High5 from Pozzo di Golino

We are lucky enough that this place is almost in our back garden. It only takes a little effort to walk all the tiny humans down the ancient stairs of giants until the river bank. Once we arrive and kick off the shoes, the energy that comes through the sole of our tired feet is priceless.

First visit this year, on a not too hot sunny evening. The beach was almost deserted when we arrived. Only a handful of people passed during our brief visit.

5 – Five things we SEE with our eyes

  • White petals floating on the surface of the water
  • Large logs on the shore and in the river
  • Iron colour rocks forming the edge of the river bank
  • Sun rays playing through the trees, highlighting the depth of the river ground with a large spectrum of colours
  • Extinguished fire pits surrounded with large stones – I wonder: What was yamm was cooked under the sky

4 – Four things we FEEL/TOUCH

  • Soft silky sand under the feet
  • Cold mountain river water until the ankle – painfully cold but refreshing
  • Warmth of the sun on my face – at the same time,
  • Chilly evening breeze on the skin

3 – Three things we can HEAR

  • Splashing water when logs and rocks landing the basin
  • Birds playing their evening chatter songs
  • Bells of the cows from Vasco’s farm nearby

2 – Two things you can SMELL

  • Delicious barbecue from a nearby restaurant
  • Freshly cut grass from the nearby farm

1 – One thing we can TASTE

  • Slightly salty / sweaty taste on my dry lips

This place is truly magical. It is shaped by spring storms and floods. The water level can be shallow one year, but shoulder deep the following season. Soon as the nights get warmer and the days become hotter from sunrise to sunset, the beach will be filled with locals, and tourists. It is a vivid place, where people share memories and stories. I cannot wait for the first barbecue festa.

High5 from Losone Beach, Ticino, Switzerland

River Bank in Losone

Losone Beach can get very crowded on sunny days and bank holidays. We often visit in all sorts of weather conditions. It has a charm to entertain one, no matter the weather.

Today we arrived on two wheels and a very soar backside. The path we took was lumpy bumpy, gravel and full of bigger stones.

When out and about we like to play ‘High Five’ game while we catch our breath and rest our legs.

River Bank in Losone


5 – Five things we SEE with our eyes

  • Snowy mountains
  • Rushing river Maggia
  • Swaying trees in the wind
  • Hungry ducks approaching thinking we are throwing bread but instead we were just playing with rocks
  • Kids building sand castles between the stones

4 – Four things we FEEL/TOUCH

  • Freezing water up until our ankles
  • Shiny seaglass
  • Warm breeze on our skin
  • Smooth sand our feet

3 – Three things we can HEAR

  • Cars passing by on the road above the other side of Maggia
  • Warm wind swirls around
  • Skidding rock on the wavy river


2 – Two things you can SMELL

  • Smoke from a nearby fire
  • Wet sand on our body

1 – One thing we can TASTE

  • Fresh air, we can bit into freedom

Indeed we love this game so much, I decided to dedicate a category to such posts. I hope that once the kids are more tech savvy, they may like to take pictures of the high fives they come up with. For now we just aim to notice and add an adjective to the thing we highlight.

Do you play a similar game when the kids are bored or not feeling confident to join other kids on the playground? I am all ears, share in the comments please.

High5 from Meriggio Playground, Losone, Ticino, Switzerland

Meriggio is a popular chilling spot in Losone. It is a huge open space with plenty to offer.

We visit this place regularly with friends and family. Today we biked there with my two older kids. One on his bike, while my daughter behind me on the kiddo seat. It takes about thirty minutes to reach this park from home.

When out and about we like to play ‘High Five’ game while we catch our breath and rest our legs.


5 – Five things we SEE with our eyes

  • Sun behind the clouds
  • Clouds in front of the sun,
  • Feet in the sky,
  • Bark mulch
  • children playing

4 – Four things we FEEL/TOUCH

  • Breeze on the skin while rocking back and fourth on the swing
  • The rope swing on our palms
  • Wooden mulch under our feet
  • Our hair flying while swinging

3 – Three things we can HEAR

  • Music from the nearby bar
  • Distant chatter from all directions
  • Dogs barking


2 – Two things you can SMELL

  • Ready meals from the bar
  • Wooden mulch on the ground

1 – One thing we can TASTE

  • Water from fountain

Indeed we love this game so much, I decided to dedicate a category to such posts. I hope that once the kids are more tech savvy, they may like to take pictures of the high fives they come up with. For now we just aim to notice and add an adjective to the thing we highlight.

Do you play a similar game when the kids are bored or not feeling confident to join other kids on the playground? I am all ears, share in the comments please.

High5 from Wonderwood, Lake Maggiore, Italy

Father and daughter relaxing in the meadow.

We are back at our favourite climbing place, Wonderwood – Lake Maggiore in Italy.

View of Wonderwood, Lake Maggiore, Italy

Whenever the weather is nice this place transforms into one of those places where everyone can find something to do, from age 0 to 115. This time of the year, it is still a bit chilly and the toddler pool was not filled with water.

I though this time we could review this place from three different age perspective.


5 – Five things we SEE with our eyes

7 years old

  • Rope Courses
  • Zip Line
  • Expedition Center
  • Souvenir Shop
  • Ice Cream Station

3 years old

  • Sand Pit
  • Play Ground
  • Butterfly Course
  • Squirrel Coaster
  • Green Swing

2 years old

  • Wooden Train Station
  • Ladybug Swing
  • Toad spotting in the Pond
  • Green Meadows
  • Digger Station

4 – Four things we FEEL/TOUCH

7 years old

  • Helmet on the head
  • Climbing safety belt
  • Heartbeat in ear – adrenalin
  • Wooden, metal, net frames

3 years old

  • Dry sand and toys
  • Wooden climbing frame
  • Wooden ball on Squirrel Run
  • Juicy dandelions

2 years old

  • Wooden Train Station
  • Slimy toads
  • Velvety violets
  • Cold ice cream

3 – Three things we can HEAR

7 years old

  • Birds chirping on the trees
  • Climbers cheering on zip line
  • Carabiners clicking

3 years old

  • Clips clamping
  • Parents cheering
  • Helmet knocking on wood

2 years old

  • Toads splashing in the water
  • Cyclists / Bikes passing by
  • Dogs barking


2 – Two things you can SMELL

  • Mouth watering food smell from the grotto at lunch time.
  • Fresh mountain air

1 – One thing we can TASTE

  • Sweet ice cream melting in the mouth after an exhausting climb.

Should you want to know more about this place, check out my post from last year or our video on youtube.

Indeed we love this game so much, I decided to dedicate a category to these posts. I hope that once the kids are more tech savvy, they may like to take pictures of the high fives they come up with. For now we just aim to notice and add an adjective to the thing we highlight.

Do you play similar games when the kids are bored or not feeling confident to join other kids on the playground? I am all ears, share in the comments please.