Earlier this summer, our family stepped away from the familiar rhythms and routines of Washington, D.C., for a long-awaited journey across Southeast Asia and Japan. Travel has always been a way for us to reset, broaden our perspective, and recharge our creative wells. Our trip didn't strictly go according to plan—a few unexpected medical surprises meant we spent much more time in Ho Chi Minh City than anticipated, missing out on the tiered rice plains of central Vietnam. But as with any journey (and any creative process), the unexpected turns often bring their own rich moments.