Today we hiked all the way from Ella to Samodera train station. A beautiful hike of about 2 hours through forests and paddy fields and lush bushes of tea. As part of the Tea Country Trail, Miguel wanted us to try it out as an experience for families and it is perfectly doable! The viewContinue reading “Hiking in the Tea Country!”
Author Archives: thefivegypsies
Bandarawela!
We spent the night at the Bandarawela Hotel, a nostalgic place with basic rooms but we didn’t mind as we were exhausted of the walking and driving. I love the old charm of the hotel and when Guido found his typical spot, I couldn’t resist to take a few pictures of him while he wasContinue reading “Bandarawela!”
Just in time!
Just in time! Miguel’s parents are on their way to Sri Lanka and I am just finishing the last bits and pieces. It has been a very long and unexpected challenge! What we thought would take two weeks became two months with non stop rain which made it worse for painting. We ate 8 weeksContinue reading “Just in time!”
Kitchen renovation!
A week ago we have installed our kitchen in the courtyard of the house now the renovations have began. I am a little worried as it rains almost every day and I wonder if we will manage to finish it in time before Roberto and Maguita arrive next month… Yesterday, we worked out the designContinue reading “Kitchen renovation!”
A new chapter…
We are back in Galle and so happy to see DJ again! The boys couldn’t wait to get their surfboards out and hit the waves. A session of cleaning and waxing the boards has become a ritual every time we have been away. It feels wonderful to be back in our new home. After aContinue reading “A new chapter…”
Reunited in Madrid!
Reunited in Madrid after almost 6 weeks for me not seeing Miguel and two weeks my beautiful boys. So we had to celebrate which we did with a delicious paella in one of the most famous restaurants in Madrid called “Casa de Valencia”. I think we took almost 2 hours and hence Miguel was inContinue reading “Reunited in Madrid!”
Off to Madrid!
And off they are to Madrid. For the very first time Sam and Ruben will be flying by themselves. No red jackets or assistance. I checked twice with the airline but they confirmed that passengers from 12 years old onwards can go independently. So for the boys it was a no brainer. They insisted…”Mama, please!”.Continue reading “Off to Madrid!”
Time for football!
Just picked Guido up from football camp. When we were in Haarlem at Imre’s place, Guido spent a few days in Hilversum at a training site with about 12 other kids of his age. I remember how nervous he was the first day but now after 4 days he is so much more confident. EvenContinue reading “Time for football!”
Haarlem
We spent three days in Haarlem with Imre and her boys. Every year we are paying her a visit. It is fun for Sam and Ruben as her sons are from the same age. Guido is a little too young yet to participate in the stuff that teenagers love doing so he is on aContinue reading “Haarlem”
The Laage Vuursche…
The Laage Vuursche is just around the corner from my mum’s house. It is about a 15 minute bike ride and every year we are biking through the forests a couple of times. Such beautiful scenery and hundreds of walking paths. The fresh air and exercise make you hungry and I always take the boysContinue reading “The Laage Vuursche…”
The Five Gypsies 