@trendingdiscuss, no I don't have teens and, as I said, in my follow up thread, it is different circumstances to many, and I do appreciate and understand that. However, having said that, my very rural upbringing was wonderful, even as a teen myself - although it was nearly five decades ago, granted, and life, expectations, aspirations and teenage wants, needs and desires were significantly different then!
But my formative years have given me a lifelong appreciation for, and interest in, birds, plants, animals, insects and wild places. Although I am, by no means, insular and frequently hop on a train, or drive to London, or other cities, for cultural events, shows etc. And I am, in a few weeks, accompanying a friend on, for me, the trip of a lifetime, to Zimbabwe, her home country - and to be shown around, by one whose home country it is will be an enormous privilege! She has taught me so much about her country, the tribal cultures, cuisine, history and politics, I have taught myself some of her tribal language so that I can converse, at least at a basic level, with her friends and family, but, most of all, I cannot wait to visit the wild places and see the wildlife!