Let the Girl Dream!

Going to Europe for a family vacation has been a dream of mine since, well, my little family was created. I got a one week glimse at that world treasure good ten years ago when I traveled to Germany with a good friend of mine. A very nice Russian family showed us around Germany and even helped us get on a train to Paris. Then, at nineteen years old, I remember thinking, "Wow, this and this and that is incredible! Where have I been all my life!"

Fast forward to 2010, I find myself still dreaming about coming back to this place. I want to explore more of it. I want to chill on the beaches of Spain and Italy and visit the countryside of France. Oh, and I cannot forget Greece. Ahhhhh, Greece. I want to hit many museums and historic places and go backpacking. All this, I want to do with my family, meaning a husband and three little children. Usually, this fancying dies quickly. All I have to do is look up the checking and saving balance and wolah! Back to home my wondering mind returns. Everyone knows that Europe is expensive. Some of us, just need to be reminded of that from time to time.

But....to quote an old cliche, there is always more than one way to skin a cat! I have recently discovered a way that may actually one day turn my dream into reality. I read about homelink.org and really hope I can participate in a year or two. Basically, this is a home exchange program where a family can exchange their house with a different family in a country of their choosing. The exchange can be stimultanious, meaning they will be using your house while you will be using theirs. This company has been around since 1953 (I have no idea how they did this before internet) and is legitimate.

Do you realize how many thousands of dollars this can save you? I do, and I am sold on this! Too bad this summer is not a good summer for us due to lack of several thousands of dollars for things like air and food for five persons, but as soon as we have enough saved up, it would be simply be a dream come true. But for now, let the girl dream, would ya?

(I really hope some of you will be able to participate in this. Just remember to write me back and tell me how cool your experience was:).