And one of the fascinating and adventurous cars was acquired by my elder son after returning from India. We saw it during our visit in 2009. It was a second-hand Mini Cooper, a box-like, cute, open-top car that, while moving, looked like it was scurrying. Many times, when my wife and I were traveling in this car with our son, passersby in other cars would wave and give a thumbs-up in appreciation of the car. But during the same visit, he sold the car, with a lady buying it happily.

The reason was our proposed trip to Banff-Jasper National Park in Canada. This was to be a totally road trip, and since the entire family, seven of us, were traveling together, instead of renting a minivan, my elder son was thinking of buying one. He was looking for a particular model with skylights at the back to avoid claustrophobic feelings. He zeroed in on a second-hand one just three days before we were supposed to leave. After getting it, it had to be cleaned and detailed. Indeed, this minivan proved very useful during the trip, which was a most enjoyable one.

I do not know how many miles we traveled during this trip. We had to take a break in between before reaching Banff, one end of the National Park. Then we went on one of the most scenic drives in the world to Jasper, the other end. Back then to Banff and return to Seattle after another break. Five to six days, I think. We never felt tired. Maybe I will write about this trip separately.

Come the year 2015, the most talked about, advertised, and anticipated Tesla’s first electric car was released. My second son, back from gas-guzzlers, turned to electric cars and got his first Tesla.

We got to experience it during our visit in 2016.

Continued in 291. Moving Models - Part 6