Mothers’ Day is celebrated a week ago in Singapore to commemorate all the sacrifices mums made and unconditional love starting from her pregnancy through her lifetime. Mums are our pillar, someone whom we can count on.

Today, presenting G. from United States who writes at TravelwithG to share with us on her stories on travelling with her mum.

1) Where have you travelled to with your mum?

I’ve travelled with my mom to many different countries since I was 9 months old until I moved out of the house at 18, but that doesn’t count I guess, because I was required to travel with her… So, by choice, the first time I travelled with my mom was to France. Actually, I was attending a Summer Abroad university class in Paris and she joined me there for a couple of weeks. Neither of us had ever been to Europe. After she arrived, I skipped classes and we spent the next few days falling in love with Paris. We also took a short train ride to historic Rouen, in the north of France.

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Then, on a whim, we decided go to Prague. We literally picked up a map and randomly chose our destination. I think we picked Prague because for us, it seemed like an exotic and different city. It did not disappoint. I still remember going with her to the bank and exchanging dollars for ‘Koruna’ (Crown). In those days (over 10 years ago), the currency in Prague was extremely devaluated, and what the cashier at the bank handed us was a huge stack of money. I’m not kidding. We stuffed it in our purses, walked (very fast) to the nearest travel agency, and bought our air tickets. Yes, the old-fashioned way. Even though the trip was a spur-of-the-moment decision – it is an experience I shall never forget.

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Years later, we took a trip to Athens and Santorini. We both agree that we didn’t spend enough time in Santorini… Maybe we’ll make it back there together again. Greece was amazing – we had a spectacular time walking, eating, drinking, and learning about ancient history.

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2) How has your mum inspired you on your travels?

My mom will get on a plane and travel somewhere at the drop of a hat. Her desire to explore the world has been an inspiration for me ever since I can remember. Just last year, she travelled by herself to Jerusalem. My mom is 70 years old, but she’s definitely young at heart! She also has taught me, by example, that money is best spent on travel and not on material, unnecessary things.

3) How different/similar is your mum’s travelling style as compared to yours?

I had to think about this for a bit, trying to remember a disagreement or something that may have called out our different travelling styles. To be honest, our travel styles are compatible. We both like to get up early and stay up late while travelling, which is sometimes not the best thing because we get very little rest. Maybe where we’re different is in the amount of preparation we do prior to the trip. I am definitely the ultra-planner, the one who reads all the travel books and keeps a notebook to jot down possible itineraries, or things that I “must” see. I’m definitely a type-A traveller. My mom, on the other hand, seems to do a lot less research before going somewhere (at least when she goes with me). Maybe she’s relying on my sometimes obnoxious need to have everything planned. As I write this, I’m realizing she might be more spontaneous than me!

4) What kind of activities you both love and agree on without compromising?

We both like walking, browsing through local markets, going to museums, finding good restaurants where to have a perfect meal – preferably with wine 😉 Since I’m the one with the plans, she usually just goes along with them.

5) What was the most memorable moment during one of those travels?

Hmmm… There have been many. A couple that come to mind: One wasn’t good – yet memorable. That was when she got robbed in Prague and she was left with no money and no credit cards. The thief snatched her bag from her arm rather violently, but luckily, she wasn’t hurt. We were both in a state of panic, but were able to deal with the situation. I do have to add a positive memorable moment, though – and that was when we both were sitting at a rooftop bar, drinking champagne, and staring at the Acropolis framed by a full moon that night. I remember we both looked at each other, and our eyes welled-up with tears. No words were needed – we both recognized that we were sharing a very special moment.

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6) Did you learn something new about your mum when you travel with her and what was it?

Every time I’ve travelled with my mom, I’ve learned more and more about her. Probably what sticks in my mind the most is that my mom is truly an adventurer – she has always made travelling a priority, and teaching me to want to learn and explore the world and its people has been one of the greatest gifts she’s given me.

G. is and avid traveller with an incessant desire to explore the world. She is the author of the travel blog, TravelwithG, where she shares her passion for all things travel, food, culture, and photography.

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Have you been travelling with your mum too?

 

Pamela Loh

Pamela, born and raised in Singapore. She is a dreamer, explorer, traveller and local tour guide.

A perfect day for Pam would be being on the road, having beers and endless of great conversations that shape a wider perspective.

Come say hi!

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Pam goes travelling