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Melanie and Fabian, “The Cautious Turned Adventurous Breakers”, The Netherlands

Before taking their career break, Fabian and Melanie toyed with the idea for years. Fabian had been thinking about taking a break for years, but Melanie remained unconvinced, not knowing what to expect on such a long trip.  Eventually, the decision to move in together provided Melanie with the catalyst to say, “OK. Now is the time if we’re going to do this.”

Fabian and Melanie spent 6 months in South America: Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Brazil.  After a couple of weeks on the road, Melanie left her apprehension behind, opened up to the experience and had fun.  In fact, seeing the pictures even now of the trip, make her “want to go back in time.”  They count the Galapagos and Machu Picchu as the highlights.  But, the biggest came on the Uyuni salt flats of Bolivia where Fabian was so inspired by the trip that he asked Melanie to marry him.

Their advice to people thinking about a career break? “Just do it, because if you don’t it will haunt you for the rest of your life.  Inform yourself really well. But know that the anxiety that people have is not called for.”

Fabian and Melanie found jobs in their respective fields of telecommunications and social work.  They now have a son and continue to live in Amsterdam.

Here are a few pictures from their career break travel adventures.

Fabian and Melanie hiking in South America. Copyright Fabian and Melanie Sarlemijn.

Melanie out riding in Vilcabamba, Ecuador. Copyright Fabian and Melanie Sarlemijn.

Fabian Sand Surfing in Peru. Copyright Fabian and Melanie Sarlemijn.

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