CULTURE & TRAVEL

Fittingly, this holiday retreat is the second of such trips where I split my two girls up for a one-on-one session with their Fit Father to create individual memories and experiences. I leave all work behind while letting them choose the destination, timing, and the respective itineraries. The narrative is all about my daughters on these Nomadic Journeys. 

The first daddy and daughter escape occurred in Los Angeles, California, back in November with my oldest (13 years old) so she could visit Flight Club. MiKaiya isn't as expressive as I would prefer, but my wife said she was thrilled with the exciting getaway. I'm sure they both will reflect on these moments in time and recognize the sacrifices and energy I put forth into their well-being and happiness. 

My youngest daughter Aya (10 years old), chose Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, so she could return to her favorite bean burger sliders at one of our featured vegan restaurants dubbed Sublime. We evaded an ominous, freezing Maryland weekend to seek the warmth and waters of the Sunshine State. The tropical weather was impeccable for our energetic weekend. The opportunity allowed me to set up a multitude of activities including running, biking, swimming, holiday gift shopping, and watching Star Wars: Rogue One. Eating healthy at vegan café Green Bar and the aforementioned Sublime restaurant, hitting the beach, and visiting Barnes & Noble for continuous education on new topics was also on the plate. When Trump won the Oval Office, Aya shifted into a political mindset -- reading JFK and Obama -- and began delving deeper into America's presidential history to see how we can avoid future blunders. 

Since our family virtues are based on healthy living and optimized fitness goals, Aya and I made sure to complete at least two exercises daily. For example, we took out one of the bikes from the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort so she could ride while I ran 3 miles. Upon return, we hit the resort's Heavenly Spa and Gym for strength training and then played and swam in the pool. These activities not only kept us fit on the road, but allowed enjoyment of our favorite veggie dishes without guilt. Plus, Aya is on a competitive jump rope team -- Greenbelt Sity Stars -- and doesn't leave home without her precious rope, which she said is akin to Wonder Woman's lasso. So that was another added activity for calorie burning. 

Fortunately, the weekend didn't fly by like it usually does when you're having fun. Never did we rush to accomplish our mission for each specific outing. On our final day in Florida, I booked an evening flight to reap each hour and its relaxing benefits. After hitting the Galleria Mall, Aya and I ordered some food and then ventured to the park to read, and people watch. Yet, both of us were just as excited to return home to the other half of the Rawlins family.

The bonding was gratifying, fabulous, and emotional. A father's job is to create, protect, educate, and lead. I'm blessed to be in this wondrous position. One Love!