side of the family.
If we didn’t live in the US it would definitely be on the list! 🙂
Spain! My home country and one of the greatest places on Earth!;)
Your baby is just adorable!
xx,
E.
http://www.theslowpace.com
Love love love Spain! I will DEFINITELY take him there one day!!! Thank you so much!
This will get him started right, that’s for sure!!
Don’t forget to come visit in Canada!
I won’t forget I promise! 🙂
Your situation is so similar to mine–that your husband’s family is all in South America, and you’ll be taking frequent trips there to spend time with family. Brazil is such a wonderful part of my kids’ lives. My husband doesn’t speak a word of English to my kids, and both kids now speak Portuguese well, so they can communicate with all their Brazilian family members in Portuguese. They get SO much love when we go there. Actually, I think I’ll be going to Argentina for the first time this December! I can’t wait!
Oh how lucky your sons are!!! I love that your husband has taught them Portuguese. That is SO important. How awesome that you’re going to Argentina this year. You will love it! Let me know if I can help answer any questions for you. <3
I adore the fact that all the countries you’ve chosen bear some personal meaning and significance to you and therefore will do to Joaquín.
I would one day love to take my child to the island on which I was married – North Island in the Seychelles- it’s a secluded eco-paradise in the Indian Ocean, with buried turtle eggs and wild roaming giant tortoise. Perfect for would-be little explorers!
Thank you so much, your words mean a lot to me! This island you were married on sounds magical!!! Now I want to take Joaquín there!
Great list Andi! Here’s to raising little world explorers!
Thank you and cheers to that!!!
Portugal is one country I loved being a nanny in. It is very rare for couples to have more than one child, if any, so children are absolutely adored and treasured there. 🙂
Oh wow how interesting I didn’t know that! Is there a reason why they seem to only have one child? Portugal is definitely a place that has been on my radar forever!!!
Joaquin’s such a lucky little boy. I can’t wait to see how he grows up. He’s going to be one amazing child, having such a fantastic worldly outlook, being exposed to multiple cultures and languages.
Thank you for your kind words — they literally made my day!!! XOXO
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