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Daria

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11 comments on Downtime

Downtime

The total time of our adventure in France is 33 days (including travel from and to the US). That is a long time to be away from home but it also fulfills my life goal “to see France, slowly and thoroughly.” We have five regions that we will visit and we are currently on region 2, Dordogne. In other words, we still have a while to go.

Although we are on a relatively active vacation, we still have plenty of downtime. Example: yesterday, we went out to walk around Sarlat, went to the bakery, found a playground and a marry-go-round, roamed around some more. Then we went back home to have some lunch (that I made) and had some downtime where I read, the kids watched some TV and played. I did laundry and hung it up, then we ventured out to the market to get some groceries, then we had downtime again. In the evening we went out to dinner to a restaurant tucked deep into the old town of Sarlat.

My duck from yesterday

Part of me always doubts myself – “you are in FRANCE and you are watching TV, you should be exploring!!” But there is only that much exploring you can do before exhausting yourself. So every day I make sure there is multiple opportunities of downtime for both me and the kids.

Kids’ downtime: playgrounds, parks, TV, iPads, and playing together in a separate area of the house (away from me). I will tell them “mom needs some space, please play upstairs/in another room/outside.” My downtime happens when they are engaged elsewhere, i. e. a playground/ game or are sleeping.

My downtime: blogging, reading other blogs, reading (in bed), watching TV, planning, talking with my friend group and my parents on WhatsApp, and, curiously, making meals and doing laundry feels restful. I guess making meals feels good because it all new ingredients and it’s super simple- a salad, some pasta. Laundry because the loads are so small! We have little clothing so I do laundry every day but it feel nice to have only a few items to hang on the dryer rack.

Some game they made, where they wore underwear (clean) on their heads. At lest i think it was clean.
TV
Playgrounds
Drawing
Sitting and staring
More TV
Another game
Neighbor’s kitty was a welcome distraction

On the front: Gouffre de Padirac/ Padirac Chasm that we visited today. So deep, so cold, so beautiful.

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Daria

Mother, teacher, partner, friend. I love coffee, books, and travel with and without kids. I dislike exercise. Nothing glamorous here but do have moments of insight.

11 responses to “Downtime”

  1. Tina Avatar
    Tina

    I think you are doing it just right. A little downtime is most necessary to prevent meltdowns and give you some me time. It sounds like everyone is having a great time.

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  2. Melissa Avatar
    Melissa

    Especially with kids you need down time. We had naps on more than half the days we were in Wales and we’re adults.

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  3. Sak Avatar
    Sak

    It seems like you’ve found a good rhythm for this trip. 33 days is way too long to be go go go all the time. The pictures look really fun. You seem to be discovering lots of great spots. I think playgrounds count as exploring and give you a chance to interact with residents of the area you are visiting.

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    1. Daria Avatar
      Daria

      Thank you for visiting, Sak! The rhythm feels good. Today, we went to see the ancient engravings in the Rouffignac cave, then had lunch, then found an outside amusement park called “the land of elves” – climbing from tree house to tree house, trampolines, and a zip line. They even have comfortable seating, mattress-like, for parents.

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  4. Natka Avatar
    Natka

    Oh, I miss playgrounds!!! My daughters still enjoy swings and slides and climbing things, but mostly they’ve outgrown playgrounds…

    I was just thinking about balancing activities and down time! You are doing it beautifully.

    Thank you for being an inspiration – I am really looking forward to reading your posts!!!

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  5. Diane Avatar
    Diane

    OMG what is it with kids and underwear on their heads? My kids LOVE to put the underwear on their heads. They think it is hi.la.rios.

    I think there is something interesting in how when one is on vacation, the things that seem like chores at home (cooking, laundry), feel less stressful and almost relaxing. Like one can indulge in the natural rhythms of doing things without the pressure of having to meet deadlines or getting anywhere on time. I feel this sometimes when I am camping. Cooking dinner just feels naturally like the next thing to do, and not something I *have* to do because it is 5:00pm and we still have other things to do with our evenings.

    It’s been lovely reading about your adventures!

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  6. Michelle G. Avatar
    Michelle G.

    Downtime is super important! How nice that you’re there for an extended time and can relax into it. That sounds like the ideal vacation to me.

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  7. Maya Avatar
    Maya

    “Sitting and staring” made me snort! Downtime is so important, I think you’re doing it just right.

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  8. San Avatar
    San

    Man, 33 days to explore France… slowly… sounds like a dream. I imagine you really get to immerse yourself in the culture.

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  9. J Avatar
    J

    33 days in France? Heaven. I think the most I’ve managed (including travel days) is 17 or 18. Even with that, I needed some downtime, very important.

    When my cousin and I were there in 2022, we were busy pretty much every day, and in the evening we would have a snacky type dinner and watch TV. I felt kind of dumb not going out and doing the night life, but also really enjoyed our down time.

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  10. Tobia | craftaliciousme Avatar
    Tobia | craftaliciousme

    I tend to forget that downtime and relaxing is part of a vacation too. Specially when being at a place I have never been I feel like I need to see it all. But having time to relaxe and give your brain some space to sort through all the experience is so important.

    Sounds like you have a pretty good balance figured out.

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