From Childhood Dreams to Global Adventures 🌍✈️

Discover the world through the eyes of a wanderer. Join me and my family as we explore nine remarkable countries and their rich cultures. 🌍✈️ #TravelAdventures #WanderlustJourney

BEGINNING

Author Kristal Duval

9/10/20202 min read

From Childhood Dreams to Real-Life Adventures 🌍✈️

I’ve loved travel since I was a child β€” even before I understood how big the world really is. My parents were curious and always eager to explore new places. Thanks to them, I caught the travel bug early in life. I didn’t know then that our family trips would inspire a lifelong passion for exploring the world.

#Wanderlust #AdventureAwaits

Where It All Began 🌟

I still remember the world map on our living room wall. Next to it was a globe by the piano. That map wasn’t just decoration β€” it was filled with colorful pins showing the places my parents had visited. Each one told a story and made me dream of exploring the world too.

#TravelMemories #ChildhoodDreams

My parents loved to travel and were great with languages. My dad spoke five: English, Armenian, German, French, and Russian. My mom also spoke five: Moldovan, Romanian, Russian, Italian, and Armenian β€” which she learned after meeting my dad. πŸŒπŸ—£οΈ

Their language skills helped them connect with people everywhere we went. That showed me how important it is to understand and respect other cultures.

#LanguageSkills #CulturalConnections

Nine Countries, Many Memories 🌏

With my parents, I visited nine countries. We usually took one or two trips a year. Each one taught me something new and left me with unforgettable memories.

#TravelAdventures #ExploreTheWorld

Here’s where we went:

  • Armenia: Beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and warm hospitality. πŸ‡¦πŸ‡²

  • Georgia: Rich traditions, scenic mountains, and the charm of Tbilisi. πŸ‡¬πŸ‡ͺ

  • Greece: Mythology, ancient ruins like the Acropolis, and blue Mediterranean waters. πŸ‡¬πŸ‡·

  • Moldova: Peaceful countryside, local vineyards, and unique culture. πŸ‡²πŸ‡©

  • Germany: Cities like Berlin and Munich showed us both history and modern life. πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ

  • Romania: Transylvania, Dracula legends, and beautiful castles. πŸ‡·πŸ‡΄

  • Bulgaria: A blend of Eastern and Western influences, with striking architecture and cultural heritage. πŸ‡§πŸ‡¬

  • Ukraine: Lively cities, creative arts, and incredibly welcoming people. πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦

  • Belarus: Minsk’s Soviet charm and quiet countryside adventures. πŸ‡§πŸ‡Ύ

More Than Just Holidays 🌍

These trips weren’t just vacations. They helped me grow and see the world differently. Travel with family became a way to learn β€” about history, cultures, and people. I’m so thankful my parents saw travel as a form of education.

I might not remember every moment, but I’ll never forget the feelings β€” the excitement, the wonder, and the joy of trying something new.

As our family grew, we traveled less. But the spirit of discovery stayed with us. We even explored places close to home, and the map on our wall kept filling with pins.

#FamilyAdventures #ExploringTogether

The Journey Continues 🌟

As I got older, I started traveling on my own. But my love for travel began with those early family trips across Eastern Europe and the Caucasus.

Now, every new trip adds to the story. I keep learning from different cultures and discovering new places. The world map that once hung in our living room is now part of my own travel journey.

That same spark I felt as a child is still with me. There’s always more to see, more to learn, and more adventures waiting. What started with my parents has become my own path β€” one pin at a time. πŸŒŸπŸ‘£πŸ—ΊοΈ

#GlobalExplorer #TravelTales #WorldIsCalling