Baby Showers & Gratitude...

Today (January 3) we had a shower to celebrate baby 'j' and most of all as an excuse to bring a group of fabulous women together for an afternoon. My mom was here visiting and it was so wonderful to share this time with the community of women that I have had the joy of meeting during our initial months here in Bogotá. It truly felt like a time of celebration as we enjoyed yummy food, great company, and even got into some arts & crafts. Most of the guests participated in creating artwork... following the inspiration of vision boards... placing images and words of their wishes for this new arrival. I am so amazed at the talents that lie within each of us to be creative when given the opportunity. And I am so extremely thankful for the circle of friends that is surrounding us and creating a space into which this new baby will enter... a space that we are quickly calling our home. Thanks to each of you for this wonderful gift.

Happy New Year!!!

We enter 2009 reflecting on the blessings that fill our life here in Colombia, and looking towards the many joys that lay ahead of us. As we look back it is amazing to think how much has happened in the last year... settling into a new groove as Patrycja left her full-time job and moved into being a full-time mom, part-time consultant, and still continuing her work as a yoga instructor; shifting gears as Joshua took on a new position as Head of Aid for the Canadian Embassy in Colombia; renovating and leaving our home in Ottawa; establishing a new home-base in Bogota; enjoying watching the world through Isabel's eyes as she grew from baby to toddler; and even being surprised with the blessing of a new baby on the way. It's hard to believe all this has happened in the span of a year... yet, these kind of things often seem to all shift into place at just the right moment, even if at times it seems completely overwhelming. Somehow, we have managed to move through the exhiliration and the challenges of all that has passed; and we look toward the new year with a sense of anticipation (and, to be perfectly honest, sheer exhaustion as well). As we prepare for the arrival of Baby 'J' we are most definitely expanding our list of requests... healthy, happy, and a good sleeper. Though when we are completely honest with our expectations, we feel so grateful for all the things that bless our lives on a daily basis. Just recently, Isabel made a friend a year older than she is... and the two of them are like peas in a pod... totally inseparable. Lucky for me, I too have found an amazing friend in her mother. It is amazing what this kind of support adds to our daily lives. And it is even more incredible to watch what this has meant for Isabel. Her entire world has been turned upside down with this move. When we speak about kids adjusting to new circumstances we often think about how resilient they are, and how easy it is for them. In the big picture this is true; but in the practical moment, watching a young child observe and live these kind of changes, is extremely emotional. Moving to a foreign land, leaving all friends & family behind, learning a new language... the only thing remaining common, certain and consistent is the presence of her mama and papa. I don't think I could have anticipated how challenging this kind of change can be for a two year old. And I am especially thankful that I am able to be at home with Isabel to allow her the space to express her fears and to rebuild her sense of security and structure. As adults, the transition time may be longer... but we can logically understand what is going on and be completely and fully involved in all the decision making. These are life-skills that seem to develop over time. And as I fully reflect on the last 3-6 months of this transition I am deeply moved by how present Isabel has forced me to be throughout it all. I am grateful for this opportunity, and I feel in so many ways as if she is teaching me more about how to handle this with grace and patience than I could ever do on my own. It's not always easy, but when moved through from an honest place it is incredibly rewarding. All this to say, as Isabel develops this new friendship; she has also been able to express more of her emotions about the loss of missing her friends at home, and the challenges of saying goodbye for fear that it is permanent (as with so many of her friends/family back in Canada) -- at least in her eyes. She adores the consistency of a friend she can share time with one a regular basis. And as she settles into this, she radiates even more joy. She also continues to be completely enthralled with the idea of her little brother/sister arriving in February. She talks and sings to the belly... and the other day she even showered my belly with butterfly stickers. She is playing with her baby dolls more than ever, always talking about how she will rock baby 'j', hold him/her, and so on. It's a beautiful thing for a mom to see this kind of tenderness... truly inexplicable. So, as we think back, gaze forward, and live in today... the thing that is most present is our gratitude. For each other, our family - immediate and extended, our friends - near and far, and the magic of the community that now spans so many parts of the world. As usual, more photos can be found at http://picasaweb.google.ca/jpstories

Christmas Day in Bogota

On Christmas Eve we enjoyed a festive dinner with other embassy families who were staying in Bogota for the holidays. It was lovely to share in this wonderful community of friends and feel a sense of celebration at this time of year. We woke up early Christmas morning with Isabel eager to see what was under the Christmas Tree. The night before she left some milk and cookies for Santa, and firmly told us that we must not make a fire in the fireplace so Santa can come in without burning himself. She then struggled a little with whether or not she wanted to eat the cookies herself (which we had baked earlier that day). After some reflection, she decided that it was more important for Santa to have the cookies when he arrived, rather than for her to eat them up... as tempted as she was to gobble them up. Our Christmas morning felt very quiet without family around... and looking out the window at the sunshine and greenery was certainly odd. Yet, watching Isabel truly enjoy opening each package... with so much excitement as she pondered about who each gift was from... it was wonderful to have this experience in such a serene setting as a family of three (soon to be four). Isabel savoured each gift as if it was magical... not ready to move on to the next until the first one was fully enjoyed. When we offered something new before she was finished enjoying the prior opening she would simply say: "but i am reading now, mama/papa". She also got a taste of her first Candy Cane... and that too was an enormous delight. Thanks to so many of you for the wonderful packages you sent our way. It was incredible to feel you all so close, even from afar. We hope each of you had as much fun on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning as we did. Tomorrow, Patrycja's mom and Julian arrive... so that will offer another touch of family connection over the holidays. As usual, more photos can be found at http://picasaweb.google.ca/jpstories

Christmas amidst green leaves and butterfly lights

Christmas is a magical time of year, and especially so when in a home filled with the pitter-patter of little feet who are curious about all the activity that surrounds this season. Isabel is definitely enjoying all of the lights (even if they are of butterflies and salamanders, rather than reindeer and santa claus). She is also loving that she can get chocolate on a daily basis -- with her Christmas calendar that she opens each day with papa. It is also a time when we miss those near and dear to us even more... and while you are present in our daily lives (with 'little parts' of each of you that fill our home and our thoughts), it is just not the same as the 'real thing')!! I will admit that as our third month of living here comes to an end, I am feeling more nostalgic about the human contact with friends and family that are no longer near to me. The reinforcement of sharing a coffee/tea/wine date with a good friend, the joy of watching Isabel giggle to hiccups with neighbours, the constancy of those who know your heart, your past, and inspire your future. At the same time, we continue to feel incredible blessed to have this amazing experience... to establish a home in a foreign land, to build new connections with friends that are quickly becoming life-lines, and to deeply engage in a new culture and language. I will most definitely write more about our first Christmas; and I look forward to hearing what blessings this season -- whether celebrating life, light or other good things -- has bestowed upon each of you. Feliz Navidad y Prospero Ano Nuevo!!

First Horseback Ride!!

Today we drove out to a beautiful farm (finca) just over an hour outside of Bogota. It was an absolutely glorious day and we were thrilled to enjoy a drive out in the rolling hills and the sun filtering in through the windows. As our car just arrived a few days earlier, we were all excited to be in it -- even Isabel just chatted and read the entire way not at all complaining about the length of the drive. The scenery was spectacular -- fields and farmlands surrounding us, and of course clear blue skies above.

We arrived at the in the early afternoon and were greeted by an amazing meal and more beautiful scenes. The event was hosted/organized by one of Joshua's embassy colleagues whose family owns the farm. To make the day even more spectacular and magical -- Isabel got to enjoy her very first horseback ride. It was amazing to witness. She has always loved horses... in theory. And to see her eagerly waiting for the saddle to be placed on the horse, patiently sitting as she was strapped in, and then calmly enjoy the ride... it was a site to behold. She seemed to relish every moment with awe and wonder. And, as this horse did not yet have a name, we all agreed to call her Bella -- in honour of Isabel. What a special day!!!

As usual, you can find more photos from our day at the finca at www.picasaweb.google.ca/jpstories

Friends make ordinary moments feel extraordinary!

Our good friend Maria, along with daughter Violet (13-months), came to stay with us for 10-days from November 13th until the 23rd. How lucky we feel to be blessed with so many wonderful visitors!! It was a great excuse to explore a little more of the city... which we too are just starting to get to know.

It was amazing to see the world we are starting to call our home through the eyes of someone who is not living her permanently. For me, it was amazing to have constant company and positive reinforcement as a mom (thanks Maria!!). And, while it took a few days for our girls to get into a groove... they finally found some games that allowed them to play well together, share toys and enjoy each other -- even with the age gap (which at this age seems so huge)!! We went on an adventure up Monserrate. This is a mountain in Bogota considered to be a place of pilgrimage at 3,150m. In 1640, Don Juan de Borja founded a chapel at the peak dedicated to the "Virgen Morena de Monserrat" - whose sanctuary is located in Spain. Twenty years later a monastery was built, which houses "el Señor Caído" (the fallen Christ), a statue by Pedro de Lugo y Albarrícin to which many miracles have been attributed. Since this time, thousands of pilgrims climb the numerous and steep steps by foot or on their knees as penitence. Many tourists also climb the mountain, though we opted to take the train which seems to carve its way up the mountain at the steepest incline i have ever experiences. There is also a cable car, but it was not open that day. We were pleased with a wonderful view of the city as the clouds seem to open up for a few hours and allow us clear sights in every direction.

I was surprised to see just how 'flat' Bogotá is when seen from up high... though I suppose that is why it is a plateau. The mountain range seems to line the outskirts of the city, but it does not creep into it's centre. The city is scattered with buildings that from afar all looked quite similar. And everything seems to go on for miles and miles and miles. The vastness of the city was impressive. It was also incredible to witness the contrast between the city of roads and towers, while on the other side the view was of lush greens and mountain ranges. There was a really nice market filled with local foods and arts; as well as two beautiful restaurants that would make for a very lovely evening out on a clear night. There were several lovely spots that will be perfect for a picnic the next time we decide to make our way to the top of Monseratte.

Maria & Violet also did a lot of exploring all on their own - getting to know our neighbourhood, as well as touring around the rest of Bogota. So, for those of you thinking this is an unsafe town, you may want to take note of these savvy travellers!! I was continually amazed at how easily the two of them manoevred the streets, found new places to explore, and most of all how amazing Violet was travelling around with her mom just taking it all in.

On the last full-day of her visit, Maria & Violet even took Isabel & I on a tour of the eastern part of downtown Bogotá surrounding the Universidad de los Andes. Near the university we tried to find the 'artists quarters', but without too much luck. We did see some beautiful streets with homes painted in all sorts of colours. We then walked along a human-made canal, Las Aguas, towards the markets and right to Museo del Oro. The museum is supposedly spectacular, but when travelling with little kids we don't always make choices that take us to all the sights available. Instead, we found a beautiful market across from the museum where we enjoyed cheese bread and capuccino (Isabel ate all the foam) and the girls crawled around on the floor chasing each other and finding new ways to amuse themselves. We tried to find the artist quarters, but without much luck.

Throughout all of this touring, Maria & Violet got to experience Bogotá at its worst weather -- it rained every single day they were here. But that did not stop them from taking long walks and just getting to know their surroundings. One of the days they were here we took Violet to our regular music class at Allegretto - which she absolutely adored. I don't think I saw her smiling as much as in this hour at music class!! It was a blast!!!

And, now that they are gone, we are slowly settling back into our regular routine and living in immense gratitude for the time and effort they both took to visit us here in Bogota!! As usual, you can find more photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/jpstories

Our first visitors to Bogotá

Last week we enjoyed a fabulous visit with our friends David & Cathy, and their two girls, Kendra (6) and Natasha (3). Isabel was in absolute heaven having two girlfriends to play with around the clock. When they left she spent a full day asking when they would be back.

We began our week with a fabulous long weekend in Anapoime -- a village two hours outside of Bogotá driving along a winding mountainous road (not for the faint of heart). But the drive was worth it as we were blessed with fabulous weather, an amazing view of the mountains, and even someone else to do all the cleaning & cooking as we enjoyed three very relaxing days by the pool. There was even a clay tennis court where a few fun games of tennis were played.

It was also amazing to see some of the landscape outside of Bogotá - what amazing diversity in sites, smells and sounds as we drove through some of the smaller towns.

Upon our return, David, Cathy & the girls took a road trip exploring Bogotá - with a tour of La Candelaria and a trip up Cerro de Monserrate.

Cerro de Monserrate is one of the peaks (3160m above sea level) in the mountain range surrounding the eastern side of Bogotá and overlooking the Sabana de Bogotá. It offers a wonderful view of the city (on clear days), and on weekends has become a mecca for pilgrims who hike one-hour up the mountain to see the statue of the Senor Caido (Fallen Christ) dating from 1650. The Sturdees opted to take the teleferico (cable car) up the mountain side rather than attempting the steep climb (good choice)!!

La Candelaria is the oldest part of the city and known for its museums, cafes dating back nearly a century, museums, cobblestone streets, and Plaza de Bolivar. It offers a little sampling of colonial life in the city. Plaza de Bolivar is the heart of the original town of Bogotá - before it expanded into every direction, especially towards the north. In the middle of the square is a bronze statue of Simon Bolivar (cast in 1846), the work of an Italian artist. This was the first public monument erected in the city of Bogotá. The Capilla del Sagrario dates from the Spanish era, while other buildings surrounding the square are far more recent and range in architectural style from French to neoclassical to modern.

The rest of the week was focused on more activities for the kids - including a trip to Maloka (an interesting science museum), a visit to Parque 93 to play and enjoy some delicious crepes, walking around Santa Barbara Alta & Usaquen, and rounded out by Halloween on Friday. For Halloween we enjoyed face-painting and an indoor treasure hunt. Then in the evening we went trick or treating in a nearby neighbourhood called Santa Ana -- which was absolutely wonderful. The day finished with a view of fireworks from our dining room window that seemed to be coming from the Hacienda Santa Barbara mall down the street.

For the final day of their trip, we drove to Zipaquira to visit the Salt Cathedral and see more of the surrounding terrain -- this time we moved through rolling hills and saw lots of horses and cows along our drive; as well as green-houses dedicated to growing roses and carnations for export. Zipaquira is located 50km north of Bogota and it is noted for its salt mines which are carved into the mountains flanking the west of the town. The mines date back to the Muisca period (700-1600 A.D.). They tap into what is virtually a huge mountain of rock salt -- you can actually taste it in the air as you walk through the cool (temperature) underground paths and caverns. In the heart of the mountain a huge underground Salt Cathedral has been carved out and open to the public since 1954. It was closed in 1992 and scooped out another 60m below the original for safety reasons. The Cathedral is now 75m long and 18m high, and it can accommodate 8400 people for mass on Sundays. The sound in this cathedral is amazing and actually attracts many recording artists. The tour of the mines is marked by the stations of the cross -- all carved into the stone/salt. It is quite spectacular.

On our way home we paused for lunch at a restaurant that attracts people from far and wide -- locals will drive an hour out of Bogotá to dine at Andres Carne de Rez, located in a town called Chia. Our guests also enjoyed a fabulous steak which was like an oasis after dining vegetarian all week long!! This legendary steak-house is more an experience than a restaurant. It is only open on weekends and in the evenings turns into a dining hall/night club that attracts guests into the wee hours of the night. The capacity is well over 2000 people and it is always packed. During the day, there is an amazing section dedicated to activities for kids of all ages -- with actors and dancers moving through the restaurant, an amazing sandbox, face-painting, mask-making, arts & crafts tables, and a place for kids to make their own pizza and desserts. Isabel quickly discovered the pizza-making station and made herself a delicious mushroom and cheese pizza. She finished off her lunch experience with a butterfly painted on her face -- it was the first time she was eager and followed through on getting her face painted. Every day has something of a 'first' to offer!!

You can find a small sampling of photos from the week at

http://picasaweb.google.com/jpstoriesm/jpstories.