fin de semana

We had a weekend. Well, we did some unsuccessful furniture hunting, but for the most part, we spent it outdoors and I think our girls were very happy and relieved for that. Saturday morning, we checked out the zoologico at Chapultepec Park, which is like a 10 minutes walk from where we're currently residing. Honestly, I was nervous about going to the zoo here. I mean, a zoo is a zoo right? But then, there are 'good' zoos and 'bad' zoos. Anyway, the kids were super excited about going to the zoo so apprehension aside, we made it a fun excursion for them.

The zoo resides in the enormous Chapultepec Park. The park during the weekend,is a whirlwind of activities. It draws in the locals by the hordes and vendors sell everything and anything imaginable.. And then, you have a string of buskers - magicians, clowns and musicians, trying to make their days' wages.

So I have to say, with much relief, that the zoo wasn't that bad. It wasn't the 'best' that I've been to, but it was decent enough. Not so sure if Sera was very impressed especially after visiting Blijdorp Zoo in Rotterdam, but I think she still enjoyed herself.

Our weekend ended with a little trip outside the Mexico D.F.. Not so sure where we were but I think we were in the mountains northwest? We actually spend the afternoon at 'The Hacienda', which is just a restaurant with a huge field that they use for families to rest and relax outdoors. There were horse and pony rides, a playground, an art and craft corner, a stable with small farm animals, a little stadium, a bouncy castle and a bar. Ha ha. A comforting oddity in the middle of nowhere! When our tummys beckoned for food, we strolled to the restaurant and had a typical non-vegetarian, Mexican dinner. Hmmm, 'yummy'!

This weekend, we finally receive our boxes, after 6 months. Hopefully, it'll be like 'Christmas morning' all over again ...

Girls with Joran and Isis.

At the Hacienda, Yassy surprised us when she wanted to go on the pony. She held on to Johan's hand and the other hand on the saddle.

Sera and Isis really enjoyed just being able to play freely that day

I had to take a picture of this meat platter ... for Sue-Lyn especially. Recently, I heard someone say that she became a vegetarian after living in Mexico??!!

One day at a time ...

... and do ONE thing in a day (when in Mexico)!

And staying true to my guiding principle, today, I start my first post for the year. Sorry everyone for my long absence and thank you for your understanding. So here we are in Mexico Districto Federal, also known as Mexico City to the rest of the world. But here, the locals simply call it Mexico. It's been 13 days since we arrived from our Christmas holiday in Holland and we're slowly settling in. The jet lag is gone, the initial astonishment is hardly there and after about a week of searching we found an apartment. I think that's not too bad for Mexican standards.

Sera and Yassy have, I'm pretty sure, settled into a nice routine at school. Sera was all ready to go to school and Yassy, well, she cried for 5 minutes on her first day. There was nothing dramatic about their first day ... but for me, I was most nervous about doing the school drive. The roads here are packed, bumper to bumper on any given time of the day, especially on the main roads. And along with that, there isn't much regulation on the roads. Yes, the police (apparently) would stop you if you're caught talking on the phone without a headset. But I've seen cars cross red lights, cross double white lines, overtake dangerously and at T-junctions, all 4 lanes have their right of way ... depends which driver has the bravest heart.

So you see, I was extremely nervous about driving and for the first week, Johan arranged for a driver so that I could sit back, gasp and observe the route. This week, I had no choice but to suck it in and do the school run. Johan and I practised, on Sunday, the routes to Sera and Yassy's schools. Their schools are close but at different locations. Johan was very thorough, as usual, and even bought me a Garmin. Haha. Today was my second day of school run, and safe to say, it has been all right. The good thing is, nobody CAN really drive fast here because the roads are so packed.

Unlike Dubai or Doha, here in Mexico, we actually do mingle with the locals. It's a refreshing change and I actually do feel part of a unique culture. But that also means that I have to speak Spanish! I'm excited about it and currently taking lessons for it. I have to say, it is a humbling experience to always check my translations before I open my mouth. Hopefully, soon, I can do without my translator. 'wink'

Have patience with me while I try to sort things over here. I miss you all dearly and hope that all is going well over on your side of the pond. Besos!

The girls sharing a lemon with lime sorbet drink

Before bed ... snuggling with their elephants from auntie Sue and uncle VJ

At a nearby playground ... have to say, it's pretty impressive

In two weeks, we move into our apartment

Found this little bakery round the corner ... hope it's good