Poder Popular (People's Power)

"So how is it to be back?" I heard this question various times this weekend at a "Welcome Back" party hosted by several of Nico's Chevron colleagues. In two words, it's a "bittersweet return". There's no denying that I have a HUGE soft spot for this country: I identify so much of my childhood and adolescence years with Caracas and when I went to college I felt more Venezuelan than anything else. But 20 years separate me from those memories and I've returned to a very different place and in very different conditions. Caracas remains beautiful - with the Avila surrounding it and the blue skies reigning above. No where have I lived with better weather, despite it being rainy season right now.

But the mood is one of desperation, sadness and gloom. I am a mom now and obviously my children's well-being and health are of upmost importance - so I'm not relaxed here. Just walking through the mall, I see the lack of choice and the exorbitant prices. We walk into a restaurant and a simple toy will attract a lot of attention. For example, Santi had his Buzz Lightyear convertible toy, which retails for $29.95 in the States - here it's a whooping $100 (at black market exchange rates)!!!!! I took the boys to a mall and had never felt so insecure in my life!! People were staring at my children, especially Santi with his blond hair, guys were coming too close for my comfort and I don't think I was being paranoid. Sure, the mall was packed because it's vacation time but when we left, I was glad to be out of there. I am pretty street smart but this experience broke my boundaries. I don't plan to go back there. Ever again.

This weekend, we also experienced our first Chavista street concert. We were in El Hatillo, strolling through the streets and a group of children, ranging from about 6 to 16 were playing local music. Santi was clapping along, cute as ever, while Mati was just watching. I was amazed to hear the lyrics - all propaganda! But the children sang from the heart, totally believing in the opportunities this government has given them ("Venezuela tiene hoy lo que nunca habia tenido ..."). I'm no expert in Venezuelan politics or economics, but I have made it a point to read the local newspaper everyday (at least while there are still independent), and don't see how any of Chavez's reforms have made a difference in the country. I see more polarization, less opportunity in terms of jobs (except to be a robber), and policies that are bringing the country down.

On top of these weekend experiences, I woke this morning to this article from the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/23/world/americas/23venez.html?_r=1&hp. So, while I know that the blog is really about the boys and our family adventures, I can't help but comment here and there about my present reality here in my adopted country.

Stay tuned for birthday pictures from Santi!!!

Mateo's First Day of School

After many hours of discussion and of visiting the international and French schools in Caracas, we decided to place Mati at Campo for a three week trial period. The trial period is due to his age. The school was more than inflexible at placing him right from the start in Kinder because he doesn't turn 5 before the end of September, but suggested putting him through a three-week trial period. At the end of the trial, we'll get together with the teachers and higher authorities and see if he would be, indeed, ready to go to Kinder.

So why Campo? Despite their inflexibility and lack of professional courtesy (we did however, receive an apology from the Superintendent!!), we chose it first because of its reputation, second because of our growing doubts as to whether he's emotionally, socially and intellectually ready for K (and further down the line, to be a 17 year old freshman at college!), and third because of location. We figure that as educational professionals, they will have a better idea as to Mateo's competencies after three weeks and we'll see from there.

We took Mati to visit both international schools on Monday. Curiously, he had his heart set on Campo, which is a delight to me since this is MY school (and that of my sister and brother). It was really emotional to see him with his red shirt with the ECA "patch" and so special to be picking him up (as opposed to being the one being picked up by my mom!). Like usual, he had a smile on his face.

Our big boy, ready for school!

As is customary on Mateo's first days of school, Nico was the one who dropped him off.

After school: The King ... happy, cheerful and proud of his crown with the shining pink jewel in the middle!

Water Babies

Santi has detached himself completely from any help when swimming. It's not that he doesn't need it but rather that he wants complete independence. He pushes himself to do what Mateo does, so I think he'll be swimming way before Mati did. His biggest accomplishment this summer was to sink to the bottom of the jacuzzi and then push himself back up with a HUGE grin, showing his proud satisfaction. He would also turn and twirl the way he saw Mateo doing and moved his arms and legs in an attempt to swim!!

Happy (Early) 2nd Birthday Santi!

We celebrated Santi's 2nd birthday a little early this year so that my mom could be part of the celebration. Here are some adorable pictures of him showing his surprise and excitement upon seeing the cupcakes and candle and his delight at eating them!

Santi got first dibs on choosing his cupcake. He choose a chocolate cupcake with chocolate frosting ... surprise, surprise!

Trying to blow the candle

"How exciting!!!!"

"THAT'S for ME?????"

The celebratory cupcakes! Yuuuuuuummmmm!

Long Beach Aquarium

Touching a sea anemone

Hot???

Touching the sting rays

Touching the sharks

Rolling

Sexy Spider Man

Buzz Lightyears

Adorable boys in their pyjamas!!!

Mateoisms

Every morning, the school Director, Mr. Drake, has a 5 minute assembly with all the students and teachers. Two weeks ago, he started a trivia contest where he would ask the teachers things like what they like to do when they aren't teaching and the students had to listen. Every day, he would ask them a new question. And finally last week, the teachers "tested" their students to see who would give the most right answers. So, this is what Ms. Lopez asked Mati and his answers:

Q: What does Mr. Drake like to do when he's not teaching?
A: He likes to get beat by me in running.
Real answer: play tennis, soccer
(Note: Mr. Drake was my sister's teacher and he's very fond of her. So he has been SUPER nice with Mateo. Every day he checks up on him and they race down the school halls or play soccer, etc.)

Q: Where was Mr. Drake born?
A: In a house.
Real answer: New York.

Q: If Mr. Drake wasn't a teacher, what would he be?
A: A professional soccer player. But my team would beat his.
Real answer: actor