Tiny Geckos, Growing Gardens, and Strong Women

Yesterday was another quiet day at home, filled with homeschooling, swimming, card games, and practicing card tricks. In between, we watched monkeys and geckos, and even discovered a tiny, tiny baby gecko.

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Julius was completely fascinated. He gently picked it up and let it crawl across his hand.“They feel so funny,” he said, and of course, the girls had to try as well.

Later, the children decided to make pancakes again, this time for the Ocean Sole Mamaz, whom we visited this morning. We wanted to see how the garden had developed since we helped plant some seeds two weeks ago.

It was amazing to see how much had grown in such a short time. Most of the plants were thriving. Only a small covered area hadn’t done well. The Mamaz explained that they had covered it to keep the chickens out, but the material was too dark. The plants didn’t get enough sunlight, and it became too hot underneath. They are now planning to replace it with chicken wire once they are able to save up for it.

The rest of the garden looked healthy and full of life. We joined them in their work, helping a little with the “cut and drop” method. A member of the Ocean Sole team also shared valuable advice on composting, showing how to protect it from ants, and supported the Mamaz in replanting the chilli plants, which hadn’t been thriving in their previous spot.

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Along the way, we learned so much about the different trees and their uses. Boiled neem tree leaves can help with a cold. Moringa seeds are used as a natural remedy for high blood pressure, and its leaves can be eaten. The leaves of the guava tree can help with stomach aches, while the fruit supports digestion.

We also learned something fascinating about papayas: there are male and female trees, and they depend on each other. The male tree produces the pollen, which the female tree needs in order to bear fruit, and in this garden, both were growing side by side. It was such an insightful and enriching morning.

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During a break, the children handed out the pancakes they had baked the day before. Once again, we learned that some of the Mamaz had never tasted pancakes before. It stayed with me, and I found myself quietly wondering whether they actually liked them, as dairy products are not very common here.

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What stood out most, though, were the women themselves. Each of them carries her own story. Some are widows, others have husbands who are unable to work, and all of them have children to care for.

And yet, they come together, support one another, work hard, and greet you with warmth and a smile.

They are truly inspiring, strong women in every sense.

We had to say our goodbyes. With only a few days left before we move on to our next adventure, we know we won’t see them again this time. But who knows, maybe our paths will cross again someday.

In the afternoon, we returned to 3 Degrees South, where the children joined the kids’ club again. They spent hours kayaking, stand-up paddling, playing games, and of course sailing, which remains their absolute favourite.

This time, they even capsized the boat on purpose. They came back full of energy, talking excitedly before I could even fully make sense of what had happened. From a distance, I just saw the boat upside down in the water.

Julius explained proudly, “We climbed onto the centreboard and jumped into the water,” while Assunta added, “Or we slid into the water.”

Eventually, they managed to turn the boat upright again.

“It was sooo much fun, Mami!” Polyxena said, her face still glowing. “It was great!”

They loved every second of it. We will definitely look into sailing opportunities in Europe when we are back home.

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While the children were out on the water, I took a quiet walk across the bridge over the creek and simply enjoyed the beauty of this country. The water, the flowers, the light, everything feels so vivid.

We are incredibly lucky to experience this.

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Before heading home, the children enjoyed one last swim in the sea.

Back at the house, Assunta said:“I really love this house… if it didn’t have all these insects, like the ants and mosquitoes.”

And she’s absolutely right. It would be even more perfect without them, but honestly, it already feels very close to perfect, and we feel so at home and at ease here.

We ended the day, once again, with pancakes. Assunta is becoming a real pro, this time she made them completely on her own. And of course, we enjoyed them together.

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Now we are simply looking forward to making the most of these last few days, holding on to the small moments that, somehow, mean the most.