I'm a lot older than you ~ and, I think, perfectly competent ~ but my 'umbilical cord' is still attached, too. Some Mum's just fret a lot. Maybe it's to do with how competent they feel. Things have changed in society, and continue to change very quickly. It can take some getting used to.

My cousin ~ a woman ~ has been working in Africa, recently, and all was well. She even took her daughter on one trip. They had a wonderful experience. I think that I'd be nervous about going, if it were me, though. Maybe my Mum's anxieties are rubbing off on me smile.

I know that it can be difficult to be both strong and assertive and pleasant and polite, but, if you can carefully get it together, it could be worth trying.

Have a great time! smile

"The secret of success is constancy to purpose" - Benjamin Disraeli.