While traveling, dining out is a necessity. While we are at home in Lucca, we try to have the majority of our meals at home for economical purposes, but we also enjoy tasting typical tuscan food in our local restaurants. The dinner hour here is later than we’re accustomed to in the US, with many restaurants not even opening their doors until six or seven pm. With two kids, keeping them entertained through the slow food we enjoy can be difficult. When you spend 100% of your time together, the conversation only goes so far, ha ha! Here is one of our favorite games to play when dining out.
This game was given to us by friends we made on a trip last summer. Dave’s mom loves to travel and took us on an Adventures by Disney trip to Australia. In our tour group was a family from Georgia, also with two girls, who had done an extensive amount of traveling. They introduced us to this game one evening. About a month or so after returning home, what should appear in our mailbox but our very own version of the game!
What is it?
A small bag filled with miniature objects.
How the game works:
One person is in charge. They take items out of the bag one by one, naming them as they set them out on the table. The first round, about 10 objects are placed on the table. After everyone has gotten a good look, all close their eyes or look away (closing your eyes can be weird when in a restaurant). The person in charge takes a few items away and perhaps rearranges the objects a bit to mess with visual memory. Then everyone opens their eyes and take turns guessing which objects are missing. After the first round, game play continues with someone else being in charge. The first 10 objects remain on the table, but the new leader adds to the pile, say 5 more objects. Everyone again memorizes what is there, and then looks away. The leader removes a handful of objects, etc, etc. Game play continues as long as you’re waiting for food! Sometimes you get up to 25, 30, 35 objects on the table. That’s really difficult!
Why is this game is so great?
It can be played almost anywhere.
It doesn’t take up a lot of room on the table.
It fits in your pocket or purse.
It’s quiet.
It makes you think.
It’s for all ages (once your chiid doesn't swallow tiny objects).
Everyone gets a turn to be the leader.
It’s personal.
What do you mean it’s personal? Well, when we received this game as a gift, it had 40 or so miniature objects in the bag that had been picked by our friends. They put the game together. They found cute things like a miniature frog, a box of corn flakes, a camera, a baby bottle, and the statue of liberty. But as time wears on, we have added to our bag with items we’ve found along our journey such as an unused token from the subway in Philadelphia, or a mousetrap we found at the Christmas market in Salzburg. When you get new things for the game, it keeps the game fresh!
Added bonus: this game has also entertained the wait staff. Everyone is always curious about what is on our table. A waiter in Germany kept making buzzing noises like the miniature bumble bee was going to get him!
No comments:
Post a Comment