When our Grands reach school age, their parents–our grown children–may be willing to let them take a trip with us. One friend took her 11-year-old granddaughter to Paris. She made a deal with her: She would make sure the granddaughter could get the comfort food of her choice at dinner every night [plain pasta with butter]. In exchange, the little traveler had to be game to go to the museum or event of choice each day. It worked–there was hardly any whining. Also helpful: a midday return to the hotel for a wee bit of rest.
Another friend, who babysits one afternoon a week, was allowed by her son and daughter-in-law to take those Grands [ages 10 and 13] to the Galapagos this summer. Those one-afternoon-a week visits gave her a certain familiarity (with eating habits, personality ticks) and comfort with her grands–and they with her. Here's her report on the trip:
"There's a family history here. When my son graduated from college, his dad said he would take him on a trip to anywhere in the world. My son chose Galapagos, and they still talk about their trip with great nostalgia. As for my trip, I am on a "if not now, when!" kick. My husband [the granddad] couldn't go–nor did I want him to.
My grandboys are real animal/nature enthusiasts, and they're getting to an age, especially the 13-year old, when they may not be so thrilled to travel with the old grandma much longer.
They are very good travelers, not spoiled and not demanding and I knew that it would work out. They were much easier to travel with than their grandpa: No moaning and groaning, no frantic searches for bathrooms, no demands for attention, they can walk long distances–you get the picture.
They did go to bed earlier than I would have wished, and it meant that I would often go to bed early. (Come on guys, it's only 8:30! By the time I brushed my teeth and came back to the room, they were sleeping.) I was able to read, but how much reading in bed can one do without falling asleep! Then I would wake up too early while they slept on. But that's a minor point.
It's a vigorous trip. It's not for the halt and lame, though there were people on our boat who were overweight and not fleet of foot who managed well enough. To see the animals and birds in their natural habitats, totally unaware and unafraid of humans, was glorious. The boys each had their own cameras, birthday gifts I gave them last year when I knew we'd be going, and that was a big plus. Their photos are better than mine.
We were on a boat that carried 100 people, extremely well organized so there was no waiting, comfortable enough (we were three to a room), great food. We were on the boat for four nights and had five days of island hopping. I think 5 or 6 days would have been better, though we certainly saw a lot.
Now we've got that trip to talk about and reminisce about when we get together. We always find something new to share with my son and husband about what we saw and did–and how things have changed since they went."
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