Today was a great day in Peru! The weather was beautiful, I had lunch with a new friend and I was able to get my eyebrows done, all in all it was fantastic! I was really worried about finding a new salon to get all of my necessities done and I was so happy that I found one recommended by all the expats. It was such a great place, Encantos in Miraflores. The woman that did my brows was Luz, she didn't speak any English and I don't speak that much Spanish yet we were able to communicate exactly what I wanted and let me tell you she did a fantastic job. Before I went to the salon I was incredibly nervous because I don't speak Spanish. Things in Peru are a bit more difficult for me because of the language barrier, the smallest task take me a long time to accomplish. In the US it was so easy just to run to the salon, go to Target and to the grocery store with no issue of the language and driving. In Peru I am completely dependent on Sanj and at the mercy of finding a taxi. The scholarship program really wanted to take me out of my comfort zone and they are doing just that, which is difficult but I am loving every minute of it. I have realized since being here the strength that I have to move to a different country with a baby and not knowing the language, it is testing me everyday and just making me stronger. I will hopefully be starting some spanish classes soon which will be helpful with the language barrier.

I had a great lunch today with a new friend I met at the park here near our temporary place. She is so kind, she has 3 kids and Lis and her husband have been living in Peru for 5 years. She was is knowledgable about everything here and incredibly helpful helping me find doctors, dentist, massage therapist, etc. I am constantly amazed and surprised at the kindness that people offer. Even the people of Peru are incredibly kind and love talking to me (I think they love the baby more than talking to me). Needless to say I am so happy that I found a new friend!

Happy Travels!

Hola!

We are finally in Lima, Peru! We arrived in Lima on the 14th with my friend Alli Ribb and I am incredibly happy to say that Arjun did very well on the plane ride to Lima. When we landed in Peru the first few feelings that I felt were anxious, scared and excited, I know how can one person have so many feelings about one thing! I couldn't help but think of my parents when they came from India to America with nothing in their pockets and not knowing many people, to some extent I would know how they felt. I was thankful to have my friend come with me as my support system for the first week which was great. While Alli was in Peru with us for a week she helped me adjust to this new life that I was in for, she helped with Arjun and was there for me when I needed to talk.

It has been a week since I have been in Peru and so much has already happened! We were able to find an incredible pediatrician for Arjun in Miraflores who we absolutely love. He was so kind and great with Arjun, the best part was the fact that he was willing to make himself available for his patients at anytime. Sanj and I were shocked at the care we received from Arjun's pediatrician, we haven't met doctors like Dr. Torres in a very long time. It is always nice to know that our son is in good hands.

I am learning that I really need to know Spanish or I am not going to survive in Peru. Sanj and I have been looking for a school or tutor for me so I can learn it quicker. It is so difficult to do such simple tasks for me because I don't speak Spanish and not many people speak English, which honestly they don't have to because I am on their turf. The other day I went into a beauty salon to try and get prices for eyebrow wax and haircut and I still don't know what she said to me, I just nodded and said "si, gracias" about the only two words that are saving my butt right now!

Being a new country is taking me completely out of my comfort zone which obviously is the point to this scholarship program. I am still adjusting to my life here and love our temporary housing but I sure do hope we find something soon. It is very frustrating not knowing where we are going to live but I guess that all apart of the experience. I know one day Sanj and I will look back at this time and miss Peru but right now I am just ready to get settled into my new life.

**View of a town in Peru**

**Visiting the largest statue of Jesus in the world**

**The Family!**

Happy Travels!

Journey begins

So our journey begins! Arjun and I are flying to Atlanta today where we will be meeting up with Sanj (who is flying from Peru) so we can go and obtain our Peuvian visas! I'm sure that sounds easy but the process of getting to this point was no easy feat.

I am writing this entry as we are on the flight and I am happy to report only 3 dirty looks when I got on with Arjun and he is sounds asleep for our 6:30am flight (fingers crossed he stays this way!) I am amazed at how many people quickly forget that they might have kids at home and how they were when they were kids. Their babies, they cry, get over it! I understand when children are running around the aircraft but cut the babies and new moms a slack. On a happier note I was incredibly happy and relieved that the TSA agents were incredibly helpful. I think they took pity on a new (what looked like) a single mom. It was a pretty funny sight with a baby in my hands, breastmilk in the other and passports in my mouth, I would've felt bad for me too!

--We have successfully arrived in Atlanta! Arjun slept the whole time and woke up playing 5 minutes before we landed. Things are so much easier when he behaves! People on the flight were thankful that he wasn't crying the whole time which was a good thing. Sanj arrived safely as well and was thrilled to see Arjun, he said it was the best Veterans Day gift!

-Happy Travels!

My Family

Most of you who know me know exactly what is going on in my busy life, but for those of you who do not know me here is my story!

My husband and I were married June 26, 2011 and were pregnant in October and I gave birth to our beautiful baby boy, Arjun Sanjiv Avichal on July 9th, 2012. My husband, Sanjiv is a Major in the U.S Army and was awarded the Olmsted Scholarship. With this scholarship we are going to be moving to Lima, Peru! Sanjiv is already there and Arjun and I will be following in a few days. We are incredibly excited to begin this adventure with our son and can't wait to watch him grow the two years that we will be in Peru.

I am beginning this blog to keep for Arjun so he can read it when he is old enough and see the places that he traveled. I am also keeping this blog so friends and family can see how Arjun is growing and also witness all of our travels throughout  South America!

I hope you enjoy this blog and will continue to follow us throughout all of our adventures!

Happy Travels!