Other Side of the World

With all of the technology the world has today you would think that it is easy to keep up on EVERYTHING and for the most part. Log onto the Internet or turn on CNN. You will see things that are going on right now. You can log in to various messenger services, hook up a web cam and see people 5,000 miles away from you. You can use satellite programs and zoom in on your childhood home. Yet, it is not the same as seeing your newborn nephew or your sister graduate from high school.
I have been in the Navy for nine years and have spent 4 of them out side of the United States and I have missed many things. We planned to go home in October of this year (half way through our tour on a remote island in the Pacific) and participate in some important events. Ronnie's sister had a baby last October and is getting married this October. One of Ronnie's best friends just moved half way across the country. Ronnie has never been to New Orleans nor has he experienced the rich history of the South. We planned on spending 25 days catching up, celebrating, and traveling (something we love to do but really can't on an island that you can drive around in 3 hours).
After careful budget analysis and debates, it is just not feasible. Plane tickets are 2 grand a piece. A rental car and gas for 25 days is about 2 grand and 5 nights in hotels makes a grand total of 7 thousand dollars! This does not include food, shopping, visiting Plantations that line HWY 90 in South-east Louisiana or anything else we come across that we decide to do.
You would think that with the technology that we have, it would not cost this much, but we were both surprised when we realized what we were about to commit ourselves to. I hope that everyone back home anticipating our trip is not too disappointed and realizes that we are both bumbed about this painful decision, but we just can't do it. We will however, take advantage of the technology more. My goal is to make at least one entry a week (instead of 5 in one day once a month). We do plan on taking a much smaller (and affordable) vacation soon and will take lots of pictures for all to enjoy.
For those of you planning or wishing to come visit, our door is open and we would love to share our experiences of the island and culture with you on the other side of the world!