Submitted by Adrienne Gross on behalf of Jessica Cameron
Travelling with my 27-year-old daughter to Europe was an enlightening experience. We both found out that we need to learn tolerance on my part, and patience on hers.
It was my first trip to France and Italy. I hadn’t done that in my twenties as so many do.
I was so excited at the prospect of seeing Paris, and we had a bike tour of Northern Italy to look forward to.
“Have you bought your backpack yet?”
I was thinking more of suitcase on wheels.
However, I went and got fitted out with a lovely blue backpack. I felt like a twenty-year-old about to embark on my first trip overseas. She was right of course, for two reasons: One, there are a lot of stairs in Europe. This is self-explanatory! Two, I was restricted with my purchases. She kept saying, “Mum, you will have to carry that if you buy it!”
My idea of travel was quite different to hers. I was thinking more along the lines of leisurely strolling along the Champs Elysees; taking in the Louvre, then sitting quietly sipping Absinthe at a café, watching the passing parade of Parisians.
“No Mum, it’s too expensive to do that.” Instead it was hurriedly grabbing a cup of tea at Maccas and standing up to drink it. I had taught her to save her money; to think hard before she spent. Well it was coming back at me at just the wrong time. Here I was, having worked hard all my life and wanting to spend, spend, spend on my holiday, only to be thwarted at each turn by my parsimonious offspring!
I am on the south side of sixty and consider myself to be relatively fit. I had trained hard or thought I had before undertaking our bike tour. Unfortunately, I was struck down with an infection just before our departure so was not as robust as I had hoped.
We came undone on the first day of the bike tour. Adrienne does everything fast! There is no in between. All I wanted to do was meander along, taking in the beautiful scenery.
Another difference was lunchtime. My idea was sitting, relaxing at a café in the sun, overlooking Lake Maggiore, bowl of pasta, glass of wine. Perfect! Adrienne’s idea was finding a sandwich and riding on.
Normally at home this would be fine but this was a special holiday for me. I’m in the comfort mode of life; I want stop and enjoy the views, take photos and do a bit of shopping!
Another issue was a physical thing, once again. My ability to “hold on” was a problem. My bladder is what I call a “Woolworths” one. Having to stop frequently and to find a toilet was a challenge in Europe. Not to mention that one usually has to buy something in return for using their toilet or actually having to pay to use it!
All these things aside, we did have a good time. We had some laughs and some memorable episodes. We learned a lot about each other as adults.
I’m glad we toured together—there probably won’t be another time; we both lead busy lives.
