Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): November 10th 2017

Upon reflection, I think every mother needs the 'Room of Requirement' from Hogwarts. 

It can be a safe haven when you're wanting to make a call while the kids are around or a place to tune out and recover after chaos like every morning getting the kids ready, fed and out of the house to the bus.

Of course it can also be a spa and I can think of so many other uses but all seem to center around a peaceful place to escape :)

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): November 9th 2017

I've been hearing more and more about Z's 'daughter' and I'm starting to think that she's basically his imaginary friend through which he lives out his aspirations and expresses his fears.

She seems to do things that he knows are forbidden and apparently while she was putting on her sock yesterday she pulled it up so high it went up to cover her head!

Something tells me this daughter is going to play a very important role in our lives.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): October 29th 2017

Paris Hotel Room: Sunday morning

Z jumps out of bed today and pulls back the curtain to look out of our hotel room at the buildings around us.

He returns to me joyfully and exclaims happily that no one is jumping off the roof. (????!!)

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): October 15th 2017

My life in Rabat just got upgraded - Starbucks in two locations. My coffee dreams may have just come true.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): October 14th 2017

Another proud motherhood moment. 

O won all his races at the swim meet today and tied with another talented young man for the highest total score. 

But what left me brimming with pride was how he kindly agreed to share the trophy - one week each - while waiting for a longer term solution from the coaches and very gallantly allowed the boy to hold on to the shared cup first.

Hon the way home, he agreed with me that trophies and medals don't matter as much as his wonderful achievement and the beautiful memory of this day.

It is these moments that make the intense demands and difficulties of motherhood really worthwhile. 

To know I'm raising a great person first and foremost, and a good swimmer is just an added bonus :)

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): October 1st 2017

Rabat now has a Carrefour Gourmet (which actually resembles a real supermarket), an authentic Starbucks (not that I care for it personally but I'm sure this is big news for many) and the outlet for the organic farm I buy my produce from is now open every day all day.

Game changers.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): September 30th 2017

This morning I realized that my oldest child returned from his school trip a little too independent (he doesn't really want to live with us anymore), my middle son has a packed social agenda and thinks we are a free hotel and my youngest has acquired some sort of PreK attitude that he's flaunting at me.

Not a good day for motherhood.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): September 25th 2017

And once again, I have to send off my first born on a school trip for five days and with no communication. 

I guess it's an improvement that I'm not moping around the house and hugging his pillow this time!

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): September 24th 2017

Dressed for the gym this morning I was asked if today was my gym day and my answer (which seriously reflects how I feeling these days) was:

"Every day is gym day!"

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): September 19th 2017

It's been one year and three months of consistent efforts and it's hard to believe that at least as far as this app's concerned, I might actually be halfway there...

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): September 17th 2017

Can't help feeling thrilled...

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): September 15th 2017

A new 'gourmet' supermarket has just opened. It's actually pleasant to shop at and has Kettle chips! 

I also discovered 'energy balls' and how easy it is to make them.

Life in Rabat just massively improved.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): September 10th 2017

Perseverance really pays off. A new high to motivate me to continue...

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): September 7th 2017

Today is the sign up for after school activities online.

In the world of international schools that's the equivalent of Black Friday. 

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): September 6th 2017

Now that Z is going to school daily (albeit still a half day), I feel like I'm very slowly starting to dust off myself in a journey of rediscovery.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): August 22nd 2017

It's that time of year again and we've traded pool toys for lunch boxes...

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): August 19th 2017

As I hiked with my family in Akchour -the waterfall area of the Rif mountains- most of the young men that passed us somewhat impatiently gave the impression that they felt  we were slow or weak. 

But as we climbed and balanced, gripped and slid and waded through freezing water, I realized, what could possibly be stronger than a mom hiking while carrying her 4 year old for most of the path?

Moms really are warriors!

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): August 14th 2017

It has suddenly occurred to me that I am a few short months away from becoming....MOM OF A TEENAGER!! (Huge gulp)

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): July 23rd 2017

Guess it's pretty telling when I smell smoke and my first thought is to find my middle child to see if he's the source...

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): June 19th 2017

Fed up of my hair and its many split ends, I cut the fringe and ends myself today.

I can really see why children find this fun.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): June 16th 2017

I heard O screaming in the bathroom this evening and, when I went to check on him, it turned out he had had a spider on his neck. 

I showed no reaction so I wouldn't add to the panic. I checked my own neck privately in case spiders were lurking somewhere.

This reminded me of smiling at T when he split his head open.

I almost sang cheerfully that everything was fine, as I washed the bright red blood that was covering his head and face.I was secretly terrified.

Same thing when Z got a croup attack and almost couldn't breathe. Or the time I calmed him with reassurances while he screamed as they stitched his face. 

After the stitches, as I tried to stand up, my legs almost gave way. 

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): June 15th 2017

I couldn't help but overflow with excitement today when I saw the sprouts of the 'micro tomatoes' that I planted in a pot by our door.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): June 14th 2017

As Z carried on about his daughter and her mother today, I finally broke it to him that he is actually her father.

He giggled in disbelief and said "I'm not a Dad! Mommy I'm only 3 and I'm too short."

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): June 13th 2017

Z has been telling me a lot about his daughter lately.

Apparently today is her birthday. Does this mean I'm required to throw some sort of party for her? 

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): June 11th 2017

I finally got to see a fidget spinner with T's friend yesterday and I just can't tell why these are all the rage right now.

I concluded to them that I must be getting to that age where I am too old to understand the interests of this generation.

Classic waste of money.
Am I just old or os this telling of a generation of distractions and lack of depth?

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): May 30th 2017

Z spent his first night in underwear instead of pull ups. I think there is a light at the end of this diaper filled tunnel.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): May 29th 2017

Today was tiring but accomplished. I cleared out and organized all three boys' closest and managed to make three large bags of clothes donations.

By afternoon I was feeling a little dazed. Trying to remember what we did last Friday, I absentmindedly asked Z.

He promptly replied "We eat couscous."

I think he's becoming a true Moroccan :)

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): May 26th 2017

Today Z announced that he was tired of being three and wanted to grow.

"I don't wanna be three anymore, I want to get taller and not be three. I want to be 65," he told me.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): May 24th 2017

Z drew an angler fish yesterday.  I was impressed :)

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): May 21st 2017

Hubby left for a business trip today.

He left me with three boys. On the weekend. With NO chocolate in the house!

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): May 20th 2017

O had his swim meet today and left me very proud.

He:

Worked hard all year and has improved his own times.

Twisted his ankle two days ago but swam regardless.

And swam in an older age group older but still managed to do well, even earning some medals.

But, when I found him standing on the side of the pool, passionately cheering on his friend's older sister, that was my proudest moment of all.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): May 16th 2017

After hearing many elaborate stories from Z, I'm trying to find the best way to break it to him, that he doesn't actually have a daughter...or a sister..

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): May 13th 2017

And yet another bee sting for Z. 

Despite the tears, it's almost as if he actually wants to be stung...

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): May 5th 2017

Setting a record this week by following up from last night's outing with a pedicure (with nail polish) today.

Z was surprised and delighted to see my bright pink nails. After quite a few discussions about my 'new feet' and why I painted them, Z asked for some "nail pollege" on his toenails.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): May 4th 2017

For the first time, in a very long time, we managed to secure a babysitter so we could go out to an evening concert.

I don't recall the last time I dressed up and went out after dark to enjoy an evening of really good music.

But just as I almost forgot I was a weary mom of three boys, I received this text from O to bring me back from my temporary delusion...

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): May 3rd 2017

Wheel Barrel with lavender to plant. Small touch of happiness.

Diary of a Confused mom (in Morocco): April 27th 2017

O left for his first overseas sports trip today. 

As he walked away, I felt the tears were going to explode out..

Harder than I thought and makes me realize I will be a basket case when it's time for my kids to leave home.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): April 26th 2017

A good friend of mine recently posted a picture of herself with beautiful nature in the backdrop and the caption "In my element."

As I was sweating away in my exercise class today I remembered her because I realized at that point I was in my element.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): April 24th 2017

Perfectly casual (and somewhat typical) conversation with my 12 year old today:

Me: Do you think X (one of his peers) is nice?

O: Ummm.. X took a mental age test and got 7.

Me: What do you think your mental age is?

O: I got 35.

Not in the least bit surprised.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): April 24th 2017

T rolled in with a cup of coffee for me this morning.

And speaking of pleasant events:

They're back!

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): April 21st 2017

Z got his first stitches today. Two layers were required. 

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): April 19th 2017

I did a Zumba class today and realized that I love many things but 'my element' involved movement, exertion and sweat!

I also found something that tops my list for things I love about living in Rabat:

Amazing mulberries sold at the organic farm. 

Zumba and mulberries, today was a good day :)

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): April 17th 2017

It's mulberry season and we're picking berries from the trees in our neighborhood every evening on our walks. Nothing like ripe mulberries picked right off the tree.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): April 12th 2017

Today we had the first mulberries of the season, straight off the tree at the end of our road...

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): April 10th 2017

I discovered T's happy place this Spring Break vacation

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): April 5th 2017

Another happy place:

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): April 3rd 2017

Best birthday gift ever: Finally got my organic lavender plants!

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): March 30th 2017

So, funny story...

Z: "Mummy give me your slipper quickly" (while scrambling hurriedly to snatch one of my slippers off)

Me: "Why do you need my slipper?"

Bubbles: "I just need to died something"

Me: (getting up in a panic after him) "Um..what do you need to died sweetheart?"

And what do I find?

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): March 29th 2017

Another line I never thought I'd never use:

"You should pick up your own bugs."

T was complaining because O squashes bugs and then asks him to pick them up off the floor for him. (eye roll)

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): March 27th 2017

Another moment of pride this morning:

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): March 25th 2017

Nothing like a trip to Casablanca to make me grateful I live in Rabat.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): March 22nd 2017

One of my special moments as a mom today: 

Watching my oldest son's first basketball match.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): March 21st 2017

I had the sweetest interaction with Z today. 

He slipped on my re-useable shopping bag to make an 'apron' and started cooking and feeding me imaginary food from his "restrong." 

He then started to put imaginary arnica and calendula (and a couple of other ointments whose names he made up) on me to make me feel better because I was sleepy.

I was even fed potato tea for my tummy.

I couldn't have come up with a better treat, especially since he wasn't even aware that today was Mother's Day.

This evening however, I thought of the ultimate invention to pamper women worldwide. I can't understand how they have managed to invent double sinks but haven't yet considered the critical need for double toilets!

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): March 19th 2017

Finally set up my preparing-to-embrace-the-world-every-morning corner.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): March 18th 2017

I just cannot understand why schools don't have coffee shops...

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): March 17th 2017

Three happy moments this morning:

Remembering I just received a bunch of Skips to munch on

Reaching another level in French fluency

And best of all, my oldest son's first basketball shoes.
Basketball was such a big part of my life that seeing my son
follow suit overwhelms me with emotion.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): March 13th 2017

Little Z stuck play dough on several of our walls to 'mark his territory.'

I'm thankful because there are so many ways that this could have been worse.

On another note, his giggles today while I tried to crack macadamia nuts were heartwarming. He found the fact that they kept leaping out of the mortar as I struck them just hilarious.

That and the fact that he has been successfully using the potty are making him increasingly adorable.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): March 12th 2017

Today's achievements:

Decluttered a big section of our room and ...

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): March 10th 2017

Got a babysitter and went out for the evening. 

Got some ice cream and then when we found we had some extra time, we went all out and head to the grocery store.

Life as parents...

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): March 6th 2017

T thought that it would be a great idea to rollerblade with the rollerblades on his hands rather than his feet.

He scuffled along with his knees and rollerblades on hands and then, when he got enough momentum, straightened out his body horizontally to 'glide' along.

To be honest, I was relieved. When he asked me to help strap the second rollerblade onto his hand, I fully braced myself for his to attempt this in handstand mode.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): March 5th 2017

Of all the times I've resolved not to shout or talk loudly to my children, losing my voice has been the only way I could actually stick to it.

The benefits of a quiet mother are actually plenty.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): March 2nd 2017

It's book character/reading day at school and T decided to go in as Garfield.

Reminds me if when O insisted on being a Zebra during the easter bonnet parade.

I wonder what my molecule defining, resonating chamber searching little one will want to be when it's his turn?

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): March 1st 2017

T got bitten by a cricket today that Z had picked up (I guess the bee sting didn't phase him one bit). 

I didn't even know crickets bit people, but I suppose it makes sense that my kids would be the ones to infuriate a cricket enough that it would bite.

I'm pretty sure that cricket has now acquired T's super accelerated jumping powers.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): February 28th 2017

When we arrived from our trip Sunday night, Z had developed a very high fever.

The next day, he still wasn't well and spilled hot tea on himself.

This morning, he got stung by a bee while trying to catch it.

Black coffee:

The perfect blend of:
 'I'm too tired to even froth the milk' &
'I'm so exhausted black coffee sounds like a good idea anyway.'

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco) : February 26th 2017

Traveling with the kids = a traveling circus act.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): February 23rd 2017

The stars have somehow aligned and I finally got my family regroupment visa done to enable me to start my residency paperwork. 

Unfortunately, a hectic day followed by over two hours of waiting outside the embassy resulted in a migraine that prohibited me from celebrating.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): February 3rd 2017

I read "Oh the Thinks you Can Think" by Dr. Seuss to little Z expecting him to glaze over by the second page. 

I was surprised that he absolutely loved it. His eyes just lit up with the rhyming words and the colorful images.

He even giggled when he asked what the fuzzy shape on the page was and I said "The Jiboo!"

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): February 2nd 2017

I had a dream day today. A long awaited fun time.

We went to Casablanca, tried a new (and amazing) coffee shop, shopped a little and had lunch with a friend & a wonderful view of the ocean.

I feel revived.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): February 1st 2017

Potty training has been going reasonably well the past two days. Today however, I came home to a distressed babysitter who had to deal with an accident. A number two accident.

I felt for her, I really did. But I have to admit I felt mostly relief that I actually came home and everything was over and taken care of. For once.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): January 31st 2017

Last night, Z got another serious attack of croup that resulted in another emergency visit to the hospital, the standard dose of inhaled adrenaline, steroid medication and a very sleepless night for me.

Z woke up active and agitated.

If steroids are going to be prescribed for a child, I think it's only fair the parents get a dose as well. I'm worn out...

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): January 30th 2017

To follow a demanding weekend, I have two kids home today. Z on vacation and T feeling unwell. 

Food, crafts, games and attention needed non-stop...I'm really needing some personal time.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): January 28th 2017

And today is just a reminder that parenting is a long journey, sprinkled with a few amazing moments (like yesterday's revelation), but for the most part a tough and trying struggle.

**Sigh**

Ah well, we found a tree frog on our wall yesterday, so I guess that's my little sprinkle for now...

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): January 27th 2017

Today is one of those rare days when I can easily look beyond the exhaustion of the daily grind and feel the pride and happiness of being the mom of three amazing boys.

O is growing up to be quite an incredible young man. He has such a strong sense of right and wrong and is strengthening his ability to assert that not only within himself but in his community also. He's budding at the moment but I feel this is going to be someone who goes out and changes the world for the better...much better.

T is a bundle of love and energy. He's my mad scientist that loves to hug and play games with us. He's a handful that likes to push the limits - even his own- but he's also one of the kindest people I know often thinking of and caring for others. You only have to see him with a very young child to understand that this person is amazing.

Z is my little side kick. he likes to help clean and give his older brothers instructions just like I do - same words and tone even! He likes to explore nature and talks about molecules and resonating chambers. He wants me to read to him and cuddle him and often greets people with a sincere, loving excitement. He skips delightfully when he's excited, especially when he's going to his happy place...

Animals and a 'jungle' rug

I am blessed.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): January 26th 2017

One creative afternoon with my the amazing bundle of energy that is my middle child...

Anemometer, clouds made of legos and some
extra glasses from the scraps (??)

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): January 25th 2017

Today I received a sincere, heartfelt and intense compliment about me as a mother. It surprised me to tears. Although I'm not one to base my life or mood on the approval or judgement of others, I had never needed to hear those words more.

There is endless power to positive energy, that we may not even realize...

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): January 24th 2017

Problems at school today. So naturally I:

Panicked. 
Decided I was a terrible mom. 
Yelled at the boys.
Felt like a failure.  
Looked for ways to quit my job as a mother. 
Looked for any escape from the stress. 
Failed. 
Felt trapped. 

Then in desperation I sprayed some lavender mist, took rescue remedy and went to bed.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): January 23rd 2017

Last night was an extended game of musical beds for our family.

Today I realized the Z still has no idea how to play hide and seek. He hides where I can easily spot him and tells me where I should be when it's my turn to hide.

I just play along because I guess with your last child you're in no rush for them to grow out of any stage. You want to hold on to their pure, innocent, carefree souls for as long as is possible...

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): January 17th 2017

Been doing a little more math:

I had my first born 12 years ago and since then:

12 years of which:

27 months pregnant
6 years breastfeeding
9  years (and counting) changing diapers
12 years (and counting) of disturbed sleep

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): January 15th 2017

I was putting O to bed today and then, as often happens, Z shuffles his way in happily to snuggle along with us.

As I accepted that he join us, O suddenly protested "No, he can't stay, he infiltrates everything."

Little Z the infiltrator!

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): January 13th 2017

Today I was doing some math.

In the past 5 years,
We've changed schools 4 times,
Had 3 moves,
2 significant ER visits and
1 additional child.

Beginning to understand why I might be a little tired...

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): January 12th 2017

It's the small things in life...

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): January 11th 2017

Today was the Moroccan independence day and since we all had the day off we went to explore the exotic gardens of Bouknadel. 

The garden has a couple of paths that wind through it with bamboo bridges to cross, stepping stones over little streams and all sorts of mazes and stone stairs to climb up. 

It was like an adventure in nature. We spent over an hour working our way through on the longest path and I could hear the boys exclaiming at how much fun they were having. A real breath of fresh air!

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): January 10th 2017

Today's visit with T's teachers and counselor brought Einstein abruptly into my mind. It was less that Einstein was a genius, and more about how he got kicked out of school.

When he got home, T asked me for a straw or some other type of tube. Then he spent a good part of the afternoon creating an alternative to the traditional Nerf blaster with straws, tape and eventually, our battery operated pump.

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): January 8th 2017

After returning to my Duolingo app with some consistency, I actually seem to have made progress again. excited to continue again now!

Diary of a Confused Mom (in Morocco): January 6th 2017

I was thinking about Z's future (as in whether or not he might make it into PreK next year) and realized that the fact that he is still in diapers map jeopardize it.

He's 3 and a half after all. So we're in underwear at home now. I...er... think we'll be ok.

Five on a Desert Island: A Visit to Sal, Cape Verde

Approximately two months ago, I didn't have a clue what Cape Verde was or where in the world it was located. A colleague of my husband's mentioned it as a possible vacation spot and we started researching. This finally led us to our winter vacation on one of the Cape Verde Islands - just off the coast of Africa.

Sal island wasn't our first choice (it's the most touristy) and neither was the hotel (all inclusive Melia Dunas Resort) but given that we booked days before we traveled and that we have young children, we played it safe by choosing an island that has activities all our boys could enjoy, and this was the only resort that had space on short notice. Christmas holidays are the high season for Cape Verde vacations.

The airport was very small. We landed, got our visas and left the airport in a total of 20mins (of course we were lucky to be second in line at the visa/immigration line). 

The taxis were a cool and relaxed blue and yellow color that I liked. The taxi driver charged us 20 euros for the drive to Melia Dunas - we were later told the rate was supposed to be 15 (nightly rate).

After our arrival, our trip was a mix of us exploring the hotel, restaurants and surrounding the beach and our being quite sick with flu-like symptoms. We did really enjoy our island tour and the boys found water slides in one of the hotel pools. So all in all we had quite a bit of fun despite being there 5 days in total, 3 of which someone was feeling very unwell.

Our Highlights in Pictures

HOTEL FUN:

The Melia Dunas Resort beach - rocky but that meant some cool tide pools.

Bird on the beach

Wave breakers making a man-made 'bay' was great for swimming.

Black sand characteristic of the Island.

We all greatly appreciated the live music played nightly at the hotel on our way to dinner.
The electric cello was one of the favorites. We couldn't guess what it was.

The cultural displays were very interesting as well.
Here the men were standing perfectly still and this impressed the boys. They'd only ever seen this before in Madrid, Spain.

Water slide pool. So much fun for the boys.

 SANTA MARIA AND THE PIER:

Cretcheu - a restaurant on the Santa Maria Pier

Cretcheu had quite a nice view and great lobster

Beach view from upper floor Cretcheu

The beach as seen from close to the Santa Maria beach

We found this ice cream store in Santa Maria. Delicious and made right here in Cape Verde. They had an outlet at Melia Dunas resort too but we discovered they charged half a euro more per scoop there.

Cape Verdian escudos - very colorful money.

We explored Santa Maria a little on foot. I liked this door. I think it's a bar in there.

A close up of the main door.

It was interesting to walk along the pier and see all the fish brought in fresh every day.

THE ISLAND TOUR:

This was easily one of the highlights. Although we were told it would be from 9:30 - 2pm, we only got back at 5:30. It was a full but fun day.

We passed Kite Beach on our way. We didn't stop there but this is supposed where kitesurfers would be.

First stop was Murdeira. We just looked at the sea and the boys threw rocks into it.
The guide didn't tell us much but one of my maps showed this to be a great spot for whales
and turtles - maybe in season?

A little climbing in Murdeira too

Sea urchins in a small tide pool - Murdeira.

So many sea urchins!

Next stop was Palmeira - a fishing town. No fishing today because of the weather.

Souvenir shop in Palmeira. Shark jaws and blowfish.

Souvenir store in Palmeira.

We saw some goats on our way out of Palmeira. That explains the goat cheese
the island seems to be somewhat known for.

Close to the Blue Eye but not quite there, I think this was meant to be a swimming spot.
The weather didn't cooperate though and the fact that the man who was fishing there had
just caught a vicious looking eel would not inspire me to swim there regardless
 of the weather!

Sadly the place was lined with broken glass - so much so that it looked like a mosaic.

At the blue eye (Buracona), normally a swimming spot, but too rough today, much to the boys' disappointment

Island spider near the blue eye. We were told they were harmless but I'm not certain. There were many of them and we could see the egg sacs on the webs.

Island cricket. High and, like the spider, colored like the sand for an effective camouflage.

There was hardly any sunshine so we did not get a spectacular view of the blue eye.
 This is the little but we did get, which is better than just staring into a dark hole I suppose.

Close to the blue eye was this hill/mountain. They didn't know it's name or if anyone hikes there.

Espargos wall art.

Streets of Espargos.

Driving through Espargos.

A shipwreck near the Bay of Prada (where the sharks are).

Walking to the sharks.

Bay of Prada - Lemon sharks!

Amazing to see the lemon sharks coming and going so close.

Some cool marine life - like this starfish, on our way to and from the sharks. 

And this sea snail of some sort.

Salt Lakes

Walking to the salt lakes for a dip.

It feels just like the dead sea. You are super buoyant and float even vertically.
You can carry a little one and still float! Fun and great for your skin.

Some quick tips for traveling to Sal:

** Bring medication. We got sick and it was great to not have to figure out where to get medicines and what to get.

** Plan well (better than us anyway): Tours are great for exploring the island. We would have loved a fishing tour, some boat tours and to get my older son on a quad tour. The island tour was the highlight of our trip. Not having a preset plan made it very difficult, especially since it was so busy. I read about a lady called Blinky who has great reviews for Sal Island tours. I would contact her if we went again: blinkywalestenerife@yahoo.co.uk 

** Choose your timing. I'm sure if it was less busy and whale/turtle viewing were in season we would have had an even more amazing time.

** Taxis from the airport to Snata Maria are currently 10 euro by day and 15 by night. Taxis from Melia Dunas to Santa Maria are 3 euros. It helps to know the rates beforehand.

**  I found this guide after we arrived but I still made use of the map while on our island tour. Would have been great to look through it quickly before going and learn a few words to communicate with:

Insider's guide to Sal, Cape Verde

** Island tour: 

@Your back eventually hurts in the back of a 4x4, and you get a lot of sun. Use sunscreen and something padded for your back, or switch around and sit inside some of the time.

@Bring water shoes or crocs for rocky beaches but mostly for the shark viewing. We had some but those who didn't had to pay 2 euros to rent shoes I would be afraid to put my feet. Some weren't even water shoes - just random crocs and canvas shoes.