The kids and I knew we needed a quick getaway as the Candidate Forum fits tightly in the rear-view mirror, the school was about to begin quickly, and the primaries were just around the corner.
In a typical Brian family fashion, we took a mini vacation to install a jet in Orlando. It wasn’t really a jet set because it was a last-minute decision and we went by car.
In today’s tech-savvy society, planning and executing a last-minute trip is much easier than when I was a kid. The Mini Getaway has planned for months for my parents.
Now all you have to do is download the appropriate app and book your hotel using your debit or credit card.
With the built-in GPS system, navigating the back roads to avoid the use of Interstate 4 was a disguised blessing, especially if you’ve crossed frequently used roads.
And with the pass to Aquatic and SeaWorld on my phone, we were all ready to enjoy for a few days in the sun. Even the weather forecasts in the weather app were in our favor.
There’s not much that goes wrong, right?
Wrong.
After spending most of the first day in the water park, we kissed the sun and became flooded.
Exhausted, we decided to have a quick and late lunch after checking in at the hotel.
Immediately after walking through the restaurant, Mother Nature decided that there was no “quick” option.
The sky opened and I didn’t forgive for 90 minutes. This is the only “quick” lunch.
I thought I needed a kayak and a lightning rod to get to the car.
When I was able to get in the car, I decided to look for indoor entertainment. We didn’t want to risk getting caught outside if the sky reopened.
I checked the weather forecast for the second day and trekked to Sea World. There were a few rides and shows on the to-do list for kids, such as water rides and roller coasters. The “undesignated” agreed to ride.
By 10 am, the temperature had already risen, so the children first decided to ride the Infinity Falls.
We knew we would get wet when we saw people coming out. The oldest person pointed his phone at me. He said it was safer to be with me.
“What about your wallet and phone?” He asked.
“They will be fine,” I said in effect.
Did you say you get wet?
We got soaked from head to toe.
There are many things I don’t like in life, including wet socks.
We called the day “crushing” the park for a few hours before returning to the hotel for fresh dry clothes and lunch.
And that’s when I learned my wallet, but more importantly, my debit card wasn’t as secure as I thought it would be.
Its neat little chip inside the card is not water resistant, even when safely pushed into your wallet.
It’s a hit-and-miss situation at some of the spots we went to and I tried to use it.
Well, here’s the secret: if you try to use it three times and fail, the bank will temporarily hold it and the bank will call you.
We – the bank and I – are now in close contact. I received three or more calls and warned of cheating. Thankfully, I have a travel fee on hand in case of an emergency.
“Dad,” said the oldest man, “maybe it’s time for a new debit card,” after the card failed three times.
On my way home, I stopped by the bank and was able to get a new card. “Did you lose it, or was there fraud on it?” Asked the branch manager.
Before talking, I laughed.
“Technology decided to take a bath,” I guessed as the manager tried to suppress their laughter.
Despite the technical problems, the children and I got home safely. There were many new memories and valuable lessons. Dad should keep his wallet in the car.
Jeff Brian is the editor-in-chief of Chronicles. Email him at jeff.bryan@chronicleonline.com.
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