Travels with the Family
Joanie’s early travel years began in the Midwest. I was born in Indianapolis in the mid-1960s the youngest of six children. I was lucky enough to come from a middle-class family whose parents instilled the love of travel in me at an early age. Whether we were going on family trips in the station wagon a few states over, traveling across country or traveling the world, my parents made traveling fun, adventurous and educational. They saw the diversity of cultures, different languages and exotic locations, as a way to expand our view of the world and enrich our lives.
My first memories of travel we’re taking car trips to visit our grandparents in another part of the state to either attend football games or gather for family holidays. Later I remember car trips from Indiana to Florida to visit my paternal grandfather. I remember the weather being so much warmer than Indiana, playing at the beach my grandmother helping me build a sandcastle and listening to the ocean waves against the shore. I always loved the water and I was a good swimmer. Being on the beach seems natural, a great combination of raw beauty and feeling at peace. The rhythmic sound of the ocean waves was so soothing and hypnotic to me.
Acapulco, Mexico
My first travel to another country was 11 years of age. We took a family trip to Acapulco, Mexico. I remember feeling awkward at the time because I hadn’t gone through puberty yet, had short hair and was often mistaken for a boy. I was definitely a tomboy, very athletic, and rowdy often had more guy friends than girlfriends.
However, I have fond memories of Acapulco as it was a big bustling city with outdoor markets very colorful garments, leather goods and leather shoes. I loved the fresh scent of the leather goods. I remember shopping with my family purchasing my first pair of Huarache leather sandals. I also purchased a handmade Mexican embroidered smock, it was quite colorful and definitely all the rage in the mid-70s! Dad let us each buy a few things as the prices in Mexico were so good at the time.
Villages
Also, I recall driving in a big rental car my dad was driving as always with my mom seated next to him ,the kids were in the back seat. I remember peering out the window as we were driving through the Mexican countryside and dusk was approaching. I noticed several dilapidated houses and shacks with no electricity. My dad was commenting that it was common for many Mexican families to be without both electricity and running water. I remember feeling very sad for all those families.
This was in stark contrast to the life that we had back home in Indiana. I had attended private schools, participated in sports and hobbies and never wanted for anything. My dad took this opportunity to teach us how lucky we all were and that always stuck with me. He had a deep love for the Mexican culture the language, traditions, cuisine. He even spoke a little Spanish from his time living in Deming, New Mexico as a young boy.
Indianapolis Travel Group
My parents belonged to a local charter travel group based out of Indianapolis Indiana in 1970s and 80s. The charter group owned a couple of planes and for a yearly fee offered group flights and tours at rock bottom prices. I remember my parents going on several trips to Europe. The charter group even had a “mystery trip” where the destination was unknown, but the group was told if it was a warm or cold climate so they knew how to pack for the trip. The mystery trips were some of the best deals. I loved listening to my parents when they would return home from one of their travel adventures and tell me stories of sightseeing and funny mishaps. Even as a young teenager I was enthralled with the idea of traveling the world!
Paris, France
I graduated from high school in 1985. As a graduation present my mom and dad took me on a trip to Paris France. I remember my brothers and sisters were a little bit jealous of me. None of my siblings were given such an extravagant high school graduation gift! I truly felt blessed! Later I learned the exchange rate for the American Dollar to the French Franc was almost 2 to 1.
We stayed in luxurious hotels, visiting the Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Left Bank/ Rive Gauche, the Louvre Museum and cafés. I remember the food being so rich and delicious! My mom took me on a shopping spree to purchase dresses, skirts and fashionable French attire. Back in the mid-80s it was impossible to get clothing like this in the United States. We even had items tailored on site. I never recall shopping like this at home. The prices were so extraordinary it was once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! I had many items that we’re so beautiful and one-of-a-kind some of the items I wore for the next 10 years. My love of travel has continued into my adulthood I will continue the next installment with some of the adventures I have had as an adult traveler.
