Day 16- The rhythm of routine.

Today we went to the beach again! Beach day with the kids from Arielle and from Primavera. 

I love watching the educators' routines and I feel so welcome when I am allowed to participate. As much as there is not a schedule, there is a routine. We arrive at the beach and everyone takes off their bags and clothes and applies sunscreen. Once they have applied sunscreen, it is time to get into the water. Occasionally throughout the time, Mika and Fede smoke cigarettes and they will do this sporadically, but still in a rhythm. The sunscreen application is also a rhythm, when it feels right. 

Around halfway through the time, we are at the beach, the kids get a snack. Most of the time there is something sweet and something salty. Today it was a mini nutella croissant, cornetto piccolo con nutella- delish. Then the kids get more sunscreen and have a moment to chill and relax in the shade. We all sit half a cheek on the tanning chairs, this is a crucial part of the routine. After there is a relaxing period, everyone is back into the water, floaties back on and ready to swim. 

My favorite part is the clean up. Everyone is reluctant to leave the water, but the older kids go and take a shower and the younger kids get sprayed off. Mario and Georgia change clothes and take off their bathing suits. The sand play toys are washed by the ocean and put into a plastic bag and the trash from the day is put into one vehicle for the trash can. Then we take the walk to the elevator to get a lift up to the top. It is only a five minute walk back to the house.

The routine continues at home. The older kids shower themselves and the younger kids get help. This routine seems sacred as an outsider. I have never felt more at home than being a part of this routine.