Mateo is a passionate toddler and it’s taking him places. Yep, he’s taken up a new job of sorts and he’s quite serious about it. What’s the gig? Mateo is taking on the world, one playground at a time. It’s (truly) important to him to really experience the local play offerings in every city (or neighborhood) we visit. He also finds it to be a great way to mingle with local children and feel like a local himself. ;)
So far, he’s tested the lovely parks of Croatia, and numerous throughout Austria, and Italy. Not to mention (!) making sure that little jungle gyms at rest stops along the expressways get their due attention.
He has high hopes to expand his work beyond North America and Europe. We’ll see, Mateo. We’ll see.
Of course he’s been too busy playing to blog and pass on proper reviews, so I thought I’d just give you all a highlight. This playground in Dubrovnik, Croatia was awesome.Seriously, how amazing is that backdrop for a play lot?! This place had it going on.Aki and I had been to Dubrovnik together back in 2009 as newlyweds. It’s a gorgeous city on the sea with incredible history, but WHOA, it took Mateo coming along to find this jewel. ;) Somehow we TOTALLY missed this playground back then. OH, maybe ’cause we were too busy drinking leisurely glasses wine. We were so boring back then. ;)
First off, let me just tell you how cool the entrance is. It’s a tiny unassuming passageway built into the old city walls. It makes you feel like you’ve discovered a secret. All the local kids know what’s up though. Adults have to duck, the shorties march right in. So yeah, the playground is built right into the outside of the city’s ancient walls. A-W-E-S-O-M-E-pants. Dubrovnik is known for its medieval walls. In fact, it’s among the 10 best medieval walled cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.There isn’t a playground this kid sees that he doesn’t want to experience, but I’m with you Mateo…this one was pretty special.In other news, little Mateo is already working on another column: international beaches. This kid! So focused at such a young age. I hope to help him pursue his passions in ANY way that I can! ;) ha
HAPPY FRIDAY, FRIENDS!
Hope you have a weekend of play ahead! We’ve got lots of organizing and de-cluttering around here, but also some fun social plans. And you KNOW, Mateo will make sure we get outside and play! :)
We’ve learned some things. I think Mateo would have been much happier in Venice (that post) last year if we had just lead him to a playground. You live and you learn. ;)
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