Summer 2022 - Bretagne - Audierne

After a frantic trip from Finland, unpacking, laundry and re-packing all in a half-day, we steered our 7 seater towards beautiful Bretagne. We had a stop half-way in Chartre to admire the famous cathedral and have a good night sleep. The next day we continued our journey towards the coast, only to stop in the mediavel village Vitré to visit the castle and enjoy lunch. We arrived to our destination late in the evening at the golden moment before the reception closed. Despite the missing sheets and bad smells in the bed room (...) we were happy to have safely made it. The first days have been full of activities: biking along the river Goyen, hiking along the coast to admire the breathtaking views of the Atlantic ocean and Pont Crest and even saw a family of dolphins enjoying the waves! What an amazing surprise. The village is very pretty and lively fishing village with authenticity hard to find else where. Today's higlight was the 3-hour kayaking journey along the river Goyen. I was very concerned how I would handle my four-year old in the kayak, but thanks to the excitement of the adventure and the helping pair of my eldest she behaved like a princess! The children could not believe how easy it was to catch the crabs as the tide changed and we paused to have a snack on the sand only a moment ago covered in water. Such a great bonding activity to do together! The kids were already pegging for a re-do in the next days. Personally, I will need to let my arms rest at least for a day..  Along with the beautiful river kayaking, another highlight of our stay in Audierne was definitely the surf class we attended with the three eldest ones. The surf in Bretagne is clearly not the same as what we experienced in 2020 in Biarritz, but the laid-back atmoshere typic to the surfing community and gentle waves were nevertheless very attractive to all of us. My eldest proudly counted to have been up on the board 12 times! The ESB surf school can be warmly recommended. We got the combinaisons and actually a private class for the price of collective class. This happened at other times as well in Bretagne and moms purse was grateful. On our way from Audierne to our next holiday destination up the Coast we stopped again for some surfing at the Crozet. It is inadmittedly impressive how quickly even my 7 year old caught the technique, found his balance, and was able to surf. Well done! Our week in pittoresque Audierne got a perfect ending, as we accidentally bumped into my friend from Brussels, who had just bought a holiday house from a nearby village! We were invited to visit their charming new home, meet the family and enjoy some truly delicious home-made Breton Far. Both with my husband we felt truly inspired by their brave move to get their second home from abroad. To be meditated.. p.s Audierne remained our favorite spot in Bretagne. It's authentic charm, friendly people, pretty and lively fishing harbour, Saturday market, and one of the best ice cream parlours holds a special place in our hearts and minds.

Summer 2022 - Finland

It is the second day of our long summer vacations and clearly the whole family has already reached the holiday mood. Our summer started actually a week ago with distant working from the dearest place of all, at the grand parents in Finland. The week was full of adventure and activities, the highlights being visiting the summer cottage in Pielavesi, picking blueberries (and enjoying them with milk and sugar!), swimming and fishing in the lake. The fishing deserves a special mention, as my father really took the time and demonstrated the full process starting with digging the worms, teaching the catching techniques and even clean and prepeare the catch. My 4 year old was fascinated by the worms digging part, my 7 year old son still talks about the 18 fishes they caugh (and the huge hauki they missed..). For me and my husband, the evenings with my parents, enjoying quietly a glass of wine and chatting away the day or watching a detective were like the cherry in cake to end a perfect day. I really appreciate the time and effort they give to prepare our visit and warmest of all welcome every time. It is the only place in the world I find my balance and feel secure and grounded. Running in the morning the familiar trail along the lake side and forest is my all-time favorite. The climb on the hill is tough and the descend always as rewarding. Sweat and endorfins guaranteed! One final mention not to forget is my parents pampering us with the nordic delicacies - fresh fish caught by own hands, elk meat hunted by own hands and lingonberries, cloudberries and blueberries personally picked. It is the healthiest and most ecologically, locally sourced menu prepared with love that I can think of. In addition it is genuinly delicious. Thank you äiti and isi for yet again a wonderful stay. We already miss you❤