The adventure didn’t start in Bangkok.
It started with a train.
Because if you’re going to travel halfway across the world with four kids, obviously the best idea is to first take a very long train ride across the Netherlands and Germany.
We booked a straight flight from Frankfurt to Bangkok—no stops, no transfers, no extra chaos in the air. That part was strategic. And Mike's decision as I actually wanted to take the stop over flight.
To make it even better, we decided to travel to Germany by train. Why? Because we have friends there, and also because we clearly hadn’t had enough excitement yet.
Sick Kids & Strong Willpower
Of course, just before leaving, Bella and Amber got sick.
Not “I don’t feel great” sick, but the throwing up kind all day.
Somehow—through sheer determination, luck, and probably magic—she made the entire journey without throwing up. A travel miracle. One we will never forget and will absolutely remind her of forever.
Grandma to the Rescue (Kind Of)
To make things easier, Grandma came to help us change trains in the Netherlands.
Which we loved. Truly. The intention was perfect.
The execution… well.
Grandma helped our oldest 2 into the elevator at the station. The doors started closing.
She was standing next to the elevator, but could not stop them from closing.
Suddenly, the elevator went down.
With the kids.
Without the parents.
There was crying.
There was panic.
There was that split second where your heart stops completely.
And then there was relief.
Everyone was fine, the kids were reunited with us, and once the adrenaline wore off… we laughed. A lot. Because if you don’t laugh, you cry—and we were saving the crying for later.
Grandma, if you’re reading this: we love you. And we still talk about this moment. Often.
Germany: Delays, Doubt, and a Full Sprint
Changing trains in Germany was supposed to be simple.
It wasn’t.
Our train was delayed. Then we got on the wrong train. Something felt off. A quick panic discussion. A decision to get out.
Good call—because it was the wrong one.
We changed tracks. Again.
Our correct train was leaving in two minutes.
So we ran.
Four kids. Bags. Stress. Adrenaline.
And somehow, we made it just in time.
Everyone got on. Doors closed. We collapsed into our seats, breathless, laughing, and already exhausted—before even leaving Europe.
A Pause Before the Big Leap
Germany welcomed us with a great room, warm beds, and exactly what we needed:
Two days to slow down.
We met up with friends. We talked. We laughed. We let the kids run. We mentally prepared ourselves for what was coming next.
Because after trains, delays, elevators, sick kids, and near-misses…
The next stop was Bangkok.
And this was only the beginning.
