The author and her husband traveled to Japan as empty nesters.

Courtesy of Erika Ebsworth-Goold

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• My husband and I decided to go to Japan for our first trip since becoming empty nesters.
• We loved traveling the country and trying out new experiences.
• We were able to reconnect, and the trip reminded me why I loved my husband in the first place.

As is the case for many couples, travel has always been the magic ingredient that bonds my husband and me. We are both seekers, curious sorts bordering on downright nosy, so delving into a new destination is a shared passion.

During our honeymoon — my first-ever international trip — we traipsed through Rome, Florence, and Venice. I was absolutely smitten. In the years since, my husband and I criss-crossed the world together, with our son often in tow. But our globetrotting ways took a back seat when our kid started high school. Gone were the days we could simply pull him from classes for a jet-setting adventure, and he was still too young to be left home alone.

That son is now a college sophomore. He's settled into campus life, while we've navigated our empty nest. As we approached our 25th wedding anniversary, my husband and I knew it was time to get back out there in a big way, together.

We first had a big decision to make

The first thing we needed to do was decide on our travel itinerary. This became an exercise in compromise.

I lobbied for Morocco: visions of dreamy riads, the desert's golden light, and romantic scenes from the film "Casablanca" filled my imagination.

My husband had another plan, a complete 180 from what I had in mind. Japan topped his list, and for all the great reasons you'd expect: the food, the history, the art, and of course, the culture. The good news is all of those things interest me as well, so it didn't take much to shift my mindset.

We immediately booked our plane tickets to Tokyo and planned a side trip to Kyoto. Morocco can wait; we'll get there eventually.

Japan was everything we expected it to be

We marveled at the immersive, trippy art in Azabudai Hills, respectfully offered prayers at historic temples, and strolled through immaculate gardens. We savored an incredible 14-course omakase dinner. We survived the famed Shibuya Scramble and sipped green-hued matcha-infused beer at the top of Tokyo City View. We fumbled through buying our Shinkansen tickets at a busy kiosk, marveling at the views aboard the famed bullet train.

The author and her husband loved traveling throughout Japan.

Courtesy of Erika Ebsworth-Goold

Neither of us speaks Japanese. Throughout our trip, we relied on each other and solved problems together.

We were most gratified to realize we still enjoyed each other's company.

We loved trying new experiences as empty nesters

While an empty nest might make for a quieter existence, it doesn't necessarily change everyday household stress or schedules. Let's face it: the daily grind can become tedious even for the most committed couples. But our holiday restored the shine that day-to-day routines tend to dull.

The drastic change of scenery Japan provided was a welcome jolt, giving me the confidence to step far outside my own comfort zone on our final day. When I discovered our Kyoto hotel had an on-site onsen, I decided to take a dip. For the record: my husband declined the chance to hit up the men's facilities, but told me to go for it.

As is tradition, bathing suits are not allowed in the mineral spring spas. I had to take the waters just like anyone else, in the buff. I'd successfully navigated temples, shrines, mysterious foods, and massive crowds.

And guess what? I survived the onsen, too, in the nude. No regrets.

Being empty nesters redefined our relationship

I've come to realize that our empty nest is actually a wonderful opportunity. My husband and I have the time and freedom to redefine ourselves. The primary focus is no longer raising our child: that heavy lifting is pretty much done. We can now redirect a lot of that energy back to our relationship.

Travel has always connected us and refilled our collective tank; our journey to Japan was proof that it still does. It reminded me of all the reasons I was drawn to my husband in the first place. We remain a great team, especially on the go, half a world away.

Experiencing a new place with my best friend is a thrill, one that allows us to keep creating new life chapters and memories together.

I'm already itching to pack my bags again. Where to next?

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Two brothers from Westbury have been sentenced in connection with gang-related shooting incidents that killed two people, including a police officer.

Martin, 25, and Leon Breda, 27, were convicted of two counts of murder, six counts of attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and dealing in drugs.

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Breda brothers sentenced for multiple charges

This week, the High Court in Pretoria handed each accused a life term for murder, seven years’ imprisonment for attempted murder, five years for unlawful possession of a firearm, two years for unlawful possession of ammunition, and four years for dealing in drugs.

One of the brothers was further sentenced to an additional life imprisonment for the murder of the police officer.

In addition, the court sentenced him to seven years’ imprisonment for each of the five counts of attempted murder, five years for unlawful possession of a firearm, and two years for unlawful possession of ammunition.

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Two killed in two separate gang-related shootings

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said the Breda brothers’ case stems from a 24 September 2023 incident, when they opened fire on a group of people gathered around a fire in Westbury, Johannesburg.

The rounds killed Cornely Hein and injured another person.

According to investigations by Warrant Officer Baloyi, Martin and Leon acted with an accomplice.

The shooting was linked to gang rivalry and competition over drug dealing between the Fast Guns and Varados gangs.

They launched another attack later that day, Mohlatlole said.

“Later that same day, while Warrant Officer David Morris of the South African Police Service Anti-Gang Unit was investigating the earlier murder, the second accused arrived at the scene with three unknown assailants and opened fire recklessly,” he said.

“The shooting resulted in the death of the police officer and attempts to murder several witnesses, including occupants of a police vehicle.”

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Suspects’ arrest

Acting on intelligence about the suspects’ whereabouts, police went to a flat on 15 October 2023, where they found the suspects in the company of others.

The officers discovered drugs at the premises during the arrest.

“In aggravation of sentence, senior state advocate Leswikane Mashabela submitted that gang-related murders are rife in Westbury,” Mohlatlole said.

“He further argued that the killing of a police officer warrants the harshest punishment, particularly as the shooting took place in front of the officer’s family, causing severe trauma to the children who witnessed the incident.”

The court found no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentences.

“The NPA continues to prosecute hundreds of such matters that affect the safety of communities and remains committed to ensuring justice for victims of crime,” Mohlatlole said.

NOW READ: Mass shootings: Who is pulling the strings?

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