Fallingwater

Woke up this morning, grabbed breakfast and headed out to tour Fallingwater - Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece. Reviews that I had read stated that pictures did not do it justice, and, wow, were they ever right. The house is beautiful and amazing. In many ways I could not imagine living there, but on the other hand I can not imagine a more perfect house. The children were mezmerizzed by the house and the grounds. Devlin wants to live there.

When we arrived, there was a woman trying to argue that an exception should be made to the 'no children under 6' rule. The rule is clearly stated on the website. After going through the tour it is obvious why the rule is in place. There are terrace walls that are barely four feet tall perched high above the waterfall that runs beneath the house. a small child could so easily go over. Safety rails would ruin the architechtural integrity of the house. The mother's outrage was so telling of our times. Rules are meant for others, not for us. Rules can be bent for my convenience. If I want something badly enough, surely an accommodation can be made.

As parents who enjoy traveling and taking our children with us on many of our trips I understand that it can be hard to miss attractions. However, not all attractions are open to or are appropriate for young travelers. Children do not have the stamina of adults and days often have to be abbreviated or itineraries curtailed to accommodate children's abilities. It is often best of forgo a museum in favor of a playground - even when that playground looks exactly like the one at home. Skipping a hike to spend some time at the hotel pool can be the difference between a nightmare and a dream. And some places are simply not safe or appropriate (still wondering what a tour of Amsterdam with children is going to be like). Travel with children is different than traveling without them. Adjustments need to be made. I certainly would never say, "don't travel with your kids." I will say don't expect it to be the same.