A Birthday, A Surprise, and A Fire-Spinning Spectacle.
So, July 2020 was approaching, and with it, a big milestone—Vered was turning 60.
We had grand plans for that time. Back in late 2019, fresh from my two-month Mongol Rally adventure, Vered was feeling a little… jealous.
She realized that maybe, just maybe, she shouldn’t have turned down my original offer to join me on that crazy ride.
So we started dreaming up our own long road trip.
The plan? June 2020—we’d pack up our trusty red Ford Tourneo (aka Lolita), hit the road, and spend six months looping through Europe.
A once-in-a-lifetime way to celebrate Vered’s big 6-0.
And then… 2020 happened.
A couple of months in, COVID happened, and the world shut down.
Borders closed, flights were grounded, and our epic road trip? Canceled.
A Birthday Surprise (Because We Don’t Give Up That Easily)
With international travel practically nonexistent, Vered’s 60th was looking a little… quiet.
Normally, milestone birthdays in her family were huge affairs, filled with family, friends, and a whole lot of fanfare.
But this time?
It was going to be just the two of us.
Or so she thought.
As soon as a tiny window of travel opened, I jumped on it—booked a ticket for Thom, and flew her over to Tenerife for a surprise birthday visit.
And surprised Vered was!
Instead of a huge party, she got two weeks of quality time with Thom—the longest she’d ever stayed with us, before or since.
Two Weeks of Art, Fire, and Pure Energy
Now, keeping Thom entertained is no small task.
So… We turned Tenerife into her stage.
We spent a lot of time together crisscrossing the island, scouting out the most stunning backdrops for her to perform and practice her arts—fans, poi, fire swords, dance, and more.
It was incredible to witness her talent and raw energy in action.
Every performance, every spin of fire and light, was pure magic.
And honestly? I loved every minute of it.
And the Road Trip Dream? It’s Back.
Now, as I’m writing this in March 2025, guess what?
That European road trip is back on the agenda!
New plan: 2029—a three-month adventure from Tenerife through Spain, France, and Italy and back again.
Let’s see if this one actually happens… 
But before that, there’s another major milestone coming up—this year, Vered turns 65!
And for this one, we’re going BIG.
A 10-week, once-in-a-lifetime trip to Argentina and Chile.
Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned—dreams may get postponed, but they never disappear.
