Stranded Abroad With Kids

Being stranded abroad with kids is a pretty stressful experience: how we're coping with our enforced stopovers in Barcelona and Paris.

From this:

No Flight Home

We got back to our accomodation and quickly got a feel for the gravity of the situation. We weren't too surprised when, on Friday evening, our flight was cancelled. Then started what turned out to be several days of anxious conversations, stressful phonecalls and frustrating internet sessions, trying to make alternative arrangements to get home.

It's No Extended Holiday!

Anyone who says that we're lucky to be having an "extended holiday" has probably not experienced the awful feeling of not being in control of what's happening. Being stranded abroad is highly stressful. The experience of everything you try not working is one which leaves you feeling almost driven to tears of hopelessness. My husband has spent hours on the internet and on the phone, we've also had two family members and work colleagues in Italy and Spain helping out with admin stuff.

A Brave Face

Having said all that, I firmly believe in seeing the best in every situation and a lesson to be learned. I love Spain, having lived here in the past, so was happy to practice my Spanish once more, and taste the delicious food! My son was unsettled by the move to Barcelona, and kept asking to go home, but after a couple of days settled into a new routine. Barry and I have made a concerted effort to stay calm and upbeat and that has had a positive effect on Ethan, who takes his cue from us.

The Up-side

I've got enjoyment from the lovely warm sunshine, the nice places we have visited and seeing the excitement on Ethan's face as he has so many new experiences. He has learned a few Spanish words and this so thrilled him! He has met so many people of different nationalities, and it has been great seeing him so keen to make friends with all children, no matter what language they speak.

The Lesson

I have learned, once again, that life sometimes throws you a curved ball. It's purpose is to help us learn an important lesson, so the best we can do is accept the reality of the situation, instead of fighting against it. I have tried, throught this experience, to savour the pleasant moments (there have been many) and this helps to sustain me through the irritations. Being stranded abroad with kids is difficult, but a lot of good can be gained from the experience, if we allow it.