Making New Friends

2 years ago when Sanj told me that we would be moving to Peru I was so excited about the new adventure, and then panic struck. I was worried that I would have alone in a new country and would never make any friends. Little did I know that there are many people just like me living in Peru. The area where I live (the Malecon) it is easy to spot the Expats living here. I have met so many other expats just walking or at the parks, and each person has shown me such kindness. Then I started realizing that all of my friends are American, which is great but the whole point of Olmstead is to branch out and meet local people, so I decided I am going to start meeting local people. Yesterday Sanj and I took Arjun to his favorite park and we noticed we were the only expats there. We took advantage of that situation and started to scope the park to see who we could befriend and we found the people. These two women were sitting there with their sons who are 6 and 8 months old, they were the perfect age for Arjun to play with. We began talking to them and turns out they are Peruvian moms, went to college together, sang in the US together and now have play dates together. They were so kind to me and patient with me because I wasn't speaking Spanish that well. They have invited me back next Monday to join their small play group. Also this week Sanj and I met another couple in the same building as ours who have twin boys who are 11 months old. They were so kind and I think (and hope) that this friendship blossoms! I have been overwhelmed with the kindness that has been shown to me. I can only hope that my Spanish improves with my new friends! 

Happy Travels!

Paracas, Peru + The Marzettwalas

The family and I finally were able to take our trip to Paracas, so far it has been my favorite place to visit. I think this place was my favorite because Arjun and Sanj did not get sick and it was so relaxing. We stayed at the DoubleTree Hilton Resort which was absolutely beautiful! We were able to hang out around the pool and beach and spend time together as a family before Sanj started classes (which would be the following week). While we were in Paracas we took a boat ride to Isle Ballastas, it was incredible. It is this little island about 10-15 minutes away, it is only accessible by boat, with lots of birds, penguins and sea lions. As we were on the boat approaching the Isle we saw what had to of been thousands of birds, I was terrified. Those who know me know that I don't like birds at all, but it wasn't too bad and with that many birds someone was bound to get pooped on, luckily nobody did! We only saw two penguins and lots and lots of sea lions. It was a magnificent sight to see, there must of been thousands of sea lions along with their new born pups. Arjun did not see much of anything because he slept the whole time but the couple of minutes that he was awake he seemed to be enjoying the sight! Paracas was a great place to visit because it only took 3 hours to get there by bus or car, there is no airport there because it is so close to Lima. It was the first place that I had been where it is all desert surrounded by the ocean, it was beautiful. I think we will be going back at least a few more times before we leave Peru.

For Easter break the Marzett's came to Peru with Carter and Sacha, it was great to see them! We saw all the sites of Lima, ate at some new restaurants and enjoyed some tasty desserts. It is always fun having family come visit us, they bring a little piece of home with them. Arjun enjoyed the kids company because had people to play with, now that they are gone he only has us and its sad to say but he is bored! We can't wait to have the Marzettwala's back to visit us!

Here are some pictures of Paracas!

SeaLions

The one penguin we saw!

Arjun and I enjoying the scenery

Arjun's first time in the pool!

Happy Travels!