We finally gathered back our kids late yesterday afternoon. Nicole showed up with two girlfriends and Jake was dropped off after playing hard at a flag football game.
Eventually, we decided to all head to a local Chinese restaurant...by foot. The sun had set but it was still quite light out. Thankfully it was a downhill trip. I find it interesting that everywhere we've gone in the world we've found decent Chinese food. Bolivian Chinese is very good. The restaurant we went to was behind a high cement wall...I had walked past it a number of times as it's obviously not too far from the house. I'd never seen the actual restaurant because the gate was never open when I went by. So it was a nice surprise how pretty it was. We were basically the only customers they had (eating at 6:30 is waaaay early here) so it was an intimate dinner.
We got home just in time to buy a Scorponok for Jake on eBay. Then we watched Kung Fu Panda and Meet the Robinsons. Busy night!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Sleepovers and such
Jake and Nicole both went on sleepovers last night - leaving Lisette and I to enjoy an evening to just hang out. John was on a trip to Cochabamba, he arrived back home this morning.
Lisette and I made some yummy pasta for dinner then watched "The Princess Bride." Since it was just the two of us, we were able to speak the lines right alongside the actors without anyone fussing at us. We do know almost all of the movie by heart!
John and I just finished watching "Death at a Funeral" - a very funny British movie I can recommend to anyone who doesn't mind bad language! It had John giggling and me half rolling off of the couch.
Now it's time to catch up with our missing kids and get them on home!
Lisette and I made some yummy pasta for dinner then watched "The Princess Bride." Since it was just the two of us, we were able to speak the lines right alongside the actors without anyone fussing at us. We do know almost all of the movie by heart!
John and I just finished watching "Death at a Funeral" - a very funny British movie I can recommend to anyone who doesn't mind bad language! It had John giggling and me half rolling off of the couch.
Now it's time to catch up with our missing kids and get them on home!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Downtown Market
I went to downtown La Paz yesterday with Christine. We were dropped off by taxi in the middle of the market area. This consists of multiple streets, indoor and outdoor vendors. It was loud, crowded, dirty and fascinating. They love colour here. You couldn't find a solid coloured anything if you wanted to. The shear number of vendors was overwhelming.
We ventured up and down the streets (uphill and downhill) looking for baskets, bowls, rugs, artwork and linens. We spent about two and a half to three hours wandering about, sticking our heads into this store and that. When we finally hailed a cab at about 1:30, we were starving and almost empty handed. I bought a beautiful wooden bowl for about $16...I had brought about $200 to spend. They did have linens, mostly too small for our table and when Christine priced one that she was interested in, the cost appeared very inflated. We did come across a great art store, I'm hoping to find it again and bring John along for cooperative purchasing.
So Christine and I headed back to Zona Sur for a late lunch. We considered the trip more of a scouting exercise as we can now identify the world's largest supply of colourful scarves, hats, and sweaters. We also know where you can buy edible nuts side by side with the metal kind.
Last night was another mellow one. My feet needed it! :-)
We ventured up and down the streets (uphill and downhill) looking for baskets, bowls, rugs, artwork and linens. We spent about two and a half to three hours wandering about, sticking our heads into this store and that. When we finally hailed a cab at about 1:30, we were starving and almost empty handed. I bought a beautiful wooden bowl for about $16...I had brought about $200 to spend. They did have linens, mostly too small for our table and when Christine priced one that she was interested in, the cost appeared very inflated. We did come across a great art store, I'm hoping to find it again and bring John along for cooperative purchasing.
So Christine and I headed back to Zona Sur for a late lunch. We considered the trip more of a scouting exercise as we can now identify the world's largest supply of colourful scarves, hats, and sweaters. We also know where you can buy edible nuts side by side with the metal kind.
Last night was another mellow one. My feet needed it! :-)
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Just Another Day Here
Yesterday was pretty quiet around the house. I went the grocery store after the meeting at the school, took a taxi home, just hung out, studied a little, played on the Internet. Around 2:30, I ventured out on a walk.
It was about a mile or so down the road from our street, took a right and all the way down a main street. Lots of "kioskos" and little stores to pop my head into although my timing was rough - siesta time is between 1-4. I did find a nice belated birthday gift for my momma! I'll get it into the mail tomorrow I hope!
At 4PM I was at the school, talking to my friend from Argentina, waiting on Jake to finish his After School Activity - the Cougar Press, a school newspaper. Lisette joined us and the three of us (myself, Jake and Lisette) took a taxi home. Normal after school homework was done and then Lisette had to return to school for soccer.
That left Jake and I for dinner. John was delayed coming home so we enjoyed the meal, just the two of us.
John eventually showed up and I sat with him while he ate and Jake had a shower. It's interesting to note that we know of two newsworthy events here in Bolivia that simply aren't reported. Actually, one was reported but so very innacurately, it may as well not have been. I really doubt that as much is missed in North America, at least one of these events would definitely not be swept under the media rug. It makes one appreciate free press when you're somewhere that doesn't have it. Our way is far from perfect but it's so much more transparent.
The girls came home from their sports practices tired but happy. We tucked in Jake and then John and I watched "Juno" - I had watched it with the girls, disliked the general theme of the movie but really enjoyed the humour. I encouraged John to look past the theme, he seemed to and seemed to enjoy the movie as well!
It was about a mile or so down the road from our street, took a right and all the way down a main street. Lots of "kioskos" and little stores to pop my head into although my timing was rough - siesta time is between 1-4. I did find a nice belated birthday gift for my momma! I'll get it into the mail tomorrow I hope!
At 4PM I was at the school, talking to my friend from Argentina, waiting on Jake to finish his After School Activity - the Cougar Press, a school newspaper. Lisette joined us and the three of us (myself, Jake and Lisette) took a taxi home. Normal after school homework was done and then Lisette had to return to school for soccer.
That left Jake and I for dinner. John was delayed coming home so we enjoyed the meal, just the two of us.
John eventually showed up and I sat with him while he ate and Jake had a shower. It's interesting to note that we know of two newsworthy events here in Bolivia that simply aren't reported. Actually, one was reported but so very innacurately, it may as well not have been. I really doubt that as much is missed in North America, at least one of these events would definitely not be swept under the media rug. It makes one appreciate free press when you're somewhere that doesn't have it. Our way is far from perfect but it's so much more transparent.
The girls came home from their sports practices tired but happy. We tucked in Jake and then John and I watched "Juno" - I had watched it with the girls, disliked the general theme of the movie but really enjoyed the humour. I encouraged John to look past the theme, he seemed to and seemed to enjoy the movie as well!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Age Difference
We met this morning with Jake's teacher and the elementary school counselor. Jake's doing very well, making friends and playing with the other kids. He has some minor issues with picking up social cues from his peers. Part of his problem is the age difference with his sisters. He's spent his life hearing and seeing the actions of kids twice his age. His sense of humour is affected, making his jokes fly over the heads of his peers which in turn frustrates him. Not his fault, not their fault. The teacher recognized all of this. He is bossy. That's just his own character flaw, along with being stubborn. These are things we can work on, the teacher just wanted to let us know some things had come up in class. It was a very positive meeting which gave me even more respect for Ms. Capra.
Overall, he's adjusting very well to the new school. He fits in well with his classmates, his best buddy and Jake are both making friends outside of themselves which was a concern for both John and I and Jake's teacher. He's also making friends with boys that aren't strictly American.
I'll be emailing Ms. Capra next week to check on Jake some more and I'll keep you posted.
Yesterday I had a tea at a beautiful hotel in downtown La Paz. It was on the 15th floor and had a breathtaking view of Mount Illimani. We laughed and joked the entire time we were there. Such a blast! As always, I was happy to practice my Spanish which is starting to come back to me some more.
Last evening, John and I attended a parent meeting for a program at the school called "Classroom without Walls", Nicole will be traveling to Machu Picchu next month with her 11th grade classmates. What an awesome opportunity!! I wish I could go too but they have plenty of teachers going with them. We're waiting for some of you guys to come and make a party trip of it with us!!!! Takers??
Overall, he's adjusting very well to the new school. He fits in well with his classmates, his best buddy and Jake are both making friends outside of themselves which was a concern for both John and I and Jake's teacher. He's also making friends with boys that aren't strictly American.
I'll be emailing Ms. Capra next week to check on Jake some more and I'll keep you posted.
Yesterday I had a tea at a beautiful hotel in downtown La Paz. It was on the 15th floor and had a breathtaking view of Mount Illimani. We laughed and joked the entire time we were there. Such a blast! As always, I was happy to practice my Spanish which is starting to come back to me some more.
Last evening, John and I attended a parent meeting for a program at the school called "Classroom without Walls", Nicole will be traveling to Machu Picchu next month with her 11th grade classmates. What an awesome opportunity!! I wish I could go too but they have plenty of teachers going with them. We're waiting for some of you guys to come and make a party trip of it with us!!!! Takers??
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Weight Loss
Best side effect of being at altitude - weight loss. My clothes are already baggy. After 12 months eating Argentine food (fabulous food by the way!) this is great payback. Part of the reason for the weight loss is the altitude decreases your appetite. I completely forgot to eat dinner on Saturday. Remembered Sunday morning but I still wasn't really hungry.
Yesterday was pretty quiet. I played around on the Internet all day, catching up on some overdue emails (Happy Birthday Caroline! Happy Anniversary Deb and Don!) and looking up old friends on Facebook. I also started studying for my Spanish test.
Jake reported yet another good day at school but I emailed his teacher for a report from her to verify. She asked for a conference to discuss his adjustment, it's hard to read whether this involves good news or bad but Jake's adamant that life has been good for him. We're meeting tomorrow morning.
The girls started their after school sports yesterday and Nicole came home with an ugly bruise on her elbow from volleyball. Lisette had piano then soccer with Nicole, so they both were pretty tired by the time they bounced (yeah, not so tired) into the house around 7:30. I read them the rules of "taking it easy" for the first 30-45 days. More soccer/volleyball today so we'll see.
We watched the extra features of our new 20th anniversary edition of "The Princess Bride" last night with Jake and Lisette. Our first dance at our wedding was to "Storybook Story", the theme song for the movie. If you haven't watched and fallen in love with the movie, rent it tonight!
Yesterday was pretty quiet. I played around on the Internet all day, catching up on some overdue emails (Happy Birthday Caroline! Happy Anniversary Deb and Don!) and looking up old friends on Facebook. I also started studying for my Spanish test.
Jake reported yet another good day at school but I emailed his teacher for a report from her to verify. She asked for a conference to discuss his adjustment, it's hard to read whether this involves good news or bad but Jake's adamant that life has been good for him. We're meeting tomorrow morning.
The girls started their after school sports yesterday and Nicole came home with an ugly bruise on her elbow from volleyball. Lisette had piano then soccer with Nicole, so they both were pretty tired by the time they bounced (yeah, not so tired) into the house around 7:30. I read them the rules of "taking it easy" for the first 30-45 days. More soccer/volleyball today so we'll see.
We watched the extra features of our new 20th anniversary edition of "The Princess Bride" last night with Jake and Lisette. Our first dance at our wedding was to "Storybook Story", the theme song for the movie. If you haven't watched and fallen in love with the movie, rent it tonight!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Party Styles
I attended three separate parties last night, per se.
Number one party: at the Marine House. It was a welcome party for a new Marine, nice young man. I was able to chat with some of the people from the Embassy that I hadn't had the opportunity to really get to know yet. I stuck to Diet Coke as I was supposed to take over babysitting duties from Nicole after an hour or so. She had been designated as the babysitter for yet another night while Lisette attended a Senior/Freshman soiree. After just over an hour John and I zipped home to swap out for Nicole so she could hang with the Embassy crowd for a break. We walked into more than we bargained for. Nicole and her new boyfriend had broken up and she was broken-hearted. A party was just what she needed, so John headed back to the Marine House with her.
Number two party: at my house! Myself, two fourth graders, two second graders and a kindergartener. First we played Junior Scrabble (I lost but the game was three quarters over when I joined it - really!) then we started watching Star Wars but that quickly degraded to an all out light-saber battle between the three youngest vs. Buddy and I. Buddy and I lost that one too. The other two moms appeared and I let the kids loose while we opened a bottle of white wine. The other two dads appeared and we shooed them back to the Marine House 'cause we were having too much fun! About an hour later, they reappeared and I had to say my farewells. I did get an update that Nicole was enjoying a good game of pool. Whew!
Number three party: at a house a few blocks away. John called Lisette when returning to our house. Some boy answers, tells him he has the wrong number and hangs up. John tries again, no answer now. Tracks down the girl Lisette went to the party with, finds out the party ended over an hour prior. By now, I'm informed of this and am having a minor heart attack. Lisette ends up calling the house, she had gone to a second party just a few blocks from our house and is seriously concerned about the well-being of a very intoxicated young lady she's caring for at this party. After some confusion with the address, John and I arrive to find a house in chaos. I tend to a semi-shocky 14 yr. old girl while John scares the rest of the hooligans away. We're left with a group of sober, exhausted high schoolers who had been trying to gain control over a party that had gone out of control. Oh, and some adults who had stayed in the kitchen when all hell had broken loose. We get in touch with the girl's parents who show up to find their baby in a sad state. She's already vomited a few times and has improved in that she can walk somewhat and talk a little more coherently. Lisette is in near hysterics from exhaustion and fear...both from us and her fellow students come Monday and she has to face the reaction of her decision to call us in.
Lisette is in trouble for going to the second party without permission but we're certainly glad she felt she could call us when there was too much for her to handle.
I slept until noon, go figure.
Number one party: at the Marine House. It was a welcome party for a new Marine, nice young man. I was able to chat with some of the people from the Embassy that I hadn't had the opportunity to really get to know yet. I stuck to Diet Coke as I was supposed to take over babysitting duties from Nicole after an hour or so. She had been designated as the babysitter for yet another night while Lisette attended a Senior/Freshman soiree. After just over an hour John and I zipped home to swap out for Nicole so she could hang with the Embassy crowd for a break. We walked into more than we bargained for. Nicole and her new boyfriend had broken up and she was broken-hearted. A party was just what she needed, so John headed back to the Marine House with her.
Number two party: at my house! Myself, two fourth graders, two second graders and a kindergartener. First we played Junior Scrabble (I lost but the game was three quarters over when I joined it - really!) then we started watching Star Wars but that quickly degraded to an all out light-saber battle between the three youngest vs. Buddy and I. Buddy and I lost that one too. The other two moms appeared and I let the kids loose while we opened a bottle of white wine. The other two dads appeared and we shooed them back to the Marine House 'cause we were having too much fun! About an hour later, they reappeared and I had to say my farewells. I did get an update that Nicole was enjoying a good game of pool. Whew!
Number three party: at a house a few blocks away. John called Lisette when returning to our house. Some boy answers, tells him he has the wrong number and hangs up. John tries again, no answer now. Tracks down the girl Lisette went to the party with, finds out the party ended over an hour prior. By now, I'm informed of this and am having a minor heart attack. Lisette ends up calling the house, she had gone to a second party just a few blocks from our house and is seriously concerned about the well-being of a very intoxicated young lady she's caring for at this party. After some confusion with the address, John and I arrive to find a house in chaos. I tend to a semi-shocky 14 yr. old girl while John scares the rest of the hooligans away. We're left with a group of sober, exhausted high schoolers who had been trying to gain control over a party that had gone out of control. Oh, and some adults who had stayed in the kitchen when all hell had broken loose. We get in touch with the girl's parents who show up to find their baby in a sad state. She's already vomited a few times and has improved in that she can walk somewhat and talk a little more coherently. Lisette is in near hysterics from exhaustion and fear...both from us and her fellow students come Monday and she has to face the reaction of her decision to call us in.
Lisette is in trouble for going to the second party without permission but we're certainly glad she felt she could call us when there was too much for her to handle.
I slept until noon, go figure.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Sunny Saturday
So far, every day has been sunny and beautiful! Today was no exception.
Last night, Lisette went to a concert and Nicole was stuck babysitting while friends of our went out for dinner with us and we left the three boys in total here at the house. She was none too happy about it. Kudos to her that she didn't take it out on the boys and they all seemed to have fun.
Jake's bestest friend Manny slept over and they were actually asleep by 11:30. I believe the trick is to have sleepovers on Friday nights so that they're already tired from a full day at school.
This morning I got up and made bacon & eggs for the whole house. Lisette, our resident pseudo-vegetarian stuck with the eggs. Somehow I also got stuck with all of the dishes.
We all went out with our friends to the nearby club to check out what they have to offer. Very nice place with horseback riding, tennis, soccer, squash and aikido, plus a pretty well-equipped gym. Looks like we found our weekend site!
After a scary drive up the mountain to their gun range (yup, we're going to have family night at the gun range! Ha!) we all went to the local "TGIFs" for lunch. It took forever but it was a tasty lunch. Nicole got mad at me (again) because she misunderstood me when I told her not to order a milkshake...funny thing was, I didn't even get mad at her. Another reason I'd never want to be a teen again. Poor thing's feeling abused and it's just coincidence working against her.
So now we're back home and Jake's moaning over his lack of a Playstation. He's waiting fairly patiently for me to give up the computer for him. That includes lying in a chair in misery but he's still smart enough not too whine.
I guess I can pack it in now... we still miss everyone!!
Last night, Lisette went to a concert and Nicole was stuck babysitting while friends of our went out for dinner with us and we left the three boys in total here at the house. She was none too happy about it. Kudos to her that she didn't take it out on the boys and they all seemed to have fun.
Jake's bestest friend Manny slept over and they were actually asleep by 11:30. I believe the trick is to have sleepovers on Friday nights so that they're already tired from a full day at school.
This morning I got up and made bacon & eggs for the whole house. Lisette, our resident pseudo-vegetarian stuck with the eggs. Somehow I also got stuck with all of the dishes.
We all went out with our friends to the nearby club to check out what they have to offer. Very nice place with horseback riding, tennis, soccer, squash and aikido, plus a pretty well-equipped gym. Looks like we found our weekend site!
After a scary drive up the mountain to their gun range (yup, we're going to have family night at the gun range! Ha!) we all went to the local "TGIFs" for lunch. It took forever but it was a tasty lunch. Nicole got mad at me (again) because she misunderstood me when I told her not to order a milkshake...funny thing was, I didn't even get mad at her. Another reason I'd never want to be a teen again. Poor thing's feeling abused and it's just coincidence working against her.
So now we're back home and Jake's moaning over his lack of a Playstation. He's waiting fairly patiently for me to give up the computer for him. That includes lying in a chair in misery but he's still smart enough not too whine.
I guess I can pack it in now... we still miss everyone!!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Internet Ready
We finally have Internet...kind of.
They were supposed to show at 9. John called at 9:45 and then they were supposed to be here between 10:30-12. John called at 12:35. They'll be here within half an hour. They showed at about 2. It took awhile to get it connected but they did. Problem is, someone else has to bring us a modem. It's 10 'til 4 and we're still waiting. He was supposed to be on his way at around 3.
I'll keep you posted...
They were supposed to show at 9. John called at 9:45 and then they were supposed to be here between 10:30-12. John called at 12:35. They'll be here within half an hour. They showed at about 2. It took awhile to get it connected but they did. Problem is, someone else has to bring us a modem. It's 10 'til 4 and we're still waiting. He was supposed to be on his way at around 3.
I'll keep you posted...
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Altitude Side Effects
Our favourite altitude side effect is sluggish thought processes. Good excuse, eh?? "Lack of oxygen" is quick to exit our mouth when we can't remember something or we screw something up. It doesn't work with the few people that knew us elsewhere, we haven't really got any worse (thank God!) but it's helpful with our new acquaintances!
Nausea, shortness of breath and headaches are mild but were rather consistent for our first few days. The shortness of breath comes back quick still, just walking up a flight of stairs or talking too fast makes us stop and pant a little. Mom can attest to this - I spoke to her a few days after we arrived and I had just walked up a dozen steps to our friend's Vonage phone. Everyone has told us not to exercise at all for atleast 30-45 days.
The side effect that's been bugging John and I the most has been insomnia. John's been taking mild sleeping pills which don't seem to be helping too much. I tossed and turned all night last night so went back to bed this morning after getting the kids on the bus. Slept two hours and now I think I feel worse. Oh, well...had to give it a try.
There may be a shortage of meat here in La Paz as the farmers in the lowlands are threatening to stop sending meat. Ahhh! Third world country...divided country. Keeps one on their toes. Dominga and I are going to go to the market after lunch and hopefully stock up. We have a full size upright freezer here at the house with lots of room. Hopefully there will be meat there to stock it with. I refuse to buy the llama meat though! :-)
Somehow, John's secretary was able to squeeze us in an appointment with the local Internet provider. They're supposed to show up tomorrow morning and John's supposed to stay home to help coordinate the installation. Internet here is slow and expensive. We had to pay for six months in advance...a bummer if we're only at this house for four months but you do what you have to! So Kim, I'll call you at work tomorrow morning if they show! They tried to set a 7PM appointment time...what are the chances that the guy would show up at 7PM on a Friday evening? Ha!
John and I went to the school for the High School Orientation. No big surprise...the girls' teachers are delighted with them. They're in the same Spanish and Philosophy classes together. John got "told" by the Spanish teacher for not speaking Spanish to the girls. She told him it was a crime! Hee Hee! He agreed then walked out with a smile but his head hanging a little lower. Funny how being scolded by a teacher still stings even when she's the same age as us!
Well, time for lunch...leftovers from the dinners I haven't had to cook. Yeah!
Nausea, shortness of breath and headaches are mild but were rather consistent for our first few days. The shortness of breath comes back quick still, just walking up a flight of stairs or talking too fast makes us stop and pant a little. Mom can attest to this - I spoke to her a few days after we arrived and I had just walked up a dozen steps to our friend's Vonage phone. Everyone has told us not to exercise at all for atleast 30-45 days.
The side effect that's been bugging John and I the most has been insomnia. John's been taking mild sleeping pills which don't seem to be helping too much. I tossed and turned all night last night so went back to bed this morning after getting the kids on the bus. Slept two hours and now I think I feel worse. Oh, well...had to give it a try.
There may be a shortage of meat here in La Paz as the farmers in the lowlands are threatening to stop sending meat. Ahhh! Third world country...divided country. Keeps one on their toes. Dominga and I are going to go to the market after lunch and hopefully stock up. We have a full size upright freezer here at the house with lots of room. Hopefully there will be meat there to stock it with. I refuse to buy the llama meat though! :-)
Somehow, John's secretary was able to squeeze us in an appointment with the local Internet provider. They're supposed to show up tomorrow morning and John's supposed to stay home to help coordinate the installation. Internet here is slow and expensive. We had to pay for six months in advance...a bummer if we're only at this house for four months but you do what you have to! So Kim, I'll call you at work tomorrow morning if they show! They tried to set a 7PM appointment time...what are the chances that the guy would show up at 7PM on a Friday evening? Ha!
John and I went to the school for the High School Orientation. No big surprise...the girls' teachers are delighted with them. They're in the same Spanish and Philosophy classes together. John got "told" by the Spanish teacher for not speaking Spanish to the girls. She told him it was a crime! Hee Hee! He agreed then walked out with a smile but his head hanging a little lower. Funny how being scolded by a teacher still stings even when she's the same age as us!
Well, time for lunch...leftovers from the dinners I haven't had to cook. Yeah!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
We're Here!
We arrived just over a week ago. It was an overnight flight from Miami, delayed a few hours but otherwise a decent flight. Decent because I slept the whole time! :-)
Lisette became ill from the altitude as soon as we landed. Poor baby! She was white as a sheet, John had her sit down right in the middle of the chaos that La Paz airport was at 7 AM. He gave her water and she improved considerably. Nicole and I had to visit the ladies room so we missed most of the drama but I was very happy to see Lisette had pink lips instead of blue when I returned. There were half a dozen people there to welcome us (and look after my baby) so we whisked through the diplomatic lines (so cool!), gathered a yelping Buddy (poor puppy!) and climbed into the three vans that were waiting for us and our 85 lb. Lab and our 10 large suitcases.
We spent our first week in a beautiful two story condo with incredible views of the mountains and city. It was a four bedroom luxurious deal but a house was found for us which was actually even more beautiful. John calls it the "Soprano House" due to its opulence. Our eventual house is under some major renovations...supposedly it will be ready in January but we're preparing to make this house ours for at least 6 months.
The house has only 3 bedrooms but they're all master bedrooms. The girls have to share a room but we've also given them the entire third floor which includes a huge open space they'll use as a study/TV room. Not a bad deal. Jake's bedroom is huge as well, he has two twin beds in here and the only Internet access as we're borrowing the wireless connection from the Marine house across the street. Yes, the Embassy Marine guards live twenty feet away. Great for security of the house...not so sure about the security of our two beautiful teenage girls! Ha!
We've hired a maid. Her name is Dominga and she started work yesterday. She's a sweetie but she's not Lilian so I'm not quite as happy. I'll keep you posted! :-)
I became sick as a dog on Friday...possibly something I ate or drank. The water isn't potable here so we all have a water distiller in each house, our apartment one stopped working - possibly before I last drank from it. We moved into the house on Friday so that was fun. Thank goodness for wonderful Embassy help. My stomach troubles turned into throat and sinus trouble on Saturday. May as well get it all over with at once I guess! Today is much better, just a little weakness and sinus ache left. Nicole's home with a sore throat but her energy level seems good enough for school tomorrow.
Jake is conditionally accepted at the school but has been doing terrific! Knock on wood! I think his teacher is an angel! His best friend from Argentina is in his class. They begged the teacher to sit closer to each other but she was smart enough to sit a two girl buffer between them. The whole acceptance issue was a problem when we first arrived. As opposed to what was indicated via email, they were only going to have him "audit" for the first four weeks which gave him no protection at all, they could show him the door at any time. Thanks to a few puffs on the oxygen mask, we approached the superintendent and asked for the status change and got it. Normally a conditional acceptance is for a semester but as Jake is apparently doing so well, they've offered us a quarterly review...so he may be completely accepted as soon as October. The elementary principal has been doing back flips for us, being exceptionally friendly. Although I appreciate her effort (she could have been very nasty), I can't quite warm to her. We'll see.
No word yet on my job. I need to take the Spanish test but that won't be for a week or so. I'll try to be good about stealing Nicole's laptop and getting a blog in daily. Supposedly it takes about three months to get Internet set up here. Third world? Yup!
Miss you all! Love and Besos!
Lisette became ill from the altitude as soon as we landed. Poor baby! She was white as a sheet, John had her sit down right in the middle of the chaos that La Paz airport was at 7 AM. He gave her water and she improved considerably. Nicole and I had to visit the ladies room so we missed most of the drama but I was very happy to see Lisette had pink lips instead of blue when I returned. There were half a dozen people there to welcome us (and look after my baby) so we whisked through the diplomatic lines (so cool!), gathered a yelping Buddy (poor puppy!) and climbed into the three vans that were waiting for us and our 85 lb. Lab and our 10 large suitcases.
We spent our first week in a beautiful two story condo with incredible views of the mountains and city. It was a four bedroom luxurious deal but a house was found for us which was actually even more beautiful. John calls it the "Soprano House" due to its opulence. Our eventual house is under some major renovations...supposedly it will be ready in January but we're preparing to make this house ours for at least 6 months.
The house has only 3 bedrooms but they're all master bedrooms. The girls have to share a room but we've also given them the entire third floor which includes a huge open space they'll use as a study/TV room. Not a bad deal. Jake's bedroom is huge as well, he has two twin beds in here and the only Internet access as we're borrowing the wireless connection from the Marine house across the street. Yes, the Embassy Marine guards live twenty feet away. Great for security of the house...not so sure about the security of our two beautiful teenage girls! Ha!
We've hired a maid. Her name is Dominga and she started work yesterday. She's a sweetie but she's not Lilian so I'm not quite as happy. I'll keep you posted! :-)
I became sick as a dog on Friday...possibly something I ate or drank. The water isn't potable here so we all have a water distiller in each house, our apartment one stopped working - possibly before I last drank from it. We moved into the house on Friday so that was fun. Thank goodness for wonderful Embassy help. My stomach troubles turned into throat and sinus trouble on Saturday. May as well get it all over with at once I guess! Today is much better, just a little weakness and sinus ache left. Nicole's home with a sore throat but her energy level seems good enough for school tomorrow.
Jake is conditionally accepted at the school but has been doing terrific! Knock on wood! I think his teacher is an angel! His best friend from Argentina is in his class. They begged the teacher to sit closer to each other but she was smart enough to sit a two girl buffer between them. The whole acceptance issue was a problem when we first arrived. As opposed to what was indicated via email, they were only going to have him "audit" for the first four weeks which gave him no protection at all, they could show him the door at any time. Thanks to a few puffs on the oxygen mask, we approached the superintendent and asked for the status change and got it. Normally a conditional acceptance is for a semester but as Jake is apparently doing so well, they've offered us a quarterly review...so he may be completely accepted as soon as October. The elementary principal has been doing back flips for us, being exceptionally friendly. Although I appreciate her effort (she could have been very nasty), I can't quite warm to her. We'll see.
No word yet on my job. I need to take the Spanish test but that won't be for a week or so. I'll try to be good about stealing Nicole's laptop and getting a blog in daily. Supposedly it takes about three months to get Internet set up here. Third world? Yup!
Miss you all! Love and Besos!
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