Simon, 19, tries out his packs this afternoon before heading off to see the world for six months.
We are just back from leaving him at the airport, ready to head off on the first leg of his travels: Beijing. He will live there with a family for a month while doing an intensive Chinese course. From there he will travel a bit before heading to Paris in late September to live with a family there for a month while doing an intensive French course. He will then wander a bit, spend Christmas in Scotland, wander a bit more and reappear in our lives early February 2008.
Being the youngest of our sons there is a little apprehension in the maternal ranks.
I think it will be character building for all of us!
...
hmmm....
ReplyDeletenoticed the "baby" has out grown his diapers.
Good job on upbringing if'n yer youngest is traveling to learn those less than easy life courses. Best teacher in the world, eh? The world itself.
Bon courage to all concerned!
ReplyDeleteRe the potato cakes, we used to eat them from chip shops in Cardiff (old South Wales) where they were known as potato fritters, when I was a student. They cost 9 pence, and were eaten in addition to chips and battered fish, or beef and onion suet pastry pies. And I was thin then.
you and margaret are great parents! maybe you should write a book... i'd be first in line to buy it. give margaret a lot of hugs... if she's anything like me, she'll need em.
ReplyDeleteSounds a great and amazing trip! Bon voyage Simon! Have a wonderful time!
ReplyDeleteI'm nervous just thinking about him leaving you for six months...but what an experience!
ReplyDeleteHe looks ready and eager.......what an adventure. Ana would like to do this also, she wants to travel, see the world, stretch her wings. I felt the same way when I was 17/18/19. It is wonderful to be young, and full of energy. All parents have the same worries, he will be fine, and so will Mom. I hope he takes lots of pictures, and gives you a few to post of Scotland....
ReplyDeleteI feel the pain here..hmm..baby leaving the nest..boo-hoo..why now we're the one getting mushy..Bravo to him for getting to spread his wings..and again..good job you guys!
ReplyDeleteA new chapter and adventure lies ahead...for you all. :)
ReplyDeleteIf he swings through the Cotswolds at any time, I'll buy him a pint or two of real ale (if he likes that sort of thing).
ReplyDeleteI don't know about Simon but I might take you up on it next year.
ReplyDeleteYou'll be very welcome. Pixie and I still intend to pay you a visit. Should be in Australia around May/June next year if my daughter finally sets a date for the nuptials.
ReplyDeleteArrgh! Perhaps we could do a house swap! We head off early May, getting to UK 23rd May. Rats! Call off the wedding.
ReplyDeleteHe's wearing a T-shirt!!! Isn't it cold in Melbourne?? oops, forgot,.. he's a big boy now...
ReplyDeleteMay the pain of letting go be surpassed by the pleasure of anticipating all he will become!
Well done, Lee and Margaret.
Good luck to the baby as he ventures from the nest. I am sure he will go well in the world.
ReplyDeleteMy baby left at 17. It was a hard parting for me. I did miss her, but she came back to us.
I hope he has a great time, you guys are lucky to know at least he's from a solid home back ground and have a solid head on his shoulders and will stay safe and wise. Just tell him while back packing not to rescue woman who gets bashed up in taxi's by their partners (only Australian's are likely to know what I mean).
ReplyDeleteNo! No! No! I fully expect him to help anyone who needs it.
ReplyDeletehow exciting but i'm with mom on the apprehension. Mines only 13 so i guess i have a couple of yrs. before i have to face this.
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