Minor rant: in Europe with completely useless in laws and a toddler

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow - the remark about the British Museum reveals a lot. And the fact that they got lost on a Big Bus Tour! Your in-laws are definitely not cut out for a trip like this. Some folks are simply better suited to domestic travel, and if they do go abroad, they do better with a highly structured tour where everything is handled for them.

Yeah, we are definitely seeing that. While we arranged basically everything, we can’t replicate a tour bus sort of tour, which is what I think they’d need. That said, aside from the complaining about logistics, they do say they’re enjoying seeing things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Grow the f up, op. No one is obligated to babysit or "help" with your child--and they probably would perform to your standards anyway. -- These are older people with no ravel experience who are provabaly feeling overwhelmed. People like you are what is wrong with the world. Try seeing life through a different filter.

+1000 just stop complaining.

[Anonymous]

You’re the genius who took a 2 year old to Europe, and yet you’re complaining that your in laws lack of sophistication?! What a joke. Where had you been before this trip? My guess is very few places. Get off your high horse. You sound ridiculous. I would prefer dinner in the suburbs with your in laws over a meal with you, your husband, and your monster any day!

[Anonymous]

Not sure why this thread has attracted so many nasty, hateful people OP. It is a nice thing you are doing, and I'm certain they'll be excited to tell their friends and neighbors back home about their exciting adventure, even if you are not seeing much evidence that they are loving it in the moment. I agree with others that you should plan a few more super-simple days to alternate with the adventurous ones. In London, my mom, who was not a comfortable traveler, absolutely loved just going to the beautiful parks and then having a nice meal at a pub.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You’re the genius who took a 2 year old to Europe, and yet you’re complaining that your in laws lack of sophistication?! What a joke. Where had you been before this trip? My guess is very few places. Get off your high horse. You sound ridiculous. I would prefer dinner in the suburbs with your in laws over a meal with you, your husband, and your monster any day!

Wow. You’re nasty.

First, it was DH’s idea, as he wanted to help his parents do something they’ve always wanted to do.

Second, I’ve been all over, including: London 4 times before this, Rome three times, Greece, Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic, Spain, Germany, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Russia (Moscow, St Petersburg for 3 months, Novgorod, Pskov), Ukraine, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand (lived in rural Thailand for 3 summers), Fiji (lived in a rural village for 3 weeks), Mexico, St Lucia, Jamaica, Canada, and all over the US.

Third, why is it unsophisticated to take a toddler to Europe? We took her to Scandinavia when she was 9 months old and had a terrific time.

[Anonymous]

Culture shock is real. We moved to England two years ago.

If you are still in London go to Nando’s. It has a more American vibe whilst still being culturally English (they love it) and also South African. But the key here is they have free refills with unlimited crushed ice.

[Anonymous]

Try being gracious, op. Change your attitude and you will not only change this trip but your life. Negativity breads misery--for you and all around you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Try being gracious, op. Change your attitude and you will not only change this trip but your life. Negativity breads misery--for you and all around you.

I’ve been really trying to have a positive attitude towards them. Their 100% dependence on us makes me feel like we have 3 kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow - the remark about the British Museum reveals a lot. And the fact that they got lost on a Big Bus Tour! Your in-laws are definitely not cut out for a trip like this. Some folks are simply better suited to domestic travel, and if they do go abroad, they do better with a highly structured tour where everything is handled for them.

Yeah, we are definitely seeing that. While we arranged basically everything, we can’t replicate a tour bus sort of tour, which is what I think they’d need. That said, aside from the complaining about logistics, they do say they’re enjoying seeing things.

And that's good to hear. Plan the rest of the trip with their limitations in mind. Like other posters said, don't feel bad about letting them relax at the hotel, or dropping them off at a cafe to people-watch, or letting them browse in a shopping district while the rest of you go do more active things. And I like the PP's idea of allowing a day for more "familiar" things - if you can find an American-type restaurant, plan a lunch or dinner there. Even better if you can find a place that serves American-style breakfasts, since European breakfasts can be hard to get used to for folks who prefer the typical American bacon, egg, and pancake breakfast. Maybe you could even find a theater that shows English-speaking movies with subtitles?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Culture shock is real. We moved to England two years ago.

If you are still in London go to Nando’s. It has a more American vibe whilst still being culturally English (they love it) and also South African. But the key here is they have free refills with unlimited crushed ice.

Thank you! She had found a Pizza Hut with an ice machine and couldn’t stop talking about it. At least this place is culturally English. We’re here for another 2 days so we’ll try it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow - the remark about the British Museum reveals a lot. And the fact that they got lost on a Big Bus Tour! Your in-laws are definitely not cut out for a trip like this. Some folks are simply better suited to domestic travel, and if they do go abroad, they do better with a highly structured tour where everything is handled for them.

Yeah, we are definitely seeing that. While we arranged basically everything, we can’t replicate a tour bus sort of tour, which is what I think they’d need. That said, aside from the complaining about logistics, they do say they’re enjoying seeing things.

And that's good to hear. Plan the rest of the trip with their limitations in mind. Like other posters said, don't feel bad about letting them relax at the hotel, or dropping them off at a cafe to people-watch, or letting them browse in a shopping district while the rest of you go do more active things. And I like the PP's idea of allowing a day for more "familiar" things - if you can find an American-type restaurant, plan a lunch or dinner there. Even better if you can find a place that serves American-style breakfasts, since European breakfasts can be hard to get used to for folks who prefer the typical American bacon, egg, and pancake breakfast. Maybe you could even find a theater that shows English-speaking movies with subtitles?

The breakfast is a good idea. We’ve been going to a bakery to get croissants, but maybe kore of an American breakfast place would be good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You’re the genius who took a 2 year old to Europe, and yet you’re complaining that your in laws lack of sophistication?! What a joke. Where had you been before this trip? My guess is very few places. Get off your high horse. You sound ridiculous. I would prefer dinner in the suburbs with your in laws over a meal with you, your husband, and your monster any day!

Wow. You’re nasty.

First, it was DH’s idea, as he wanted to help his parents do something they’ve always wanted to do.

Second, I’ve been all over, including: London 4 times before this, Rome three times, Greece, Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic, Spain, Germany, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Russia (Moscow, St Petersburg for 3 months, Novgorod, Pskov), Ukraine, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand (lived in rural Thailand for 3 summers), Fiji (lived in a rural village for 3 weeks), Mexico, St Lucia, Jamaica, Canada, and all over the US.

Third, why is it unsophisticated to take a toddler to Europe? We took her to Scandinavia when she was 9 months old and had a terrific time.

Next time try a cruise from Ft. Lauderdale. I think you’ll all be happier.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You’re the genius who took a 2 year old to Europe, and yet you’re complaining that your in laws lack of sophistication?! What a joke. Where had you been before this trip? My guess is very few places. Get off your high horse. You sound ridiculous. I would prefer dinner in the suburbs with your in laws over a meal with you, your husband, and your monster any day!

Wow. You’re nasty.

First, it was DH’s idea, as he wanted to help his parents do something they’ve always wanted to do.

Second, I’ve been all over, including: London 4 times before this, Rome three times, Greece, Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic, Spain, Germany, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Russia (Moscow, St Petersburg for 3 months, Novgorod, Pskov), Ukraine, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand (lived in rural Thailand for 3 summers), Fiji (lived in a rural village for 3 weeks), Mexico, St Lucia, Jamaica, Canada, and all over the US.

Third, why is it unsophisticated to take a toddler to Europe? We took her to Scandinavia when she was 9 months old and had a terrific time.

Next time try a cruise from Ft. Lauderdale. I think you’ll all be happier.

If we’re the same group, sure. They love cruises. We hate them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What exactly do you expect them to do for you when your toddler is having a tantrum?

Exactly what they do when we’re in the US: try to distract her with something, just ask “can I help?” They usually at least try to help.

I suggest that your annoyance with them is getting across to them and rather than make it worse, they are stepping back. Whenever I sense I am getting on someone's nerves, I usually make myself scarce or become try to stay out of their way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What exactly do you expect them to do for you when your toddler is having a tantrum?

Exactly what they do when we’re in the US: try to distract her with something, just ask “can I help?” They usually at least try to help.

I suggest that your annoyance with them is getting across to them and rather than make it worse, they are stepping back. Whenever I sense I am getting on someone's nerves, I usually make myself scarce or become try to stay out of their way.

Maybe. They haven’t helped at all the whole trip, though. It isn’t like there was a gradual decline in the amount of assistance.