It was fall of 2006 in Austin, Texas. The sun was shining. The birds were chirping. Sisters Kim and Kelly were enjoying an afternoon at Zilker Park tossing a Frisbee to Kelly’s beloved dog, Izzy. They chit chatted about work, their love life, weekend plans, and other important subjects like whether or not ‘Talladega Nights’ was funnier than ‘Anchorman’.
As they were walking across the park, Kim made an announcement. ‘So…I’ve made a big decision. I’m going to quit my job and travel around the world.’
And without hesitation, in that whiny voice little sisters the world over were born with, Kelly squealed:
‘Can I come tooooooo?’
As simple as that, here we are today.
We are Kim and Kelly Hulse, two sisters from Austin, Texas that have decided to quit our jobs, give up our apartments and leave our loved ones behind to embark upon a year-long journey around the world!
Aside from a road trip or two to Disneyland, we did not do much traveling when growing up in Houston and Port Neches, Texas. After graduation, both of us moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas and then pursue our respective careers. But after a study abroad program and a stint living in Spain for Kelly, eight months living in New Zealand and a trip to Peru for Kim, we had both developed a strong desire to experience more of the world’s beautiful places and cultures.
After several years of slaving away at corporate eight-to-five jobs and saving every penny possible, we decided it was now or never. We are at the age where many of our peers are moving up the corporate ladder, getting married, buying houses, having children…and we’re sure that we’ll eventually go down that path like everybody else. But for now, for a year, we are sisters being led ‘astray’ by our desire to experience something extraordinary – to see amazing destinations, learn about other cultures, and understand our place in the world.
Besides, how many people get to live their dream of traveling the world…with their sister!!?
About Kim
Kim is 30- year old property manager that loves Seinfeld re-runs, artichokes, and The Rolling Stones. Oh, and wine. She is exceptionally talented at the games of Scrabble and Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon. Email Kim at kim.hulse@hotmail.com.
About Kelly
Kelly is a 27-year old live music junkie who loves to hang with her perfect dog Izzy, spend time with friends and shake her stuff on the dance floor. She still knows the secret code for extra lives on Contra and can make a mean ceviche. And she always has time for a delicious cold beer. Mmmmm. You can email her at kellyfromtexas@gmail.com
Hello you crazy sisters,
It is I, the pale white Minnesotan Anthony. We met at the wonderful pool in Iguazu and then again on the bus. I know you know me because I just talked to Kelly at a restaurant and a bar. Just leaving a comment to say hello to you two and to tell Kim to get an email addy she can check.
Nice to see you Kelly, too bad we missed seeing each other Kim. Maybe another time. I have always wanted to catch the music festival in Austin.
I am around a bit tomorrow (Nov 2nd) but I don’t know exactly how much time I’ll have.
Hope Mendoza is great!!
Peace out you lovely ladies
Anthony.
Hi Kim & Kelly – I run Dave’s Travel Corner, http://www.davestravelcorner.com and I was wondering if you have some time to check my site out and if you like what you see, perhaps you could add a link back in your Blogroll section (when you build that).
I have already added your site under my Resources >> Blogs of Travel section.
Thanks 🙂
Dave
Hey you guys, its your old landlord. I was thinking of your travels and it looks as if you are doing quite well. You did the right thing at the right time of your life. Although it is never too late in my book. Carpe diem. Keep on going, take lots of pics and when you return to Austin I would like to have you guys over to do a video show at the A Frame and invite a bunch of folks….
Tschuss
Paul Vioalnd
The A Frame
Austin, TX
PS- I will be in France next May, 2012 doing a bicycle ride as well as a motorcycle tour of Europe. Are you guys gonna be in Continental Europe?
Wow! The both of you are brave! lol that’s awesome! I have three kids now and I couldn’t ever do anything like that. I guess I will have to wait until they are all moved out of my house…which is a long time from now. 🙂