Little Tourist Big Bucket List

In 2012, I was fortunate to embark on an unforgettable trip to New York City with my eight-year-old son, Joannis. Before we set off, I bought him a book about the city's attractions so he could craft his own bucket list filled with the adventures and dreams he wished to fulfill. Seeing him enthusiastically jot down plans—such as taking a ferry ride around the Statue of Liberty and exploring the Intrepid Museum—made the journey all the more meaningful. It became less about mere sightseeing and more about encouraging his love for discovery while building cherished memories together. This adventure revealed to me that traveling transcends visiting landmarks; it is about inspiring and nurturing the hopes and passions of younger generations.

When our departure date finally arrived, Joannis was brimming with excitement mixed with slight nervousness as we boarded the plane for his first ever flight. Our trip included not only New York City but also a week-long stay with his friends Seth and Liam in Connecticut. The magic of the moment was evident as Joannis took in the airplane cabin, the powerful roar of the engines starting up, and the breathtaking view from the window as we soared above the clouds. He was fascinated by the miniature quilt of fields and towns below and peppered me with countless questions about the clouds, the aircraft, and the journey that awaited us. I don't think he stopped chattering for the entire two hours and twenty-two minutes of the flight.

As soon as our plane landed at Newark Liberty International Airport, my friend Christine was already there to greet us, her radiant smile effortlessly dissolving my fatigue. She skillfully maneuvered through the busy streets from Newark to her lovely home in Glastonbury, while we shared updates about our lives and listened to the boys’ lively conversations from the back seat of her van.

Once Joannis and I had plopped our bags in the guest room, the three boys wasted no time; like whirling dervishes, they rushed straight to the backyard for a refreshing swim. Under the bright July sun, their laughter resonated around the shimmering pool as they plunged into the cool water, splashing and playfully chasing each other with boundless energy. Observing them, it was impossible not to catch the contagious sense of freedom and carefree delight evoked by an impromptu swim on a warm day. This was the ideal way to start our visit, instantly transforming the backyard into a vibrant sanctuary of joy and togetherness.

The following day, Christine proposed taking the boys to Robbs Farm, a quaint local spot famous for its rich, homemade ice cream that never fails to delight visitors of all ages. As we wandered through the farm's rustic environment, the boys eagerly discussed their flavor choices, eventually selecting both familiar classics and a few daring options. After enjoying every spoonful beneath the gentle afternoon sun, we headed back home where the boys quickly immersed themselves in a live-action video game competition, their joyful laughter and competitive shouts echoing through the basement. Meanwhile, Christine and I enjoyed catching up over a glass of wine and appreciating each other's company while the boys bonded over their digital battles. This blend of outdoor fun and cozy downtime made our first day truly special.

After a good night's sleep, we headed to Hammonasset Beach, a stunning oceanfront escape that perfectly blended relaxation and adventure. Our boys enthusiastically waded into the waves, their delighted laughter mixing with the sound of crashing surf as they played and splashed under the bright sun. The vast shore offered limitless opportunities for building sandcastles and chasing seagulls, filling our day with joyous moments at every turn. After soaking up the salty air and soaking our toes in the sand, we took a peaceful walk to the nearby nature center, immersing ourselves in the local flora and fauna. This peaceful outing not only enhanced our understanding of the coastal environment but also offered a calm counterpoint to the thrilling beach activities, making our visit to Hammonasset truly unforgettable.

Following a long, sun-soaked day by the sea, the boys nodded off during the drive back to Christine’s home. Since her housekeeper had thoroughly cleaned the place while we were away, Christine proposed that the boys remove their swimsuits and dive into the pool to wash away the stubborn grit of sand clinging to their skin. Happily, Joannis and Seth peeled off their swimsuits right at the doorstep and sprinted straight into Christine’s gleaming pool for a refreshing skinny dip. Liam hesitated initially, shyly standing aside, but was soon persuaded to join in the fun. As they laughed and splashed beneath the gentle ripples of the water, the cool, crystal-clear pool washed away every bit of sand and salt from their bodies. To our amusement, the little daredevils soon began leaping off the diving board, their little winkies flapping freely in the breeze. This care-free moment brought a perfect close to our day in the sun and helped keep the house spotless and free of sand.

A few days later, we eagerly boarded a train heading toward New York City, excitement buzzing through the air. Joannis, a train enthusiast from birth, was right in his element; his eyes gleamed as the rhythmic clatter of wheels on rails filled the carriage. He delighted in every detail of the trip—the gentle sway of the train cars, the ever-changing panorama moving from lush rural landscapes to vast suburban stretches, and the complex mechanics of the engine, which he eagerly described to his less interested friends, Seth and Liam. For Joannis, this train journey was more than mere travel: it was an adventure, a moving mosaic of sights and sounds turning the trip itself into an unforgettable experience. As the New York City skyline slowly appeared on the horizon, his anticipation swelled, merging the enchantment of travel with the excitement of upcoming urban explorations.

Despite the common stereotype that New Yorkers are often abrupt or distant, Joannis’s genuine excitement and wide-eyed curiosity quickly dispelled such assumptions. Rather than shying away from the city’s brisk, no-nonsense atmosphere, he fully embraced it—joyfully greeting strangers, openly admiring the towering skyscrapers, and immersing himself in the lively street scenes with contagious enthusiasm. His authentic and unpretentious sense of wonder softened even the most stoic locals, who responded warmly to his wide smile and big brown eyes. Instead of the expected cold urban detachment, Joannis’s heartfelt interaction turned every meeting into a memorable moment, demonstrating that sometimes, all it takes to penetrate New York City’s famously tough facade is youthful innocence.

After checking into our luxurious downtown hotel, we set off to explore some of the city's most iconic attractions, starting with the vibrant Lego Store. The colorful displays and intricate models not only captivated the boys but impressed me as well. Next on the itinerary was the iconic Empire State Building, where I reveled in experiencing the observatory deck and panoramic views I had seen in countless movies. As evening approached, we took the boys to The Lion King on Broadway, where the phenomenal puppetry and mechanically operated stage transported us to a magical world filled with music and drama. The seamless blend of luxury, adventure, and culture made our first day in New York City a memorable urban escapade.

On the second day of our adventure, we headed to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, an iconic landmark that offered a fascinating glimpse into naval history and aviation. After exploring the impressive aircraft and the historic aircraft carrier itself, we made our way to the ferry terminal to embark on a scenic ride around the Statue of Liberty. The gentle sway of the boat on the water paired with stunning panoramic views of Lady Liberty against the New York City skyline made for an unforgettable experience. Adding a special touch to the outing, Joannis had the unique opportunity to assist in parking the ferry as we docked—a thrilling moment that gave him a firsthand taste of maritime navigation. This perfect blend of history, adventure, and hands-on excitement truly made the second day one to remember.

Once firmly back on solid ground, we wandered along the lively piers, delighting in the final golden beams of sunlight glimmering on the water’s surface. That night, nestled in a charming city restaurant over a warm dinner, we exchanged stories and laughter, treasuring the deepened connection forged by our shared experiences. As we settled in for the night, the city lights outside our window sparkled like quiet promises of future unforgettable journeys. With our hearts brimming and spirits soaring, we understood this trip was more than a list of destinations, it was a rich tapestry of moments intertwined: a harmonious mix of discovery, happiness, and togetherness destined to inspire us long after the ferry’s final horn faded into distant memory.

After exploring New York City, we relaxed at Christine’s home before heading back to Omaha. This break allowed us to reflect on our adventures and enjoy some peaceful moments of friendship before returning to daily life. As our plane ascended into the sky, Joannis pulled his bucket list from his backpack, methodically checking off each experience we had enjoyed: the seaside excursion, the exhilarating train ride, the Intrepid Museum visit, the ferry cruise around the Statue of Liberty, and the enchanting Broadway performance. Gazing at me with eyes full of awe, he whispered, “Mom, where do you think our next adventure should take us?” In that moment, I recognized that our trip was merely the start of a lifelong voyage—not only of travel and discovery, but also of a resilient mother-son bond, nurtured by curiosity, wonder, and shared dreams. As the aircraft soared above the clouds on the way home, I knew that together, we were crafting memories that would kindle countless future adventures.