I have always thought that I am a natural born traveller. I am happy as a lark tasting different food, speaking different languages, and above all meeting and getting to know different people and cultures. I even like packing and unpacking and I positively love getting into anything that moves- bus, boat, train, airplane- believe me, I do. I am utterly unable to get more than 6 hours of sleep at night in my own bed, but I can snore contently for 8 hours in a row curled up on a seat during a transoceanic flight.
For work or leisure I had been indulging in my passion for years, with the enthusiastic support of my wanderlust husband, when we found out, some two years ago, that we were expecting. Completely overjoyed, we informed family and friends, and were stunned when, after the heartfelt congratulations, we were duly informed- in a paternalistic style- that our touring days were over, at least for the following years.
Somehow, being a new mom is similar to being investigated for murder: you are firmly advised not to leave town…
Fortunately, I must say that in spite of all the tales of gloom and doom, I am the proud mom of a 17 months old Marco Polo (ok. maybe not the best comparison, as my little one is a girl) who loves travelling as much as her mom and dad. My baby girl is far more comfortable than I during take offs and landings (I always get this buzz in my ears that doesn’t seem to affect her…), and she adores the AVE (high speed train of Spain), where she can walk, stumble, and sometimes run along the corridor, saying hello to all those smiling strangers that coo her whilst mom or dad try to catch her.
Maybe children this age will not get lasting memories from a trip, maybe they will not “benefit” from the same kind of vital experience that an older kid, or an adult could get, but at the same time, I have found that they are more open minded than adults, full of curiosity and wonder, and much less prone to homesickness. After all, home is where your heart is, and a child travelling with mom and dad feels completely at home.
I have compiled quite an impressive amount of info about baby and kid-friendly restaurants, hotels and activities, that I will try to share in following entries, and believe me, if you have decided to postpone your dreamed journey to Spain (or to any other place) until your baby is grown up and independent, you maybe losing a Golden opportunity to live incredible moments with your child. After all, nappies and babyfood are available almost everywhere, baby carseats can be provided, strollers or carriers hired… If you contact us, we will be more than happy to organize a memorable trip for three- or four, or five…
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