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Is there a downside here?
DS1 is 14, going to high school next year. He has a good friend, E, who goes to an island off of Venezuela with his family probably 3-4x a year. They own a house down there.
E's mom dropped DS off at XH's house not long ago, and stopped by to talk to me (same neighborhood). They asked E if he'd like a friend to go this summer, and he wants DS to come along. (DS doesn't know yet) We would have almost no cost for him to go.
I think it's an amazing opportunity for DS. E and the parents are scuba certified, but she said E isn't crazy about it and would be happy snorkeling with DS1 instead. It's a Dutch island so kids are allowed to drive scooters, etc.
I know the mom pretty well, and she's very responsible, etc. I'm trying to make a rational decision but I honestly can't think of any downsides. Would you have any concerns I haven't thought of?
Re: Is there a downside here?
Katie Talks About...
I agree with everyone else. Trip of a lifetime and something he will never forget.
Can teenagers drink there? That may be my only concern, but may not be an issue.
My sister is 13 years younger than I am. So my parents ALWAYS allowed me to bring a friend, so I wouldn't go insane and I loved them for it.
We were always fairly responsible, of course we were kids and still misbehaved once in a while, but all kids do that. My parents were not afraid to discipline either of us. So, as PP said, as long as you trust the parents and their parenting skills than I say go for it, and your DS will love you for it!
Only other concern is if your DS ever gets homesick, that is a long trip and far away, so if DS gets homesick it can be scary for him. But if not, then DO IT!!
I hadn't even thought of that.
I just looked it up and the legal drinking age is 18 for beer & alcohol, gambling 21. They also have separate drug laws than Holland, which I'm OK with.
PHOTOS REMOVED
My sister went to a time share on Margarita Island a few years ago. She had a great time but doesn't think she'll go back. There were a few times she didn't feel quite safe. She flew in and out of the main land (I can't remember what city) and she said there were a few times she was nervous. Also once when she left the resort to go to a public beach she was a little nervous. It was just her and her girlfriend. She is very adventurous and loves travel and meeting new people so she's not uncomfortable in many situations.
That said as long as you trust his friend's parents and the kids won't be on their own outside of tourist areas I'd sat go for it. I would imagine since have a home there that they are well aware of what areas are safe. It would be an amazing experience for him. My sister says it was incredibly beautiful and she met a few very nice people. I think she might still keep in contact with them.
DS 09/08
The only other thought I have (aside from the good ones already brought up) is how long will this trip be?
I wouldn't feel comfortable with much more than 2 weeks at that age.
Total score: 6 pregnancies, 5 losses, 2 amazing blessings that I'm thankful for every single day.