Single or return

We finished our schooling at the British School of Gran Canaria at just 15 years old, a year younger than most, I’m not sure why. Julia and Nicola started boarding school in England at 15, but when it came to me, my parents decided that I should take a year out. Sally is emotionally immature. My father had already decided that Sciences weren’t cutting it for me, so the next best choice would be Languages. She loves English, speaks Spanish so let’s get her to perfect her French.

So off I went to study and stay with a French family for a year. My father and I travelled to La Rochelle in France, my father spending the night with the family before he waved goodbye, wished me all the best and left on his merry way. Thank goodness for me I landed on my feet, my parents had gone through an agency and this family had been recommended to them. It could’ve gone either way. They became my second family. Welcoming me into their lives like another daughter, I attended the local school, had piano lessons, met the extended family, went on holiday, ran errands, played sport and slotted into their family as if I’d been there forever. My parents would call on a Sunday night, the only time I spoke English in the week.

It was the best way to learn a language.

After a year out, I started boarding school in England to do my A levels. As you know I was going the Language route. I wasn’t entirely convinced, there was a hell of a lot of literature involved and I wasn’t a big reader. Nevertheless I ploughed on ahead, trying to stay focused whilst living my best social life. I was at an all boys school with 6th form girls, I was having the time of my life.

On my half terms and weekends out, I travelled by train to see Nicola and Julia or family and friends. My first time buying a ticket at the train station, the ticket master asked if I wanted single or return.

Single, I’m travelling on my own, I said.

Young and naive at 16, I had a lot to learn, particularly travel terminology.

Me (and wonky teeth) Cécile & Nathalie, my French family