Arrival in Asuncion

We are here.   We are here.  We are here.  

Our Flight to Paraguay

We have arrived on the speck of a South American country, namely, Paraguay.  It is a LOVELY place.  Amazingly I walk around town and experience many of the same sights, smells and sounds as Brazil.  It's a nostalgic experience.  

One of the painted windows in my house

The other painted window.

Our flight here was quite pleasant.  Our kids were so well-behaved and allowed for some adult nap time and reading.  We flew from DC - Miami - Beunos Aries - Asuncion in the course of 3 days.  We had a 1.5 day stop in Miami where hubby did some training on airport security and the kids and I went to the everglades to check out some crocks.  

And let me tell you:  room service is NOT overrated!  

Sofitel Miami:  Gorgeous!

The hardest part of our entire flight was getting Sandy (our lovely yellow Labrador) in and out of customs.  She was harder than all 4 of our children put together.  It wasn't her, per se, it was all the red tape and paperwork to get her through customs and approved for travel from the USDA.  What a process!  We have decided that our dog days will be over for while after our sweet Sandy passes into doggie heaven.  When we got to Paraguay we got the kids a bunny.  It's a great alternative to a big ol' dog.  But, in all honesty, having Sandy here is wonderful!  She has been so happy in our back-yard and goes swimming 2-3 times A DAY!  It's a great form of exercise.  The kids love playing with her in the pool and I'm convinced that she could save their lives one day.  She is also a great watch dog!

Swimming Sandy

Love my dog, Sandy!

Once we got to the Argentinian Airport we purchased a few treats, some gum and sat on our suitcases while Joel did all the Sandy paper-work.  And, by the way, America, in other countries the luggage carts ARE FREE!  Come on!  Do you really need $3 more dollars on top of our airfare?  It makes travel so nice when each of your children gets to push their own 'car't.  

We arrived to the Asuncion Airport greeted by the lovely embassy personnel who had 2 vans ready to load up with kids and suitcases.  They were amazingly efficient.  A HUGE thanks to the Embassy's program, which got us settled, had food in our fridge, and beds made.  What a welcome to our new home for the next 2 years!