Traveling has always been an important part of me and Mrs. FWL’s relationship. Some trips were a simple drive up the boring I-5 to Northern California, while others were far more complicated, like our honeymoon through five major European cities. But every trip has created memories, some better than others, that I hope Isabel has the opportunity to make.
I want her to experience the stamina required to endure an international flight, because if you can get through that (by whatever means necessary), you can get through many things.
I want her to have the same rush of excitement as she passes through customs in another country (driving across the Mexican or Canadian border does not count) and receives her first passport stamp.
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I want her to walk the streets of a city older than she can fathom, like Barcelona, Rome, or Paris, and appreciate the buildings, trees, and monuments that have stood for centuries.
I want her to explore these same cities and find the nooks, crannies, and wonderful surprises around a crumbling wall, giant column, or winding ally.
I want her to embrace the local cuisine and fall in love with patatas bravas in Spain, croissants in France, al pastor in Mexico, and hot pot in China.
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I want her to have a crisis abroad like replacing a broken suitcase, flying into the wrong airport, or rescheduling a cancelled flight at the last minute – not because I want her to struggle, but because I want her to learn how to be resourceful, think on her feet, trust her instincts, and make the best of an otherwise crappy situation.
I want her to feel the peacefulness in Jersusalem when the city shuts down in observance of Shabbat, whether she is religious or not, because that alone is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
I want her to be intimidated by the the Great Wall, amazed by the Teracota Army, enchanted by the Venice canals, awestruck by the Roman monuments, and humbled by the Serengeti.
I want her to feel independent, strong, and adventurous as she leaves her comfort zone, meets new people, and falls in love with foreign cultures.
I want her to put away the tour book, be spontaneous, and venture off the beaten path to wander the local streets and hop into a hole-in-the-wall restaurant she would have never found.
I want her to slow down, drink her coffee deliberately, and chew her food slowly, because she may never return.
I want her to capture her memories through a lens, but not spend so much time behind that lens that she misses everything around her.
And I hope she is able to share these memories with others, as they will only enrich her experience.
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