The Kirwan Twins Adventures We've finally graduated, so we're setting off for three months to backpack around India, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand before entering the "real world."

As I strolled out of the rocódromo lugging my rope and climbing shoes, a hearty little voice chimed "Hola!" through the wire fence.  Clearly not the telling sound of yet another dodgy man, I merrily saluted the little girl and continued on my way.  Hushed whispers followed behind me; "Ohhh, debo practicar mi ingles, es una gringa! Debo practicarlo!" Within seconds this charming character materialized in my path, pushing her floppy baseball cap away from her face.

"Hello!  What.  Is.  Your.  Name?"  She pronounced explicitly.

"Well hello.  My name is Emma.  What is your name?"

"My name is ________."  (Now, we are all poor at remembering names, aren't we?) "Where are you from?"

"I am from the United States.  You speak very good English.  Where did you learn?"

"I just deeeed.  In school!"  She beamed at me, flashing two grown-up teeth slightly crooked towards the center.

Thinking of the typical questions her teacher might ask her, I prompted; "And how old are you?"

"I have seven years old!"

"You are a very smart seven-year old!  How many brothers and sisters do you have?"

Precisely; "I have one brother.  He has five months old."  She wrinkled her nose, scooting her round lenses up to a more visible position.

"Ah.  A very little brother!"

"Leeetle?!  No he is so beeeeeg!"  Arms outstretched to show his baby flesh.

"Well it was very nice to meet you!"  Classic American handshake.

"Nice to meet you too!"  And off she returned to her playground.

It's always the children who impress you, isn't it?