The idea about taking a year off is only just forming. It will probably be no more than an idea but just perhaps it might be a real possibility.
We are older parents than most with a 6 yr old. I am just past 50. We have both been fortunate at work and my DW is not likely to work again. I have a natural career break ahead where I could take a year off while I think about what I do next.
My DD was born at the end of the academic year so she is the youngest in the class. We think that it is likely she will board, although we are visiting both day and boarding schools. If she is going to boarding school with her friends we will drop the idea, but I think it could be a once in a lifetime opportunity for her and us to travel, learn new things and we can be together for a year before we truly become old farts and before she is more interested in boys and social media.
We have a lot of time to plan and to think about it, so if we do go ahead, then we will get it right.
antimatter i like the idea of Japan for a while. By then she will have visited Tokyo and Kyoto. She loves Japanese food and has a few words of Japanese. I think Japan is the safest first world culture shock and we plan to take DD there soon. However, the idea of travelling through rural Japan staying at Ryokans is very appealing, at least for a month or so. Very cool idea, thank you.
We have discussed schooling. My DW is looking at a term at a school in Verbier where can all ski for a season. She is already a competent skier and will be able to out ski me soon. What a privilege it would be to be able to do a season - my better ski friends tell me that holidays are not enough to be truly excellent at skiing - so in our fantasy year off, perhaps she learns to be an über skier.
MrsTerryPratchett you mention Kenya - I have traveled a lot but not anywhere in the centre of Africa except big cities like Lagos. How would you deal with issues like security and health during an extended stay in Africa, in particular whilst being in the move?
You make an excellent point about making sure DD is on board with the idea. I think we would have to have 'travel seasons' and return to London between each. We had a month in California last year - that was a perfect length - a mixture of a beach house and travelling. I think we would need to have a contingency to stop the year if she lost interest or became homesick. The idea of sailing around the world, for instance, fills me with dread. For some it would be a dream.
PettsWoodParadise. I have a feeling that as a very young child We may have lived in Petts Wood. I have clear memories of Camden Way in Chislehurt, but I think that was later.
I am very excited about you and your DD learning a skill together. My DW and DD have just got a horse / pony and this summer my DD is going to ride most days and do local shows in Oxfordshire. By the end of the summer she should be able to hack with DW.
Its a fantastic thing you are doing with your DD, learning a skill together like flying / navigating. How cool is that. Perhaps we could do something similar in Australia. Ranching by horse / helicopter / PLA. There is definitely something to think about there, something we can all learn together. Thank you.