Ruby, my 4 1/2 year old daughter is really a gem to travel with. Like a valuable jewel, she is full of sparkle, and so precious. Many people would not travel with their valuable jewelry, they'd leave it at home, in a jewelry box or locked up in a safe. Not me, I want to show Ruby the world and I want the world to meet my Ruby!
As we do this trip we are currently on I plan each leg as we go. I knew we would be in New Zealand for 6 weeks because you have to have a departing ticket in New Zealand and I knew we would go to Cairns, Australia next. In Cairns, however, we did not know how long we would stay and when I decided to leave we bought a one way ticket to Bangkok. It is much easier to travel this way with a 4 year old , rather than say, "Ok, we are going to be gone for 7+ months and go to 4 or more countries. No, no, no... I didn't know what I'd be getting into if I did that. This way, we go at our own pace and if at anytime we wish to return to the states or to settle where we are, we can.
The short flights are nice too. Rather than flying half way around the globe in one flight we take short trips from country to country. Night flights are best so Ruby can sleep - and maybe I can sleep too! Day flights are okay, but I must plan and prepare a bit more for them if possible.
Ruby is becoming an experienced traveller! She has a little Dora the Explorer suitcase with wheels that she pulls around in the airport and she has a purple unicorn Pillow Pet that Santa got her last Christmas. While waiting in line at security I have become extremely annoyed at her typical 4 year old behaviour! She has played with those straps that create the lines you stand in. If you don't know what I mean they are these straps that you pull out from the metal posts and stretch them out (like a tape measure) hooking into another post. Often she is the only child in a line of very patient and still adults and she is a wiggle worm all over the place! I am such the embarassed parent when this happens. It's usually all fine, but I'm always wary of that 'one' person who will be bothered by this rambunctious child! She insists on putting her own belongings in the tray at the security and she knows the routine: shoes off.....suitcase in tray......pillow pet in tray...... walk through security gate. She seems disappointed when you don't have to take your shoes off . People like to watch her in her independence. She is not shy at all. She is a bit deprived of playtime with other children so does not hesitate when she sees other children. Whether at a playground or the airport, she will go right up to them and say, "Excuse me?? Do you want to play with me??". It's probably after hearing me talk to so many people, but she also will ask, "where are you from? Do you have any children? Well, where are they? Where do you live? Do you want to come over to our house? " She is getting really good at understanding people with various accents - literally from all over the world. One time Ruby was playing with a girl from New Zealand. I heard Ruby say, "So, ok, 'now' means 'no'." It is true, to my ears, when I hear a Kiwi (New Zealander) say "no" it comes out as "now". Nothing against their accent, I love their accent. When Kiwi's say, 'bear' to me it sounds like 'beer' and when they say 'Pawn Shop' it sounds exactly like 'Porn Shop'. I have a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communications, so am always fascinating with communication in any form.
For myself I can say I am finally able to distinguish between Brittish, Irish, New Zealand, and Australian. I am proud when I can guess where someone is from by hearing them talk!
Ruby is so social it comes in handy when we travel. Of course we all teach our children not to talk with strangers, but when you are travelling you have to talk to strangers all the time.
At the guesthouse where we are now, there must be 7 children staying here. It's great!
If you are interested in travelling with your children, I highly recommend it! Of course there are worries and concerns and fears, but there is that all the time - whether travelling or not. Don't hesitate to ask me any questions about it if you are interested!
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