I had to wait til I was 48 to jet off on my first European adventure.
Miss 19 however doesn’t like to muck around, and has just returned from hers!
She went with her boyfriend and his family; as they emigrated to Australia from Manchester over 10 years ago, they were keen to catch up with various relatives in England.
This was followed by a holiday in Italy and Dubai. Nice for some!
England
This is the view from the window of where they stayed with relatives in Manchester, for the first few days:
They visited London briefly;
and also attended her boyfriend’s family reunion, at a rented mansion in the countryside of Derbyshire. This is just a sample of the views from “Hollywood House” in Belper:
Twenty-nine family members aged between 0 and 90 gathered for a week of festivities.
Italy
The next leg of the holiday was spent in Italy. Just like her mama, Miss 19 fell in love with Venice:
Hubster and I were in Venice ourselves last year, and this photo of a cafe (below) looked very familiar – I’m pretty sure we ate a meal there!
Miss 19 and Co stayed near the Piazza San Marco, whereas our hotel was within easy walking distance of the train and bus terminus.
Ever since I got back from Europe, Miss 19 has been trying to swipe my Santorini sweatshirt (below):
So I was very pleased to see she bought one of her own in Venice!
From Venice, they headed to Rome where the explored the Coloseum:
and visited the beautiful Trevi fountain.
Dubai
Finally, the group arrived in Dubai for a few days’ respite before the long haul flight home.
Miss 19 was happy to be back in a warmer climate, and loved the luxurious hotel accommodation, which included a swim up bar:
While in Dubai they visited the world’s tallest building,ย Burj Khalifa.
I don’t know about you, but that view makes me feel a bit giddy!
Other highlights included shopping at a mall with an indoor ski slope and a giant aquarium.
And now she is safely back home and I couldn’t be happier ๐ …
What have your kids been up to lately? And how old were you when you first travelled to Europe?!
Liz says
Looks like Miss 19 had a fabulous time ! Glad to hear shes home safely : )
My kids aren’t up to gobe trotting yet, but they keep busy for 10 and 8 year olds! James played euphonium in the school band and did a speech at Anzac day. And his current hobby is leather work. Amity makes things , sticky tape, glue and blu tack are her friends ! And 3rd child “Boo”, the maltese poodle cross, keeps busy being cute. Fun times here xo
Janet Camilleri says
A speech – I’m impressed – not too many kids would be keen on doing that! I used to be so nervous of public speaking at that age, my knees would literally knock with fright (obviously something I overcame when I got older, LOL). Amity sounds a lot like Miss 19 at that age ๐ . And what would we do without our fur babies to give us a daily (or more frequent) dose of cute!
Ingrid @ Fabulous and Fun Life says
What an amazing holiday! Your daughter made loads of happy and lasting memories on this trip no doubt!
Janet Camilleri says
She sure did ๐
Denise says
Oh my goodness, she looks so much like you!
My Miss 19 traveled quite a bit with her grandparents when she was younger – lots of cruise to Alaska, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. In June, I am taking her on a graduation trip to the Philippines! I’m very excited, but I haven’t been overseas on my own, so a bit nervous too.
Janet Camilleri says
Do you really think so?! Actually I can see it in the last two photos ๐ . When she was a tot she was identical to my baby photos, but as she’s grown older I can’t see the resemblance quite so much. Have fun in the Philippines, but DON’T DRINK THE WATER!!! Don’t even brush your teeth with it, or eat salad, or drink iced tea etc. Stick to bottled water for EVERYTHING! I speak from painful experience!!!!
Denise says
That is good to know thank you! And yes, she really does look like you!