So apart from running a continuous loop of “Midnight Express”, “The Deer Hunter”, “Bridge Over The River Kwai” and anything else we could lay our hands on that might put them off – I’m disappointed that “Shantaram” isn’t out as a film yet….we seem to have done nothing but get their travel juices going.
A friend and client of mine who has been there – done that with her children some years ago sent me an email – I’m not sure if I was supposed to feel reassured after reading it – IT HASN’T HELPED AT ALL:-
“I read your blog yesterday. Don’t worry about the gap year travel thing. Much. Because there were no mobiles or emails I remained in blissful ignorance about my sons exploits until they got home, more or less safe and sound. One was at Everest base camp; stranded in Patna, Bihar (poorest state in India) where he and his travel companion carried khukri’s (Gurkha knives) at the ready because they could have been murdered for their trainers; relieved of a large sum of money in a carpet scam at the Taj Mahal; spaced out in Goa, covered in henna tattoos and a nasty cigarette burn on his hand after being chased by a mob and only able to close the door with his hand on the outside. Etc etc. My Captain Sensible son on the other hand – bit of a run in with magic mushroom omelettes in Thailand. He and his friends didn’t realise you were meant to share one between about 6 not eat the whole thing yourself. Tried to bury himself in the sand on the beach as the world dissolved in funny shapes and colours. Also ferry crossing in small un-seaworthy vessel that only just reached land. Not even worth mentioning bunjee jumping from wobbly bridge over ravine or sky diving in New Zealand – that’s just normal stuff.
Otherwise just normal travel chaos and a lot of visits to the Hospital for Tropical Diseases when he got home. So really, you shouldn’t give this impending adventure another thought”.
I am definitely going to have to go with him. Or keep my eyes tightly shut and not read anything for 4 months. Really not sure if I want to see Facebook photographs of his beaded hair, goatee beard, baggy trousers and inane grin.
Trying to get him interested in getting in touch with friends and family a little before he arrives to check whether they will actually be in the country and able to offer him a bed but so far, nothing. “Mum, dw, it’s cool”….I think the parents of all the boys travelling are going to get together soon to stare at each other and freak each other out and talk about germs and other things I can’t even bear to think about.
SusannahS
February 6, 2012Okay, I’m going to ask. This gap year thing? It’s a rite of passage or something like that?
Over here, we graduate high school and generally go straight to college after summer vacation. Usually we’re 18…which still seems so young, now that I’m in my mid-30s.
I don’t know how you *aren’t* in a corner in the fetal position.
Family Affairs
February 7, 2012Sort of….became popular a few years ago – well i remember wanting to have one and my parents said no way that i could so I didn’t’ = these days it’s a little different (i.e. no parental control) – not as many will do it now the fees have gone up so dramatically and jobs aren’t’ so easy to come by but yes, I guess, sort of rite of passage and not something they do much in the US. Aussies have “gappy’s but again, not sure so popular. So it’s just the stupid Brits abroad problem in another guise….again. Lx
DD's Diary
February 7, 2012Definitely going to stalk my two if they ever go on gap years. I reckon if I wear a burka they’ll never even know I’m there …. also trying to put them off by casually mentioning lack of jobs/possibility of having to live with me all their lives if they don’t get to uni as soon as poss …. worth a try? x
Family Affairs
February 7, 2012DEFINITELY worth a try xx
Jon Storey
February 7, 2012Thankfully Lauren abandoned the gap year plan and decided that five years at Uni would be better out of the way asap!
On the other hand, Helen is planning hers for 2 years time. Worryingly, I sometimes wonder how she finds her way across the road! Break out the tranquillizers………