New Orleans to Austin and in between!

After our time in Nashville, we have just been “wasting time” as you may call it. Our family thrives on spontaneity, embracing each day with a fast and loose spirit that usually leads us to an unexpected experience.

Our two-day excursion to New Orleans promised an exhilarating Mardi Gras experience, where the entire city seemed to come alive with vibrant festivities that stretched from day to night. Amidst the revelry, we found ourselves immersed in a kaleidoscope of colours and costumes, with beads flying in every direction and families gathered together, enjoying food and entertainment while children amused themselves in the streets.

The inclusive atmosphere of the city was palpable, echoing with the infectious energy of celebration. We even found an amazing Hostel that was in the prime position that had us stepping out of our door way straight into the fun.

The following morning, Josh led us into the heart of the Bayou, eager to immerse ourselves

in the unique environment of the swamp-dwellers. Despite our anticipation, luck seemed to have other plans, as the temperature plummeted to unexpected lows the alligators alike seemed to hide like the sun. Although the biting cold left us shivering to our very cores, the experience proved to be educational about a complex eco system and the delicate balance they keep between the environment and working opportunities to be able to keep their families thriving.

As we resumed our road trip towards Houston, the lingering chill served as a reminder of the diverse and unpredictable nature of our journey.

Eager for some seaside nourishment, we set course along the coastal road until we reached the charming shores of Galveston. As we held the vast expanse of water, we couldn’t help but draw comparison to the pristine coastlines of our native Australia leading to reflections on the privilege of residing near such immaculate shores. Nevertheless, we embraced the setting and the opportunity to soak up the sun. We indulged in beach runs and relished the feeling of warmth on our skin. Despite the differences in coastline, our time in Galveston provided moments of relaxation and rejuvenation.

 We have come to acknowledge that our ambitious plans have stretched our resources beyond their limits during our stay here in America. While this realisation has caused some apprehension regarding our financial situation and the sustainability of our journey, it has not diminished the overall enjoyment of our trip. Instead, it has prompted us to reassess our budget and priorities, ensuring that we make the most of our remaining time while managing our resources more efficiently.

When embarking on this journey, we held firm to the belief that it wouldn't be a conventional "holiday," but rather an extension of our everyday lives transplanted into a different cultural setting. Consequently, we occasionally find ourselves grappling with the expectation to constantly seek out new experiences and make the most of every moment. However, the stark reality is that such expectations are often at odds with the constraints of finite resources.

Therefore, it's imperative for us to meticulously select experiences that align with our family's core values and genuine interests, rather than succumbing to external pressures or the allure of activities that may appear appealing to others. Remaining steadfast in our commitment to staying true to our beliefs and passions ensures that every moment of our journey resonates authentically with who we are as a family and stays within our financial bounds.

We managed to meet up with one of Josh's old Army friend and his family to reconnect and share fond memories. It was so fulfilling to be able to share how their lives are in the United States and to also spend quality time with some genuine and refreshing human beings. Whilst on our last housesit job in Austin, we dived into some volunteering to give back to the local community thanks to CTX food bank Central Texas. They helped us to accomplish a mammoth task along side six other Volunteers. That day we fed over 1000 people, nearly 300 families. These kind of experiences enrich and humble your soul and seeing the kids work so hard and with such grace make our hearts swell with immense pride and love.

So as our time in America draws to a close, we find ourselves completing our last house sitters duty in Austin Texas, and eagerly anticipating the electrifying atmosphere of a double-header NRL game in none other than Las Vegas. It may seem unconventional to seek out a taste of home in the heart of Sin City, but for us, it's a chance to immerse ourselves in the camaraderie of our fellow Aussies and bask in the excitement of seeing our beloved Brisbane Broncos take the field.