My mother had always dreamed of going to New York someday, and of traveling across America by train. To celebrate her 80th birthday, I planned a very special journey to make that dream come true. Our cross-country train adventure across the United States turned out to be an unforgettable experience — not only for her, but for me as well. It was truly one of a kind.
It took a lot of time and effort to gather information and coordinate the schedule, but the sense of accomplishment we felt made it all worth it.
I hope this story can be a helpful reference for anyone thinking about taking a similar journey.
Incredible Energy at 80, My Powerhouse Mom
My mom lives in Japan and doesn’t drive, but she used to ride her “mamachari” — a typical Japanese city bicycle — just about anywhere she could reach. She doesn’t bike anymore these days, but she still gets around easily using trains and buses, navigating her daily life with ease.
Even in Hawaii, one of her favorite places, she’d hop on and off buses by herself and explore the island like a local. She once used English in her work, so even when she visits me in California, I’m constantly impressed by her confidence, independence, and outgoing nature.
And now, that amazing mom of mine has turned 80.
The TV Show That Sparked a Dream — Ugly Betty
Even while living in Japan, my mom has always loved American movies and TV shows. Her all-time favorite is Ugly Betty. Set in New York City, this show completely captivated her. She watched it again and again, until she had memorized entire scenes and lines by heart.
It even became a recurring theme in our conversations. Quotes and moments from Ugly Betty often found their way into our daily chats and jokes.
For her, this show was more than just entertainment. It planted the seed of a dream. It was Ugly Betty that first inspired her to say, “Someday, I want to go to New York.”
Let’s take the train to New York!
And just like that, to celebrate her 80th birthday, my mom and I made a plan to travel from California to New York by train. I live in California, but I had never met anyone around me who had actually taken a train all the way to New York. There were hardly any firsthand stories or clear information out there, so figuring out the route, the cost, and the schedule took quite a bit of effort.
But thanks to all the careful planning, the trip turned out to be smooth, comfortable, and full of wonderful moments we could truly enjoy.
Coming up next,『Planning a Journey, Turning a Dream into Reality』
