The Aurora Zoo

Yesterday, we went for a big trip into the city to see the Zoo with some friends. We invited Ruth, her daughter Lesbia and her grand child, Myellie. My good friend Patricia, her mom, and her three children went as well. We started the day with Ruth and family arriving in a Tuk Tuk, then we all walked to Patricia's. The van was waiting and for the first time ever for me in Guatemala, it was a female driver and her lovely daughter Rana. The vans are like mini VW buses with two bench rows and extended fold out seats on each row. The trip in was fairly quick no real traffic. I had never driven with such a cautious driver here. Usually, you wonder how many autowrecks you avoided on your journey or how many you may have created. But Rebecca our driver drove with the utmost of care, a nice change of pace. Once at the Zoo, priorities first, bathrooms and Pollo Campero for lunch! If I had'nt already posted Pollo Camero is the nation's craving. It is similiar to Kentucy Fried Chicken but different. It is ok. People here say it absolutely grows on you but this is my first time ever having a piece other than a bite of someone else's. Fully fueled on Guatemalan's fast food finest we entered the park. Much to my surprise it was a very open airy Zoo. Safety is not a huge concern in Guatemala so there weren't any high fences or walls really. Mainly, there were water motes (sp?) to keep you from the animals. Therefore the animals seemed very close. The main attractions for me were a male lion with the biggest mane I have ever seen; a white peacock; two beautiful jaguars; an elephant that walked on a 6 inch curb (width) 10 ft high above a mote; the monkeys (can't remember the type, but very entertaining); a completely scary python that must have just eaten a small goat, he was huge!; and the little rides that the kids and adults went on. OK, more on that. For all my friends back home, you can picture the little scary rides they set up in front of K-mart? The Zoo had something similiar but of course even less safe if that is possible. But Jacilyn (Patricia's 7 yr old) was an expert there so she took Alejandra directly onto the scarriest little roller coaster and Alejandra loved it. Next thing you know she rode it again, then with Ruth, then Patricia and her kids, then Lesbia and her 15 month old!!!! I graciously decided to watch the strollers, camera's ect!! (there are no height or age restrictions when riding these things). After that it had pretty much been a full day and we strolled back out to where the van was waiting. The trip back was about 2 hours because of traffic. Once we were back it was dinner and lights out!! Alejandra did well for the day. Only a few bouts of attitude. She loved all the animals. It was the first time that I felt like she knew who Momi was and I was not just another care giver to her. It wasn't that she was super affectionate or incredibly happy that I was there, it was just that she knew who to look to to show me certain animals or what to do, when to do. Today, will be the first time I have been to the pool with her alone. In the past she has issues with first arriving, being asked not to do certain things (that are dangerous) ect. So today will be another good test of how we are doing. Overall, I think we are continuing to make baby baby steps, although compared to a week ago, when I really look back she has made huge gains. Last Sunday is what I call Black Sunday, when Grant and Rachael left. We will see what today brings!!! Tomorrow afternoon we find out when our Visa appt is set. Right now they are setting them into June (ugh). So all the prayers and positive thoughts are welcome and much appreciated as we would love to get home earlier! Janet