What are we doing?

I often find myself explaining to people where we are from. That is understandable seeing as we are in the famous park a lot and obviously speaking different languages and looking foreign. OK. The thing is, many people say, "Oh Canada! Wonderful! Che bello!!" and often follow it up with, "What are you doing here?!?"

I used to answer differently when I was single. I was young at the time too. Good job, Italy is fun, Italy is interesting, the food is good. Then my answer changed when I got married. Italy is OK. Good job. I've lived here for many years. Then time passed.

Now I answer differently. Good job but we'll probably consider going back soon-ish. There's more opportunity for the kids in Canada and they are Canadian citizens.

Am I right? Are we just being selfish/complacent/lazy/fraidy-cats by staying here? What about me? What will I do? EFL management is not exactly a booming business in The Great White North. Will I still be empolyable at over 45? And when will The Big Move take place?

In theory I have a 5 or 6 year plan. It goes something like this: buy a flat here in Italy, get a Masters, improve my French, sort out some type of EU citizenship if at all possible, don't let the kids get too big or settled in the Italian system, try a sabbatical in Canada as a trial run and then make the decision to either sell up and move or stay put... or something else (Spain might be interesting...).

Check back with me in 6 years' time. Who knows where we'll be.