Rome 2.75 Million + 1 Mississauga 668,549 - 1

Still feeling the residual effects of alcoholic imbibement and merrymaking on Saturday night as we hosted a Bon Voyage party for my daughter, I can finally recall some of the eveningʹs events after a dayʹs rest, lots of coffee, water, and Tylenol.

This past week, and the one to follow, has been/will be a flurry of activity as we wrap up her current life here to prepare for her life there, all the while working around my sonʹs soccer schedule, with the availability of only one car.

First, though, a little background. My daughter has been planning this change of life for some time now. Like many, she abhors the Canadian winter, and is not a big fan of the political and multicultural climate in this country. After my wife and I decided to make her, and her brother, dual citizens (her mother is Italian), you could see the possibilities running through her mind when that EU passport arrived in her name. It was a window...no, a doorway of opportunity for her....it was her ticket out of a country where winter lasts 8 to 10 months!

In her second year at university, she changed her major from Psychology to Italian Studies, enabling her to learn the language and immerse herself in the culture, all as a precursor to a future within the Azzurri provinces. Testing the waters with an extended stay with relatives in Boville Ernica last August, she realized her destiny was a life in that country.  In other words, she loved it! Tears filled her eyes when she had to return home.

She had to figure out a way to return.....

She considered various options to a life there. Iinitially, one was working as a tour guide. Since she had a good command of English, Italian, and Spanish, it was an excellent way to begin a life there. But for reasons such as expensive apartments, utilities, food, etc. she tried to think of other options.....that`s when she hit upon the idea of working as an Au Pair. Now, for the uninitiated, (and non-French speaking), a direct translation would be ʺon a parʺ or ʺequal toʺ. In other words, she would be considered an equal member of the family, temporarily as a domestic assistant̸ babysitter. This would entail taking responsability for the children, and in some cases, a little housework. Since she is quite mature, and adores children, it was a perfect way of integrating herself into the culture.

After searching through a database of prospective families with various requests (i.e. country, age, sex, length of stay, etc.), she narrowed it down to one. Interviews via Skype followed (in Italian, of course) and both parties appeared happy with each other.  There was even an interview with my wife and the mother in Rome. The true test will come when they meet at the airport this Saturday.

Beyond her domestic responsabilities with the family and the children, she is also applying to the University of Rome to continue her education - in Political Science. Now, I have to say, this came as a bit of a surprise, as I naturally assumed that Sports Management was her goal.....dreaming of being the future President of the Juventis soccer club, and all. I assume the reason for this switch in course planning is possibly due to Sports Management not being offered in the curriculum there. But I`m sure that to her, it`s a means to an end, since politics plays a very heavy role in Italian calcio. 

Now this brings me to the reason for this story - the Bon Voyage party. Yes, a good time was had by all, as numerous friends and relatives showed up to wish her well. Since she is already packed (an experience in itself), and has no room for a mountain of gifts, she asked everyone to bring a photo, which would then be scanned and uploaded to her computer, where she would always have them close at hand. An assortment of Juventus and soccer related cupcakes were prepared especially for here, in addition to a classic Italian nosh of veal and coldcuts on panini`s, pasta, and of course, wine and beer.

How do I feel about all this?



Is jealous too strong a word? I am elated that she has the cahones to even attempt this. I support her wholeheartedly with her dream. I only wish I could be there with her. Not to sound naive about the possible evils lurking behind the scenes in a strange new world, she has many friends and relatives close at hand  - a quick phone call or text message away - in case she needs to reach out for help......or a shoulder.  She also knows that she can come home anytime without feeling regretful or despondent from the crys of the naysayers that predicted a quick return for her.

The only stipulation made by her mother to this journey is that she remain committed at least one year in her new homeland.  I`m betting that she will have no problems living up to that committment. In fact, if after a year she does return, it would not surprise me to see that it will be just to visit Canada before returning to Italy.

Mississauga may be losing a valued citizen, but Rome is gaining one. The Global Village just readjusted itself.