Our destination for our summer get-away, Depoe Bay, OR, is not readily accessible by plane. We could fly to Portland, rent a car, and drive three hours. Or possibly fly to Eugene, rent a car, and drive only two. So I decided that we would take a road trip. It’s my kind of travel more than Miklos’.

I like to stop and explore a little; he focuses only on the destination. I know where my travel style developed. My dad (stepfather) would stop to read every historical marker along the way to where ever we were going. I always see a side road and wonder where it leads. I am curious.

Miklos is anxious, and always has been, and just looks forward to arriving safely at our destination. I drive to please my husband — directly through in the most expeditious manner. I do not pass go and collect ‘$200, and I do not stop for points of interest in between.

When he was in the car, with nothing particular to do besides sit and see the scenery passing, Miklos was surprisingly calm. He was also more aware of his surroundings than usual. He tends to be tunnel-visioned, looking neither to the left nor to the right. It made him a bad driver when he was still driving. On this trip, he seemed to relax, look around, and enjoy the incredible natural beauty.

Even when I am driving, I am able to point out sights worth seeing. On this trip, Miklos could also point things out to me. I think that is a first ever.

While it is hard for him to hear, and especially because his better ear is his right, we still managed to have some good conversation. He sometimes opines that it would be better if we were in Great Britain where I would be talking toward his better ear when we are driving.

Because Miklos has difficulty adjusting to changes in time zone, and because he did well in this car trip, I will plan for more of these. The change of scenery stimulates his mind. The resorts we usually go to are similar enough to one another that they seem familiar and not too confusing.