Bogota Arrival

This blog post is so long overdue I don’t even know where to start!

Our arrival in Bogota was such a whirlwind..the last minute packing that is always stressful and time consuming...Only people living abroad truly know what this is like. Packing in as much as you can while staying within the weight limits involves packing and re-packing and most of the time, taking things out.

But we made it, 7 suitcases, 1 guitar, 3 carry-on’s, and a stroller (which we’ve only used once since being here, go figure). Baxter didn’t make the flight with us because of a pet embargo on Delta Airlines, it’s just too hot in the summer months to put a pet under the plane. (Although he did leave Thailand with us...average temperature around 95 F at the time).

We arrived in Bogota on a flight that held most of the new crew arriving at CNG, most of us didn’t meet until we arrived and had picked up our luggage, but it was an exciting way to come in. The HR folks from CNG had their whole crew there to pick us up, take care of our luggage and escort us off to a hotel for the night.

There are so many details about our arrival that made it feel like CNG rolled out the red carpet for us newcomers, more than I can really share here, but here are a few of the details that stand out…

They took our luggage upon arrival and delivered it directly to our new apartment. You heavy travelers know how horrible it is to load and unload heavy bags, this was so nice to arrive at our new home without being burdened down with bags. Not only was the apartment fully furnished, complete with towel and bedsheets, they also include groceries, the staples, sugar, salt, coffee and starter meal of pasta and red sauce. It was so thoughtful and nice.

The day after we arrived they escorted us to campus where all the service providers we would need were all in one room ready for us to sign up. Within a span of a few hours, we had signed up for cell service, internet, Direct TV, bank accounts opened...I had signed our insurance & pension papers, we all got a blood test (even Dylan), fingers scanned for security at the school. It was so organized and convenient! AND we didn’t have to pay a single peso, we were signed on for these new services on the reputation of the school. We were also given our “settling in” allowance, the equivalent of $500 cash and another $1,000 on a debit card!

Over the first few days we taken to get our Colombian ID, shopping, we were treated to fabulous meals...during these first few days we realized that Dylan was sick. He had a fever and started getting blisters on his hands...he had hand foot mouth! I was horrified that he was sick and had been interacting with some of the kids who had also arrived with us. We kept him quarantined in our apartment until we knew he was better, but 2 days later I also got sick! I ended up with strep throat within the first week of our arrival and got to experience the doctor house call. Apparently it only costs about $12.50 for the doctor to come to your house. It was really convenient. I was so sad to miss the entire first week of orientation with my fellow new colleagues, but I had a full recovery and was ready to start school the following Monday with the returning staff.

This place is fabulous. I love my new school, everyone is so super friendly it almost seems unreal. Teachers from CNG who also live in our building came by and introduced themselves, people go out of their way to help you and it’s so refreshing. Everyone genuinely seems happy to be here.

We’re settling in...the weather is fantastic! Everyday has a little bit of rain and clouds mixed with some sunshine. The landscape is beautiful, the mountains, the crisp air on the school campus, the views are refreshing and because our apartment faces west, we get to watch the sun dip down behind the mountains in the distance as the city simultaneously begins to twinkle it’s night lights.

Dylan has a nanny and started daycare today, Fuad has been diving right in to learning Spanish, and I’ve just spent the last 3 days teaching my first classes.

This is going to be a good chapter, I know it already.  

The famers market just down the street from our apartmet

Our building

Dylan loves all the new parks to explore, this one is right outside of my classroom.

   

Can Chiang Mai really be over?

The exit came and went so fast...the last 48 hours in Chiang Mai are a blur, and even though I thought I was prepared there were still so many last minute details to take care of.

It was dark as our caravan of 3 cars pulled away from the Palm House (our home for the past 2 years in CM) and I finally broke into tears as my friend Sara bore silent witness to this emotional moment.
3 years come and gone...our son born, friendships blossomed, countless new experiences...

I find myself drawn to reading blogs like this and this on repatriation and transitioning out of your living situation abroad.
*YET*
We're not really repatriating...are we? No, we're here in the States for about a month before heading on to our next adventure. We left with all of our belongings in 7 suitcases (the rest of our stuff was packed up and shipped in May) and my mind *knows* that we're not returning to CM. My mind *knows* that we're not staying here...it's so hard to describe how heavy my heart feels for CM. And the clock is ticking as we make the biggest transition of our lives.
Now that the jet lag has left the room, I do feel more present here, but I find myself having to practice grace in so many of my interactions. Like I read about in this blog post, excerpted below...

Tip #10:  Grace – Give it Freely and Keep Some for Yourself

• When someone says, “you lived in Japan?  My neighbor is Korean.”  Give her some grace.
• When someone says, “you lived in Germany?  Heil Hitler!”  Give him some grace.
• When someone says, “you lived in China?  Oh my gosh, were you persecuted?”  Grace.
• When someone says, “you lived in Africa? That is so cool, say something in African.”  Grace.
• When no one says anything, and you really wish they would.  Grace.
• When you snap, or cry, or crawl into a hole . . . it’s for you too . . . Give yourself some grace.
• Landing is hard . . . sometimes because it was supposed to be easy.  As you leave and after you land grace is key.

I recognize that we are living a life that not too many people can relate to. Having one of these experiences of living abroad is the experience of a lifetime. We're about to embark on our second great adventure, and so I am reminded again of how blessed I am.  I am grateful. I am grateful that I have the experience and skills that allow me to work in a school like CMIS (Chiang Mai International School, where I have just spent the past 3 years) and at CNG (Colegio Nueva Granada, where I will work in Bogota). I'm grateful that my son is making connections all over the world. I'm grateful that we get to explore a new continent, and that exploration begins in just a few short weeks!

In a previous post I listed the top 10 things I would NOT miss about CM, but now that the experience of living in Chiang Mai is in the past, and I can look back on it, I need to share my top 10 list of the things I WILL miss.

The Top 10 List of Things I WILL Miss About Living in Chiang Mai (in no particular order)
10.) Pedicure: $10
9.) Thai massage: $10 for an hour
8.) the butt hose (a bidet spray attached to every toilet)
7.) Coconut water direct from the source
6.) Driving Perry, our scooter
5.) Mango Sticky Rice!!!
4.) Living in a giant house with a giant yard
3.) Monk sightings
2.) Teaching yoga in my home
1.) Friends

P.S. Stayed tuned friends, for a new blog will begin soon! Our adventures in Bogota will be documented on a new site soon to launch.

It's time to say goodbye...

Thank you Chiang Mai!
It was such a blessing to teach at CMIS! This job came at a time when I was experiencing some pretty heavy burn out. Making the shift to teaching in the International School setting has renewed my love of teaching, obstacles were removed and I was able to accomplish so much more with my students.
CMIS became a safe haven for my son to experience life as he grew to know all of the staff. I feel confident to say they love him like family and for that I am eternally grateful...

Thank you Chiang Mai!
For being the conception and birthplace of our son Dylan Jai, whose name will forever reflect a connection to his first home.

Thank you Chiang Mai!
For the friends we made who have become part of our global family...

Thank you for the countless lessons learned about the process of living as a foreigner.

We were honored to host a slew of folks in our home and connect with people from our neck of the woods. We shared meals, yoga classes and the comfort of American conversation (among other things).
Neela
Mark & Erica
Nico & Rachara
Mike & Keely
Mom & Dad
Heather
Madeline & Mike
Bessa & Solomon
Paul and Catalina and the Blue Lotus Massage School Crew
Adam
Aurora & Kevin
Jake & Alley
Catherine
Carolyn

We saw amazing places during our time in this corner of the world (I wish it was more!)

Hawaii (December 2011)

Sri Lanka (April 2012)

Cambodia (April 2012)

Singapore (October 2013)

Australia (August 2013)

Vietnam (April 2014)

Pai (January 2012)

Koh Samui (October 2011)

Phuket (October 2012)

Sukothai (April 2013)

Chiang Dao (February 2012)

Chiang Rai (February 2014)

Top 10 Things I Will NOT Miss About Living in Thailand

My husband has been compiling a list of the top *500* (it may be a bit ambitious...) things he will miss about living in Thailand.
Here are a few samples...
#397 of 500 things I'll miss about living in Thailand (in no particular order):
People Sleeping in Public = Laid Back Living
When Becky and I first got here, we kept coming across people in our old moo ban asleep in totally random, often hilarious places. I'm not a fan of making broad, sweeping generalisations, but I find myself agreeing with the author of this blogpost, who writes the following:
"If there were a contest who could sleep the easiest and in the most unusual places, I think the Thais would win hands down….I have seen many people sleep on their (parked) motorcycles, and I have seen a number of co-riders asleep while the bike was in full motion in traffic."
I'm a firm believer that the world would be a much better place if more people took naps. 

#401 of 500 things I'll miss about living in Thailand (in no particular order):
Lemongrass Tea
We have huge clumps of lemongrass growing in our yard, which we use to cook with and occasionally to make lemongrass tea. Becky makes these neat little bundles of dried lemongrass stalks that you can stick in a pitcher of hot water, which you then leave in the fridge, to make cool, refreshing lemongrass tea. Making tea from the plants growing next to your house is pretty awesome.

#405 of 500 things I'll miss about living in Thailand (in no particular order):
Front Yard Lychees
Today one of our neighbours was cutting lychees off a tree in her yard and as we were passing by she handed us a fresh bunch to take home. There's nothing like fruit freshly harvested from a tree a few meters from your house. Those lychees were pretty fantastic, and it's nice to have someone hand you fresh fruit as a gift.

#409 of 500 things I'll miss about living in Thailand (in no particular order):
Khao Soi - Chiang Mai's Signature Noodles
Khao Soi embodies Golden Triangle cuisine; it's a result of multiple cultures adding elements to a dish and blending flavours till all the individual ingredients add up to something sublime. There are Thai, Burmese, Malaysian, Shan, and Laotians aspects to this dish… Egg noodles swim in a savoury soup base, with coconut milk added judiciously, and then depending on what kind of Khao Soi you order, either chicken, pork, beef, seafood, or vegetables serve as the main element in the bowl. On top of that, you add crunchy fried noodles, pieces of pickled cabbage, shallots, roasted chilies to taste, and a squeeze of lime. It's a taste explosion! We were told upon arrival that "you haven't been to Chiang Mai till you've had Khao Soi." We promptly dived into a bowl and have yet to find our way out. This is very high on my list of favourite Thai foods.

#428 of 500 things I'll miss about living in Thailand (in no particular order):
Lunch Hour @ My Office
My coworkers in Bangkok actually take time to eat together outside the office everyday for lunch. After spending many years in the states eating my lunch alone in a sad cubicle while staring at my computer screen, it's really refreshing to be a part of an office community that actually shares meals together and enjoys each other's company. The agency actually stops working for lunch. I think that's amazing, and people actively invite you to eat with them. It's nice to eat lunch with friends and not talk about work.

Of course I have many, maybe even a hundred things, that I will absolutely miss about living in Thailand. However, for today I'd like to share my top 10 things (in no particular order) of things I will NOT miss about living in Thailand. This is not intended to be Thailand bashing, just a simple list of things that frustrate me about living here.

1.) Noise pollution-Aside from HaNoi, Vietnam (the loudest place I've been too) Chiang Mai is right up there...There is constant noise, from the moving trucks advertising Muay Thai boxing matches, to the constant rumble of tuk tuk's, to the neighborhoods that have loud speakers and make weekly announcements at the crack of dawn on the weekends...on the positive side, no one honks here, everyone is too polite!

2.) Moments of awkward laughing & smiles due to cultural differences and language barriers-Thailand is indeed the "Land of Smiles" 3 years living here have taught me that the smile reigns above all else, smiles and giggles are openly shared at even seemingly (from a western viewpoint) inappropriate moments. If they have no idea what you are trying to say (whether in Thai, because of poor pronunciation or in English) giggles & smiles. If someone gets into an accident, giggles & smiles (we saw this first hand our first week here). The job didn't get done as it should have, mistakes made...you guessed it, giggles & smiles.

3.)Toilet paper in the trash rather then in the toilet-Not too much to say here, it's a 700 hundred year old city, most places around (including our own home) don't allow paper in the toilet.

4.) Geckos shocking me, as they like to hide behind and under stuff in the kitchen-I'm glad they are around doing mosquito duty, but they are so jumpy!

5.) Traffic/Driving with no rules-A few days a week I'm confronted with cars driving on my green light down the wrong side of the road in order to make their turn. In these moments I become the raging farang (foreigner) honking my horn and refusing to offer a polite smile.

6.) Hot season-You can't go outside because it feels like you will melt. I'm not kidding. I have felt like my face was on fire from just a few minutes outside, in the SHADE! 100+ degree temperatures for days on end.

7.) Pollution season-You can't do outside because your eyes burn and it feels like you're breathing smoke (because you are).

8.) The change over from hot season to rainy season-think high 90 degree temp's with 100% humidity. When you get out of the cold shower you immediately start sweating.

9.) The insanely high cost of cheese-It's ridiculous. I miss eating cheese on a regular basis.

10.) "For you, BIG size." -Honestly, I'm not running into this phrase as often now that I've lost all the baby weight, but occasionally I still get it...it doesn't matter if you're a size 0, if you're farang, to the Thai perspective you require a BIG size. Truth be told, the potential for being told "for you, BIG size" has made me avoid certain shopping situations.

Amped Up...

These days I'm carrying such a high voltage emotional charge I can't even stand myself lately. It's strange what preparing to leave a place does to you. In this case it's so bittersweet. The job, the people, the place...all serving their purpose in my life, helping me to grow and expand, and in some ways causing me to contract. 3 years is a fair amount of time to put down roots, granted these roots don't penetrate deeply into this corner of the world, but they touch down, this will always be the birthplace of our son, which will someday make the question "where are you from?" difficult for him to answer...(check out TCK here)

Preparing to leave Chiang Mai doesn't feel anything like when we left Chicago, where we had both lived for over a decade. But it still stings...and at the same time feels glorious. I remember feeling so liberated when we left Chicago, because it meant that I could. It meant that I wasn't overly attached to anything there that kept me from exploring another part of the world. There are so many people who crave change, crave living somewhere else, crave something new & different but never do it. They feel so bogged down with the "stuff"...not just material things, but emotional baggage and codependent relationships, the thought of leaving overwhelms them. 

The sweetness? What we have to look forward to...first a visit back home! I can't wait to take Dylan to Silver Beach this summer! He loves being outside, he loves water, he loves exploring and playing in the sand and it's going to be so much fun! I'm also excited to connect with family and friends!

Then, onto our new adventure in Bogota. The work, the new living situation (back into a apartment after 2 years in this gigantic 5 bedroom teak house), a COOLER climate (yippee) are all changes I'm looking forward to. 

But packing, and working, and mothering and preparing to say goodbyes, it really takes a lot out of you, so there's that emotional charge...and right now when I should be getting ready to go to sleep, I'm here writing these feelings because it seems to help. In a lot of ways Chiang Mai has been a tremendous gift...my process in transitioning to life here has been difficult and as a result I've grown, and questioned and I feel more prepared for our transition to Bogota.

Where we go from here...

It's been awhile...During the past few months it's been difficult for me to find the time to sit down and write. Since the very beginning of our Chiang Mai blog I've tried to approach what I share with a sense of transparency, but during the past few months, it's been a little difficult for both Fuad & I to completely live out loud.
To be perfectly honest, I can't share it all anymore...the process of becoming an ex-pat, living & working & raising our child abroad has changed me too much. I feel reserved in sharing it all for fear of...well, revealing how different my thought process has become over the past 3 years.

We've had some big decisions to make because after a lot of soul searching, countless conversations and independent reflection, we came to the conclusion that our set up here in Chiang Mai isn't ideal for our family. That's not to say that anything is wrong with Chiang Mai...or Thailand...it mostly has to do with Fuad working in Bangkok, but it also has to do with (mostly me) wanting to be closer to our other home (the one in America) where our beloved family and cherished friends call home.

So for the first time in my life I resigned from my current job before securing a new one. Which felt like a huge risk for me. Then I searched and searched for the right angle to see things, weighing our needs with our desires, along with our potential options and decided to throw my hat into the ring of the international school hiring season. I decided that if I didn't at least try for a position, I would regret it. We had 2 goals: 1) For Fuad and I to live and work in the same city. 2) To be closer to our home (in America).
I applied to about 4 schools...and after a very long and thorough interview process I was offered an elementary music position in Bogota, Colombia! So after 3 years here in CM, we find ourselves packing up and once again going through the process of shedding stuff and preparing for some cooler temperatures! Yay!
Why Colombia? Why not? The list is so long...starting with the school which is well established & respected, and the pay and benefits are excellent. Plus we'll be living in the same time zone as our folks back home. I am so ready to live outside of Asia and in some cooler temperatures, and the journey home is a lot shorter than 24 hours!
I understand that some people don't get it...but there are plenty of people who do.
I can't pass up an opportunity to live and work on yet another continent. If my experience and qualifications allow me this, I'm going to do it. I can't pass up the potential for my son to one day attend an international school practically for free. Our son will be bilingual (he already understands and speaks a few Thai words) and will occupy a place in the world that I can hardly even fathom.
So...we enter a new phase, a new chapter, maybe even a different novel, thanks for sticking with us and reading along on our journey. Stay tuned for how the next few months unfold...endings and beginnings are always bittersweet, with so much to look forward to and so many goodbyes at the same time.
Check out this Ted Talk on what Pico Iyer calls the "floating global tribe", which is sounding more and more like the community we belong to.

Happy 1st Birthday Dylan Jai

Where do I start in describing the incredible, roller coaster ride that was Dylan's first year of life?

Dylan was conceived in love with so much hope and anticipation...I had no idea how blindsided I would be in my complete, unconditional love for this little man.

But wherever there is light, there is also shadow...the greatest joys and the greatest frustrations...it would be unrealistic to write about Dylan's first year as if everything were perfect. There were many perfect moments, but there were also imperfect ones. The greatest challenge over the last year was Dylan's struggle against sleep. There were even some nights that felt like a strange kind of torture, or punishment...all I wanted for our family to sleep...but it remained elusive.

The second challenge was Fuad's work situation, as he travels to Bangkok once a week for 2 days of work and 1 night away from our family. The second morning he's gone is difficult, as I have to tend to Dylan, and Baxter, and getting myself ready for work, all before 7 am! When Dylan starts walking (which will be any day now) I don't know how I'll manage these mornings.  I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. 

I find myself so nostalgic when reflecting back to "last year at this time", the days and moments leading up to his arrival...I think because I was so naive, and I had no idea how much his arrival would change our lives. 

Here are a few highlights from Dylan's first year of life:

Dylan took 1 road trip to Sukothai at around 3 months. It's a 5 hour drive from Chiang Mai.

Dylan spent 1 weekend in Bangkok in May

Dylan traveled to America at 4 1/2 months old, enduring 24 hours of flights and airports to get from Chiang Mai to Chicago.

Dylan took a trip to Sydney, Australia at 7 months old, spending another 12 hours in an airplane to get there.

Dylan visited Singapore at 10 months old. Only 2 1/2 hours in a plane!

Dylan flew to America for his 1st birthday...another 24 hours en route to the USA.

Dylan now weighs 18 pounds 2 ounces, and is 29 inches tall.

His eyes are brown and his hair is straight.

His 5th tooth is coming in.

He can clap & wave, play peek-a-boo, and he can wai when you say "sawasdee khap" (the standard Thai greeting). He can lift his arms to the sky, and point using his index finger.

He stands really well and is about to walk ANY DAY NOW!

He loves eating bananas, rice crackers, his grandmother's dhal bhaat (rice & lentils), kiwi, and scrambled eggs.

He loves taking things in & out of containers, and opening & closing doors and drawers. His favorite toys right now are his new Tickle-Me Elmo and his stacking blocks.

Dylan is totally captivated by Youtube videos with puppets, Michael Jackson music videos, Curious George cartoons, Tinga Tinga Tales from Africa, and musical instruments in real life.

I hope that Dylan continues to approach life with his eyes wide open and with a sense of awe and curiosity.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from Dylan's first year of life.

Just an hour old!

Dylan just a few days ago watching the lions at the National Zoo

A few days old, just before leaving the hospital

5 days old

3 months old with his best pal at the time, Worm.

4 months old

Father's Day 5 months old

6 months old

7 months old

Under the super trees in Singapore, 9 months old

Dressed as a cowboy, 10 months old

At the Elephant Camp 11 months old