How has the family sabbatical changed us? One month out

It all started after Gigi declared, " I just ate red peppers and onions without complaining. I didn't really mind it either."

It prompted the question, "How did the family sabbatical to Spain change you and the family?"

Gigi said truthfully, "I can eat anything that's put in front of me. I don't pick at my food."

She also noted that all of us thirst for better water. The water in Spain was amazing. Our favorite brand, Lanjaron, is bottled in a city that the World Health Organization has recognized as one of the places with the greatest longevity on the planet.

What are we doing differently? We ordered a water filter. 

We don't prepare a 'different' food for the kids and we expect them to eat. Last night Gigi ate chard, artichoke, tomato, onion and parsley with barely a blink of an eye. Ok, she definitely enjoyed the pasta more but it's been a real change.

J smiled and looked away while he shared, 

"We appreciate what we have more. 

I saw some Crocs in Morocco that the kids were wearing and they were like, 8 years old! 

Now I look at mine and think, "I'm lucky." We were kind of spoiled brats before."

J spent hours upon hours playing soccer in this alley of Marrakech. It never seemed to leave him that when he first met his buddies they were playing soccer with a tennis ball. Leaving the soccer ball that he hand carried from Spain seemed to be an important moment for him.

What else?

The kids both want to study Arabic.

In a complete coincidence, our neighbor Pat was trained by the Air Force to be fluent in Arabic. He reports the basics are simple and has said he is willing to tutor them. We'll keep you posted. 

They don't ask to watch TV. 

The family sabbatical forced the kids to create fun on their own. . . even when they were taking in a Roman ruin!

(They have called to watch the NCAA finals and Spanish soccer matches at their grandparents. However, they've been shocked and frankly, disgusted by the volume of commercials- they counted something like 30 car commercials during the NCAA championship!).

 Disclaimer: we didn't watch a lot of TV before we left but they loved to bug us to watch movies. That seems to have slipped away.

What are we doing differently? Watching an episode of "The Last Airbender" each night after Baby-O goes to bed; as a family. The reviews say parents will enjoy it as much as kids and it's been true for us.

We are still lingering over meals. . . for now. I hope it lasts forever.

What are we doing differently?  We light candles for every meal. (The kids delight in firing them up for breakfast!)

We were reminded about the Danish concept of 'Hygge' from a friend we made at Heathrow on our flight back (an American architect who has lived and work in Vienna for 17 years). Close synonyms to describe Hygge are coziness, fellowship, security, reassurance and well-being. He said the Danes use candles everywhere, all the time. Even in bars. 

Try it. They're on to something.

Photo by jpc