The Generational Gap

During my early twenties, I had the privilage to travel extensively.

Although I often travelled with friends, one of my most cherished memories was the trip I took with my grandmother. A fiercly independent woman even during her retirement years, she became a role model for me and the way I want to live my life: with adventure, travel and a curious mind.

At 20, she took me to Europe. We explored England, France, Scotland and Belgium.Some of my friends at the time (and hers) wondered if we would - or could - enjoy our time together, especially considering the generational gap. She was in her 70's and I in my 20's. What would we talk about on those long train rides? Won't we want to do and see different things? What could we really enjoy doing together for two weeks like that? Everything. Wouldn't we rather go with someone closer to our own age? Absolutly not.

We walked the day out in Brussels; we studied the Mona Lisa in the Louvre; we travelled to Shakespeare's home in Bathe and listened to the flute players in the street; we ate croissantes and espresso while idolizing the view of the Eiffel tower. We laughed so hard at times we were crying. And, as I remember she contained more energy for life at seventy something than I did in my youthful twenties. I admired then - and still do now -- her energy that often carries mine.

In June, my son will meet his great-grandmother for the first time. One day I will tell him the stories of our travels together, so that he may live through the adventures of ours. That way, the generational gap won't ever mean much, at least not when it comes to travel, love, and a curious mind.