Growing Up Expat: What you Sacrifice

I wanted to write a post that analyzes both what you give up to be an expat and what you hopefully gain.  I'm first going to discuss sacrifices, not because I want to highlight the negative but because these were my thoughts before we ever agreed to come to Colombia.  Moving overseas with young children …

Isla del Encanto

...and that's just what it was.  Enchanted.  A little sleepy and just what I needed for 36 hours with the girls.  That's right, we slipped away for some beach lounging, drink sipping, nap-taking enjoyment. Just one hour by boat, and you can be sitting pretty just feet from the water.  Fair warning: I am about to …

6 Months In…

In a way it seems much longer, but really, I am so grateful to feel that we have had a productive 6 months.  In a place where change is constant and being "settled" is still outside your comfort zone, I can confidently say we are happy.   We have found our routines, our favorite cafes, and …

Tres Anos

My baby is three.  It seemed so far away, until it was here.  And now she wants to be a big girl all the time. She is a smart, talented and beautiful. She loves twirling, painting, reading, nail polish, sprinkles, cats & dogs, swimming, music and her brother.  She can name all the Avengers and …

Castillo San Felipe

One of the destinations we have been waiting to visit is Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, the extra-large Fortress that looms over Cartagena on the Hill of San Lazaro.  With a nearing Sunset and the perfect breeze, we took a cab over to check it out.   To be honest, I didn't read much about it …

Beauty Routines to Beat the Carribbean Heat

I never thought I would say this, because it goes against years of what the beauty world told me to be true, but the answer to fighting frizz, keeping my sensitive skin in check and fighting off new germs comes in the form of.... Oils. Essential Oils -  I am not a rep selling oils, …

Valentines and a Few Others…

Valentine's Day is not a Colombian holiday.  For once, we were celebrating and no one else was.  Actually, the school let the kids wear red or pink (instead of the white uniform) and had little parties.  Here is a little recap of our day: Started out with chocolate chip and sprinkle pancakes.... Some beautiful flowers …

Food: Part Dos

We have been here long enough to come across some new foods that we can't live without. Coco Rice - it's everywhere and when it's good, it's really good! There are 2 options, Blanco y Negro, both are amazing. Tropical Fruit - this is my husband's category, and he may never be the same.  Pitahiya, …

A Very Important Reason

One of the many reasons I was excited to move overseas was the ability to spend some time volunteering.   I knew there would be many opportunities and it didn't take long to find one that meant something to me.  Last weekend I tagged along with the amazing women of Cartagena Paws, who help rescue street animals, get …

10 More Interesting Things…

 All little girls are called Princessa's. Colombians love to push the up AND down button when calling an elevator (Mo's biggest pet peeve).  Then when the doors open, they ask if you are going up or down?!? You never have to flag down a cab, they honk at you as they drive by to see …