If you are mulling over a 2012 trip to Italy and are looking for was to engage your kids in the experience, I highly recommend the Art al Sole day camp for international children (the program is in English).

Developed for ages 6-12 (Apprentices) and ages 13-17 (Masters), Art al Sole introduces children to a variety of art principles and practices within an array of glorious historical settings in the Italian countryside.

There are certain things we tell ourselves, we promise ourselves, we solemnly vow to ourselves, when we become parents. Our children will never get parked in front of the TV. Our children will never play with war toys. Our children will never eat sugary breakfast cereal, especially not directly out of the box. Our children will never change the way we travel.

All of these are ridiculous, we discover disconcertingly early into the parenting adventure. Sooner or later you need to shower in peace, which is why God created the Disney movie.