18'th Birthday in florence/Ideas how to make it "special"
Apr 9th, 2008, 07:54 PM
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18'th Birthday in florence/Ideas how to make it "special"
Hi~
I am taking my daughter and her best friend to Italy in June. On the 24'th she will turn 18 and we will be in Florence
Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do on that day? (although it's not like being in Italy on your 18'th birthday is unforgettable IMO.)
I'd like to suprise her with something but I just don't know what. I know she'd love her own 6'4" Italian boy to take home! ha ha. (she's 6'1". Not a whole lot of tall guys in her high school.)
Both girls interests are pretty typical as in music, dancing, plays, concerts, eating and meeting guys. They are also honor roll students. I didn't want you to think they're a couple party animals. (although I believe they would give it a true shot given the opportunity. I intend to sleep with one eye open!) They had to get jobs and contribute $2000 each for this trip. They're responsible, just young,EXCITED and sometimes naive.
They would love to go to a club. I'm willing to take them providing they're legal, but there is no way in H--L I'm letting them go out alone. Her friends parents would never allow it even if I did.
And yes, I know she's going to college in the fall and I'm fine with that. But in college they all speak a language she understands!
Any ideas folks? Dinner, plays, (god help me) dancing? For those who wonder about a budget, I guess I'm willing to spend $400 USA for the night for transportation, dinner and whatever. You're only 18 once.
Thanks.
Morgansmom
I am taking my daughter and her best friend to Italy in June. On the 24'th she will turn 18 and we will be in Florence
Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do on that day? (although it's not like being in Italy on your 18'th birthday is unforgettable IMO.)
I'd like to suprise her with something but I just don't know what. I know she'd love her own 6'4" Italian boy to take home! ha ha. (she's 6'1". Not a whole lot of tall guys in her high school.)
Both girls interests are pretty typical as in music, dancing, plays, concerts, eating and meeting guys. They are also honor roll students. I didn't want you to think they're a couple party animals. (although I believe they would give it a true shot given the opportunity. I intend to sleep with one eye open!) They had to get jobs and contribute $2000 each for this trip. They're responsible, just young,EXCITED and sometimes naive.
They would love to go to a club. I'm willing to take them providing they're legal, but there is no way in H--L I'm letting them go out alone. Her friends parents would never allow it even if I did.
And yes, I know she's going to college in the fall and I'm fine with that. But in college they all speak a language she understands!
Any ideas folks? Dinner, plays, (god help me) dancing? For those who wonder about a budget, I guess I'm willing to spend $400 USA for the night for transportation, dinner and whatever. You're only 18 once.
Thanks.
Morgansmom
Apr 9th, 2008, 08:13 PM
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I can't help with the night time activities, but during the day you could shop for a beautiful handbag/gloves/purse as a gift for her. Either at the markets or any one of the gorgeous shops in FLorence. I bought some divine gloves when we were in Florence and wearing them gives me such a thrill!
Apr 9th, 2008, 09:27 PM
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Hello morgiesmom, seriously, for 18 years old in Italy having their mother along (or the friend's mother) for the evening would be shall we say not acceptable. Italian teens have a lot more "freedom" then a lot of US teens. I honestly do not think that your joinng them in a club for young people would go over well.
Having said that..love Zerlina post about the fireworks..think your daughter would fall for it, lol.
A good dinner, the birthday celebration dinner, and then let your daughter and her friend stroll around Florence after dinner with a firm commiment they will be back to the hotel at the agreed upon time. Will your daughter have a cell phone so you can call her if she doesn't arrive back at the hotel when she agreed to?
Having said that..love Zerlina post about the fireworks..think your daughter would fall for it, lol.
A good dinner, the birthday celebration dinner, and then let your daughter and her friend stroll around Florence after dinner with a firm commiment they will be back to the hotel at the agreed upon time. Will your daughter have a cell phone so you can call her if she doesn't arrive back at the hotel when she agreed to?
Apr 10th, 2008, 09:17 AM
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Kids in Italy are "legal" at 16 - not 21 like here - and agree - for 2 18 year olds to be hanging out in a club with a mom would be quite unusual - and noticeable.
I don't know where to reco - since I'm not 18 - but agree tht the girls should go to some of the student forums and pick a place to go from thre. You can take them out to dinner first - but then - PLEASE let them go have some fun. (What's the point of turning 18 if you're still going to be treated like you're 12?)
And if they're kind of naive - what better way to become a little more sophisticated.
I don't know where to reco - since I'm not 18 - but agree tht the girls should go to some of the student forums and pick a place to go from thre. You can take them out to dinner first - but then - PLEASE let them go have some fun. (What's the point of turning 18 if you're still going to be treated like you're 12?)
And if they're kind of naive - what better way to become a little more sophisticated.
Apr 10th, 2008, 10:17 AM
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Took North American high school students atteding shcool in Italy, aged 15-19, on trips to 'Firenza' many times over the last 10 years.
While on school trips, they were not allowed out past 11:30 for 'free time'. They did not go to clubs/disco, because few clubs in Italy open before midnight/1am-they are truly all night affairs.
When our older students (17+) had weekends off, they often went (with school and parental permission and after they had participated in at least one school supervised trip) to Florence...it is a real magnet for young people. Heaven only knows what time they returned to their hostels, but we never lost one!
Most Italian teens have much more freedom than North American, but then, most Italian teens have been consuming alcohol responsibly since they were 14/15. It is considered very uncool to get drunk. Many speak English and Florence has students from all over the world: the common language is English.
Of course you don't have to go with the young women to the club. But if they are dying to go and you can see they are sensible, I don't see why you would feel it was so impossible for an hour or two. Have I understood correctly, they are both off to college in the fall?
While on school trips, they were not allowed out past 11:30 for 'free time'. They did not go to clubs/disco, because few clubs in Italy open before midnight/1am-they are truly all night affairs.
When our older students (17+) had weekends off, they often went (with school and parental permission and after they had participated in at least one school supervised trip) to Florence...it is a real magnet for young people. Heaven only knows what time they returned to their hostels, but we never lost one!
Most Italian teens have much more freedom than North American, but then, most Italian teens have been consuming alcohol responsibly since they were 14/15. It is considered very uncool to get drunk. Many speak English and Florence has students from all over the world: the common language is English.
Of course you don't have to go with the young women to the club. But if they are dying to go and you can see they are sensible, I don't see why you would feel it was so impossible for an hour or two. Have I understood correctly, they are both off to college in the fall?
Apr 10th, 2008, 12:17 PM
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Even though the girls will probably nice enough not to make it a big issue, but if both are 18 you'll be dealing with two adults who don't need no one's permission to go anywhere at any time.
Actually, I would discuss it openly while you are still at home, and also your worries about feeling responsible for your daughter's friend -- and not make it an issue on her birthday.
I am sure that you are the best mom in the world, but going to a club on your 18th birthday with your mother.... NO WAY! LOL
Actually, I would discuss it openly while you are still at home, and also your worries about feeling responsible for your daughter's friend -- and not make it an issue on her birthday.
I am sure that you are the best mom in the world, but going to a club on your 18th birthday with your mother.... NO WAY! LOL
Apr 10th, 2008, 12:59 PM
#8
morgiesmom,
I'm extremely overprotective as described by my 2 teen-aged daughters. Just after my daughter turned 16 we moved to Europe and life here for teens is different. A big difference is that kids don't drive so the drinking and driving issue goes away. They smoke more and drug use is more in the open but if this is not an issue for your daughter she certainly isn't going to take it up in one night in Florence. I disagree that European kids don't over drink. Some do, and some don't, just like in the US. Overall, I think your daughter is much safer celebrating her 18th in Florence without you than in the US with her high school friends.
I have heard Florence is a relatively safe environment for teens. My daughter has gone with her class and basically had free reign with a nighttime curfew. No problems and the teacher takes a large group every year. BTW, Florence is my daughter's favorite city hands down...
Perhaps agree to number of drinks (say one or two and know they'll add on one extra), only one location, and then meet them outside with a cab at an agreed time. This may make you feel a lot more comfortable. You can discuss this with the other girls mother beforehand. She must trust you anyway or she wouldn't be letting her daughter go with you. I bet if you ask at your hotel they can recommend a relatively tame spot that high school kids frequent. Usually the high schoolers frequent their own favorite clubs.
Congrats on your 18-year-old!!
gruezi
I'm extremely overprotective as described by my 2 teen-aged daughters. Just after my daughter turned 16 we moved to Europe and life here for teens is different. A big difference is that kids don't drive so the drinking and driving issue goes away. They smoke more and drug use is more in the open but if this is not an issue for your daughter she certainly isn't going to take it up in one night in Florence. I disagree that European kids don't over drink. Some do, and some don't, just like in the US. Overall, I think your daughter is much safer celebrating her 18th in Florence without you than in the US with her high school friends.
I have heard Florence is a relatively safe environment for teens. My daughter has gone with her class and basically had free reign with a nighttime curfew. No problems and the teacher takes a large group every year. BTW, Florence is my daughter's favorite city hands down...
Perhaps agree to number of drinks (say one or two and know they'll add on one extra), only one location, and then meet them outside with a cab at an agreed time. This may make you feel a lot more comfortable. You can discuss this with the other girls mother beforehand. She must trust you anyway or she wouldn't be letting her daughter go with you. I bet if you ask at your hotel they can recommend a relatively tame spot that high school kids frequent. Usually the high schoolers frequent their own favorite clubs.
Congrats on your 18-year-old!!
gruezi
Apr 10th, 2008, 01:27 PM
#9
hi mom,
why don't you get the girls to do their own research? - there are several nightclubs in florence according to google maps which they might like the look of - or not!
arrange to have a cab pick them up at an agreed time, and there you are.
yes, you will worry, but you'd worry at home too.
regards, ann
why don't you get the girls to do their own research? - there are several nightclubs in florence according to google maps which they might like the look of - or not!
arrange to have a cab pick them up at an agreed time, and there you are.
yes, you will worry, but you'd worry at home too.
regards, ann
Apr 10th, 2008, 08:21 PM
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Thank you everyone! Lots of good ideas.
LJ - I don't believe the girls will have their cell phones,(mine won't for sure, I'm not paying that bill too!!!) but I will. We will have to have theirs surgically removed before we leave though.
J - My daughter is off to college. Her best friend is only 2 months younger, but the way the dates landed she will be in her Sr. year of high school.
Zerlina - great idea! Loved it. Just not THAT naive! ha ha.
Cowboy - No, I'll never make mother of the year. BUT, I went to visit my oldest daughter at college last week and she and her friends BEGGED me to go with them!(Seriously) Finally I did. Whenever they tried to get me on the dance floor I just repeated the pharse to them and myself, "I did not come here to embrass my daughter nor myself." So when they danced I just sat and watched and laughed to myself. But, an amazing number of kids came and talked to me. It was fun.
Gruezi - Being a mom and living there, you've made me feel better. Thank you!
Annhig - Good ideas. I like them both.
Since you all took the time to try and help me I'll tell you what I've decided to do as long as her friends mom approves:
Let them do their own research before we leave. Spend the day sightseeing, followed by a nice dinner. Get a look during the day of where they're going. (Just outside, neighborhood, not going in. I'm not that anal).
Load them up with a cell phone & the hotel #, some Euros, a drink limit, (and yes, I'll assume there will be some over the limit) and a cab ride there and back at the designated time. (more euros).
I'll pass the time having a cocktail myself. And watching the clock....
Thank you everyone for responding - you've made me feel much better.
In closing, I thought I'd give you a laugh. I run a bar for a living! Talk about irony!
It's a family/neighborhood bar, but bar none-the-less.
I shudder at some of the things I've seen!
Morgiesmom.
LJ - I don't believe the girls will have their cell phones,(mine won't for sure, I'm not paying that bill too!!!) but I will. We will have to have theirs surgically removed before we leave though.
J - My daughter is off to college. Her best friend is only 2 months younger, but the way the dates landed she will be in her Sr. year of high school.
Zerlina - great idea! Loved it. Just not THAT naive! ha ha.
Cowboy - No, I'll never make mother of the year. BUT, I went to visit my oldest daughter at college last week and she and her friends BEGGED me to go with them!(Seriously) Finally I did. Whenever they tried to get me on the dance floor I just repeated the pharse to them and myself, "I did not come here to embrass my daughter nor myself." So when they danced I just sat and watched and laughed to myself. But, an amazing number of kids came and talked to me. It was fun.
Gruezi - Being a mom and living there, you've made me feel better. Thank you!
Annhig - Good ideas. I like them both.
Since you all took the time to try and help me I'll tell you what I've decided to do as long as her friends mom approves:
Let them do their own research before we leave. Spend the day sightseeing, followed by a nice dinner. Get a look during the day of where they're going. (Just outside, neighborhood, not going in. I'm not that anal).
Load them up with a cell phone & the hotel #, some Euros, a drink limit, (and yes, I'll assume there will be some over the limit) and a cab ride there and back at the designated time. (more euros).
I'll pass the time having a cocktail myself. And watching the clock....
Thank you everyone for responding - you've made me feel much better.
In closing, I thought I'd give you a laugh. I run a bar for a living! Talk about irony!
It's a family/neighborhood bar, but bar none-the-less.
I shudder at some of the things I've seen!
Morgiesmom.
Apr 10th, 2008, 09:10 PM
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Hi morgiesmom, you are a good sport and I imagine you and your daughter and her friend will have a delightful time in Florence. Best 18th birthday wishes to your daughter, celebrating a birthday in Italy is fantastic and something I am sure she will remember forever.
Apr 10th, 2008, 09:41 PM
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You definetely sound like a cool mom!
No worries, your birthday ladies will probably discover that few people go to a club to get seriously hammered. The latter is more the domain of 'responsible' adults from the States, the British Isles, and Australia during Oktoberfest in Munich, I'm afraid.
If it's a popular club, they'll be amazed how much a hard drink can cost, and probably decide to have 2 or 3 glass of wine instead.
By the way.. since most of their peers from Europe started to drink beer and wine at 16, it is not considered "childish" to drink non-alcoholic stuff at a bar. Being allowed to drink alcohol also means that you are allowed not to drink it. In general, we make less fuss about it in either way.
No worries, your birthday ladies will probably discover that few people go to a club to get seriously hammered. The latter is more the domain of 'responsible' adults from the States, the British Isles, and Australia during Oktoberfest in Munich, I'm afraid.
If it's a popular club, they'll be amazed how much a hard drink can cost, and probably decide to have 2 or 3 glass of wine instead.
By the way.. since most of their peers from Europe started to drink beer and wine at 16, it is not considered "childish" to drink non-alcoholic stuff at a bar. Being allowed to drink alcohol also means that you are allowed not to drink it. In general, we make less fuss about it in either way.
Apr 11th, 2008, 06:47 PM
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You all were VERY kind.
I know I'm not done asking questions for this trip yet so I'm sure you'll see more posts from me in the future.
After the trip I'll post our highlights (and lowlights!) and let any interested parties know how the B. Day actually went.
Thanks Again.
Morgiesmom
I know I'm not done asking questions for this trip yet so I'm sure you'll see more posts from me in the future.
After the trip I'll post our highlights (and lowlights!) and let any interested parties know how the B. Day actually went.
Thanks Again.
Morgiesmom
