Day 223: 23rd Jan 2018 Market Day and Kids Cook Tuesday

So Tuesday is Market Day in Marina di Ragusa and a good excuse for a break from normal school, although both kids should still do English and Maths, we are trying to keep this short in favour of a family trip to the market and discount supermarket where the kids will buy supplies to cook dinner for under 10 Euros. It also gives the kids chance to burn off some energy at the rather good playground next to the market. The kids, particularly Esmé aren't always enthusiastic about the walk up the hill but once on our way it is a pleasant stroll along the sea front before the brief climb.

I'm starting to get more familiar with the market now and know which sellers are better value. It's often somewhat frustrating to only be able to buy larger quantities of veg when we have limited space on the boat, but just as at Barleylands in Essex, it is often cheaper to buy a big bag than to buy a single item, and then I just give the excess to fellow cruisers. The kids initially rushed off to the playground to look for their friends Ben and Annabelle but once they discovered they weren't there yet, were relatively easily persuaded to come and shop for dinner. My Italian is appalling but I explain to the kids that I just point at what I want and ask "quanto" for how much. Esmé tries this but gets talked over by some Italian guy but perseveres and finds out the cost of the strawberries she has her eye on. Soon the shopping is done and we hang around waiting for Ben and Annabelle at the park where they enjoy each others company after 4 weeks apart.

We then walk back with the Titania crew and inspect their temporary lodgings in a holiday let where they are spending time with visiting family. It's pretty cool, but dodgy electrics make me think that the hotel is a better bet for Mum and Dad when they visit in March. The kids are still enjoying catching up so we enjoy a chat with the adults while the boys tear around on Ben's bike and Annabelle teaches Esmé to play chess.

Next we're back to the boat to stash our purchases and have lunch, followed by half an hour of school. AJ objects but eventually plucks up the courage to try the mind workout I have been encouraging him to look at in maths. 

By now it is late afternoon so just time for a quick play then showers before its time for the kids to cook. Home made burgers and chips with raw carrot, cucumber and celery and a cheesy dip, followed by strawberries. They did need a little help but I was really impressed by how much they managed and great teamwork.

Esmé really needed an early night so as soon as tea was done I helped her into PJ's and we read to each other before she requested stories of when I was a child. After about 1/2 hour I stole away to do some English with AJ, continuing with the Pirate creative writing book. Despite my concerns that it might be a bit much after the stress of the mind workout, AJ surprised my by saying he was looking forward to it and he likes the Pirate book. 20 Minutes later he had written a fantastic little story... loving this book!

So all is now peaceful and for once I might finish the blog at a sensible time. Boat is still in chaos but there is always tomorrow for tidying!