August 31, 2008
Max and Maggie start school tomorrow. And because we don't have a Colombian bank account we needed cash. It's a bit different here. You don't pay the school and they don't take credit. Since our checks are American dollars we are left with cash. You take the cash to the bank and they give you a slip stating you paid. Now the funny part is the monopoly money here. Pesos are such HUGE amounts that we needed, drum roll please, $1,601,300 (ONE MILLION SIX HUNDRED ONE THOUSAND AND THREE PESOS)!!! Mike and I felt like we robbed a bank counting out that kind of cash. We had to go to the ATM a gazillion times the week before and keep taking out the max. Hmmm, me thinks we need a Colombian bank account. Mike's gonna check that at the Embassy on Tuesday. Anyway... I'll be sure and take a couple photos tomorrow. The kids are so bacited!
Oh, if someone does the math that is NOT the cost of the school each month. We had to pay matriculation and materials fees. They also need a uniform but not sure if that is included in that amount or not. And the transportation - WOWZERS. Good thing we only need it for the first two months or so because I think tuition per month, each, is around $350 but transportation is $120 each. I could take a cab there and back with them each day for less. Hmmm, I should look into that. Seriously, it would be about half the cost...
Museo de los Ninos
August 31, 2008
Today we went to the Children's Museum. It was FANTASTIC except for one tiny problem. The museum is guided tours only. That in and of itself is not bad, actually it was good. They break the kids into groups and tailor the "lectures" to the age of the child, also the subject matter. So kids in the 1 to 5 yr range experienced the sensorial rooms, gymnasium, basic art, a miniature town and dinosaurs. Sounds great right? Um well, it's great if your kids SPEAK SPANISH! I translated some but unfortunately 5 yr old spansh is over my head, at least when your talking "electricity" and such. I'll give it to Max though. He jumped right in and clapped when the other kids did, learned when to shout "aqui, aqui, aqui" and cover his eye like a pirate (don't ask, I'm not quite sure myself) but it was cute. Maggie just did what Maggie always does... her own thing! I'm not so sure even in English she would have participated. Maggie has never been one for group participation. That was the one thing her teachers always pointed out - she needs lot's of direction to stay with a group.
Can we go in yet! We're so "bacited". Sorry I can't help but think of Carly with that emotion!
This room was awesome but a little too controlled. The "guide" did a great job explaining water purification, electricity, grocery shopping etc but the kids didn't get much time to play here. Mine ignored her after a while and played with the toys. No one seemed to care so it was all good I guess.
Today we went to the Children's Museum. It was FANTASTIC except for one tiny problem. The museum is guided tours only. That in and of itself is not bad, actually it was good. They break the kids into groups and tailor the "lectures" to the age of the child, also the subject matter. So kids in the 1 to 5 yr range experienced the sensorial rooms, gymnasium, basic art, a miniature town and dinosaurs. Sounds great right? Um well, it's great if your kids SPEAK SPANISH! I translated some but unfortunately 5 yr old spansh is over my head, at least when your talking "electricity" and such. I'll give it to Max though. He jumped right in and clapped when the other kids did, learned when to shout "aqui, aqui, aqui" and cover his eye like a pirate (don't ask, I'm not quite sure myself) but it was cute. Maggie just did what Maggie always does... her own thing! I'm not so sure even in English she would have participated. Maggie has never been one for group participation. That was the one thing her teachers always pointed out - she needs lot's of direction to stay with a group.
Can we go in yet! We're so "bacited". Sorry I can't help but think of Carly with that emotion!
Anyway, we had a good time. Here is Maggie in front of the museum waiting for our "tour" to start.
Max was more interested in looking at himself than the robot.
See him making silly faces at himself. Such a goofball!
Inside the first part of the "sensorial" exhibit. A room of mirrors. That's our reflection in the ceiling. Again, Max LOVED this room. Also the next one with the funny mirrors that make you fat, tall, short etc...
Then we moved onto the city.
This room was awesome but a little too controlled. The "guide" did a great job explaining water purification, electricity, grocery shopping etc but the kids didn't get much time to play here. Mine ignored her after a while and played with the toys. No one seemed to care so it was all good I guess.
The firetruck was a BIG hit!
Here we come to save the day!
Then we did some art projects and the kids got their faces painted. Maggie had to use the restroom, of course, so I missed why each kid got the wavy design on their face. Maggie asked for a butterfly but...
apparently she excepted the wave well!
I think I'M gonna need a drink!
August 28, 2008
I always knew she'd be trouble. She's IS really cute, and she DOES have a charming personality and she HAS the best social skills of any 3 year old I've ever met. But does she really need to be guzzling whiskey? Yup you read that correctly... Mike made a Jack 'n Coke last night, put it on the table beside his chair, got up to help me with something and when he returned G.O.N.E. Maggie giggled and said, "I drank your soda Papa". Needless to say she was in a FANTASTIC mood the rest of the night and slept pretty darn well too!
I always knew she'd be trouble. She's IS really cute, and she DOES have a charming personality and she HAS the best social skills of any 3 year old I've ever met. But does she really need to be guzzling whiskey? Yup you read that correctly... Mike made a Jack 'n Coke last night, put it on the table beside his chair, got up to help me with something and when he returned G.O.N.E. Maggie giggled and said, "I drank your soda Papa". Needless to say she was in a FANTASTIC mood the rest of the night and slept pretty darn well too!
The last photos of Cartagena - I promise!
August 25, 2008
Two post in one day... I believe this is a first for me! I have soooo many photos from our trip and I feel compelled to post at least a couple from each day.
Max and Maggie had their first soda in Cartagena. Not that they haven't snuck a sip or two of mine and Mike's but this was their first real glass that I got FOR THEM. Max wasn't too impressed.
The kids drank their sodas while we waited for a cab. A Colombian couple was stationed at Quantico last year for school and are now in Cartagena so we met them for dinner out in the "old town" area of Cartagena. Soooo quaint.
Here's the kids in front of the restaurant making friends with the bull. The food here was to. die. for!
The next day we went back to do some exploring. Here's a photo of a typical street.
Max playing with the cannons.
Simon Bolivar Park
Placard from the monument.
Self portrait of me and Mag's at the Inquisition Museum.
Mike awaiting his fate.
I love how Maggie and this statue are the same size.
Torture time... Maggie was NOT happy about posing for this photo. Some of the torture devices in this place were so sadistic I have no idea how anyone came up with them!
Onto happier times... our first Colombian birthday party. This was at a pizza place and seriously it was kid paradise.
Mini kids disco.
Slides - Here is the birthday boy!
Trains 
Ball pits
I could go on... but the photo madness has to end somewhere!
Our UAB is coming, our UAB is coming!!!!
August 25, 2008
YEAH!!!!! And for all who are lost, UAB is unaccompanied baggage. In other words the first part of our shipment. And this part is really important because when given priority, and limited amount of weight, I chose to pack the majority of the kids toys and the majority of my kitchen in the UAB. So the kids can play and I can cook - GLORY! Mike thought I was nuts for picking those 2 items and in the amount that I did but I stand by it after being here for a month with a handful of toys and the "welcome kit" of 4 plates, 4 of each untensil and 4 pots. Not to sound ungrateful because it was definitely helpful but still, I NEED my kitchen and the kids NEED some toys.
In other fantastic news...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMY!!!!!
My little sister is now another year older. Sorry we aren't near to celebrate with you Aim but we are thinking about you. Hope you have a fantastic day!
YEAH!!!!! And for all who are lost, UAB is unaccompanied baggage. In other words the first part of our shipment. And this part is really important because when given priority, and limited amount of weight, I chose to pack the majority of the kids toys and the majority of my kitchen in the UAB. So the kids can play and I can cook - GLORY! Mike thought I was nuts for picking those 2 items and in the amount that I did but I stand by it after being here for a month with a handful of toys and the "welcome kit" of 4 plates, 4 of each untensil and 4 pots. Not to sound ungrateful because it was definitely helpful but still, I NEED my kitchen and the kids NEED some toys.
In other fantastic news...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMY!!!!!
My little sister is now another year older. Sorry we aren't near to celebrate with you Aim but we are thinking about you. Hope you have a fantastic day!
Cartagena Part II
August 24, 2008
Mike and Max set to work...
I can't sleep so I thought I'd try and post the rest of the photos. I'm thinking blogger shouldn't be too heavily trafficed at this hour so they'll load faster. It's a thought anyway...
Waiting on the dock for our boat with our new bucket of sand toys.
Max and Mommy on the boat ride. Fabulous photo of me... NOT!
When we got off the boat some fishermen pulled in a net. Max and Maggie lost their minds over the "real" fish. They were touching them and squealing and then, in the blink of an eye, Max picked one up and threw it back in the water! Oops - sorry fisherman.
Here is a photo of the resort we stayed at for the day. Again, everything was included. We started off at the pool then headed for the beach in the afternoon.
Fun photo of the kids attacking one of the Colombian attaches. He was a good sport! Don't ya just LOVE how the "adult" pool and the "kiddie" pool connect with a tiny bridge. So much fun for everyone.
Max wanted to make a sandcastle but everytime we started Maggie would smash it... shocking I know! So I took her over with a bunch of the other kids from the trip, under an umbrella which with her fair skin was a good idea.
Mike and Max set to work...Then stopped for a little swim in the ocean. Look how big my baby boy is getting.
Three hours later, after lunch and more pool play, I went down to the beach and saw this...
Okay so we didn't make it but it sure is cool! Credit must go to the Canadians Renee and his son Tom. Excellent work guys!
Chillin' in the hammock. Both were waaaay tired but who can fall asleep at the beach - even in a swinging hammock?
Before we got off the boat Maggie fell asleep.
As in DEAD ASLEEP! How funny is that?
Geez we did alot and I am not done yet! A few more photos to come of the "old town" area. So pretty!
Photos of THE best trip ever...
August 21, 2008
Well, for the cost anyway. Seriously, we paid only $1000, that's TOTAL NOT EACH, for this all inclusive 4 day and 5 night trip to Cartagena. Soooo worth every penny! Next time you all are looking for an exotic getaway for not too much money you all should think about it! Breakfast, lunch AND dinner buffets plus all the drinks you can guzzle! The food was good too. Not some cheesy continental breakfast but full on buffets with fruit and fresh fruit juices (a HUGE deal in Colombia), cereals, hot foods and soups. Breakfast was always the same but lunch and dinner were based on themes like Italian and traditional Colombian of course!
But I am getting ahead of myself. Let's start with the flight. Um yeah, a Colombia Airforce Cargo Plane. The kids LOVED it! Net seats and all. They played "spiderman" and watched movies. But the flight was only an hour and a half so how bad could it be? Well, maybe not uncomfortable but it sure as heck was LOUD!
Our plane
Me putting in ear plugs!
What's that up there?
Ummm nothing but pipes and wires - oh and a little steam when they put the flaps down.
Our hotel was FANTASTIC. Great pool with a little kiddie pool attached to the adult pool.
Gotta love the spiderman goggles!
A view of the beach from the rooftop pool deck.
A playroom for kids with a ball pit. They also did arts and crafts in here and made cookies!
At night the kids could go downstairs to the pizzaria and make pizza. That's right... the kids put on aprons and grabbed rolling pins and went to town start to finish!
Carolina helped them, 2 days in a row! She was so great using gestures and short phrases to help them understand.
Ah, enjoying the fruits of their labor. The pizza was GOOD too!
View from our boat ride to another island. I forget the name at the moment but I'll fill ya in tomorrow! BEAUTIFUL huh. Wait 'til you see the island!
I will load the rest another day. Blogger is REALLY slow tonight and I've run out of patients!
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