Describe a mistake you have made

LIVING ABROARD

In many of the world’s cities, on canals and rivers or in marinas, you can find people who have chosen to live on the water. The Wilkinsons have lived aboard their boat for fifteen years. Much of that time they have spent sailing around the world. Here’s what they had to say about living aboard.

Mary Wilkinson
People sometimes ask me if I think it’s fair to the children. How could it not be fair? They live in a less polluted, safer environment. They get to travel and become comfortable with and able to deal with people of all ages and from different cultures. This makes them confident and relaxed. Children who live aboard are often better educated because instead of being taught in overcrowded classrooms they learn with their brothers and sisters and with a parent as the teacher.
Sunny Wilkinson
People usually don’t believe we live on a boat until I show them a photo. It seems so different to the lifestyles they know. Of course living aboard has its advantages and disadvantages. It’s fantastic living so close to nature and getting to know other cultures and languages. It’s also really exciting to sail off somewhere and know that you will see new places and meet new people, but sometimes I have made new friends somewhere and then they move on or we do. Saying goodbye to people is always hard.
Jeffrey Wilkinson

I’ve already decided that I’m going to get a boat when I’m older and go cruising with my friends. I have had so many experiences and seen so many amazing things: dolphins, whales, fantastic tropical fish and a lot of beautiful places on land as well. My only worry is how I will get on with the kids in a normal classroom and with the school system in general. I want to go to university and I don’t know how well I’ll do in the final exams. Mum and Dad both say I’m ahead of other kids of my age, but I’m not sure.