Tourist Tuesday - Chin Chon

No, we didn't go to China. Chin Chon is still in Spain, just about an hour away. Every city seems to have a square, or center, usually called Plaza Mayor. In this case more of a circle (maybe because it's used as a bull ring). This square was more rustic with it's dirt floor, bean/vegetable vendors, and donkeys surrounded by houses adorned with balconies, now used as restaurants. Madrilenos (Madrid locals) come here on weekends for the great food and atmosphere. The kids took a whirl around the square atop burrow taxis, but not before an energetic game of tag, in a place that so obviously needed to have kids running around to catch each other.

We also visited the ruins of a 14th century castle for a quick sword brawl, and great views of the surrounding olive orchards.

Top 'O the Morn'!

I never really thought of St. Patrick's Day as one of those exciting holidays. You just wear green and possibly kiss the Blarney stone under the windmill at the city park for good luck (my child hood). The kids came home from school so excited that a leprechaun had left a gold chocolate coin on their chairs at school for good behavior. For the rest of the day (4-7pm) they laid traps and searched for leprechauns. They totally saw one in the garage sitting in our neighbors car trying to turn the steering wheel...but then he turned black and disappeared...? They are REALLY fast. I love how their imaginations can entertain them for hours. I hid a chocolate coin in their TBLT's, and made some mini green footprints, but they weren't buying it. Apparently leprechauns are little, but not that little. At least the one in our garage.

Ain't nuttin' a 'lil churros y chocolate don't fix

Documents, deadlines, and work days that don't end until 10pm. We love it when Brett sneaks away from the Spanish daily grind to meet us for a nutritious pre-lunch of churros y chocolate (always at San Gines). Other than seeing his beloved poppy, Cohen's favorite "going to the city" pastimes, are: riding the metro, chasing pigeons, and distributing coins to street entertainers.

I absolutely love this man's toothless grin -he just makes me smile.

Tourist Tuesday - Gran Canaria (Canary Islands)

Unfortunately for the kids, and the parents who had to wake them up (both on the plane and for school), we got home from Gran Canaria (off the coast of Africa) in the wee hours of the morning. The kids had a few days off from school and Brett stole a few days away from work for a much needed long weekend of sun, sleep (no TV, work, laundry or internet!), and good 'ole family time.

Day 1

Working out some traveling wiggles.

Puerto Rico

Arizona, our cliff side dwelling.

We were welcomed to the island by a torrential downpour. Plan B, head north (to Las Palmas)and find some castles. Though the castles were a bit of a disappointment, we did stumble upon some sun. We dead ended on a beach and luckily the kids were too distracted running to the water to notice the motorcyclists wearing only a smile. And I do mean ONLY a smile. Welcome to Europe! After a bit of sun and splashing around, we headed south to check into our Hotel in Puerto Rico.

Day 2

Amadores Beach

Pirates, ahoy!

We warned the kids ahead of time regarding the excessive skin exposure that was most likely to take place at the days venue, Amadores Beach. With that out of the way, they didn't seem fazed at all, and fortunately we were able to enjoy a great day of sun and sandcastles on the golden sandy beaches free from oogling eyes and pointing fingers (Well, at least my oogling eyes were behind shades).

Day 3

Though the beach at Puerto Mogan wasn't as pretty as Amadores, the kids voted it their favorite. The sand was darker and finer with almost a mud like consistency - and what kid doesn't love to play in mud? They tried to catch fish with their hands and built Gaudi mud castles.

Jumping down the dune -love the cyclone around Addie's leg.


Gavin hoarsely requesting agua, and a little meditation time.

After the beach we visited the dunes at Maspalomas a little ways away. We jumped, rolled, meditated and then crawled up them, pleading for agua. No camel rides this time, we'll have to wait for the Western Sahara adventure. This was the closest we got to camel trekking.

Day 4

From Puerto Rico we hopped on a glass bottom boat to oooh, and aaahh over all the gilled specimens beneath the surface. The kids loved feeding them and watching the huge schools inhale it from above and below. The weather took a turn for the cooler, so it was a perfect send off for our trip back to reality.