I had an idea once. It may have been my best idea. ever. Oh, and I stole it (modified it) from someone I sat next to on a plane. Here it is…
When we moved to Australia, my kids were 8, 6, 4 and 6 months old, as indicated in my last entry. As I explained, one of the compelling reasons to take the job was to force the family out of its (and my) comfort zone and the bubble of living in our lovely little town in Connecticut. We moved to another country. I thought about ways to get my kids thinking even more about the world at large and made them the following deal – I said that I would take each of them anywhere they would like to go in the world. Anywhere. There were only two rules: 1) it is just me and that kid, and 2) you have to be 16. My theory was that by the time they were 16, they would probably have far more important things to do than hang around with Daddy, so this would be a forced connection and bonding opportunity. It was genius. Besides, what better use of my frequent flier miles, eh?
My oldest was 8 at the time, and got the point. She spent the next 8 years thinking about the world and where she wanted to go when she hit 16 and qualified. She was rigorous – researching countries, ruling out some and considering many. After moving from Sydney to London, she was at the international school and according to the teacher’s program (sorry, programme) they all had pen pals from other countries. Katie had a pen pal in Argentina, by the name of Augustina Zarich. Augustina was daughter to a colleague of mine from IBM Argentina, a very nice guy. Katie got to practice her spanish with Augustina and Augustina got to practice her english with Katie. You probably see where this is going – Katie chose Argentina for her coveted “16 trip,” partly so she could actually meeting Augustina.
It was the trip of a lifetime. Imagine getting two weeks with one (each) child, to do whatever we wanted. We planned the trip together and saw Buenos Aires, flew up to Salta, hired a rental car and drove north to a little village called Pumamarca, which has – we are 100% convinced – the greatest empanadas in the world. Katie and I had a wonderful time (and once again, my wife was the hero – for letting me do this).
My second daughter chose Vietnam, an inspired choice, likely designed to get the absolute most value for her cause. She also wanted to choose a country I had not been to, which I really appreciated. I had been to many countries in Asia, but not yet to Vietnam. We worked together on a plan to visit North Vietnam, including Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, as well as the south, visit seaside towns and ending up in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon). On the way home we stopped in Cambodia and visited the temples at Angkor Wat. Stunning, amazing, and unbelievable. We learned so much about the cultures in Vietnam and Cambodia, even in our short visit. We went to the war museum in Ho Chi Minh, where we learned about the War of American Aggression and the atrocities inflicted on local Vietnamese. You see, it’s not called the Vietnam war over there. Sarah and I had a trip of a lifetime for sure, and we will always remember it.
My third child is my son Jack. He saw I was good for this bet, so did lots and lots of homework. He was close to choosing Iceland until someone suggested Turkey. We went to Turkey. At the time, it was also a country I had not been to, though I have been there a few times since. Jack and I went to Istanbul, of course, but then also hit the road and went to Cappadocia in the center of the country, which was gorgeous. We went up in hot air balloons and I will always remember that. We went to Ephysus and Bodrum and other ancient towns that were beautiful and educational. One recurring memory is from one of our last evenings in the country, when Jack took his socks off and admitted that he had worn the same pair for the whole trip. jesus christ they stunk. hilarious.
My last child is Will. He is four years behind Jack and did a lot of research as well. He thought seriously about China. His love of soccer became an overriding driver, however, and he chose Brazil…during the 2014 World Cup. What a treat that was. We are both huge soccer fans, so we planned a trip around the country, combining World Cup matches with exploring the local culture. We went to Sao Paolo, Manaus, Salvador and of course ended up in Rio de Janeiro. Manaus was unique as it is up in the Amazon rainforest. We stayed up in the rainforest for several days at an ecolodge and then went to the USA-Portugal match at the new stadium in Manaus. Salvador was another very unique part of the country, influenced by African culture. Rio was spectacular during the World Cup as there were people from all over the world, enjoying themselves and watching matches on an enormous screen on the beach.
These four trips were the best things I have done in my life. I spent time with my kids, and on each trip we learned a lot about the local culture, attempted to learn rudimentary words from the language and see the world through their eyes. Sadly, most Americans never get this privilege. My kids and I know just how lucky we all are. My kids have grown up as far better global citizens than I was when I grew up. They are fearless about traveling the world and open to people from different cultures and with different views about life. I love that.
p.s. you are all welcome to steal this idea. some of my friends have done so.
mikesteinharter.com 