The saga of Monday September 2, 2024 in Prague, Czechia
Staying in one place for more than a week gave all of us a chance to settle into a routine. Chaim left each morning to head to his WeWork office around 8:30AM and I ensured the boys stuck to their school routine most mornings before heading out for the afternoon. I was especially proud of their ability to complete their toranut/chores independently and with little coaxing. In fact, they were proud of themselves and eager to have responsibilities that mattered to “Team Kirby”. An important reminder that kids appreciate having responsibilities and a purpose even when they complain about them.
After three weeks of Eitan walking around with a massive hole in his shoe and Shai having completely smooth treads, it was time to find new shoes for Eitan and Shai. We met up with Chaim near his office in the afternoon and made both our mothers proud when we found two excellent pairs of shoes at the Half Price store across the street from a very overpriced Footlocker. While walking around the area, Amichai spotted an arcade, a LEGO store, and a toy store from a mile away. He had also seen multiple posters for the Illusion Art Museum of Prague and determined that we would be visiting each of these locations later in the week. Since I had dubbed him my CIT at the beginning of our journey, I thought it could be a good way for him to practice some mother’s helper and leadership skills. Instead of saying "no" outright, I let him know that if the boys were able to complete their schoolwork with minimal complaints that week, we could try and visit all of his dream locations.
As we rode the tram back home, I realized that the boys were becoming adept navigators of public transportation. Amichai was far more relaxed and flexible as we navigated the system together. One strategy that helped all of them feel calmer was to know exactly how many stops we needed to take. Each boy would make a point of counting stops and learning the names of each stop. A week into our stay and they were telling me when and where to get off. The students had become the teacher, and we all relished their new sense of independence and maturity.
Back at home, dinner was beginning to get boring with the same food every night – salmon, pasta or rice, and salads per each boy’s preference. I tried changing it up to limited success and was now in search of ideas that could be made in one small, tiny pot and that each of the boys would eat while trying to avoid purchasing items that I know we won’t use up before moving again. This is severely limiting my options. I expect finding a meal for everyone that is simpler to make will continue to be its own challenge. Who knows, maybe I will stumble upon a magical meal that feeds everyone somewhere along our journey.
