The Mayer Family

I think Evan & Ellie have seen half the city on foot, well, Ellie by stroller & foot. We are getting used to, or at least having our patience strengthened, by hauling the stroller up and down lots of steps, by Evans “I have to go to the bathroom right NOW” at the most inconvenient times and by listening to lots of other questions, comments, and fussing. Today in a Rental Agent office, Evan decided that he was so thirsty right then that “if I don’t have water in 10 minutes, I’m going to die”, even though he had just had a drink about 20 minutes earlier. So they have been keeping life interesting. Most Spaniards are very kind to children and don’t seem to mind them acting up too much. Usually when we correct Evan & Ellie for something they will say it’s ok and not to worry about it.

Tonight we stopped for a Schawarma (like a Kebab, but with chicken instead of beef) at a local stand, which is becoming one of our favorites. We really like the chicken and cheese with vegetables like cabbage, carrots, onion and etc. all wrapped up in a pita bread. They are inexpensive and you can get them to go. After making the Schawarma, the guy that made it came around the counter and planted a big kiss on Ellie, and gave her a juice to take along.

We have some opportunities to look at some more apartments tomorrow and Wednesday and we are hoping to make a decision by the end of the week. We are learning that the Spanish way does not rush things. It is good to talk, and talk, and talk, and then wait and think about it. Jose has been doing a lot of the “talking” for us, and I have understood very little to be honest. Kevin understands more than me, but when they get going and talking fast, it’s easy to get lost quickly. We met a Rental Agent today who was originally from San Francisco and it felt great to talk in English for once and feel completely understood. It’s a little scary looking to rent an apartment and not feeling like we always understand enough to know everything that we are agreeing to. We are trusting God to lead us where he wants us, and we are so thankful that he has brought Jose into our lives. We have also found out through Jose that rental prices and amenities are not set in stone. A lot of his “talking” has been getting the price lower for us, or getting them to add things, like if a refrigerator wasn’t included, he could negotiate to have them add that. These are all things that we would not have known, and feel blessed to have help with.

This morning I stayed here at our Pension while Kevin went out on the apartment search. I cleaned up and reorganized our room, making it a little more livable. Evan and I read some books. Evan is doing pretty well at reading to himself. We spent a little time on the terazza (porch) even though it was a bit cooler today. We had our lunch out there, and Kevin arrived back just in time for me to go to the internet café and then to the grocery store to get a few things.

Each morning we usually eat downstairs in the little café that is part of our Pension. I usually have toast and café con leche, and Kevin has been on a Tuna Sandwich kick (I know, for breakfast???) Sometimes we bring down cereal for Evan & Ellie and they provide the milk, or sometimes they share with us.
-Wendy

Landazuri Cafe where we usually eat breakfast

Kevin & Evan at breakfast

Wendy & Ellie at breakfast

Our usual breakfast

In the cafe

Manolo making fresh orange juice

If Evan & Ellie finish eating before we do, they usually end up just around the corner at the steps, and have fun jumping off the steps. If Margarita´s children are there, they usually join in. Kids don´t usually need to even talk to figure out how to play together. The grandma, Matilda , is usually pretty watchful, and the little ones are only allowed to jump off the first step.

Matilda (owner of the Pension) & Evan