Family Christmas

I’ve wanted to spend quality time with my family for so long now, and for the last couple of months I’ve been been getting “happiness attacks” every time I thought about their close at hand arrival. Having the support and encouragement of my family has always been important to me, and something I think about and rely on almost every day.
Their coming to BA means more to me than I can possibly express.

I have only one question… Where are we going to be next time?

My sister Liz has been one of my biggest supporters from day one, for which I’m extremely grateful.
The following post was written by Liz about our time in Buenos Aires (thanks Liz!):

Saturday 11th December I started on a bus ride into a fairy tale. Technically it was to Heathrow Airport, in reality it was to become part of the world that is “The Road Chose Me”. The reality really did feel like walking into the pages of a story book.

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The waterfront of Buenos Aires

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Street markets, our favourite

The 33 hours of travelling saw me finally arrive in BA, Argentina. Dan was there waiting for me to land and so began my first ride of many in “The Jeep”.

The ride into BA was an eye opener. People picnicking on the grass beside the freeway, slums on one side of the road and the nicer parts of town on the other and sun like I haven’t seen or felt since living in Australia.

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Fancy buildings

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Sunny days

Dan asked me to write this post on the day I landed. While I’m so honoured to be asked I’ve also been running the whole thing around in my head for the last 4 weeks. How on earth do I relay the love, laughs, and reminiscing that comes when a family meets for the first time in nearly 7 years?!

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The colored houses of La Boca

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Hanging out in the park became quite the habit

Each photo brings back a flood of memories that are going to last a life time. And then there are also the times that weren’t captured on camera; the green plastic table that fell off a roof in high winds and shattered with pieces easily 100m away; Mike and I taking turns in the back of the Jeep on the way to and from the beach (numb bum and all!); the split second we looked up to see a car drive into the centre concrete barrier on the freeway; and a distinct lack of anything to drink on Christmas Day, we drunk it all Christmas Eve!

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City buildings

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Everyone in La Boca

I’m sitting here trying to do justice to a post and the tears keep coming. Tears of love, tears of happiness and most of all tears of joy at the fact each and every one of us can follow our dreams, even when they do lead us to every corner of the globe. This holiday has taught me many things but most of all the fact that we aren’t really that far away from each other. Distance is relative and as my family is in my heart every day they really aren’t that far away at all. After all what’s 33 hours of travelling, other than time?!

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Fun with dreadlocks and superglue!

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Dan, Liz & Mike at the beach

-Liz

PS I’ll let Dan talk about the photos etc. He does such a good job of it simple smile

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Mike and Dan

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Full family dinner of Argentine BBQ

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Jeep and the whole family (the first time we've *all* been together)

21 Responses

  1. Michelle says:

    In a word….. brilliant! xx

  2. Juliette says:

    Looks like you all had a lovely time. Thanks to your sister for a great post & all the photos!
    Where to next?

  3. kerri manger says:

    My favorite family in the whole world. I have to wipe the tears away writting this. The photos are great. I am glad you had a terrific Xmas together. Look forward to seeing more photos.

  4. Brian from New Jersey says:

    That’s awesome! I’m really glad that you were all able to get together and have a great time over the holidays!

  5. Jen says:

    Dan and the Grecs

    It looks like you guys had an amazing time together! I’m sure your mum was thrilled to have all her kids in one place for the holiday. Again wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year with lots of love!
    Can’t wait to see what 2011 brings for all the Grecs!
    Love, Jen

  6. mike says:

    Wow!!
    You said it Liz!

    Love you guys :)
    Mike

  7. Jim K in PA says:

    Wonderful “return” post, Dan. Thanks for sharing your wonderful family with us. You are a fortunate man, but you already know that . . . Safe travels.

  8. Megan McKenzie says:

    It looks like you all had such a wonderful time together! Good on you and I look forward to the next family vacation!!!!

  9. Chad says:

    Long time reader from the start of the journey and I just had to comment that the last picture of the family on the Jeep is priceless. Look forward to seeing how the adventure wraps up. Best of luck!

  10. Webbs-mildura says:

    What a special Christmas for all you guys…..7years since you have all been together.
    Great post Liz , and the family photos are great.
    Will keep following your journey….
    keep safe in your travels Dan.
    Mike and Cheryl

  11. Ron Parker says:

    What a great read, emotions put into words and the pics.,you done a wonderfull job Liz.
    Great to see not much has changed since the Christmas in OZ,some years back,except for all the dreadlocks and Mikes beard.
    Keep up the stories and safe travels to all.
    Ron & Margaret

    • Dan says:

      A huge Merry Christmas to you guys as well. I was really looking forward to a chat on xmas day with you, we’ll have to do it soon!
      Take care,
      -Dan

  12. Melissa says:

    Hey Dan, Great to hear that you got to spend some time with family :) Awesome post by Liz too! Got some great family snaps to last and support you through the rest of your trip! Still missing you! Reg and I are on our last leg of our vacation in Vegas. Take care!
    Melissa

    • Dan says:

      Hey Melissa! Sounds like you guys have had one hell of an adventure. Nice one!
      My brother talked non-stop about snowboarding and life in BC in general. Hmmm.
      All the best, get some fresh snow for me.
      -Dan

  13. Greg Rocklage says:

    Dan,
    WOW!!! I stumbled upon this site several weeks ago and have been returning every chance I get. I drive a TJ as well and have LOVED reading about your travels. I’ve downloaded many of your pics to my Jeep folder! I just had to comment on your last picture; your family and the Jeep. What an awesome picture!!! And Liz’s post was a joy to read. I’ve been telling my Jeep friends about this site! Many, many thanks!!

    • Dan Grec says:

      Hey Greg,

      Thanks for the kind words and feedback, I’m happy to hear you like my stories and photos!
      Make sure you also read about my on-going African adventure! I am having the time of my life! (again!)

      All the best,
      -Dan

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