When our daughter turned 15 we assumed that she would want a large extravagant party. After all, we are Hispanic – and a traditional Quinces is one of those milestone moments that are typically celebrated with great enthusiasm.
She surprised us, at least a little, by asking that we forego the party in lieu of something more intimate.
She wanted to do an adventure-style vacation instead, with just mom and dad (secret code for “leave the siblings at home”).
Since she is a second generation American (both her father and I were born in the US) and our household, though retaining many Hispanic traditions and customs, really is more Americanized, we decided to make this wish a reality.
After all, this was her birthday, her big moment, her wish.
So, we gave her a map and let her pick her adventure.
Much to our further surprise, she asked for a California road trip from LA to San Francisco.
Really? We were thinking Costa Rica (one of my favorite places), New York, or Europe – but ok, California it is. None of us had really explored the area and it would be a new adventure for all of us.
We landed in LA and stayed a few days before heading out, by car, to San Francisco.
Along the way, we rediscovered the fun of exploring new cities, getting lost, stopping at little local diners and shops. We enjoyed doing the touristy things as well as going off the beaten path.
Our daughter, whose longest road trip to date was from Miami to Disney World (4 hours), learned a little about human contact and conversation – super important when cellular signal is spotty. She experienced new cultures, foods, sights and sounds.
She learned that the US – one great grand mixing pot of cultures – is even bigger and more varied than she could have imagined.
Most importantly, we made amazing memories – just the three of us – that I know she will cherish for the rest of her life (I know that I will).
In addition, I know that it has sparked a love of travel and adventure that I hope she pursues through the oncoming years.
Life should be an adventure – and we must always embrace the opportunities to explore, learn, laugh, and grow.
This is a philosophy of life that I live by every day but I never realized how a simple road trip would help foster that same love of life and excitement within my daughter. I never realize how impactful this adventure would be. I never realized that a great learning experience could also be a philosophical awakening.
But it was – and now I am eager to do it again.
To pack up the rest of the kids and hit the road and let them create and live their own adventures as well.
