A US boy themed his fifth birthday party to be related to the local toll roads.For months, Sebastian Vartanian has been obsessed with maps, road signs, interstates and the toll roads, which his parents drive multiple times each day between their home and his preschool. He pays attention to the route as his parents transition from the 73 Toll Road to the 5 Freeway to head into south Orange County, California. He often uses a stopwatch to time the commute.
“He’s obsessed,” Vartanian said. “It’s a lot of fun when we drive because he points out all the new signs he sees. He loves it. He can tell you every freeway across our county.”
Vartanian spent about two months preparing for Sebastian’s transportation-themed bash at the family’s Newport Coast home. A family friend created a large toll booth out of balloons. After hearing about Sebastian’s birthday idea, the Transportation Corridor Agencies, the organisation that runs the toll roads of Orange County, offered to provide Frisbees and ChapStick with the toll roads logo as party favours.
“He’s definitely an old soul,” Vartanian said. “His fascination and interests are definitely not the norm for a 5-year-old.”
Los Angeles Times, 17th November
