Not being able to contact your families must have been hard... on the other hand, your folks couldn't say No to such an adventure. I am old enough to remember the days when your family couldn't reach when you were away and it was fun!
I cannot imagine a modern day parent following such a crazy trip on Whatsapp. I would've died of worry. My 16yo just walked his sister home and I insisted he took his phone with him for a 10 min walk. Also had my eyes on the clock the whole time...
LE: Very interesting photos you got there...
I think the world is a more dangerous place now, especially for children. My parents had a very laissez-faire approach to parenting and we more or less did what we pleased. At 7 years old my brother was already peddling his wares around the doors of our estate and using the proceeds to travel alone to Northern Ireland.
Edit: I love taking pictures of unusual little signs on the streets.