We made it through the first week! It has been interesting. There have been so many people coming in and out of the house to look at things, fix things, or clean things. I have used the phrase "Fale devagar por favor" (Speak slowly please) so much!
To answer the question of 'Why did you take 16 suit cases???' Most of our items are on a ship in a container sailing their way to us. It is estimated to be in port in 2 weeks, however, it may take even longer due to customs. So, to prepare for not having all of our things for 4-7 weeks (or longer), we packed as much as we could into suit cases. Yes, we could have done an air shipment, but for 2 boxes it was going to cost us HALF of what the shipping container was and we could just not justify spending that.
Speaking of things in suitcases, as my mom, sister and I were packing, we asked Greg what kitchen items he had. When asked if he had pans, he replied yes. Upon arrival, I realize he had one 4 inch saute pan and one 4 inch sauce pan!!! Not sure I can manage meals for a family of 4 off of those! Shopping is needed.
This week we familiarized ourselves with the house and a little bit of the condominium. Adjusting to the time change has not been that hard, but adjusting to the fact it gets dark around 1700 (5pm) is difficult. Alden is all messed up with his schedule. He wakes up very early and then shuts down early - sometimes ready before dinner!
Wednesday we traveled to the policia federal and submitted all of our paperwork to obtain our RNEs and CPFs. Both of these documents are pertinent to us being in the country. Since this is in a busier part of the country, we took an Uber to not have to worry about parking.
Some of the country side. It is difficult to take pictures in a moving car here! Always something in your way!
The boys did great sitting through hours of paperwork, finger printing and much more. They were hungry by the time it was over, so we found a Starbucks and enjoyed a treat!
Unless Greg says his name is Greggy they will always write Grey.
The boys and I continue to explore and we love what we are finding. No names for the plants or insects we have found yet.
It still amazes me that it is 'winter'
"Take a picture of the pretty sidewalk mom"
There are some soccer fields in the condominium and these are the seats they have.
Playing in the bamboo
Chewie is adjusting well. He tends to spend his days in the sun on the porch and it surprises me that he sits down. Because he has not much fur on his rear, he typically won't sit on non-carpeted areas.
Due to my neck problems, a much needed change to our 'TV' set-up was needed. I knew those suitcases would be good for something!
Found a better table for the boys to use when they eat as well. Funny how something like a table and chairs can be missed so much!
Getting tired around 3pm.
Playing with Chewie outside.
Each day we study our Portuguese with different apps based on their abilities.
This is the trash truck! The boys were completely in awe. A simple trailer drives through the condominium every other day.
It is cold outside, the water is cold, but the pool is new and they have been begging to to get in. So we had a picnic in which they could put their feet in.
Friday night we met some of Greg's coworkers at a pizza restaurant. Both boys were very shy and very tired as it was later than normal. Alden became friends with two of them quickly because they were willing to snuggle and play Paw Patrol! Pictures courteous of Zane.
Saturday, we ventured to a shopping (what they call a mall) to grab some things we needed. The boys couldn't believe all of the different stores in this mall. We maybe walked 1/4 of it!
After picking up what we needed at a few different stores, we stopped for a bite to eat.
Greg had to check out this liquor store.
The boys were exhausted with the amount of walking we did throughout this mall!
Boys got their boosters!
Saturday night was the
Festa de Junina. The entire condominim shows up to celebrate! The boys met some of the neighborhood children that speak English and will go to their school. We had a lot of fun playing games, meeting people, and trying new foods and drinks! (remember to check out the food page!)
