ThingsDaily

AIRPLANES AND PARACHUTES

Living in a foreign country, learning a new language, discovering a new culture, enjoying new foods and exploring new places all sounds very glamorous and adventurous. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is the stuff of dreams for many {some of you readers}. And I’m so grateful to be here.

But, I’ll be honest. It’s not without challenges.

Did you ever read the children’s book “Fortunately” when you were a kid? I sometimes feel like the little boy in that book. Here’s an excerpt:

Fortunately, Ned was invited to a surprise party.

Unfortunately, the party was a thousand miles away.

Fortunately, a friend loaned Ned an airplane.

Unfortunately, the motor exploded.

Fortunately, there was a parachute in the airplane.

Unfortunately, there was a hole in the parachute.

{Remy Charlip}

And the story goes on. I definitely have my days like this. 

For example: I’m so glad that we are out of the hotel and in this flat. We have a kitchen! But it’s beyond small with the tiniest little sink that makes clean-up extremely difficult. No garbage disposal, and no strainer thingy in the drain. What am I supposed to do with the little ramen noodle particles floating in the discarded beefy broth? And when am I supposed to clean said kitchen if Harper’s pack and play is two feet away from the growing pile of dishes? Not when she’s sleeping. And not when she’s awake and trying to do back flips out of her Bumbo for my attention.

In the hotel we had a nice A/C unit that kept the temperature perfect. This flat is another story. In our bedroom we have an old, monstrosity on wheels that blows cold air if you flip all the buttons and crank all the dials. It’s so much better than nothing, but for some unexplained reason it causes us to be hot/cold/muggy all at the same time. And what about Harper’s corner of the living room? Do we leave the windows open at night for a breeze but also get city noise + lights? Or do we go for the hotter, darker, quieter option? No blanket? Blanket? 

And even though there’s still no washer or dryer, there are a lot of things we feel fortunate about.

Fortunately we have two balconies {fresh air and hours of people-watching for Harper}. Fortunately we are in a fantastic part of town. Fortunately we have the most amazing shower head. Fortunately we have a cleaning lady that comes by each day. Fortunately the nice staff members help us with elevator doors and stroller maneuvering. Fortunately our internet is better here than at the hotel. Fortunately we get a great variety of TV channels. Fortunately we’re all healthy.

We are looking forward to more fortunately’s in our journey {like “Fortunately I speak perfect Portuguese” I’ll let you know when that day comes!}. 

Happy Sunday, all!