The goal of my story was to inspire people to turn off their televisions, quit obsessing over the "recession" and go out and have an adventure -- whether it's walking down the street or traveling around the globe. And having kids shouldn't stop you.
This weekend we went down to L.A. for a change of pace. On Saturday, we visited the zoo, which was celebrating the Chinese New Year. I've never been a big fan of zoos (they're actually quite depressing), but it was neat for Ediza to see some of the animals from all of her books come to life. Wearing her favorite color, Ediza blends in with a flock of pink flamingos below.
The next morning I took a walk down Sunset Boulevard and went to a Starbucks inside of a huge laundromat. I bought an L.A. Times and sat down to read it. When I came across my story, the opening line struck me: "My boss handed me a fortune cookie on my last day of work." Ironically, that last day of work was exactly (to the day) a year ago.
When I quit my job and was about to embark on our epic adventure I knew good things were in store. Did I think a year later I would be sipping a chai latte while watching people shove dirty laundry into washing machines and reading about our trip in one of the country's largest newspapers? Probably not.
6 comments:
Congrats Mike! I really enjoyed your story. Glad to see that you guys had such a great time. Scott and I hope to see you again someday.
Just read your story in the LA Times this morning and I was left amazed and stunned! Buying a car instead of renting one was genius, haha! Thanks for the great story and I hope I can do something that awesome before it's too late! ;)
I saw your story featured in LA Times Travel section today and thought of dropping by to say 'hi'.
Thanks for sharing the air brokers website. I have it in my fave for future reference if needed.
You shared with us a wonderful story and it is true that you can do it if you want to.
In fact, my family of three had just returned from Maui for a short 5 days vacation bringing along our almost 3 yr old toddler boy. When I spoke about the vacation to friends, they frequently asked if we brought our boy along, and my answer was 'OF COURSE!'
Thanks for the story on traveling with a toddler in the LA Times today! We just recently returned from a diving/hiking excursion with our 10 month old (now 13 months) in Australia. We often got the same responses that you received - "you're taking the baby? why? Don't you know we're in a recession?" Etc. and so on... The trip was one of the best experiences we've had. And its true, traveling (though gear makes it a bit more difficult) is more fun with kids! People seem to be friendlier and more accommodating. Our mantra this past year has been, "have baby... will travel." I'm glad to see that others have had good experiences traveling with toddlers too!
Mike~
You've inspired many people since the day you were born!! Congratulations on your first LA Times article--once again we're so proud of you! You & now your family continue to amaze us. Cute picture of Ediza (as usual). It is so nice to follow your journey and to read about happy things going on! We love you all and as always we wish you continued peace, love & joy.
Love,
Dad & Mom
When I read of your gala "round teh world" adventure, and the final week to include Lake Ediza, I literally had tears in my eyes recollecting a Sierra Nevada transit I took with two of my then teenage sons and two nephews 45 years ago. We stayed at memorable Lake Ediza before moving north. By some strange deal-of-the probabilities, one of my sons and one nephews have gone on. Also, Lake Ediza as you well know was the final camp for Walter A. Starr, Jr., nicknamed "Peter." Starr's volume, "Guide to the John Muir Trail and the High Sierra Region" is a classic. He want missing in August 1933 in the Minarets, and is there yet, having been located after a massive search, and his remains were finally discovered by a local who established the location by assuming just where Peter would have climbed,and placed a rock cairn where he found him.
Incidentally, the photo of Ediza Morris attempting a climb of some steps on the Great Wall broke up my wife and myself, having seen our children attempting similar steps. Then, I had my first birthday party 8/10/1925 at the lake in Twain Harte, and a photo
of me,taken at the time, is not dissimilar.
Keep up the good traveling. I enjoyed the article immensely, having spent some of the most memorable years of my life in the Sierra Nevada.
Robert E. Tumelty
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