Exactly. And therein lies the power of the orange hat. In addition to being a bold fashion statement, a small homage to the spirited Detroit Tigers (Mark’s hometown team), and a salute to our family’s favorite color, the orange hat is an essential tool for keeping track of each other across the world. Mark and Finn wear their hats all the time — making them easy to spot in a crowded train station, easy to follow through a congested street, and always visible 100 yards away in any direction. Jen too sports a more stylish orange sun hat, further testament to the family’s collective devotion to the color. (Only Franny, in a fully-justifiable act of teenage rebellion, refuses to wear anything orange. God bless her.)
When we get home, we’re not sure what do with the orange hats. Retire them to a hook by the front door? Bronze them? Finally get the damn things washed? Get new ones that are exactly the same? If you’re looking for us after the trip, it’ll still be a pretty fair bet to keep your eyes open for the family with the orange hats — and the cool-looking girl with the guitar standing next to them.
orange is my favorite color too.
Orange is my favorite color too.
And carrots are my favorite vegetable.
And pumpkin is my favorite pie.
xox,#1FANNY
PS. Guess what color our house is. YES, it is!
I love it! In my official capacity as Agent Orange (it’s top secret; don’t even ask), I salute your devotion to the best color in the rainbow. (Actually, the best color is red-orange, but I’ll let it go.) Kudos to you for setting your fealty to print. And don’t worry: Franny will eventually see the (glorious sunset-colored) light. You’re exceedingly wise to indulge this momentary rebellion; it will pass.
Thanks again for all the posts – you know we’re all living vicariously through you!
Much love,
Brian (oops – I just blew my cover!)
Hi Mark & Family!
Wow – what a journey for all of you. I just heard from our cousin in Berlin that he ran into a “guy in an orange Tiger’s hat.” He could only remember your first name and it wasn’t until I ran into Gaal and learned of your year-long travel adventure that I put the pieces together!
Another coincidence – according to your itinerary we were both in Paris this past April. We were there visiting friends from the year we spent in Paris (2011-2012).
We know that taking a leap with your family for a year brings great joy, learning and lots of bonding. Best of luck to you as you journey back toward the US this summer!
Love,
Lisa Stern
Lisa,
What a crazy coincidence that was! Completely random. He happens to work in the best pizza joint in Berlin — if not the world. Your year in Paris sounds wonderfully and equally inspiring. Sorry to miss you there in August. Find us in LA after August.
Much love to you and your whole family.
Brilliant travel tip!
I always thought it was just a bold fashion statement! A quirky boy thing; but now I get it. Thanks for the explanation. I think you’ll have to keep the hats always. They will be part of the memories from your trip!
Hi Mark and family “YES’
We can find FINN anywhere with his awesome hat , it was a brilliant idea.
JC and JOHN always talking about your wonderful trip and we hope to
see all of you again ,on the near future.
HEAPS OF LOVE MARTA ,JC, AND JOHN
Kelly’s favorite color too