Monarco mariposas

This weekend, we went in search of butterflies, specifically the mariposa monarcos that annual migrate southwards from North America. The vast majority migrate to the pine-oak forests of Michoacan and Mexico. So lucky us, we got to see this wonder just two hours drive from D.F. And for me, it has been a 11 year wait since I missed it the last time I was in Michoacan.

We arrived at one of the sanctuaries and together with a horde of others, we climbed rocky mountain for 45 minutes. We weren't aware of the steep climb so thank goodness there were horses for hire! Sera and Isis happily got unto a horse. Yassy went on Johan's shoulders and the rest of us struggled up (the altitude plus the very dusty path wasn't so pleasant) but when we finally got to see the monarcos ... wow, it was certainly worth it. The life span of the monarcos range from 2 to 8 weeks. So, unfortunately, there were many dying or dead monarcos that were on the ground as there were on the trees. All part of the circle of life.

We trudged down the trail but this time, Yassy also got unto the horse with Patricia. After a quick dust, we got into our cars and drove another 30 minutes to Valle de Bravo, a pretty town by a lake, that also hosts the annual world para-sailing championship. We explored the town a little before we drove back to D.F., with the girls fast asleep within minutes in the car. Enjoy the photos!

Johan had the toughest job with Yassy on his shoulders

Sera and Isis huddled together while Raquel brought them all the way up!

The monarcos nestle on the trees (look closely and you see them in clusters)

Resting peacefully on the ground

Above my head

Yassy got unto the horse for the journey down. It got so steep at one point that the guide had to carry her.

On the way to Valle de Bravo, we drove through thousands of monarcos

Monarcos on my right

Girls checking out the view of the Lake Avandaro

Lake Avandaro

Just give me 3 minutes!

How was your week? Let's say, early yesterday morning at 6.30, I was wishing it was Friday night. For some of you, it's already the weekend! Start enjoying it! It's Friday afternoon here and the girls are playing 'monsters' with each other. Now, I am simmering ... slowly detoxing from the week of manic school runs, incoherent Spanish conversations, the traveling husband, the endless mundane errands. But the traffic, the mindless tussle with the other drivers ... ahhh, sometimes it feels like I'm in a very bad computer game. I wish it was less stressful, especially so that the girls don't get a glimpse of their crazed mother during the morning rush ... and again, in the afternoon. I know, EVERYBODY has to deal with routine and the best kind would deal with it elegantly and with much acceptance. I'm still working on it ...

And I've learned yet another specifically Mexican expression, 'ahorita', which means, 'immediately or right now'. So for example, the electrician would say, "Ahorita!" and you think he means he'd be back in 5, or maybe 10 minutes. But in his mind, he actually means, tomorrow or maybe ... in 2 days, if you're lucky. I do NOT exaggerate. This week, on top of my usual mundane routine, I had to deal with a few of these 'ahorita' episodes. Give me a second while I take a deep breath! My Spanish teacher said that to live here (happily), one has to accept the way of the people. Yes, for me, coming from Singapore ... it's not easy especially when 'compromiso' here is rare and not practiced.

Ahh, but now I will cease complaining because I've finished my cup of instant coffee (actually Yassy drank half of it!). And I've decided that if I'm allowed 3 minutes of griping every now and then, I can deal with all the 'ni modos' or 'ahoritas'. Goodbye for now ... I have a 'compromiso' to take the girls to the playground ... Ahorita!

'ni modo'

There's an expression here, "ni modo", which loosely translates as 'whatever', or 'what can we do about it'. And I learned about it on the night we were supposed to move into our apartment. You see, we were looking forward to moving in on Monday but at the same time, we were almost (after inspecting the progress of the renovations and the mess leftover) certain that we couldn't. But we were hoping, really hoping. And we were ready, all packed. So am I writing this post in our apartment ... 'por supuesto que no!' (of course not!) or should I just say, resignedly, 'ni modo'?

So 'ni modo' which I don't think is actually verbally used is more like an attitude of the locals. But 'ni modo' or not, we were not pleased. Our displeasure was expressed but at the end of the day, what can we do? So we were given another day, this Thursday ... or should I say, 'ni modo'?

On a happier note, the girls visited a jardin de mariposas (butterfly garden) at Chapultepec Park, on Saturday morning. It was really nice for them though Yassy was stuck to my legs or in my arms throughout the visit.

Girls waiting for one to land on their hands

My girl with that Mr Magoo smile of hers

And in the afternoon, we still had to go shopping for the apartment ... Sera gave up and fell asleep. Yassy didn't even care that she slept on this baby seat that was attached to the trolley.

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

Fancy Dress Day

Sera and I discussed ideas on what she wanted to go as - a fairy, a princess (groan!) and the winner, Little Red Riding Hood! Perfect, I thought to myself. I'd read that story to her many times and it has become one of her favourites. It was, after a quick search online for some references, a very popular costume for kids and adults. Ha ha. The red hood was the essential component and Sera reminded me about the black shoes and the frilly socks. Right, that's also important!

For Yassy, there was no discussion. She wanted to be a cat. Not surprised there. I thought hers would be easy, just needed to find cat ears for her, and just dress her all up in black ... a fiesty black cat. But I had one day to get the two costumes done and it is almost impossible to find a plain black long sleeved t-shirt. I found ears but they looked more like zebra ears. Then, I remembered she had a zebra print jumper. Ahh, she could be a zebra! Easy. I showed her the zebra ensemble and she was not impressed. She refused to wear the ears or the romper. Sera sensing my desperation (there was no time to whip up another costume) said excitedly, "Yassy, Yassy ... cats also have black and white stripes. You can be a stripey cat!" Yassy, evidently liked that idea and started jumping with Sera to their new, 'Stripey Cat' song. Phew, that was close! And then, upon further discussion with grandma, she added more finesse to 'stripey cat' when she said Yassy could be a white tiger. Ahh, that I knew Yassy would love.

So on Thursday, we dropped off Little Red Riding Hood, who absolutely loved her red hood and her black shoes ... and the feistiest white tiger with the meanest growl.

Just woke up, a little sleepy and grumpy ... looking for lizards on the ceiling

She has already decided that Johan will be the big bad wolf when he returns

On the way to school, we added more make up to finish up her tiger look

Little Red Riding Hood and her side kick, the white tiger

School carnival

Sera and Yassy's school had a carnival on Saturday and it was, I have to say, good fun despite the sudden downpour one hour into the carnival. The sun shone brightly after that and everyone and everything pretty much dried up for business again. Sera had a very good time, wanting to have a go at everything. Yassy got pretty exhausted from the crowds and the loud music but she got her popcorn and did some sand art. Hopefully lots of money was raised for their two adopted charities!

The carnival begins ... with the involvement of many, many parents

The girls start with some art and crafts

Every corner of the school was filled with activities

Pink cotton candy ... of course

She's looking melancholy but that seems to be her recent 'pose' whenever she sees me whip out the camera

Sera with her classmate, Chloe

She chose a turtle and a band of dogs

And I made a bid for Sera's artwork ... $10!

A drawing for papa

Sera did a drawing for her papa. In case you don't understand her picasso-like drawings (ahh, my glass is always half-full), it's a jellyfish, a walrus and her papa as a diver. I can't stop laughing at Johan's sausage-like legs ... and look, she even drew in a tank and your belt with weights. Too cute!

Bird park

All Sera wanted to see was a kookaburra but alas, there was none to be seen. Opps. Nonetheless, we had a good time, strolling through the bird park with grandpa and grandma. The highlight was the kids' splash playground tucked away in a quiet part of the park. Of course we didn't come prepared but I couldn't stop them from running au naturel into the sprinklers, especially when they were feeling so mucky from the weather. We ended our visit with a long lunch, while the girls dried up. Have a good week ahead everyone!

Scarket ibises ... stunning

The always happy camper

Posing with the parrots ... Yassy was getting nervous by their squawking

and with the flamingoes

Playground time

Splash time (Yassy slightly censored)

An almost rare moment ... a photo with the girls

Spotty and Mami

There's a pet store in our neighbourhood which the girls love to visit. If I let them, they could probably just hang out there the whole morning. Sera and Yassy will go visit all the little furry rodents, the puppies and many fish in the different tanks. As usual, Sera misses nothing and would inform the pet store assistants if she sees something amiss ... like one morning, the assistant had to clear away 5 bottles of dead fighting fish because Sera worriedly went up to him, proclaiming, "They're DEAD!" and was wondering what was to be done with them. Well, she was mortified when he simply tossed them into the bin. Opps!

So anyway ... after our many visits there, the girls and I agreed to adopt a pet. Well, I decided on the pet or they would have gone the furry way. So ... meet Spotty and Mami. This will be their first pets, little terrapins. Spotty is Sera's, named by her of course, because of the spots on its shell. And for Yassy, she named hers 'Mami' for no particular reason whatsoever. Ha ha.

Spotty and Mami are doing fine. I can't say they're getting lots of attention ... let's say, compared to a dog or a cat. Hmm, Yassy even asked for a cat yesterday. Baby, I can see you saying 'NO' immediately. ha ha.

When they are young ...

The girls are settling into a nice routine these days ... and most importantly, they are pretty happy despite still missing Johan a lot. Here are some random photos of them.

Yassy and Sera having a good laugh with each other ... they were at this for a long time

After school, they burn any remaining energy left. They rush for the swings the minute they enter the playground

Not sure what you call this but it's like a chair-swing? The kids love it and I remember loving it when I was a kid. Here Sera is with her classmates, Ashton and Chloe. Yassy always plays with the bigger kids.

In their school uniforms. It was class photo day thus uniforms were compulsory.

Nothing surprises us anymore

I was in the kitchen when I heard Sera scream for me. I rushed out and this is what I saw. Ok, before I took the photo, I did ask her to come down and of course she said, "Nooooooo!" I know, which mother would feel the need to take a photo of this? Apparently this mother. I shouldn't be taking this photo ... I should be rushing to get her down from the gate and giving a good lecture about not climbing gates like that. But you see, this girl is a little 'un-teachable' ... sometimes. After a few seconds, she did climb down the gate by herself, after having a glimpse of some people practising tai-chi on the the top level of the car park.

Back to school

Sera and Yassy started their first day at Shaws today. For Sera it was a return after 2 years as she had attended Shaws back in July 2008. She was excited to go back to school, but she started to fret when she realised that it wasn't Children's Garden. She remarked that, "this isn't the Dubai school!" I tried to reassure her that it was the same school she had attended 2 years ago. However, I'm afraid that it was too long ago to have made any impression. Then she whined that she didn't have any friends here at Shaws. True but I told her that I was pretty sure she'd make a few friends soon.

Yassy, it being her first day of school in all her 2 years, she was very curious and of course, anything her sister does, she wants to do as well. So with her backpack on her little shoulders, we walked together to 'Spotty Sunflower' at pre-nursery. She got a little shy when her teachers came up to her. I linger for a little as Sera was waiting outside for me to take her to her class. Thankfully, saying goodbye to Yassy wasn't traumatic at all. She was anxious just for a few seconds but got easily distracted by the toys in her class.

Three hours later, I picked up a very thrilled Yassy. According to her teacher, Miss Joanne, Yassy cried once for me but only because she got upset when the toys had to tidied up. Other than that, she was happy to be with her new friends in school. Sera, on the other hand, was very moody ... for reasons she didn't hesitate to tearfully tell me. Apparently, she didn't like the snacks that the school provided (white bread and jam) and the boys in her class "didn't want to be friends with me!" So I quickly promised to pack a snack box for her and regarding her friends ... well, I assured her she would have friends in no time.

So in all, a fairly smooth first day at school. Phew!

As promised ...

... Sera cycled when she turned 4. Today, we went to East Coast Park and she decided she wanted to cycle. She hopped unto her new bicycle and without any fuss, started cycling. Needless to say, Johan and I were stunned ... and both of us shared an emotional moment while we watched our little 'big' Sera excitedly whizz around us.

She's cycling! from Que Sera Sera on Vimeo.