After a sunny week in Jersey, we all spread our wings this summer to different corners of the world. Aila went to Colombia with CISV, Tai stepped onboard a tall ship to sail the Norwegian fjords, and Matt and Bonnie celebrated their 20th anniversary by exploring the stunning Lofoten Islands via campervan.
We all regrouped back at home, embarked on a mini bike-packing trip, hosted a couple of CISV delegates, welcomed Aunty Anice for a visit, and of course participated in multiple football, climbing and Ultimate Frisbee tournaments.
June 17, 2025.
Climbing up farmhouse walls, digging into old photo albums, woodworking lessons from the master enjoying Father's Day lunch, beach BBQ, all the fun of Jersey in the summer.
June 23, 2025.
"Trust the process," a motto I've had to repeat a lot to myself lately.
Waving this kid off today in Gothenburg as he steps onboard SV Atlantica of sailing adventure to 
, I am having all the feels. Not knowing a soul on board, needing to learn all nautical terms in a new language and remembering to brush your teeth 
everyday without being reminded, you have certainly pushed your comfort zone. And I am out of mine too 
I don't know why but this time saying goodbye was much more difficult. Trust the process. Fair winds and following seas! 
June 27, 2025.
Saying adios to this kid and her fellow CISV delegates early this morning as they head to Bogotá, Colombia 
for a Youth Meeting camp. Last year's camp in Finland introduced Aila to the magic of CISV International and the wonderful friendships made through intercultural activities. So when she was offered a place to go to Bogotá this year there was no hesitation. For all the families and leader involved, it has been non-stop planning, organizing, meetups, logistics and packing! Finally the day has arrived to go. Buen viaje, represent 
with pride and joy! And don't forget to offer the salty licorice 
June 28, 2025.
Chasing the midnight sun
We couldn't just sit at home while our kids have their summer adventure...
Currently on hour 10 of a 24 hour train ride to Narvik above the Arctic Circle. This time we remembered to book berths so we get to actually lie down tonight!
Tomorrow
we pick up our campervan rental and tour the Lofoten Islands.
Hoping to wild camp, hike, swim and witness the miraculous midnight sun.
And of course, as per all hiking holidays, it looks like the
will feature!
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| Ready to board the night train from Lund! |
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Free WiFi so we can watch the footy  |
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Exactly 24 hours by train from Lund to Narvik, changing once in Stockholm.
Train travel is so underrated.
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| Apparently when our boat guide said it's 68° he meant latitude not Fahrenheit. |
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| Midnight hiking on Andøya. It felt really weird to be heading up a mountain at 10pm without a torch. |
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| Learning about Sámi culture and feeding the magnificent reindeer of Andøya.
And trying not to get smacked in the face by their incredible antlers. |
Now we are not usually foodies but we decided to be foodies for a day and splurged on a 5 hour tasting menu at this incredible gastro farm so deep in the mountains of northern Norway.
Paired wines, ciders and fruit cocktails, the owner (a Michelin chef from Oslo) coming and pouring the sauces from a copper saucepan onto your plate and explaining every dish. All food organically produced either on the farm or from a 30km radius.
We have never eaten anything like that
before. Tastes we didn't even know existed. Just WOW!
A streak of luck - we got to see a rocket launch at the AndØya Spaceport. INCREDIBLE!
