OT. Guatemala

He's got no money and she's on a student loan. I doubt there's much scope for landscape gardening in Guatefuckingmala.

 

I've just has a quick look and couldn't see anything

 

Indeed.

A 20 yr old doesn't need boundaries, they need guidance, there's a distinct difference.

Come across as heavy handed or attempting to dominate them, and they're highly likely to either ignore you completely or fall out with you.

Challenge their views with logical argument and end the discussion with 'it's your choice of course' and they're far more likely to listen.

 

It's a pipe dream then, as they can't fund the trip.

They'll need £1200-1500 for the flights, plus another bag to live on for the first few weeks of their trip.

 

FFS

I even highlighted the mistake...

 

There'll be no heavy stuff going on. It'll all be reasoned discussion, provided I get what I want

 

That's a straightforward typo, you clot

 

FFS indeed

 

^^^^ Pretending he's seen the mistake.

 

"Yeah come to think of it you're right Dad, I think we'll settle for a couple of weeks in Ibiza instead"

*relief from RHC*

"Could you 'lend' me some cash to pay for it Dad"

"Of course love"

PLAYED

 

If they have no money, maybe it's a bluff for you to cough up for something else. The "something else" will be something you would normally say no to, but they will hope you will say yes as you will see it as a lesser evil.

This could be

Marriage
change of religion
lots and lots of tattoos and piercings
pregnant and not completing degree

or all of the above.

Good luck!

 

Are you trying to freak him out less than two hours before the meeting?

 

Also to stress the significance of what that part of the world is like, here is an official travel advisory from the government of Canada on their crime level:

Guatemala has one of the highest rates of violent crime in Latin America, but a very low arrest and detention rate. Most incidents are drug and gang related and occur in and around Guatemala City, in other major cities and in rural areas. Drug-related violence has led to a number of armed attacks in southeastern districts close to the borders with El Salvador and Honduras and in northern districts along the border with Mexico.

Handguns and other small arms are very common. Criminals often operate in groups. Foreigners are often targets of robbery, carjacking, armed assault, sexual assault and rape. Crime levels tend to increase during the holiday seasons. Always maintain a high level of personal security awareness.

Do not display signs of affluence, especially in airports. Avoid travelling alone (especially late at night) and avoid low-cost hotels with poor security. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Carry only a copy of the identification page of your passport and sufficient funds for the day. Never display laptop computers, mobile phones or other electronic devices. Exercise extreme caution when using automated banking machines (ABMs). If you are threatened by robbers, stay calm and do not resist: injuries and deaths have occurred when victims have resisted.

Vigilante justice has increased in rural areas, resulting in lynching suspected child kidnappers and other suspected criminals. Avoid large crowds and gatherings because of the potential for violence.



- This isn't meant to scare you (though it probably will). This is just ammunition in your argument. I could find plenty more. Show this to your wife and maybe she will quickly rethink her position.

 

Been there, done that - no trouble Although I don't have daughters so that may be a different kettle of fish

As for permission, maybe not, but you'd like to think they wanted your blessing. Maybe I'm just lucky having kids who never gave/give me an ounce of trouble, no teenage rebellion or anything, they were too busy with studies, sport, music and mates for any of that!

 

For a second I thought you were setting boundaries on other people's kids...

How many sons do you have, out of interest?

 

Absolutely not.

Got two sons both grown and married now, one grandson

 

Congratulations. How do you find being a grandparent compares with being a parent?

 

They live in the north east and my lads a surgeon which means long unsociable hours so don't get to see them much, but thank goodness for Skype

 

So it's all going down as I type

 

He'll have sparked a spliff and opened a can by now......