1. Travel with Nana’s Kids
The idea of Travel with Nana’s Kids began 60 odd years ago when “Auntie Mame” the book by Patrick Dennis, arrived on our bookshelf when I was 15 years old, along with my mother’s second husband. While he did not last, once I read “Mame” I was hooked! I knew right then who I wanted to be when I grew up: a woman who adventured all over the world, taking her children or grandchildren, just as Mame did. *see link below
Years passed, I married, had three children, divorced, and that summer suggested to my kids we rent a camper and tour Europe! Sadly, no one wanted to miss their summer activities or friends. I consoled myself that someday grandchildren would arrive and my bar/bat mitzvah gift would be a trip wherever they chose to travel.
Sammy Comes of Age
At age fifty-six my first grandgirl was born soon to be followed, over the next ten years,by five more girls and three boys. Although not a wealthy woman I had already decided half my savings were for “Traveling with Nana Kids”. I could hardly wait!
And so when Sammy turned thirteen, the first to celebrate her bat mitzvah– I asked her “where in the world do you want to go?”With out batting an eyelash she chose London and Paris.
Now, while these kids were growing up I was not sitting at home. Travel was/is one of my obsessions. I traveled all over the world. London and Paris were visited often leaving me quite confident about planning the itinerary. Sam offered the plays and exhibits she wanted to see. I added these to the iconic treasures and “must see’s”, on my list! We had two weeks and I filled up every minute.
“Auntie Mame” was born again as Nana and I could hardly wait!