The story of the 5-year-old who took a subway train for 34 stops brought back memories.

Momlogic's MamaBates: When I read the Daily News headline about the little boy who wandered away from his mom on a New York subway: "From the Bronx to South Ferry, boy, 5, rides No. 1 train alone -- and survives!" I had to laugh. I'm not surprised that he "survived"  because I did the same thing when I was a 6-year-old girl living in San Francisco -- but I took the public transportation to surprise my mom who worked downtown.

I was at my BFF Mimi's house for a playdate. She was always adventurous and a free spirit -- which is probably why I dug hanging out with her so much. Her mom was also pretty laid back and permissive, as I recall, another plus. I remember us looking up my mother's downtown high-rise office address in the phone book (no Internet back then!), and then setting out to take the kinda complicated journey to surprise her at work. I don't remember a whole lot about it except that we transferred once or twice, and had to ask a few people for directions once we got off the Muni at Market Street. When we finally made it to the 44th floor and she opened the door at Merix headquarters, she looked out and then way down to see our tiny bodies standing there, and gasped. She was literally shocked to see us. I was exhilarated and very pleased that we pulled off the surprise. Today, looking back, I honestly can't believe we so fearlessly made this trip at age 6 -- if my own kids did this I would freak!

What age would you let your kids ride alone on public transportation? 

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