Thanks, lux. (Boy, you're a font of knowledge today...) Although I haven't found a job yet, I have extended my residence permit semi-indefinitely. Of course, without a job, it's fairly pointless, but I think i can slide my farewell tour back a few months, at least until the kids are done with school
I also now can consider the club trip to Udine, Italia in April, if I can find the means (cf. those hungry kids above).
I like your thinking, though.