[adamanteus]

Ah, I know that feeling! At first, I was never allowed to keep reptiles when I was very young. I had to hide them! Luckily my parents came around to the idea in time, and eventually allowed me to have a small collection, which I could change, but not expand upon. I think I was about eight or nine when I had my first "legitimate" vivarium, with pride of place in my room. I'm very grateful to them for their tolerance, it gave me the opportunity to start learning about reptiles from quite an early age.