Bringing the Greenbergs to Bogota

Hello friends and family,

At the airport on our way to our new home!

I'm going to do my best to keep track of our move to Bogota the old fashioned way, by writing an email. I'm sure I'll get to facebook with our pix sooner or later, but until then, here's a quick update on our journey to Colombia. It's hard to believe we have only been here for 3 full days. So much has happened in such a short time. I'll start from the beginning. 

Trying out Naiya's new crib

Sisterly love!

Girls checking out the runway in our apartment

We woke up at 4:00 am to get into 3 large limos with our 15 suitcases, 7 carry ons, stroller and 2 girls. We had weighed everything meticulously and it paid off at the airport. We got all of our suitcases in and were at the gate enjoying our last Starbucks for a while in no time. Although a little confused by their early wake up, the girls seems as amped as we were.

Bathtime 

The 5.5 hour direct flight to Bogota was pretty seamless. The girls quickly made friends with most of the plane full of Colombians, who all seem to like children as much as Israelis do. When we arrived, we got through customs bypassing a line of over 100 people by using the preferential line (available only to parents with children or those with disabilities). Our bags were quickly amassed by 2 porters and we were greeted by a crew of CNG staff who came equipped with a massive school bus. Within 40 minutes, we were already in our beautiful new apartment and skyping with Daniel's sister, Tali. The girls quickly found their toys amidst our suitcases and made themselves at home. Everything had been set up for us in advance including a fridge and pantry full of food, internet connection, towels, sheets, etc.

Sunset from our apartment

Banana anyone?!?

                                  

That afternoon and evening, we just tried to relax and unpack. The altitude of about 8500 feet doesn't seem to be too bad unless we are trying to push the stroller up any of the big hills we have around here. Our apartment is perched on a big mountain overlooking Bogota and away from the pollution that the city is known for. When we asked Ayla which bedroom she wanted, she chose our room. She loves her room now though. We brought some key fixtures to make sure it felt like home.

Skyping with the crazy aunties (Yael and Tali)

The next day was full of running around, going to department stores and taking pictures for our Cedula. We didn't go anywhere without an entourage of 3-4 HR women, the chief of security, a driver and our new nanny, Alejandra. Try to picture us walking down the aisles with the girls in tow and our entourage looking for fragrance free detergent. It was quite the sight. 

By the time dinner rolled around, we were all exhausted and cranky. From our apartment, it is about an 8 minute walk to all of Bogota's best restaurants, so we headed downhill with the girls, to go to a pizza restaurant, which did not disappoint. The day had been full of a lot of decisions, including buying a new washer and dryer (one of the few items the school does not furnish). Ayla had befriended everyone on staff and was already counting in Spanish to 5. It's just about the cutest thing. The funny thing is that she thinks everyone speaks English, so she talks their ears off even if they just look at her with a blank smile. Naiya has been charming everyone as well. People keep saying she is "divina," which sounds so great when it's said in Spanish.

Balls....

and more balls!

Playing at the play centre around the corner from our apartment

Yesterday was the day we got our Cedulas, which was a process which involved taking every one of our fingers prints about 3 times. They take their fingerprints seriously here. We also took a look at one of the potential daycares for Ayla. The afternoon was full of people coming and going fixing curtains and the phone and the bed and locks. They are so quick at getting things done, it's phenomenal!

Oh no you don't!!

Nini makes a surprise trip to Bogota!

Ayla already made friends with a 3 year old in the building and we have been invited to her grandparent's finca (country house). Today proved to be another very interesting day. We hired a driver for the day to take me on errands. Our first stop was the US embassy garage sale, which was not that impressive, but I met a lot of embassy people. I had to talk my way into the embassy because the security is so high, they don't just let you in because you have an american passport, so I batted my eyelashes and found someone to escort me in. On our way there, were passed by the President of Colombia in one of 8 big SUV's along with several motorcycle escorts. After a day of shopping to get various things we still need, I headed back home to our apartment with two elevator's full of stuff. SO much for purging!

Ayla's first day of school. 

Alejandra. Nanny #1

Daniel had spent the day pushing the girls up and down the massive hills that surround our apartment. Pushing a stroller with that much weight is proving to be quite the workout. Our nanny, Alejandra, is starting to warm to the tendencies of our family, but I am still trying to get a read on her. Each day is better, but it has been quite interesting getting used to this relationship.

Ayla's 3rd birthday at Jump n' Joy.

Tomorrow, we head to the Lubavitch daycare to see if we like it for Ayla. I think she is more than ready to play with some children her own age. Naiya, in the meantime, is crawling everywhere and cruising on many things.

School orientation trip to the pueblo of Villa de Leyva

Picnic time in parque Chico

In general, we are really liking Bogota. I feel like there is so much to get to know. 

Tomorrow is another day and I better head to bed because the girls have been early risers here. 

Looking forward to seeing many of you on skype. 

Love,

Naiya on top of the world (on our balcony)

  

Daddy all dressed up for work. 

Ayla in Usaquen. 

Chasing pigeons in Usaquen

Naiya at our neighbour's finca in Sopo. 

Ayla loving the great outdoors. 

Moo??

US