Family traditions allow us to make unique and precious memories that, for better or for worse, stick with us forever. Some families take an annual road trip, and others dress alike and pose for a holiday card as if they actually enjoy each other’s company all year round. My family, however, does escape rooms. Our addiction started in 2011 when we did our first room in Singapore. While we failed miserably, we were hooked. The complex clues, mind-boggling puzzles and perfect balance between teamwork and complete irritation: what’s not to love? 
While voluntarily locking yourself in a small room with your family for over an hour may not be everybody’s cup of tea, my family has done 15 escape rooms together. We try to do one in every new place that we visit; however, do not let the large quantity of rooms fool you, we are FAR from pros. While I love competing against the clock and the satisfaction of finding the correct lock combinations, for years, I have wondered what it would be like to be on the other side of the wall – giving the clues, creating the games and working at an escape room. So, in my final semester of high school, and in hopes of getting the inside scoop into my favorite Bay Area escape rooms, I went to the experts themselves.