Stranger in a strange land ...

As you probably know, we've been planning this trip for about 18 months. You get a lot of time to think about stuff during that time, and not just how many threadworm tablets you might need for a year. One of our biggest challenges was what the girls would get out of the year away and how we could maintain their schoolwork. It was with a certain amount of trepidation that we arranged meetings with their headteachers in November last year to talk them through the plans. The reaction we got from them was quite unexpected. 

Not only were they supportive and excited about what the girls would learn while away, they were keen to keep in touch and use the girls experiences for their fellow pupils. In fact when we did parents' evening this year, it was hard to get them to talk about the girls' progress because they wanted to talk about the trip and enthuse about what a great opportunity it was for the girls. We were surprised to say the least but delighted. Ella's secondary school has a technology specialism, and they were keen to try out the distance learning programme they have for kids who can't or won't come to school for a variety of reasons. (BBC South Today did a lovely piece on this - watch it at www.beatnikbeatles.com in the press section).

So buoyed up by the positive attitude we had from the teachers (and I'm pleased to say it was 100% thumbs up from all of them) we talked about how seeing these places as living history would benefit the girls. But we wanted them to get that experience you don't get in text books, having to interact with people in different countries and cultures. 

I'm aware that sounds terribly Guardian reader, I don't mean it to - I've been way out of comfort zone so many times so far - so it's as much about all of us experiencing that. I smiled when Sim demanded his money back at a swimming pool a few days ago because they hadn't told him everyone needed to wear hats. Apart from 'una caffee americano e una latte macchiato' he speaks no Italian. You won't be surprised to hear he got a full refund (and they spoke no English) 

And it's not just about the language, it's about soaking up the differences. So when Italians you've never met before invite you for dinner, you go with the flow and graciously accept.  Perhaps it's to the girls' credit that they weren't terribly fazed when we accepted. Dinner at strangers' houses is probably among the more tame things their parents have subjected them to. The Italians love children, and ours were no exception. They were 'bella, bella.' Bizarrely Stefano's mum had already seem us having coffee that morning in the city and remarked in Italian when she met us that night that she had already seen the beautiful family. Luckily she couldn't speak a word of English otherwise she would have heard Edie sitting at the cafe table instructing us all in intricate detail how she has a successful poo in a 'squatter' toilet with careful aim and minute adjustments. That's my girl.

Bethan has got sick of me saying 'this is why we're doing this trip' every time we're in a strange situation. To be honest, she's got me weighed up. Apparently when I say this, my voice goes into a high pitched, slightly manic tone. I realised it was my defence mechanism - the kids don't need any re-assurance, but apparently I still do....