I've learned what it's like to read a subway map without hyperventilating! I've also learned that getting lost isn't the same thing as getting kidnapped (that's what my insides would tell me when I would first realize I didn't know where I was!) I've learned that I really enjoy walking to run errands (believe it or not, you can get a bigger quantity of errands run on foot than you can while driving). I've learned that even when you don't know the exact way home, you can still get home by asking for people's help. But what's been the funnest part of city living to me has been watching my boys become "city savvy"! I've been amazed at the how the boys have adapted. I never imagined that Austin at just shy of 4 years old and Jonathan at 2 and a half would be quite as adapted to urban living as they are. Here are the things that have most recently impressed me about them:
*Walking- The subway stop is a mile from our home. Daddy is way more brave than I am. When I'm with the boys, out of fear of melt downs, or that I'll have to carry a 30lb child for a mile, I always take the little bus that gets us to the subway. But when we're with daddy we walk :) The other day, I gave them the option of getting on the bus or walking home. They chose to walk! They did so cheerfully without complaining. I was impressed and proud.
*Safety Zones- I remember having many near heart attacks in subway stations when we first moved to NYC. The boys were so curious about the train tracks. They were eager to look at them - ahhh - a momma's nightmare! Today they are very aware of the line they need to stay behind.
*Holding hands. I remember the struggle it was to have them hold my hand while walking. Today they are happy to hold it and understand the safety behind holding our hands on crowded streets.
*Crossing the Street - In our neighborhood we will often allow them to walk ahead (or behind) us without holding hands. It still amazing me every time they get to the corner, look back and reach up for our hands. They've learned that streets have cars. Cars mean danger. Holding momma and dad's hands is best!
*Escalators - The boys love them! And do really well on them :) I am always a little nervous of a tumble on the moving stairs with sharp edges and risk of knowing people over. To date (knock on wood) we've had no issues getting on (or off) escalators. The boys enjoy the ride and often ask not to have to hold our hands on them.
*Being herded like cows! - Rush hour on the subway in Sao Paulo is beyond packed. It really does feel like you are a cow in a heard being escorted by the rest of the cows in a certain direction....and don't even attempt to go against the flow on this one. Just wait for the crowd to subside if you have to hang a left when the "herds" are going right. The boys and I don't have to do much commuting during rush hour, but yesterday we found ourselves among the crowds. I was alone with both of them. I'll be honest, my heart did race a little. The thought of one of them wanting to go the other way, or deciding this would be the time to pitch a fit. The risk of being trampled was really real (at least in my mind - HA!) They did awesome! They patiently complied with the rules of people traffic. They held tight to my hands and we safely navigated our way home through the masses :)
I never really envisioned myself living in a mega city. Matter of fact, I've always said to God please send me anywhere in the world EXCEPT Sao Paulo. In addition, when Aaron was looking at grad schools he asked me if there was anywhere I didn't want to go. I simply said, "Please no where cold, and no big cities!" Hahaha! The joke's on you Joyce. Careful what you say! When all this is said and done though, I've loved our time in big cities. I am sure there will be many things I miss. I am also really thankful for the rich experiences only Sao Paulo and New York would have been able to teach my boys!
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