Parque Chapultepec

One of the days that Tavo didn’t go to school, we decided to check out Parque de Chapultepec . It’s a park that is kind of like a zoo. There’s monkeys, an aviary, a petting farm, a lake with boats you can rent, a house of terror, playgrounds, among other things. It is located in a ravine between mountains and has a river running through it and huge trees. It’s gorgeous, but we didn’t manage to take any photos yet that captures the beauty. But here are some funny ones of Tavo and Magdalena at the petting farm, where we fed alfafa to the goats, horse, cow and rabbits.

Spidey Tavo

Ninito’s school had a Dia de San Valentin Party. He came home with his face painted like Spiderman and a gift of cookies. Magdalena saw her brother and burst out into laughter. This was the first time that she laughed on her own, without someone tickling her or something. I wanted to upload the video so that you can enjoy this sweet laughter too, but it doesn’t seem to be working. I’ll try again another time.

Museo Robert Brady

With Tavo in school, Nino, Magdalena and Jana were able to visit the Robert Brady Museum. Brady, an artist and a collector of art, passed away in the eighties and left behind a beautiful home that is now a museum. Each room is full of works of art from around the world and some of the rooms themselves are works of art. Jana especially enjoyed the bathroom filled with Haitian paintings. Magdalena was fascinated by the water fountain. Nino liked the pre-Columbian pieces, the Frida Kahlo self-portrait and the bedroom full of colonial era crucifixes.

Jardin Etnobotanico

Cuernavaca is famous for its gardens. Unfortunately most are private and behind high walls or have been turned into fancy hotels and/or restaurants. However, there are some very nice public ones. In the village of Acapantzingo (swallowed by Cuernavaca), there is an ethno botanical garden, with a small museum and a beautiful grounds with all kinds of plants, trees and flowers. On this early Monday morning, we had the place to ourselves.

Little Drummer Boy

We bought Tavo a drum and he immediately started drumming in the middle of the Tepoztlan market. He had quite a crowd gathering around him, because he looked so cute (and plays quite well).

Tepoztlan 3: La Iglesia

Tepoztlan 2: El Mercado

Tepoztlan

Not far from Cuernavaca, is a village called Tepoztlan that dates from pre-Hispanic times. We went with our friends Neza, Margarita and Roberto for the day. Tepoztlan is surrounded by mountains and there is a pyramid 400 meters up from the town. (We didn’t hike up there this time, but perhaps can go one day without the kids). We ate a delicious breakfast, wandered slowly through the artisan market, and checked out the church and convent complex from the 16th century. Every year, the arches in front of the church entrance are decorated with grains and seeds to form an elaborate and beautiful mosaic. At the food market, Nino, Jana and even Tavo tried the chapulines (grasshoppers).

At the Cathedral

The Cathedral in Cuernavaca is one of the oldest in the Americas. Nino and Magdalena are standing in front of a famous statue of San Cristobal.

Magdalena's First Food

On February 10th, Magdalena had her first taste of food...banana. She has since tasted yogurt and avocado. But she doesn't really understand how to swallow yet, and most of the food ends up outside of her mouth. She loves eating though, she kicks her feet in excitement.

Cookie Monsters

Here is Ninito with his friend Roberto...eating chocolate chip cookies. They play well together. And now they are classmates too. Tavo has started to go to la escuela 3 or 4 days a week, for 4 hours a day. He loves it. He didn't cry at all the first day (but we did!). The second day I asked if he wanted to go to school and he quickly said "bye bye" as if he wanted to go that very moment. The staff is very attentive and it is great Spanish exposure for him.

Our Courtyard in Cuernavaca

We are settling in nicely in Cuernavaca. We have a 2 bedroom ¨bunglalow¨ that is downtown and not far from the cathedral, gardens, restaurants, markets. Very close by we have great street food, an internet cafe, place to buy fresh tortillas. Across the street live our friends Neza, Margarita and Roberto (who is the same age as Tavo), who have been so helpful in countless ways. Here are some photos of the beautiful courtyard in front of our bunglalow. Tavo adores the cat, Pancho, who is very child-friendly. Magdalena is very interested in her new surroundings.

Vietnamese New Year

We went to New Orleans East this past Saturday to a Vietnamese New Year festival. We enjoyed the food (the vietnamese beignets are better than Cafe du Monde's) and the kid-friendly activities, such as the train ride. We also watched dragon dancing and were a bit surprised by the closeness of the fireworks!