Settling in

We seem to be settling into Santo Domingo nicely. Last week, our car arrived - 3 weeks since arrival and 4 weeks since shipment. Everyone tells me that was pretty quick, but boy, did it feel like a long time. Driving out of the Embassy compound in 'Little Grey' (she was named by M) was seriously the best feeling ever. I never appreciated the posts about cars arriving until I too was in the same shoes. We were spending at least $20/day on taxis and were constantly worried about the kids' safety in the crazy SD traffic. It was always a toss up as to whether the taxi would have seatbelts or not. For some reason, we waited until about 2 weeks in to call a driver someone had recommended who speaks English and drives a well-equipped Toyota Sienna minivan. He was only slightly more expensive than the going rate and I wish we had used him from the start.

We spent a lovely long weekend in Bayahibe, a resort area about 2-2.5 hours from our home. There were 3 other new embassy families and 3 families who are leaving within a few mos. We stayed at an all-inclusive hotel that is modest, but charming and lush. As we walked to our room for the first time, L asked "is this the rainforest, Mama?" We spent most of the weekend sitting in the middle of the pool, chatting with new and old friends, while trying to keep an eye on our kids who were roaming free in the huge shallow section. Everytime I looked for M, I saw his feet or bottom, as he spent the entire time diving underwater. I am so proud of how far he has come with his swimming in such a short time!

The beach looked a little battered by the storm, but was delightful nonetheless. And you know the best part? $300 for all 4 of us, including food/drinks, for the whole weekend. Definitely the cheapest family vacation we've ever had. I am already wondering how the next post will possibly live up.

Yesterday, our air freight arrived! It took 5 weeks to arrive - a little longer than I expected, but we managed. So far, the only thing I wish I had packed was my guest room sheets/blankets/pillows. We brought our own pillows in our luggage, and lots of towels in UAB, but for some reason, I did not put guest bedding in there. We're expecting a Peace Corps volunteer guest this weekend and the good news is that she'll be happy with anything, but I'd like to pamper her a little.

The kids are so happy to see their toys. Apparently, L didn't look up from her things for hours, except to ask Daddy to open something. We mailed ourselves a package of toys/treats/books before we left, and I think next time I'll include a few games, too. Once they have played w/ all the toys we brought in our luggage, a game can be stimulating and played repeatedly.

M is still doing well in school. We hope to get L registered within a week- we've been having trouble deciding. I'm hoping once we do that, D can start regular Spanish classes. He's been really wonderful and I know it has not been easy. I would like him to be able to claim his own time.

That's enough from me for now.