Living for Moments, Not Things.
We’ve always believed that if you’re going to spend money, it’s better to spend it on experiences rather than things.
But, let’s be real—the experiences we craved weren’t always within our budget.
So, we made the most of what we had and embraced the adventures we could afford.
Then, around 2008, we finally finished paying off all our debts and found ourselves with a little extra cash.
And what did we do with it? We made a dream come true—a Safari in Tanzania, something we’d always longed for.
One of our students ran a company specializing in private safari tours, and she was determined to create the perfect trip for us. I handed her our budget, and she delivered a three-week, tailor-made dream safari with our own private guide.
It was everything I’d ever fantasized about.
A private jeep, a walking safari with a genuine Masai guide, visiting one of the last non-commercial tribes, and getting up close with breathtaking wildlife and waterfalls (yes, waterfalls!).
I even got to live out my “Out of Africa” fantasy, with Yoni washing my hair in the wild.
We went all out—the whole nine yards.
But what truly took our breath away wasn’t just the stunning landscapes or the majestic animals—it was the Tanzanian people.
Our guide, and everyone we met along the way, were some of the kindest, warmest, and most positive people we’ve ever encountered.
Despite having so little, they were generous and optimistic, showing us that true happiness isn’t about what you own, but how you see the world.
This experience didn’t just shape our future adventures; it left a lasting impact on us.
It even inspired Thom to volunteer a few years later with a project supporting education for Masai girls, proving our belief that it’s experiences—not things—that truly enrich our lives.
After those incredible weeks, Thom and I returned to Amsterdam, while Yoni embarked on another wild adventure: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The safari might have ended, but the journey—and the memories—continued to shape us long after.