It’s very hard to believe that we have been “homeless” on our world tour for 30 days already. First 30 days, being Summer, have been more like a working vacation than real exploration of potential end points (although we already have votes for settling down in Sardinia or Deia), or true Nomadic life. But looking back we did do a lot as we travelled to Rome, Sardinia, Madrid and Deia, Mallorca. We revisited our old neighborhoods, reconnected with friends, connected with new friends, met some very interesting people (intentionally and unintentionally), lit shabbat candles in 4 different locations (#shabbataroundtheworld) celebrated a birthday and half birthday with our traveling candle, survived turbulence, car motion sickness, hiking injuries, mosquitos and medusas and have had a lot of time to laugh, reflect, connect and experience on the path to realizing our ideal home.
Here are some awards as voted on by our #travelingcircus. Pictures available on this blog and our Instagram accounts @victorialeger and @eitanleger
Best Hikes: Tivoli; Deia Sheep Hike
Best Meal: Spaghetti Vongole in Sardinia made by Momma
Best Restaurant Meal: Pizzeria Baffetto in Rome
Best farmers’ market: Rome market by Circus Maximus; close second is the verdure stand on the way back from Chia beach
Best food surprise: The little hand made pasta shop downstairs from our apartment in Prati, Roma
Most disappointing: Markets in Spain and yelp reviews and recommendations
Best Playgrounds: Testaccio playground and “Bouncy House” playground – both in Rome
Scariest moment: Kids getting stung by Jellyfish in Cala Deia
Best Beach(s): Spiaggia di Tuarredda in Sardinia and Cala Deia in Mallorca
Least liked location: Centro (AKA Times Sq), Madrid
Favorite things in:
Rome: Food, farmers’ markets, pizza, gelato, cappuccino, aperitivi, walking everywhere
Sardinia: Beaches, frutta e verdure, fresh air, friends
Madrid: Grounding at El Retiro Park, Brunch at La Colectiva Cafe, Spanish Omelet at Casa Dani in Paz Market
Mallorca: Cala Deia, Hiking with sheep , Villa Rullan
First 30 days milestones:
– Sage has really improved her walking, is getting more and larger teeth, speaks in full sentences, has perfected her knock knock joke, added some dance moves and can play patty cakes
– Myla is working on her graphic novel, has read countless kindle books, has really stepped up her swimming and babysitting skills
– Jude is working on his voyage journal as well as a few short stories and skits, has read countless books and guidebooks and is an expert hiker
Lessons / reflections learned thus far (in no particular order):
– Wash all your clothes whenever you have a good washing machine
– Airbnb spaces rented by actual people > Airbnb spaces rented by companies (Also, Airbnb needs to work better on connecting their community members, we’d love to connect with some active reviewers of places we have stayed in, or planning to stay in)
– Big cities around the world are starting to very much look and feel alike
– Maybe we are more sick of big cities in general rather than just New York
– Meals cooked at home with local ingredients have been almost always our best meals (thanks to our great in house chef, farmers’ market enthusiast and nutritionist)
– Kids’ journals are coming along really nice — keep it up kids!
– Working as a digital nomad is not impossible — technology has come a long way. Most important factor is time management and carving out quiet space.
and finally:
– Food in Italy is still the best.