We're off to Spain tomorrow morning! We're staying in a small town on the Mediterranean called Nerja, where we've rented an apartment for the two weeks we'll be there. We're looking forward to sunlight (!), warm afternoons spent at playgrounds, and yummy fresh food (and, of course, cava).
Our flight leaves early tomorrow morning (6am), so we've booked a hotel room near the airport so we can skip the 45-minute drive from our place. I've never done that before—stayed at an airport hotel the night before a flight—but my mom suggested it and it seemed like a great idea. Though I sense the kids won't want to go to sleep tonight, they'll be so excited to be somewhere new. I'm hoping the 4am wake-up means they'll sleep on the flight. August has already stated his preference to take an airplane with "iPads on the seat so we can watch the Lego movie", to which Leif agreed. =)
I have to admit to feeling at least a tiny bit apprehensive about running around after these boys while I'm feeling so fatigued. I'm hoping that the sunlight and sea views invigorate me enough to keep up with them. I'll be trying very hard not to complain about how exhausting they are.
We might rent a car to explore more widely (I'd love to go to Granada!). Just up the road from us is a gorgeous mountain town called Frigiliana that we've been told to visit, and there are famous caves nearby (hoping Leif doesn't get too scared). Other than that, we have no agenda, except to play on the beach and find as many cafe-playgrounds as possible.
I'm hoping to post a couple times per week while we're gone, so keep checking in!
Top and bottom photos by Nick Kenrick; middle photo by Ulf Bodin.
Kristen Sagar
I'm delighted that you're taking this trip during the winter. I've been following your adventures on the blog, and you need a break SO much - I don't think I could survive a Swedish winter. Regarding the pregnancy exhaustion, I was thinking that if you have any contacts in the area, maybe you could hire a nanny/babysitter to watch the children for a couple of mornings or afternoons each week, so that you could just close your eyes and be still for a bit. I'm so sympathetic to how you feel, and I vividly remember dragging myself around while pregnant with my third baby. I'm cheering you on as you push through to the end of pregnancy and winter!
Jodi
Thank you, Kristen—this is so sweet. When we planned the trip, we had someone (young, energetic!) who was going to come with us for a week to help with the kids, but an illness in her family has prevented her from going. We've thought about finding some sort of caregiver while we're there to help a few hours per week; maybe we'll see how the first days go and then try to plan something for the rest of the trip if need be.
Kristen Sagar
Oh, that is too bad that she can't go with you! I hope something works out. I've been praying that you'll be able to get some rest and rejuvenation during this trip.
Anita
I stayed in Nerja for a few days a couple of years ago! You will love it! There is a restaurant on the beach that offers a paella buffet if you're interested. I hope you have a restful, warm, and adventurous time!
Jodi
We've been here almost two days now and so far we're loving it—it's such a change from Sweden in January. =)
My husband had paella for lunch today and loved it; I'm hoping to try some (vegetarian) soon too.