Traveling with Mom Dukes

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My mother and I in Paris, France 2008

I'm a solo travel addict, not only because I enjoy not answering to anyone else but I have found that it's hard to depend on other people. Folks "commit" ahead of time, all gung-ho to make things happen and then, whomp whomp, life gets in the way and they have to cancel. I have had this experience with many friends but the one person who is always “ down” and ready for a jaunt is my mommy.

It might be a bit uncool to confess but my mother is my ultimate travel road dog.

My mother and I in Rome, Italy 2009

I can't claim that my mother and I have always been close. I am the eldest and only daughter of three, so growing up I was subject to much harsher rules. I felt totally oppressed under the watchful eye of my mother and grandmother. Looking back, I am grateful for their attentiveness and protection of my virtue, but man- oh- man, 20 years ago I was annoyed beyond belief and couldn't wait for my escape. 

Years and miles away from the nest provided enough room to nurture a friendship between my mother and I. In addition to loving and respecting her, I grew to like her as a person. If my mom was not my mother, I would choose to know her and have her in my life. Many women can't that say. Despite our blossoming friendship she does suffer from bouts of mom-ness,

My mother's popular "ewww" face

Protective: Once in France together, a handsome older Parisian called himself checking me out. My mother out of pure instinct rolled up on the poor man and said “Stop looking at my daughter's butt!” Then for good measure, turned to me and said “You might be an adult but you will always be my child !”

Prudish: While out to dinner together on Valentine's Day she leaned over and asked “You think these people are going to think we are lesbians or something ?” le sigh

Naive: In a grocery store in Berlin, a handsome German chap, who recognized my frustration, took my basket and found every item on my list. She was like “Wow, Germans are nice!” My reply “Um, no they aren't, he's a dude and I'm cute.” He wrote his name and number on my shopping list when she wasn't paying attention.
 

Grandma, Mom and Me in Prague, Czech Republic 2010

Aside from the occasional cock blockage traveling with my mom is a-okay. Being able to discover the world with my mom is such a blessing. It's also warms my heart to teach my mother so much about travel and the world. I still remember her expression the first time she had creme brulee .  She called home and told her friend it was better than sex! (TMI Mom, thanx!) We try to plan trips together once a year and they usually coincide with both of our birthdays. So far we have explored London, Berlin, Rome, Paris and Prague together. Last year in Prague we brought along my Grandmother. That was interesting to put it lightly. LOL

Be sure to share any family travel stories in the comment section below. Checkout my facebook page. for more pictures!

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