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Published: August 27th 2011
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For several months, I campaigned hard to convince Husband (aka Sidd) that we needed to go on an international trip with Asha while she was young. Initially, he was adamant that we were doing enough traveling (Boston and Mexico) and Europe was out of the question. However, after much convincing, and hearing from our friends that it is easier to travel when the baby is young (i.e. no solids and no crawling/walking), Husband was willing to entertain propositions about a trip to Europe. And so the negotiations began in earnest:
• My opening offer - 3 weeks in Europe (one each in London, Paris and Rome).
• Husband’s counteroffer - 0 weeks in Europe but a trip to Vancouver/Seattle to go shopping.
• My second offer - 1 week in Paris and 1 week in Rome.
• Husband’s second counteroffer - remained the same.
We were at a standstill. But I’m not a lawyer for nothing and finally, I wore him down and we agreed on 2.5 weeks in Italy (one in Rome and one in Tuscany) AND I even got my shopping trip! My trump cards? Why, food, of course! The promise of gelato, wine, cheese, bread and
pasta proved to be too strong an allure to resist. And so we were Italy bound!
Once we had booked our flights, the realization hit that our traveling adventures were going to be much different as this time our 5 month old baby would be in tow. Gone were plans of biking through the Chianti region, late night dinners with bottles of wine, and our search for budget accommodation (hostels… note the “s”). Despite this, we were determined that we would still explore everywhere on foot and stop spontaneously at random eateries and sites. In order to accomplish this, I decided that we needed a third stroller, much to Husband’s chagrin. And thus began the pursuit for the perfect travel stroller.
A stroller is an essential piece of baby equipment and in my opinion, is as important as having a clean diaper on hand. A good stroller makes for a happy baby, which in turn makes for a happy parent. I love strollers. My criteria for a travel stroller: (1) lightweight; (2) ability to take a car seat; (3) ability to recline almost fully; (4) compact, easy fold; and (5) a large canopy to shade baby from the
sun. I wanted Asha to be able to sleep comfortably in the stroller and also wanted the flexibility of transferring her in the car seat to the stroller. Finally, after polling my mommy friends, visiting many baby stores and countless hours of website research while breast-feeding (what else do you do?), I decided on the Peg Perego Aria. It fit all my criteria and came in at less than $200 brand new!
Now, did I mention that like most Asians, I love a good deal? Well, once I had decided on the Aria, I switched my breast-feeding time to browsing Kijiji in search of a good priced Aria. After some searching, I located a $40 Aria stroller. Perfect! I sent Sidd to pick it up and was excited by such a fantastic deal. Little did I know that throughout the years, Peg Perego has made some major changes to the Aria. Unfortunately, my internet research did not reveal this until later and upon inspection of Aria #1, I discovered that the canopy was tiny and the closing mechanism was super tricky. Darn.
Husband’s reaction upon finding out that Aria #1 definitely was not the perfect stroller? Resigned… On the Vatican Museum Tour
Yes, stroller are allowed in the Sistine Chapel! Upon more research, I discovered that Peg Perego changed the canopy in 2007 and after more “kijiji-ing”, located Aria #2. I set Sidd on bargaining with the lady and it was agreed that for a mere $75, we would be in possession of a mint green Aria. Perfect. Sidd went off to purchase it and I waited in anticipation. But it was all for naught as Sidd decided that the canopy still wasn’t big enough and despite bargaining down the lady, came home empty handed. I think he was jaded by the failed first attempt. Darn again.
Husband’s reaction to being sent off on another wild goose chase across the city? Irritated… Persistence is my strong suit and I was determined to find a deal. However, stubborn Husband was tired of driving around the city and was adamant that it was not worth his time. So, the next day, he came home with a brand new Aria from E-children. I thought I was fine with it at first but the fact that we didn’t get a deal was eating me alive at night – after all, maternity leave employment insurance of $864/2 weeks can only go so
Piazza Navona
this is just around the block from our apartment! far and the stroller was bound to be beat up on our travels! So I convinced Husband that it had to be returned.
Husband’s reaction after returning Aria #3? Resigned AND irritated. As it was my nephew’s 2nd birthday, we planned a trip to Edmonton and suddenly, I had two locations to search on Kijiji! I found another lady selling an Aria (#4) and arranged a time to meet her to pick it up in Edmonton. Unfortunately, bad luck struck again and she emailed me the night before to tell me she had been in a car accident and wouldn’t be able to meet. Boo.
Husband’s reaction to my declaration that he would either have to go back to E-children to re-purchase the stroller, or go back to the 2nd Kijiji lady and buy Aria #2? Extremely irritable… But, as luck would have it, I managed to get in contact with the lady in Edmonton and after driving with my sister for 1.5 hours roundtrip (no joke), I was in possession of THE perfect stroller. Better yet, for the mere price of $100, it came with a matching car seat! A great deal!
Now, after 2 days in Rome, I can safely say that it really is THE perfect travel stroller. It handles well on the bumpy, uneven cobblestones, is super light (10 lbs) to carry up and down the many stairs and the basket can accommodate all of our stuff. Better yet, Asha loves the stroller and will happily sit upright and look around at the world, and when tired, will sleep peacefully when fully reclined. We can even change diapers in the stroller! The best part, though, is that Asha loves to prop her tiny feet up on the snack tray, thus exposing her toes to the world… which beckons all sorts of Italian women and children to come up and coo at her. She’s loving her Aria… and all the attention!
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Hani
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Love it!