Changing Plans

“Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” -Marilyn Monroe

It feels a bit strange at the moment to look back and think how different our plans were only a few months ago.

Not that we have really had set plans at any point in time I suppose. We have thought and debated and changed our minds and gone in circles about what to do this year, its about enough to drive a person crazy! But, we'd had the goal in mind to live somewhere were we could try to immerse a bit more, put the kids in school, and learn the language. 

But, these really annoying visa rules don't help, they actually really complicate things!

Anyway, we showed up at the Prague Police/Immigration office, on a very snowy cold day after a long trip. We met our friendly helper, who supposedly had everything in order so they would grant us more time. But, no such luck. Now they were telling us we had to show a 1 year lease in Prague if we wanted more time. Well, we weren't going to do that and were feeling slightly annoyed that our helper didn't know this! So, here we were with a visa about to expire. Actually the worst part about this at the moment was that we had a car registration that was about to expire and guess what? You have to have a visa to register a car in Czech. A new rule, perfect! 

It was feeling like nothing was quite going as planned. We were feeling a bit fed up with it...

What's the big deal, you might wonder? Well, we'd planned to keep more of a home base because moving a bunch of stuff all of the time is a pain in the you know what. It was nice traveling and having a place to come home to in Prague. We chose Italy so we could be central in Europe and keep this up. Unfortunately this didn't seem possible now... 

So what can we do? Well, we could spend the rest of our time already planned at the house in Italy, but then have to leave the Schengen Zone (a zone of countries including Italy, France, Czach Rep. Germany, Belgium and Spain. We could have started over again and applied somewhere else like Spain or France which we'd been considering, but it was just feeling like so much work and expense, and we were tired of it.

Closest options to leave the zone are Croatia or England. If we stay out for a few months we get a few more months back in the zone and repeat. Doesn't sound so bad, but its just the logistics, and the stuff. We now have to somehow fit all of our stuff in our car or pay to store it or make multiple trips places. 

Funny though, once we got our heads around the idea of getting rid of a good portion of our stuff and traveling more, it started to feel really good! We were now excited to lighten the load and live a little freer.

Our tentative plan for the coming year now is... Italy till the end of April, Croatia in May/June, maybe stop in Greece, then head back through Austria, Slovenia, Germany, Belgium and on to England for a few months to reset our time again. Then head south through France and Spain before the winter. We'll then need to visit Morocco to reset the visa again to return to Spain. From there, who knows!

Weekend with Friends in Vienna

We'd first planned the next stop on our route to be Salzburg, but Jeff talked to our buddy Pete who has lived in Vienna now, working as a successful architect for about seven years. Jeff and Pete have been friends since high school in Arizona, both lived  in San Diego for awhile and no matter where we are in the world, we seem to see him every so often. He and his very sweet and beautiful girlfriend Stephanie had visited us in Prague and we'd been talking about getting to Vienna all year. Though it was only a few hours away from Prague, we never made it. I'd wanted to see it in another time of year, having been there in the winter once before. But, nevertheless we were glad Pete was in town, we could stay at his place, and we were excited for our visit. 

We slowly made our way from sunny Venice to the beautiful snow covered alps. We drove though countless tunnels, which made the drive easy. Europe's tunnels are really impressive, no slow winding mountain roads here! 

Lunch stop the highway in the cold Austrian Alps.
The Austrians and Germans sure know how to make a place cozy and warm inside. 

It was a long drive, but we eventually arrived around 5:30 at Pete's apartment. We were showing up on his birthday, with our crazy clan, but he assured us that the kids wouldn't be disrupting any plans. We were going out to dinner with his friends at an Argentinian restaurant. (I'd always wanted to try one of these all you can eat meat places). Jeff was skeptical... doubting we could get the kids to sit still for a long dinner and wasn't sure it was a good idea after an already long day. But, I said lets try... Pete said another of his friends would be bringing kids too. So we settled in at his apartment and headed out into the city. 

I thought this was hilarious! We get on the metro in Vienna, the girls immediately head to the back and make themselves at home, Savannah lays down for a nap, Brooke picks a newspaper...

Brooke's loves Pete! She has to hold his hand wherever we walked. Should I be worried??

Pete has an amazing group of friends as usual. He's one of those guys who seem to attract and maintain great friendships all over the world. I didn't get to talk to them much at the end of the table surrounded by kids, but it struck me that Brooke seemed to be right at home mixing with an international group of 30-somethings. Yep, can't say they aren't learning social skills. Brooke drew and played legos and talked to Pete's architect friend next to her. 

Pete's birthday dinner at an Argentinian all you can eat type restaurant. So good!

Savannah and Collin also did quite well sitting for a long dinner and I was proud of them. The other people decided not to bring their kids, so while we could have been a disruption, we actually got complimented on how good the kids were. Now, this is not to present any illusions that our kids are perfect, but you take them to enough restaurants and it slowly gets easier and easier.

Brooke had worked hard making a birthday card for Pete on the way there and it was really cute. Again feeling quite proud... Somehow our Italian bottle of wine and cheese as a gift paled in comparison.

Pete and Stephanie too quite good care of us:)

Who knew Pete was so good with kids? Made them pancakes made into the letter of their name.
No wonder Brooke likes him. 

Out to visit the kids museum

A two level play area made to be like a underwater and pirate ship. Yes, they loved it!

Too bad Collin slept through most of it. 

Dress up like a Mermaid, one of their favorite things to pretend.
 Also loved hoarding the pirate treasure. 

Lunch at the brewery. Fun trying to build houses out of coasters. 

Ice skating. Stephanie was so great to skate with Brooke.
( I was at the apartment with cold and tired little ones. )

Pete made carnitas tacos. Mmm, forgot how much we love Mexican food.
Brooke was his loyal assistant in the kitchen. 

Savannah actually fell asleep at the table with a taco in hand and guacamole on her face. So funny!

It was a great weekend and really nice to see an old friend, I hope they visit us soon so we can try to take care of them half as well as they did us:)

One night in Venice

So, these pesky visa rules have caused a fair amount of expense, time, and worry about how to stay over 3 months in the European Union. LONG story short, we had to get up to Prague to apply for more time on our visa for the Czech Republic, which would then make us legal to be anywhere else in the Schengen Zone of European Countries. We had barely settled in our place in Italy and had to make the trip back up to the cold north, which we weren't entirely thrilled about. 

Until we started planning the trip and decided to spend a few more days and a few more dollars and stay in Venice and then Vienna on the way up. Jeff and I had been to Venice (before kids) about 10 years before and its one of those places that really stands out, it is just so unique. Its a place that shows up in a few of the kids story books, a place we were all pretty excited about visiting. 

We absolutely love the Magic Treehouse stories, which take readers around the world on fun and educational adventures. (I have also recently discovered the joy of one-click ordering on Amazon!) This is the first time we'd really had a book that pertained so exactly to one of our destinations. It is so much fun to savor each chapter and gain so much insight and anticipation for an upcoming trip this way.  This will continue to be a big part of their education, using as much good literature as we can to reinforce the hands on travel experience. 

I really couldn't believe that it wasn't crazy expensive during carnival and that we were able to stop.  We got so lucky with the weather! We had been there in April previously and it was overcast and chilly. This time in early February, clear blue skies really gave the place a bright and colorful ambiance that I hadn't really remembered. 

We parked the car and hopped on the ferry boat to get to the hotel. 7 euros each for a 15 minute ride wasn't cheap, but at least the view is awesome along the way. It appeased the kids who were begging for a gondola ride...

The Grand Canal

Gondolas on the canal

The girls never took their eyes on the canals and didn't want to get off the boat. 

And, if Venice itself wasn't enough, every now and then we'd pass someone in an amazingly ornate and colorful costume. I've never seen so many beautiful costumes. The kids were pretty excited. 

"Please, I want a mask!" 

Mask shops were everywhere, we stopped at many.
We promised as soon as we dropped the bags at the hotel
and got some food, we'd buy a mask. 

The girls finally got their masks!

The backdoor to the hotel...

We were so glad we stopped, we walked, we at pizza, drank wine, ate gelato, the girls went to the top of the tower, I chased Collin around St Marks Square. 

I think I felt giddy the entire time we were there. The time went by so fast, and before we knew it we were on our way again, a log drive ahead to get to Vienna.  

Nearby explorations

I am a bit ashamed to admit it, but in the 2 weeks we've been at the house, not counting the trip up to Prague. I have only left the house twice! Jeff goes out and does the shopping, sometimes takes the girls. There is a lot to see and do around our house, but I have been pretty content on the sunny days to stay here and enjoy the outdoors and on the chilly days happy to stay in cooking and hanging with the kids. And...I never seem to quite get ahead on laundry and cleaning, but that's another subject entirely.

We have many options for day trips from where we are including (Florence, Siena, Rome, Perugia, as well as tons of interesting nearby towns. There is a lot on our future weekend itineraries, but so far, we've only visited two nearby stone villages. We perused farmers markets and peeked in countless restaurants we'd like to return to and just enjoyed exploring.

Farmers Market by the lake

Entering the walled city for Farmer's Market day

He kept putting more and more flowers in the bag saying all kinds of price information in Italian, which I was only understanding a bit of.  The girls were quite entertained. 

Markets often have tons of bargain clothing and misc goods. 

"Mom, can we get some  dried pineapple?"

Our little man, I'm amazed at how sure footed he is and strong for only 16 months. 

Playground in town; fun but not as much fun as... 

Cheese! he loves smiling for the camera

Savannah loved the elephant

"Wait for me!"

Running through the streets and narrow passageways in this old walled town!

This turned out to be great fun for the kids. There were virtually no cars or people, though not a lot was open, we had it to ourselves to explore. They ran and led the way. I guess its not often a place is so quiet yet safe for them to run free their own.

"This way!" 

.

"Ooh, this way looks cool."

"This is the way back!"

"I am the map... we should go this way now."

They were really excited and it was a reminder that if we let them have just enough freedom, they will enjoy all types of places (even more than the playground:).

Seeing Through New Eyes in Tuscany

Running, taking babies for a walk...

We have been living in apartments for the past year, with the exceptions of some travels where we rented a few houses with outdoor space. We spent as much time as possible in the many amazing parks while in Prague, but sometimes its just not the same as being home and being outside. So, while I know our year of city life and travels around Europe have been enriching for all of us and just what we needed at the time; and, that the girls would have benefited in some ways from attending school here in Italy. (language, confidence in making friends, mind broadening activities, and independence from me). I think that instinctively what they need now for awhile, is freedom in a safe outdoor space where they can create, explore and not be shushed. I think we are also a little tired of packing up and the effort it takes to get out to the park. How nice it is to just put shoes on and head out for a change.

Brooke has a said a few times that she missed Big Bear, CA and Prague. I ask what she misses... "In Big Bear she misses our house and one section of our property where a cluster of boulders and fallen trees came to be called her fort. In Prague she misses Monkey Tree Park, as we came to call a park near our place where there were trees that were perfect for climbing. (We gave our own names to all the parks we went to since we never could remember or pronounce the Czech names for them.) Not any of the amazing playgrounds, architecture, classes, or any other experiences; but a place where she felt she could create an outdoor sanctuary and be free to be a monkey:)  This really surprised me, that of all things these places were what stood out to her.

For about the same cost as our apartment in Prague, this house on the border of Tuscany and Umbria is beautiful and I think its just what we all needed, a place where we can get a little more space between us and they can be outside and be as loud as they want. Funny thing is, they haven't been loud here in the open outdoors, they seem peaceful.

"I know sweetie, we'll go outside soon..." says my little mama. 

They have been so busy! Brooke especially loves it, she can't wait to "get gardening" as she says. Savannah too, was intent on planting something. 

"I have my tools and am ready to get gardening!"

Brooke has been very focused - exploring, planting , and gathering natural materials

The bouquet she picked for me:)

Brooke picked tiny flowers for Savannah as we walked. She'd say, "Oh, I can't believe it!"

We talked about different plants, trees, irrigation.

We bought a few flowers at the farmer's market. The girls took them outside for a walk, to get some sun. Brooke had lots to say about it:)

They watered their flowers.

Ooh, its so soft...

A photo Savannah took, our budding photographer

Mom, look what I found!

"Come on, its summer nudy time!" No, she didn't learn this from me:)

Examining leaves to feed the captured ladybug

Eating 'rainbow oranges' - half orange, half blood red, so yum!

He loves picking flowers for me now too:)

 

"Ooh, good, see..."Collin's comments about many new discoveries.
Usually its stomping in puddles that really makes him excited. 

In thinking about how to make the most of these experiences and make them "more educational," I'm looking to my Reggio methodology. First of all, I am loving this new focus on my end. Really listening to everything they say and putting everything they do in a new, more important light. It makes it all more fun and it allows me to enjoy the moment too. The "Wonder of Learning" is not teaching, telling them what to do, and how to do it. But, letting the discovery inspire them to want to know more. 

So, I am thinking about how to ask the right questions... I am not an overly controlling person and I really don't know a lot about gardening, but even so I find myself correcting what they do, "oh, it doesn't need more water... I think we should do it this way." I am recognizing this and trying. 

Brooke brought home some new flower seeds from the store. I made a conscious effort to help without instructing and it worked! I became her assistant. We walked around and she chose a plot of land. She wanted me to help hoe the ground. I wanted to give all sorts of instructions but I stayed quiet and tried to think of good questions. She first complimented me on how well I hoed, thank you very much...haha. She then started dropping seeds in, but got frustrated at the thought of not knowing where they were going to be and that they would get mixed up with the vegetables she planned on adding. After some thought and (just a little help from me), she made dividers using nearby stones and bamboo sticks to separate the sections. She was very pleased with it and I actually really enjoyed our time gardening together too. 

"Finally! My own garden"

Drawing and painting a flower

Brooke, "Do you want to play mom and baby? You be the baby and I'll drive..."

Our Tuscan herb garden, fun to discover we have sage,
thyme, rosemary, and parsley right outside.
 Brooke loves gathering it. 

I am so glad I'm finding the motivation and focus to document our experiences in this way. Seeing the world through their eyes and taking a little more time to enjoy and remember every moment with my little sweets.

"It is increasingly necessary today to speak in ways of seeing, the see-er as well as the seen, i.e. the relationship between who sees and what is seen, a relationship which is increasingly interdependent. "