Every place we have lived, we have gotten into a groove of restaurants we like, and activities to do with the kids. We would become members of the closest zoo and children's museum, and knew where all the local parks were. Candace would have an activity planned every day which would also include trips to story time at the library. Here in South America, things are not as easy as they were, but we are discovering some great things.
Restaurants: Our first move was to Virginia where we were exposed to what we thought were nicer restaurants and options than the normal Utah County fare. We latched on to an Italian place called Maggiano's. While our income increased, we broadened our horizons away from Outback Steakhouse to places like Ruth's Chris and found that you really do get what you pay for. We decided that instead of paying $30 every couple of weeks for TGIF, we would go out less often and eat better food. Let me tell you, it made a huge difference in our date nights.
In Chicago, we had tons of wonderful options, both inside the city and out. While Sweet Tomatoes was a family regular, we were exposed to wonderful pizza (Giordanos) and upscale dining. In Denver, Sweet Tomatoes was still on the docket (and really really close to our house), but we didn't get out as much with the young kids.
We have gone out to mostly steak places here (for obvious reasons), but have recently experienced some good Thai food, a good Mexican Place, and this weekend, we had some EXCELLENT seafood (www.crizia.com.ar). We can always have good steak, and you don't have to go looking around for it, but finding great alternatives is always welcome.
ACTIVITIES: I think I have mentioned some of the problems with the public areas here (not well kept, doggy poopie, clientele), but we got together with a group of friends and went to an Estancia (Ranch) yesterday (www.rodiziocampo.com.ar). It had a great playground, pool, soccer field, ping pong, horses to ride, other animals, bikes, drinks, lunch included, etc etc. It was a great time. We are experiencing a four-day weekend due to a local holiday so we were trying to get out of the house. The place was about an hour from the city in the heard of my mission.
It's nice to find new fun things to do. Still making plans for some soccer games and theater. Week old pictures of the kids below.
On a more serious note, Candace and I would like to thank all those who continue to reach out and support us. Sometimes it's hard to talk openly about the loss of Lily, and while we strive to move forward and put on happy faces, the pain is still very much a part of our lives. We still need your thoughts and prayers.
Okay, so you are getting a deluge of some of my comments all on the some day. BYU is currently playing Florida right now in the Sweet 16 and I don't have cable to watch it! Jimmer's amazing shots aren't nearly as cool on KSL radio. In the meantime, I'm catching up with my hands-down favorite family in Argentina, while Mark enjoys the game from his hotel room in New York City and my kids keep asking me what's for dinner.
ReplyDeleteWe love eating out! I'm simply amazed that you found a decent Mexican restaurant in Buenos Aires. What a remarkable find! When we were in BA a while back, we kept going back to Hard Rock Cafe in Recoleta (sp?)just so we could eat the fajitas there (I don't even like Hard Rock Cafe). I love Mexican, and those fajitas were the only good thing I could find. When we were in Paraguay, they had a sad little Mexican place at the food court at the mall. I was excited because we were able to buy some tortillas there. We got back to our apartment and I was trying to figure out what to do with the tortillas because I couldn't buy salsa or anything like unto it (Paraguayos aren't into spicy food). We ended up melting cheese on the tortillas (they had only two kinds of cheese in Paraguay 15 yrs ago) like a quesadilla and then we dipped it in marinara sauce. Good memories. Enjoy the steak!!
P.S. We keep praying for you! I was recently thinking how it has nearly been six months since Lily passed away. Does it feel like it has been a small eternity and also like it was just last week?
One of my favorite children's books is Because of Winn Dixie. The main character, who is still grieving for her mother says it's like when you've lost a tooth and your tongue keeps going back to the spot where the tooth should be, always aware of it, always finding that spot. I can only imagine that when it's a gaping hole in your heart, the grief is always with you. I know we're far away, but we're still with you and we pray for you as you keep moving forward each new day.