Past and present co-exist in Gyeongju, South Korea
By Rama Gaind
ANYONE would become enchanted with Gyeongju in South Korea. This is where history is seen, heard, tasted and felt. It basks in the clear waters of the east coast.
Gyeongju is a place where past and present co-exist with a history of 1000 years.
Gyeongju, the city where the full-flourished culture of the unified Silla is still alive, is one of the 10 historic sites designated by UNESCO.
As a famous place of historic interest with the nickname of ‘Museum Without Walls’, it has 118 authorised and 161 unauthorised cultural properties. The city, which is now inhabited with 300,000 people, is filled with innumerable historical sites and ancient tombs in every corner.
Most of the important cultural and historic relics are within walking distance of each other. Royal tombs, ancient palace sites, royal gardens and ponds, temples and structures like Cheomseongdae (Heavenly Horse Tomb) and the Gyeongju National Museum truly make the entire city an open museum.
The spirit of the Age of Silla is spread throughout the Great Tombs parks, with 23 tombs forming the park. Mt Tohamsan, considered by many to be a holy mountain, has the Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple on both sides. Both were designated world cultural heritage sites by UNESCO on December 6, 1995.
While there, do not miss out on the experience of staying at the Gyeongju Bomun Lake Resort (Hotel Hyundai) which sits on 2,616.3 acres around Bomun Lake. It is well deserved of its reputation as one of the most beautiful cultural resorts representing Korea.
Ranging from convention halls to recreation facilities, traditional culture and art performances, sports and leisure, the resort offers you genuine relaxation.
Accommodation houses are aplenty, with convention centre facilities in abundance. For entertainment there’s the outdoor theatre, art museum, numerous restaurants, an amusement park, water sports and leisure with a number of golf courses.
The resort, overlooking the lake, is not only ideal for business meetings, but offers total relaxation for the holidaymaker – all on one location. With indoor and outdoor hot spring swimming pool, hot spring sauna, here is an oasis of breath-taking proportions!
You’ll come away mesmerised!
Gyeongju Bomun Lake Resort (Hotel Hyundai) in South Korea.
Nostalgia for historic city of Gyeongju
By Rama Gaind
NOSTALGIC memories flood back of a short stay, some years ago, in the historic city of Gyeongju in South Korea.
In particular, the sojourn at the Gyeongju Bomun Lake Resort (Hotel Hyundai) which combined the best of both worlds: a modern world-class resort in the ancient city of Gyeongju which is steeped in 1,000 years of history along with the tradition of the Silla Kingdom.
The hotel is embellished with traditional Korean styles where the singing birds and mystic morning views are guaranteed for relaxation.
What’s more, a chance meeting with an Indian beauty queen added glamour.
Medha Raghunath, from Chennai, was in Gyeongju after participating in the World Miss University contest.
As it turned out, her group comprising 36 contestants was in the foyer of the Bomun Lake Resort getting ready to go to the capital Seoul. Medha had come third in the beauty pageant (after Miss Nepal and Miss Maldives) and couldn’t have been happier at her placement. The contest had been held in Daegu, one of the six metropolitan cities of Korea, a textiles hub which was one of the host cities of the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Medha had turned 21 years of age and this win was a "great present … it was the best gift". She also won the title of ‘Miss Health’ where much emphasis is placed on "beauty for peace … we love peace not war". Medha was also successful in coming second in a ‘performance challenge’ where contestants had to dance or sing. She performed Indian dancing, of course, but it was a mix of yoga, Bharat Natyam and Kalari (a form of martial art).
"This art is almost extinct, but it has been revived now. It requires a lot of stamina," Medha said. "Being in a beauty pageant is a beautiful thing. It brings out the woman in me."
This was not the first time that she had been in a beauty competition. She entered the Miss Chennai 2000 contest and was first runner-up. This 5’6"-tall university student, weighing 48kg, also listed her achievements as Femina Ms India and Cyber Queen 2001.
Here was one woman who believed in gaining an edge by being "very well educated".
The effervescent Indian beauty was studying for a Master of Business Administration with plans to attain a PhD. She already had a BA in Business Administration.
A model, who has done television commercials, Medha relaxed by listening to music which “rejuvenates my mind” and “adores travelling” with fond memories of the US, London and Japan.
In the beautiful but rugged area of the Southern Highlands in New South Wales, slightly reminiscent of the Highlands of Scotland, lies the village of Bundanoon. This village over the past 31 years has gained the envious reputation throughout Australia as the Premier location for hosting the traditional Scottish Highland Games. Every year in April between 12-16000 Australians, many not necessarily of Scottish descent make an annual pilgrimage to this outstanding event to enjoy and participate in the gathering known, as ”Bundanoon is Brigadoon”.
Bundanoon is a comfortable 2 hours drive from Sydney, 1.5 hours from Canberra and the South Coast, which makes it the ideal location for travellers who just want to pop in for the day or for others who wish to stay and enjoy “Brigadoon” and the hospitality and culture of the Southern Highlands.
The gathering is a non-profit making, registered charity event that readily distributes the funds from the day to local charities and groups that assist the organisers in the administration of the gathering.
This annual event originally began in 1978 with the principal aim to raise funds for local charities and bring tourists to Bundanoon in particular and the Southern Highlands in general thereby benefiting local businesses, guesthouses and hotels. This idea has continued to the present day and makes it one of the most successful events staged in the area. Consequently from their humble beginning which began with a handful of pipe bands and spectators this gathering has grown to into one of the finest Highland Gatherings in Australia.
With such an influx of people coming into the Southern Highlands, local businesses and the hospitality trade in particular have thrived, there is hardly a room available anywhere and in most cases all accommodation is booked a year in advance.
“Brigadoon” begins with the sound of Bagpipes drifting across the village from first light in preparation for a day of celebration. All roads lead to Bundanoon or so it would seem as the village waits in anticipation, cars, coaches, bikes and the ever-faithful Heritage Express, Southern Aurora departs Central Station Bookings on 02 93791031, and the Federal City Express Train departs Canberra Bookings on 02 62842790 bringing the thriving throng of spectators preparing for a day of festivities.
The Street Parade starts at 9.30am and features some 20 Pipe Bands from all over the State accompanied by a large variety of decorated floats and marching Clan Societies. The parade makes their way some one kilometre to the Bundanoon Oval accompanied by the crowds of spectators.
The Opening Ceremony begins at 10.30am on the Oval and the Gathering is officially opened by the Chieftain of the Day.
Spectators are then treated to a spectacular Massed Pipes and Drums display of highland music, with up to 600 Bandsmen participating one has really got to be there to appreciate the sheer magic of the occasion. With the swirling of a myriad of coloured tartans and music that stirs the heart and makes you proud to wear the Kilt of your ancestors
At the Oval there are over 120 specialist stalls, selling everything imaginable, from Scottish pies to shortbread, from Clan memorabilia to souvenirs, with copious amounts of burgers, steaks and a variety of food promoting every nationality, even the Scots favourite “Haggis”
Everyone is made most welcome at the gathering and encouraged to participate in the “Traditional” and not so “traditional” games. The committee recognises this as a “The Ideal Family Day Outing” and encourages mass participation by spectators and especially the children. Spectators can try their luck at “Tossing the Caber”, “Shot Putt”, “Haggis Hurling”, Kilted Races”, “Egg Throwing” and Water Toss. There is also a Bonny Bairns highland dress competition for all the proud parents.
Throughout the day you can enjoy Highland and Scottish Country dance demonstrations, and for those who like to try something new you are cordially invited to join in. There are 30 Scottish Clans and Societies tents and they have their own area where many people make their way to enquire about their Scottish heritage and ancestry.
During the day at irregular intervals the Pipe Bands entertain the crowds with there own special individual styles of music and display marching. This being a non-competitive gathering the bands can relax and really enjoy themselves without the added pressure of being under the spotlight of judges.
One of the main events of the day is the display of strength by David Huxley, Australia’s world heavy events champion and his Tartan Warriors. These giants of men compete in a competition to lift the “Bundanoon Stones of Manhood”; there are 5 stones of incredible weight ranging from 100 to 165 kilograms. This really is a wonderful contest of speed, agility and strength.
As the day of festivities comes to and end and the closing ceremony approaches the crowd are once again treated to the spectacle of the Massed Pipes and Drums display which is followed by the lone piper and a closing address by the Chieftain.
Those diehard fanatics who wish to continue on in the Scottish mood can join in the Ceilidh held at the Bundanoon Soldiers Memorial Hall, bookings are essential and can be made on (02) 2443 6033.
The committee of the Bundanoon Highland Gathering ensures that it recognises the commitment of those local charities and groups who give countless hours of labour to the gathering by disbursing monies raised on the day on a proportional basis to each organisation.
Admission for 2009 is: Adults $18, Child $5, Family $40, (2 adults + 2 children)
Further information contact the Publicity Officer Alaistair on Phone/Answer (61 2) 4883 7471 or by Email at [email protected]
“This is Scotland” with a “wee” bit of “Aussie Flavour”
Date for the Diary 17 April 2010
It is with Great pleasure that the Bundanoon Highland gathering announce that Dr Frank Davidson has accepted our invitation to become the Chieftain of the Day for the 32nd Highland Gathering
Short Biography.
Dr Frank Sutherland Davidson, descended from pioneer families in the New England region of NSW, was born there in 1934 and brought up on Clermont Park, his father’s sheep property. He was educated at home and at the University of New England, from which he holds the degree of Ph.D. He worked initially as a secondary teacher of English and then as an academic in the University of Sydney, where he was a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Education.
In 1965 he married the Hungarian-born ballerina Suzanne Musitz, a foundation member of The Australian Ballet who as Suzanne Davidson was subsequently founder of what is now The Sydney Dance Company. They have two children and five grandchildren.
In 1984 he published a history of his family, The Davidsons of New England and in the same year founded the Clan Davidson Society in Australia, of which he continues to be president. He is also a writer, and as a playwright has several times had work performed in one-act play festivals.
Frank has been prominent in the Scottish-Australian community since the foundation of the Scottish Australian Heritage Council in 1981. Spurred by the fact that the Chiefship of Clan Davidson had lain dormant for nearly 80 years, Frank initiated an international search which in 1996 achieved Recognition by the Lord Lyon King of Arms, who rules in matters of clan precedence and protocol, of Duncan Davidson of Davidston, first of the renewed Clan Davidson chiefs.
The present Chief, Alister Davidson of Davidston, appointed Frank as High Commissioner for Clan Davidson in Australia in 2000. He has also been honoured by the Celtic Council of Australia with the award of C.y.C.
He was the elected president of the Scottish Australian Heritage Council from 2002 to 2006 and is currently its Deputy President.
Members of the Women’s Handball squad held a training camp on 14th-15th March 2009 in Brisbane, as part of its preparation for the Pacific Cup and the Oceania Region Qualifying Tournament for the Women’s World Championship to be held in China in December 2009.
This was the third training camp conducted by Katsu Kinoshita since his re-appointment in December 2008 as Head Coach of the Australian Women’s Team.Katsu took on the role of Head Coach of the Women’s Team which successfully won the qualifying tournament to represent Australia and the Oceania Region in the Women’s Handball World Championship held in France during November 2007.
The March training camp was attended by the following players:
NSW –Gizelle van der Merwe, Jessica Fearnside, Kim Higgins, Milly Thomas,
Vanja Smiljanic
Qld–Jemima Harbort, Mary Kent, Melissa Mellor, Rosa Boyd
The training camp focused on defence; decision-making (both in attack and defence} and effective execution of fast breaks. The team was supported during the camp by Nicky Rolls, Physiotherapist and by Mrs Linda Mellor has helped the team for last three months with catering for lunch at training camps.
The women’s squad will have another camp on 18th-19th April 2009.This will be Open Camp again before the Pacific Cup Camp that is scheduled to start on 14th of May.
For more information about the Australian Handball Women’s Squad and handball generally, refer to the Australian Handball Federation website: www.handballaustralia.org.au or email [email protected]
It has become very reassuring in public contacts made with principal United States politicians such as Bush and Obamma that whatever the past mature man to man negotiation can make principal adjustments to understanding world events, especially the limitations of the Hitler years in Europe. Unexpectedly the figures of that period have been misunderstood because of then of over representation of masterfulness and leadership.
The lesson to be learned then is an important one. Personal and world history needs the shrug of the shouldders sometimes for most of us to advance. Absolute justice so longed for is not a possibility on this planet but comprimise and healthy understanding and manliness can do a lot to see around otherwise unnegotiable corners.
Mischief and plain wrong doing is unacceptable and becomes widely known but cannot be undone directly now because it is the past. Plenty of societeies including the British empire were reponsible for a lot of intended wrong doing which was put right once reformers developed the capabilities and the mandate to move forward. President Obamma is one of those having a go at some of these situations.
Inhuman acts including terror to make impossible public comment cannot be accepted for moral and political reasons. For some they are the only code and there have been examples of this in history all over the world as in Africa today for example. Personal experience (well known to me and well known in this community) has shown determination to bully and maintain bigotory is unviable.
What is needed in international negotiations is development of dialogue and then a mandate to make the changes that correct terible mistakes and inhumanity. When this happens all concerned should be congratulated and a new mandate for change makers accepted.
In the 1950s and 1960s much of the progress that was unfolding, by extending great cities such as Sydney and the first start of native film, acting and drama schools and a native literature, well recognised firstly in the Whitlam years meant here was a high degree of optimism and growing cosmopolitanism not unlike that of Provincial America or the new cities of Canada for example.
This spirit of inventiveness was not restricted to the high arts but farming, particulary broad acre farming which was pioneered here and undertaken often the case in the US an Europe. This spirited efficency meant that the traditional pastoral industries could achieve record highs in achievement and also succede in untried warters because the very old Imperial preferences scheme was no more. Australian farmers still have this leading edge ability.
Also the development of many successful small and medium businesses in major suburbs of Sydney and Melbourne for example has mirrored much of the success of the family based farmers.
Change and leadership became therefore important to business and public leaders. However there also grew an increasing belief in and a need to trust coherency by consulting literature especially the media available throgh books. This change has yet to trickle down fully even to top markets such as Sydney but the continuing prestiege of the printed word satisfies so many.
I know from contact with professional management, and leadership bodies responsible for the formation of so many skilled people, such as nurses, public servants,business people, the armed forces and police that there is a great appreciation of non fiction literature to mentor and train those engaged in serious tasks. I hope that Australians develop their own literature concerning leadership as the need for local solutions is great.
Other literature including indegenous literature is also flourishing. However contact with senior diplomats and politicians here in Canberra has led me to recognise we need a lot of revisions, of accepted accounts including that of World War 2 because very old censorship provisions are noy suitable. Cooperation in this area will be importan
I am an avid attender of meetings of the Australian Labor Party here in Canberra. I learnt early as a young man that the rough and tumble of life meant that to stand up for personal issues, especially human rights, intellectual freedom and opportunity to go forward (some times crawl I must admit) was needed for the planet to be a better place.
I have always stood for and occasionally fallen on my own sword when not up to the mustard when events seemed beyond me. Sometimes evets still are.
Unfortunately at a late meeting of the Australian Labor Party 19 March, gearing up for an important conference concerning housekeeping for our future I was led to believe that MLAs had been instructed to confuse me because of my strong role in international relations.
I am seeking clarification. The tipster was Minister Andrew Barr. Hopefully he man was being helpful.
I think by now the community and the Australian Labor Party accept I play an approriate and important role in developing realtions with other communities as well as resolving impossible to solve situations from time such as the negotiations leading to the end of the Vietnam conflict, the cessation of hostilities between Palestine, Egypt and Israel (President Carter) and of course the evolution of democratic government in South Africa.
The success of any body in these areas should be applauded. Personally I am quite proud.
If you are a resident of Canberra and indeed elsewhere in Australia it has become very clear for a considerable period that Parliamentary broadcast standards have become increasingly academic because what needs to be said and resolved has been off line for too long.
Topics as considerable as the dismissal years, the settlment of great conflicts such as World War 2, and current debates including independence and role of this nation due to its relationships with Europe and the United States, the evolution of democracy in South Africa and the settlement of issues such as the Middle East, Pakistan and Afghanistan have been debated openly by senior politicians and others such as myself here in Canberra.
It is generally admitted that there needs to be a serious look at the many attempts especially by the Commonwealth Parliament to act as a parent and not make available the full story of so much, including the Hitler years, the resolution of the Vietnam conflict with the help of the United States and Russia here in Canberra, the settlement of the conflict between Palestine, Egypt and Israel (President Carter), the evolution of democracy successfully in South Africa as well as national events including the machinery of government negotiations in the case of the Hawke and Fraser governments.
My experience in raising these obvious concerns with senior figures in the Commonwealth Parliament (The Speaker of the House and the Pesident of the Senate) is that they are not interested. Comment even about basic expectations on Parliament’s role to permit and respond to opinion and hot topics simply is not available from the authorities responsible for what takes place.
Freedom of discussion is a fundamental of democracy and should be the expected outcome essential for change and approriate leadership. This has been expected even when the nation was a colony. Unnecessary sabotage to free discussion should not be accepted without explanation
Rumour is that the High Court need a major overhaul to address significant structural and related issues that may be largely attributed to poor early planning.
For example the very large glass front of the building is not supported sufficiently by the moving foundations, particularly also owing to limestone caves directly below. Stress in the building has also contributed to the development of severe leaks in the roof of the building.
The High Court building is a national icon asset for Canberra and the nation, but its future could be very costly. This is a very sad result.
Lets hope globe trotting by planners and politicians does not overlook fixing the this building and other important public projects.
The Canberra branch of Socialist Alternative holds regular political meetings and discussions.You don’t have to be a member of Socialist Alternative to attend – everyone is welcome to come along and check us out.
We meet at 6 pm every Thursday, room G039 Copland Building, Australian National University (except for the Egyptian Socialist Mamdouh Habashi who will talk on Wednesday 8 April. See below for details.)
19 March Socialist Educational: Could there be a revolution in Australia?
26 March The history of Australian anti-war struggles
2 April Afghanistan is not the ‘good war’.
8 April Egyptian socialist Mamdouh Habashi speaks: Israel, Palestine and struggles in the Arab world
Mobile phones to track within 5 Meters
A revolutionary ’live personal tracking system’ allows users to be
located to within 5 meters.
Perth, Western Australia 12th March 2009 – GOTRACK my mobile, a new and exciting location based service from AffinityOne goes on sale in Australia on May 4th 2009. GOTRACK my mobile uses the existing technology found in many modern mobile phones to track and locate subscribers to within 5 meters. The service gives consumers and businesses the ability to know exactly where friends, family and colleagues are, live at any given time from any PC with an internet connection.
Paul Delaney, AffinityOne’s General Manger said “until now Live GPS tracking systems have been limited to larger business users due to the high cost. GOTRACK my mobile now makes technology accessible for the consumer and small business owner”
GOTRACK my mobile functions enable subscribers to not only know the exact location of a user, but it is also possible to fence off “no go” areas and report any movement into these areas; for example competitors premises, taverns or even the shopping centre.
Using an existing mobile phone, the GOTRACK my mobile package will retail for $149 with a monthly subscription of $29.99 and will be available from Authorised Dealers across Australia.
About AffintyOne
AffinityOne are one of Australia leading suppliers of GPS Tracking systems and solutions, based in Perth WA with offices in the United Kingdom. Current customers include Watercorp, Rio Tinto, and Orica along with many local councils and government departments.
For further media information contact:
Julia Delaney
Mobile 0423 624 312
Email [email protected]
Canberra’s premier southside indoor community market offers an impressive showcase of handcrafted items (eg: jewellery, paper craft, aromatherapy items, knitting, cards, prints, quilting etc), plus quality new goods and home produce – plenty to appeal to both locals and visitors.
Tuggeranong’s ONLY true indoor market promises a genuine community atmosphere, PLUS now includes new outdoors stalls aswell (eg: Sausage Sizzle, Ice Cream Van, Plants and more …)
ENROL WITH A FRIEND OR SIBLING & RECEIVE A DISCOUNT!
Tiny Tales
Age: 7-9 years
Dates: 14-17 April
Tutors: Kristil & Caroline
TINY TALES is a fun and active drama workshop for participants who want to be storytellers. Over the week the group will play drama games and develop their performance skills as they create characters, engage their imaginations and master the arts of the very short story. There will be a short performance at the end of the week for family and friends.
Cost: $192 / child (member) $212 / child (non member)
* sibling and friend discount available
CLOWN-O-RAMA
Age: 10-12 years
Date: 20-24 April
Tutors: Hadley & Pablo
CLOWN-O-RAMA invites participants to come into CYT and clown around. Over the week the group will play drama games, develop their own unique clown character and create a story chock full of crazy clown slapstick antics. There will be a short performance at the end of the week for family and friends.
Cost: $240 / child (member) $260 / child (non member)
* sibling and friend discount available
When: Daily 10am-3pm
Where: C Block Theatre, Gorman House Arts Centre, Braddon, ACT
Bring: Snacks, Lunch & a drink bottle (no access to shops, limited drinks and snacks available from our fridge)
Wear: Warm clothes you can Muck Up in.
Places in workshops are limited
so avoid disappointment and enrol today!
Enrol now by contacting CYT on 6248 5057 [email protected] www.cytc.net
The adult child spring ahead...but what about looking up?
‘Are you sure you’ll be warm enough? Have you got some water? Have you been to the loo?’ Ah yes, the travel realities of parents and children. Except this time it was me, the 27-year-old making sure my 59-year-old mother was equipped for a day of Louvre-ing in Paris.
The last time I went on holiday with Mum, I was 17 with an attitude problem; she was the overbearing, ‘brush your hair dear’ fun-lover. So, had things changed now, after returning from a three-week European adventure?
There are plenty of articles out there about traveling with kids— the ones of an age that need shoe laces tied, to be constantly entertained and who scream when you suggest they try some brie instead of Kraft cheese sticks. But what about an adult child traveling with their older parent? What are the advantages and disadvantages?
Advantages
–Money brings richness:
In most cases, money means a more enjoyable holiday; better accommodation, delicious food and actually being able to go up the Eiffel tower. When an adult child can bring money to the experience instead of being a burden begging for a Mickey Mouse toy from Euro-Disney, there are opportunities for richer experiences. –Mind over matter
While in Switzerland, I was riding a bicycle at breakneck speed (well…I exaggerate a tad)— Mum eventually caught up. ‘Why are you riding so fast? Look around you.’ And instead of focusing on the road, I looked up—she was right. Blue sky with a frieze of jagged mountain ranges, cows with bells, farmhouses like out of chocolate advertisements. Mum’s mature ‘smell the roses’ attitude of an older parent can bring more inspiring experiences. And vice-versa; conversations about a nations’ political system are far more engaging over a limoncello than ‘I wanna see Disneyland’. –Flesh out those skeletons
Every family has a skeleton or two rattling about in the closet. As a child, they remained bony, and remain so when afternoon teas don’t exactly provide to backdrop to flesh out Aunt watsername never got married and why uncle hoosit isn’t invited to Christmas.
After a few vinos one night Mum and I got into an introspective mood and chatted about the past; what it’s like for her to have found true love at last, her family background, what I should do with my life. Being in a foreign place allowed us to explore the comfort zone of our usual conversation topics.
Disadvantages
While it’s all sounding like a living Hallmark card, beware the disadvantages of traveling as a parent with an adult child. Freaky Friday Forever
The days of being spoon-fed are at the extremes of life; when as a child the airplane of peas came to you. Then there comes the time when that spoon feeder has ‘senior’s moments’, and general vagueness which give a doorway into future senility. The adult child then takes over the role of parent.
Observe:
Still walking around in a jet-lag haze, Mum and I were choosing some munchies at a Parisian Supermarche…
Me: “Would you like some carrots? How about some tomatoes? This cheese is nice—“
Mum: “Arg! Let me think!”
Me: “Are you feeling OK? Do you need a rest? I can take you back to the hotel— “
Mum: “Shush! I’m not a 5 year old!”
But truth was in a way, she was. Tired and cranky, I expected her to chuck a tantrum right there next to the fromage frais. And she would have gotten lost back to the hotel in the rabbit warren of the Paris Metro and streets. After a few days and more sleep, eventually I learned not to be so patronising, and Mum let me take the reins a bit more.
When one or both of you can’t get past the role reversal; for the younger realising their parent’s mortality— for the older, being babied, then such a travel arrangement is destined for disaster. Fitness levels
Even if you get on like best friends, there are the practicalities to contend with. Levels of health and fitness are required for even the most sedate bus tour or standing in museums, tolerating foreign foods and nipping around crazy traffic. While age does not necessarily equate to fitness, there may be a disparity between each of you. A better holiday is one where you are both of about the same huff and puff, rather than impatient waiting at the tops of stairs.
So, should you travel with a parent/child?
With the baby boomer generation bounding into retirement, and having inheritances to blow and time free to do it, there comes the opportunity for travel. This may be with a spouse or alone, or with a child of adult age, who is financially independent.
As with any travel buddy, choose wisely— similar expectations and abilities, as well as personality compatibility are essential. But the benefits may well be worth it—a special bonding between parent and child, before it’s too late.
