Not doing much

Sometimes I think, when I look over this blog, that we've squashed a lot into our travels...but there are days when we do lots of 'normal' stuff - like we'd do at home, only we're doing it in Spain. The Man of the House (MOTH) and I have, by the last leg of our journey, recognised the importance of breathing and reflection time and if you're travelling with small people for a substantial length of time, this is something we'd recommend.

At home, we aim for an un-aptly termed 'project based homeschooling' (PBHS)  approach (inspired by the philosophy of Lori Pickett), which encourages reflection and extension of experiences and ideas through long, concentrated sessions of play and creative exploration. This was something I had optimistically hoped to continue while on our journey.

It has been somewhat challenging.

But, in the past few weeks, where we've tried for a more 'day on - day off' approach, bought some paints, more paper and other crafty things, and the concept of PBHS, and all the creativity that comes with it, has emerged a little. There isn't so much concentrated focus on one particular area (aside from Master A's life-time project of trains and now planes/rockets and Master T's 'big boats' and 'Gala' (Dali's muse)), but lots of processing is definitely evident.

So what do we do all day, in Spain, when not out and about?

• We go to the supermarket and look at (and try) food, books, and household items that Spain offers.
• We do the everyday stuff of cleaning, laundry etc, sampling Spanish detergents and tools.
• The MOTH works on his next project.
• We work with play dough, draw, paint and model.

Master T presents his turtle, the other two have been making bowls and food 'for winter' - perhaps inspired by a visit to the archaeology museum?

• We talk about stuff we've done and what we want to do. Meals can easily stretch out for more than an hour with discussions.
• We reminisce about home, our friends and family.
• We reminisce about this adventure.
• We build - boats, trains, planes, houses that incorporate all sorts of aspects of things we've seen, heard and experienced.

Tama and his 'big boat'

All the children have disappeared into a tent

• We watch a little bit of children's television in Spanish.
• We watch the Soccer World Cup with Daddy.

Nail biting stuff!

• We kick a ball around outside our apartment.

• We read and look at books.
• We craft and create bringing in all sorts of elements (kiwi, origami, rockets)

Master A and his kiwi burrow on a plane that can be a rocket ship in an emergency.

• Sometimes we go for walks.

A Sunday morning stroll around Castro-Urdiales

• We rest...

Master T, took creativity and rest to a whole new level...

• We probably annoy our neighbours with our loud shouting and noisy toys/games.
• We think about and plan out things to do when we get home. (And I anticipate/hope that the things we've seen and done will creep out over the next five years...stay tuned)

To this extent, Miss K has been talking about collecting fabric, while on our trip, to make a quilt. It's to be our first quilt project but we haven't been able to get to fabric/craft stores (that is we can't seem to find any).

So... we're asking friends both at home and abroad to search their fabric stashes and see if they have an 'international' bit of cotton cloth, about 20 x 20cm that they could send our way. Embellish it if you like; sew your name or country or add some lace to it -hopefully our 'World Piece Blanket' will come to life!

Leave a comment if you're able to contribute and I'll email you our home address.

Buenos noches from us lot and muchos besos!