The Hardest Thing I’ve Ever Done

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So, all this week I’ve been in San Francisco with Sasha—and without Jean. The wife is currently shopping for clothes in Berlin (yes, for work), and so we’re out here on vacation. Or maybe that should be “vacation,” as I’m really here for another Frugal Traveler story. Yes, I’m working, and working it with the baby.

Or really, trying to work it. I’ve been posting so little this week because, frankly, I’m completely exhausted. From waking up at 6 a.m., cooking, cleaning, and feeding, to exploring baby-friendly museums and activities, everything requires massive effort, and by the time the kid’s asleep (around 7:30 p.m) my brain is completely fried, not to mention the muscles in my arms and back. It’s all I can do to keep myself up till 10 p.m.

All of this has given me massive amounts of respect for all the single moms and dads out there, who do this day after day after day not because they’re on a working vacation but because, well, they have to. So cheers to you guys! I don’t know how you do it.

Published by Matt

Matt Gross writes about travel and food for the New York Times, Saveur, Gourmet, and Afar, where he is a Contributing Writer. When he’s not on the road, he’s with his wife, Jean, and daughter, Sasha, in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn.

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