ture what it’s going to be like,” says Suzie.
“We had a reasonable idea; however, you are spending
24/7 with each other, which unless you run a business
together or don’t have to work, never usually happens in
‘normal’ life.”
Suzie quickly mentions that for her and Kelvin it has
been “fantastic”.
“One of the best parts of taking time out to travel has
been being able to spend more time together,” Kelvin
points out.
“Yes, you get days where one of you is more tired, and
I know I can get quite ‘Hangry’ at times,” laughs Suzie, as
we could almost hear her stomach rumbling.
“But that’s normal. We never shout at each other or
anything like that, although we sometimes get frustrated
with each other when things are going wrong, but we
work together, and we talk a lot about stuff.”
Both agree that the greatest asset they take with them
is the ability to communicate and talk things through.
“If anything, it’s made our relationship stronger, espe-
cially with all of the shared experiences and sharing the
same love of travel and motorbikes,” Suzie continues, a
small smile in Kelvin’s direction demonstrates the bond
they have. She hints it’s the reason why she said “yes” to
Kelvin’s marriage proposal.
“I think he was waiting to see how the travel went be-
fore he asked … “, she laughs again.
“Probably wise!”
Many travellers speak of being changed by the experi-
ence, of returning home feeling different; perhaps more
complete, wise to the greater world. Suzie and Kelvin
both agree that they’ve change, yet neither can explain in
what way. It’s a common experience, change occurs yet
no one can describe the experience or feeling.
“I think travel opens your eyes, and once you’ve been
travelling you hunger for more,” suggests Kelvin.
“I think it makes you realise how amazing people can
be and how much there is to see in the world,” Suzie
continues.
They both agree that it has made them re-evaluate
their priorities and what it means to be human, realising
that they don’t need so much “stuff” and the things that
need to change. It’s another common concept that many
travellers experience, opening your eyes makes you see
so much more.
“The world is ever-changing with so much to see,” Suz-
ie suggests. “We realise now how much of a negative im-
pact our media can have on people’s perceptions of cer-
tain countries. The different culture’s we’ve experienced
so far are so interesting and different to ours. Overall
the people are friendly and helpful, and really add to the
travel experience whether they’re locals or other people
you meet on the road travelling from different countries.”
With the new vision Suzie and Kelvin say they tru-
ly have the travel bug and will continue to do so. The
immediate future? Finish South America, return to the
UK, get married. They’ll share their life, they’ll share the
travel, they’ll share the experience. After all, life is an
adventure, La vida es uni Aventura …
Suzie and Kelvin’s adventures can be followed through their
blog and fantastic images. Visit AvVida.co.uk , you won’t be
disappointed, especially if you meet Cyril … the Sloth.
TRAVERSE 52