Assimilating? Not exactly

I just had my first full week just me and the boys. Lots of ups and downs. The boys started the school week strong but it quickly descended into disaster.  They aren't adjusting so well. I feel confident that this week will be better. Not perfect, but better.

I have the sweetest neighbors ever. I love them. A family of 7. Parents, grandparents, two adult sons and 8yo daughter. They are so friendly and kind. They also love the gossip! Today I took the daughter to a hotel swimming pool with us. I think this put the mom and dad way our of their comfort zone but  they let me take her. As a thank you they brought me a lunch plate of avocado salad. So yummy.

Anyway, I love these guys. They make me feel safe and welcome. I've been hanging with the expat crowd a bit too. I have some expat neighbors and I'm connected to expats from the boys' school.  In fact last night I went to a fundraiser for the school. What an interesting and diverse crowd.  I've heard a lot of comments from the expats here that make me feel uncomfortable. Many seem preoccupied with crime and theft. Others with the nica work ethic and others with getting ripped off by people they employ. I've given my maid two $20 tips. I've been advised that if I'm generous I'll be taken advantage of. So far, not a problem. I've also been advised to be cautious about sharing with neighbors. The whole expat message makes me feel icky. There's more to it than I've written here, but suffice to say people are having difficulty assimilating.
Myself included.
I was last here in 1998 and it feels like a very different place. I know a lot of it is me and how I've changed but it is also the influx of tourism that has changed the city for both tourists and locals alike.

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