'Mana' and 'Nini'

This blog entry was written waaaaaay back in June. The plan was to update the blog every couple days, but technology decided otherwise. Photos could not be uploaded, connections were tricky, etc. So, we opted to wait for sufficient time (is almost 2 months really enough?) to pass and try again, this time from Malaysia....

We've been in Bogota now for three days and the sun has been shining steadily on us. The flight here was perfect and our descent through the clouds brought with it the now familiar yet fascinating view of the Andean villages, the agricultural spaces, the Sabana and, finally, the extensive city below as the plane gets closer to the runway.

The next three days have been a whirlwind of activity. With Walter in tow we have gone back and forth across the city and across the barrio to shop, to visit friends, to see parts of town that we haven't seen in a while. We've had 'onces' with Natalia's university friends, we've met family who have come to say hello. We have made breakfast, lunch and dinner of Colombian delicasies and have enjoyed each and every moment (barring, perhaps, the traffic).

One of the highlights, however, has been Irini's reconnection with her cousin Mariana. Unlike Irini who is still juggling three languages, Mariana's speech has progressed and she is able to say basic words to make her point clear. She refers to herself as "Mana" and has now identified Irin as "Nini". The two have moved past the initial stages of getting to know each other, and now share toys and food happily. Today they had breakfast together as well as play time in the back-yard playground down the path.

Irini might not know how to say things just yet, but it is obvious, as she plays catch (or sorts) and offers/is offered a buscuit to/from Mana, that communication is taking place. Extended family socialization has begun in earnest.