We survived. Family bonding!

Craig's blog posts will no doubt include all the details including some insight into my brain over the past few days. Overall this was a trip of a lifetime! Truly a unique experience that is unforgettable and indescribable. And I'm glad it's over. 

It was every bit as scary as I had imagined and Abby going backwards on her zip line over a huge valley was a low point. For me, not her. She was fine! Another low point was jumping out of the window on the morning of day two as that is where the cable hooked up. I needed to go first or else I'm not sure I would have gone at all. Sleeping that high up with only a cable over a huge valley connecting you to land was not my idea of relaxation! Abby kept referring to it as a "vacation in a vacation" but I was struggling to find the vacation elements in it all. 

However...despite my nerves and the sheer terror of it all, I also had a blast and am glad I went (but am not signing up for another one). Talk about a family bonding experience and shared memories! We've had some laughs about various moments on the trip and I expect the stories will become a big part of what stands out on this whole journey. 

The best moments for me were:

1. Waking up on day two - stunning view and also relieved that one night was over

2. A zip line day 2 about halfway through the morning where I finally had enough courage to look around and really take it all in. I was actually smiling as I landed. 

3. Arriving at our second treehouse and seeing the toilet didn't have 300 wasps on it

4. Sharing a quiet moment with Craig looking over the valley from our treehouse and reflecting on how truly lucky we were to be able to do this trip

5.  Sharing a mosquito net bed with Robin and having a good chat about the trip and how much she is enjoying spending time with her family "24/7"

6. Seeing the kids zip line with total confidence and exuberance 

7. Hearing the gibbons sing on the 2nd morning. It literally brought tears to my eyes. 

8. My final zip line was my favourite. I finally felt confident and really enjoyed it!

We are checked into the strangest and tackiest hotel ever, but in a huge two bedroom suite which is the size of our first bungalow! We splurged a bit for cleanliness but are isolated from everything. No one really cares though since the sheets and bathrooms are clean. We leave tomorrow morning for a two day host ride down the Mekong River to Luang Prabang. 

Enjoy the videos Craig is posting!