Travel: The Fast Track to Cool Aunt Status
Nov 14th, 2008
In episode #66 of the Brady Bunch, Great Aunt Jenny comes to visit. She’s a scary looking old person (played by Imogene Coca), and Jan freaks out because Aunt Jenny looked just like Jan when she was Jan’s age. By the end of the episode, Jan really hopes she will grow up to be just like her aunt because her aunt is a cool, world-traveling aunt who is a lot of fun.
It’s a lesson I took to heart: world travel racks up aunt cool points. I already had quite a few of those from my stints in Germany, France, Ghana and Armenia. This month, I’ve doubled my score thanks to a 10-day cruise to Italy, Egypt, Turkey and Greece. All those countries plus a big boat!
I have to admit that “cool aunt point potential” was a factor as I planned the excursions and purchases. Here’s a few examples:
Camel ride in Sahara.
Cool Aunt rating: Very High.
Bonus: wild jeep ride to get out to the camels
Jeep tour in Santorini.
Cool Aunt Rating: High.
Could have been higher if I was the one driving…
Life boats and children’s life jackets on deck
Cool Aunt Rating: Medium.
Would have been higher if we actually had to use them…
Souvenirs (T-shirts with their initials in hieroglyphics, Greek cookies)
Cool Aunt Rating: Medium.
I may need to do more shopping before I go home.
Boston Red Sox fan in the café in Santorini
Cool Aunt Rating: Minimal, since I am not a fan myself.
An actual Red Sox player would have been better.
Text Messages from the Cruise Ship
Cool Aunt Rating: Very High
Worth the international data roaming charge!
Hey Auntie Jean!
I love hearing about your travels. YOU RODE A CAMEL!! That’s even as cool as riding an elephant. I want to travel to the middle east and mediterranean with Dad…. I’d have someone to help me learn arabic!
Anyway, you rank as my favorite aunt, give Uncle Bobby a belated birthday hug when you see him.
Anything you want from Thailand, land of smiles and elephants –yes, I have ridden one–?
P.S. I miss dance parties with you and listening to cool 90′s indie music. When I get back, can I have a week with you and the clan?
P.P.S. I’ve been reading Anne Bronte, as befits my pseudonym, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is amazing. Helen Huntigdon beats even jane Eyre.
“Anne”: So world traveling earns points with the niece-equivalents too! I’ve been thinking about you a lot on this trip. Elephant riding? Wow, you beat me there! You are definitely welcome to come hang out with the clan anytime! Miss you, xoxo.
Cool Aunt rules!
What will you do for an encore? We don’t have rhinos or elephants in Montana but I bet I can get Daphne to strike terror in hearts.
Hope to see you again soon, and hear all about your travels,
Ciao Ciao, J.