Our First Week...In pictures!

A few shots from the first seven days in Lima....
 

On July 5th we made our first outing as a family.  The Pacific Ocean is about 6 blocks from our house so we just walked.  This was Davis' first time to see the ocean.  

As we approached, he covered his eyes and then we had the big reveal.

....keep em covered....keep em covered....

Davis' first thoughts upon seeing the ocean, "I can't believe I am seeing this, I hope I get to see it again.  What a wonderful site!"

 

I will remember this day and this moment for the rest of my life.

 

  

 

Davis requested bananas.  So he and Bryan geared up and my boys ventured into the streets of Lima to retrieve some bananas. 

On Friday (Day 2) we went to the Mercado de Surquillo to retrieve some produce and household goods.  Our home was partially furnished but still needed some random objects...like hangers and a garbage can for the bathroom and a  colander and some other odds and ends.   "Mercado" means "market". 

I made friends at this booth.  I bought grapes, a pineapple, bananas, and apples.  The vendors were a nice couple who helped me with my Spanish and gave Davis an orange.  They also had their prices listed and used a scale to weigh the food so I didn't get the gringo/tourist price. 

We also purchased two Peruvian flags at the market.   July 28 is Independence Day for Peru.  So we get to party soon.  Apparently it is mandatory for all Peruvians to display a flag.  On our way home while in the back of the taxi, Davis made sure that we were in compliance. 

 

 

 

 

Another shot from the back of the taxi.  Viva el Peru!

On Saturday (Day 3, but I'm going to stop counting days now) we went to a park called "Parque de Reducto" where we visited another market for produce.  But THIS market is special.  The vendors are from outside the city, and some of them are connected to the work Heifer does.  All natural, all organic produce.  Every Saturday this will be my stop.

I believe our primary purchases from this market were beets and apple cider vinegar.  If you know my husband, you know that these are significant and critical to our livelihood. 

 

 

Sitting at a red light on our way home from the back of the taxi.  There are cool paintings all over the city.

Davis and Bryan ventured out on this sunny day - which is rare for Lima. (It is winter here and most days are cloudy, gray and between 65 and 75 degrees).  There is a BMX track right alongside the ocean plus a skateboard park.  Davis tackled the dirt track with no fear.  

 

Street vendors are everywhere.  They sell everything from flowers to blender parts to clothes to food....you name it.  My husband, in a random act of chivalry and goodness, bought me some flowers from this kind, toothless man. 

It's been a good week.  I've learned some more Spanish, made it halfway through INTERPOL bureaucracy, visited Davis' school, went grocery shopping, met lots of new people, almost gotten lost, eaten at some local restaurants (the food is amazing here) and tested my own culinary skills with new ingredients and different kinds of everything.

The best part, however, has been the amount of time that I have spent with my boys.  It's just us and I love it.  We are becoming a family.  Every experience ignites a whole new set of senses and perspective.  We are each others company and entertainment and source of happiness and I even like the frustration and challenges all that brings.  I am soaking up every minute.  I know its the "honeymoon phase" for a new life in a new country, but I'll take it while I can. 

I'm loving it here.