It’s a small world after all…

I love living internationally. We might live in the Philippines, but we’re very much a part of the expat arena, and have friends from all over the world. This became particularly apparent when Zoe’s preschool celebrated United Nations day a couple weeks ago. The children dressed up in their national costumes, made the flags of their home country and sang songs in a performance for the parents. We didn’t have any Maori costumes, or even black T-shirts, so Zoe dressed in colours to match her flag. (And her little sister dressed to match!)

As for the singing, if you’ve been to Disneyland as many times as I have (don’t forget, I grew up in LA) then “It’s a small world” never loses its association with little mechanical dollies dancing in the caves of the boat ride. However, I actually found it quite moving, watching these real, live ‘dolls’ singing that song together all dressed up.

At the British school, too, where Emily goes, the international influence is not restricted to Britain. They recently celebrated the Indian festival of Dwali, and made little candle-holders with glitter. They also recently had a cooking lesson with one Italian boy’s mother, where they made “Biscotti dela Nonna” (Grandma’s cookies).

And at the end of the day, even though they come from all over the world, they are still children who love to play with each other..