We goa to Goa

Last month we took a trip to Goa, a renowned beach getaway. We had such a great time! Sun, sand, clean air and stunning architecture. Up until the 1960s Goa belonged to Portugal, even though it is on the Indian subcontinent. So when you come to Goa... it doesn't much feel like you're in India at all! The houses and buildings are still Portuguese Mediterranean style.. oh so beautiful!!!

This is the place where we stayed for the weekend... a random pick from a tourist handbook, and boy was it a good one. It was called Alidia... spacious and clean rooms with private balconies... a pool and a couple minutes walk to the sandy beach.
I spent a lot of time in the pool! And mama and papa were surprised to learn that I can now swim almost independently (except for the help of the water wings) ;)

When we walked to the beach... we passed by some humble little homes with livestock.
And a friendly man bringing up water from the well noticed our curiosity and let us take a look (and a picture) :)
The beach we went to was called Baga...

Here I am telling mama how old I am ...

All of us taking in the serenity of the sunset and crashing waves.
A man came by selling chai!! Now that's heaven :)
Mama didn't swim... mainly because she didn't have a swimsuit on and also the culture here is a bit conservative (basically wearing a bikini and the likes is showing way too much skin). Many local women go into the water fully clothed.. saris and all! She couldn't bring herself to swim in the ocean fully clothed, so she stationed herself on the sand and guarded everyone's valuables ;)
We took a picture with a temple elephant (although it cost us 25 rupees - about 60 cents)...
This was our ride for one full day of travelling from one tourist site to another :)

There are a LOT of churches in Goa!
It was HOT, and it's so important to keep hydrated you know... I even wore SPF 60... Can never be too careful is what I always say (I'm so wise at such a tender age, don't you think?)

True Indian Wedding!

So here we are dressed up in all our Indian glory ready for the looooooong night of wedding party bliss! We took a lot of photos and unfortunately couldn't upload them on blogger (too many, and files were too big) so for more pictures click here. If I'm not looking so happy in this picture it's because I was developing a fever which peaked late that night.

PLEASE no more pictures

Namaste India

We arrived in Bangalore, India not too long ago and are still trying to adjust to the new time zone and our new surroundings. We are all pretty happy to be here and have been meeting really nice people! Our plane ride went really well and the last leg of our journey somehow we got to sit in the business class section!!! Boy were we happy! Papa and I slept the whole 9 and a half hours on that plane. Mama rested a little too, but she was just too excited to be in the business class section for the first time in her life! We were all so comfy and it made our journey that much easier!

We live within walking distance of papa's work so he comes home often for breaks. And since we live in a gated community, they offer all kinds of things like a gym, tennis court, two restaurants, schools, a BIG pool, and nice playground for meeeeeee!!! Already mama and papa are talking about putting me in the montessori school here starting January! I'm really excited and when we went to visit the school, I met some really friendly children my age and saw all the fun things they get to do! I even cried when mama said it was time to go home. I can't wait 'til January! Mama says I have to be potty trained before then so I'm making a special effort to "hold it in". An unusual concept, but I'll manage.

Here are some pics for your viewing pleasure :)

Costa Rica part II

I got to meet Sasha in person... I've only known her so far mostly from her photos on her blog. Boy, did I love her! I was always asking mama and papa when I could play with her again and we had a great time together. Here we are playing with baby Ela.



We played a lot! She loved my pink sparkley shoes... I practiced sharing and always let her put them on (mama was so proud of me!). But it wasn't that hard for me 'cause I really like Sasha and she's nice with me.
Here's Tia Gianni with baby Ela :) Ela's grown so much since last time we saw her! Mama said I was cute and chubby just like Ela when I was a baby!
I even got to play with my Abuelo (grandpa) and cousin Joan at the mall....

The morning before we had to leave for the airport we enjoyed a nice Costa Rican breakfast and coffee at a cafe.
I tried to get in as much "play time" with Sasha as I could before we left!

And then it was back on the airplane for us... I got cozy with my iPod and watched the Little Mermaid.

Vamos a Costa Rica!

So here we go again.... travelling AGAIN :) We've travelled so much.. I'm becoming a pro at this airport, security, taking off my shoes, waiting and waiting thing. After so many flights I've learned that a good book is invaluable during a long flight. Here I am waiting at the airport and enjoying my cookies and Richard Scarry book. This is the life! Pura Vida!!! (that's a Costa Rican saying meaning "pure life"... and boy is it!)


We met our good friend Jeffrey at the airport in San Jose... I haven't seen him in a year! Luckily we were able to spend the whole week with him. He's so nice with me :)
We got together with family... here I am with my uncle Ahmed and cousin Joan playing caballito (horsie).Here we are .... the three amigos!

More photos

Our last part of the trip we spent staying with mama Julie and Bumpa. Here I am learning some tunes with mama Julie's help.

The highlight of the trip.... this GIGANTIC cookie!!!! mmmmmm
We chilled with uncle David and tia Gianni at a very tasty coffee shop....
Baby Ela was sleeping... so I had to be quiet.


My favorite photo with my papa!
Then we went to have lunch with Abuelito at a traditional Costa Rican restaurant overlooking San Jose... it was called Tiquicia. Two thumbs up!

To end... a self portrait.