tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983520193229114152.post4073612721751039634..comments2024-02-05T12:53:48.535-05:00Comments on 100 Years in America: On babies and trans-Atlantic crossingsLisa / Smallest Leafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16811771280872197611noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983520193229114152.post-38330250399371883282008-03-19T04:47:00.000-04:002008-03-19T04:47:00.000-04:00Yikes, Thomas! Sounds like you’ve had some bad ex...Yikes, Thomas! Sounds like you’ve had some bad experiences running into difficult little travelers. I can relate. There is nothing so unpleasant as being seated next to misbehaving children. <BR/><BR/>Of course, my children were little angels on our trans-Atlantic trip together!<BR/><BR/>Actually, they did each behave beautifully. We timed the trip nicely so we did not have a child in the toddler age range, which made it do-able. Our western European tour continues to be one of those experiences that is a strong part of our “family culture” today. With the exception of our littlest one, of course, each child has fond memories of our adventures. Our travels truly enriched their lives and gave them a perspective on life outside of their own little ethno-centric world. If only more children (and adults) could have that experience.<BR/><BR/>Looking back I am always glad that we took the trip, although it was a trial at times. Thankfully, I don’t believe we ever inconvenienced any other travelers along the way. In fact, we had quite a few people that really enjoyed our childrens’ presence throughout our travels.<BR/><BR/>Now, fifteen days in the steerage section of a ship after a trans-continental train crossing in 1907 would not have been the same joyful experience, I am sure. I’m guessing that you are as thankful as I am that we don’t have to journey that way, children or no children!Lisa / Smallest Leafhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16811771280872197611noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983520193229114152.post-44551171306489966982008-03-18T14:28:00.000-04:002008-03-18T14:28:00.000-04:00Great post and I am with the crowd that wouldn't a...Great post and I am with the crowd that wouldn't attempt traveling with young children. My feeling is that they would not get as much out of the experience as would perhaps a teenager or even a "tween" plus I would just be plain old exhausted.<BR/><BR/>Also from my "childless" person's perspective, encountering children while traveling, especially on airplanes is not always pleasant for all travelers. This past weekend I managed to use an upgrade for first class and this time it was not the refuge I usually enounter - I had a family with an infant, a three year old and a five year old behind me. This is why I travel with earplugs.<BR/><BR/>I hope I don't seem too harsh and I'm not trying to be judgmental - I say may power too you if you can swing traveling with young ones. I've encountered young travelers that amaze me with their good behavior. But there are also some families who tend to treat an airplane as a station wagon with wings.Thomas MacEnteehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09925130637060406529noreply@blogger.com