Oh baby, baby it's a wide world.

"What was the motivation behind creating Playdate Goes Global?" the reporter asked.

Naomi responded with something intelligent and newsworthy. Jen nodded her head in agreement. I had to go and ruin it. That's my M.O.

"I want my kids to move as far away from me as possible. So, by exposing them to different cultures and countries now, they'll know where they want to live later. And then, I can visit them!"

The reporter laughed. She wasn't sure if I was serious. I was. Despite everything I publish on these pages, I do love my kids. So, when I say I want to see them go, it's because I want what's best for them. Sure I'll be sad, but, the benefits of international living far outweigh the inconvenience I'll experience frequent flying.

How great would it be if my kids grow up cognizant of geographic boundaries, but eager to cross them? Hungry to travel, to speak other languages, to enrich themselves with culture and develop into worldly human beings? Because I love them, I'm willing to set them free. According to the saying, if it was meant to be, they'll come back for Christmas or something, right?

Until that day, enter, Playdate Goes Global.

PGG offers families a way to experience culture abroad, but stay local. And, let's face it. Aside from monetary reasons, flying with kids across the pond isn't at the top of everyone's vacation list. I might prefer another mullet instead. Maybe even a bowl cut. Or, a Britney.

How did it all go down? To jump start cultural curiosity, two other Mamas and I booked a venue, invited some other parents and hosted an international affair. We provided kid passports and itineraries. The tots traveled. They worked on crafts and sampled cuisine. Some stuff they liked, some stuff they didn't. But, at least they momentarily departed from hot dogs and pizza. I think the chopsticks were definitely a hit, too. Although, the sticks became samurai swords after the group sugar high kicked in. At that point, I sought cover in Australia. But, once the little warriors spotted boomerangs, I was on the run again, seeking refuge in Canada. Good call on my part. Canada had cookies.

The kids journeyed through 14 countries in two hours. It was a whirlwind tour, but the takeaway was solid considering my kids have been alive for less than six years and they were jacked up on the 30 Swedish fish they somehow wolfed down with chopsticks. (I mistakenly thought using chopsticks would impede progress.)

I asked them what they learned today?

Madan: I like Swedish fish.
Kaila: Eating new food. Gummy fish. I know people in your country.*

Come on, Madan.

The wine in Italy was good even though it was apple juice. There are other countries in the world. Chopsticks are hard. I learned that other countries do different things.

Ahhh, my little globe-trotter. You did learn something today!

Dōmo arigatō, Playdate Goes Global.

*For the record, Kaila thinks my country is Japan since that was the table we "hosted." I guess that makes me Indapanese.