It is 7 o'clock. My kids are both in bed. What kind of strange universe is this? I am hoping that I am not jinxing myself by mentioning it. Emma isn't asleep yet so this could always take an unexpected turn. But they did both skip their naps today, so they should be very tired. Plus, they both fell asleep at the dinner table.
Well, the strange phenomenon of sizing here continued on it's unpredictable path. As it turns out, I got to be pleasantly surprised this time! I actually wear a size smaller here than in the US! I went shoe shopping today. I realized pretty much as soon as I got here that my feet were terribly out of style. I pretty much expected that. I brought 4 pairs of shoes with me. Gym shoes, flip flops, Toms, and a pair of ballet flats. Obviously not really appropriate for all situations. Women here are very fond of their shoes. My Mother In Law told me that on average they buy 30 pairs of shoes a year. She built a closet in their new house just for her shoes. I know that some people in the states have this outlook on shoes. But not like here. You don't see anyone out in public wearing flip flops. Or gym shoes. Or any other kind of non fancy shoe. This is the norm. And I am finally part of the norm :)
We went to an area in the city that specializes in shoes. It is an entire at least 2 blocks with only shoe stores. Lining both sides of the street are shoe stores. I wanted to take a picture to put on here, but my MIL said that the area was not the safest in the city. Not that bad.. But not safe enough to be flashing things of value around. Soo.. there was no way that I was going to pull out my iPhone to start snapping pictures :) All I can say is WOW. I have never seen so many shoes in my life. Carlos said that they make them pretty locally and that's why there are so many stores in that area. Now the fact that they buy 30 pairs per year is not at all surprising to me. I bought 4 today, and spent just under $100! Also, I joined the bandwagon... I bought more heels. EVERYONE here wears them, and I was feeling a little left out. I rarely wear them at all in the states, only for formal events. And even then, I don't like it. I have to say though- I have missed them! I used to always wear them, and I had forgotten how much I love how tall I get when I wear them! And the comfort level overall in pumps here vs. what I am used to in the US.. no contest! The ones I bought are so comfortable that I can't wait to wear them!
Well, this is the first time (probably of many times) that I am alone with the kids while Carlos is out of town. It actually isn't going so bad! Carlos' mom spent the day with me today, so that completely helped and made my day fly by! They offered to have us over while he was gone, but I thought it would be easier to have the kids on their own turf, own beds, etc. It is fortunately a super short trip (he will be home tomorrow night) but still, it is always different when he's not around. At least I have Johana!
On a negative note, the day was almost spoiled by me tripping over a step on the street today going into the grocery. I brought Emma and my MIL down with me. My hand, knee, and toe have been throbbing ever since, and I am hoping my nail will be intact. Emma did not sustain any injuries except a tiny scratch on her knee. Carlos' mom left the scene with a wound on her wrist, and a sore ankle. I will report back on my toe.
Well, the strange phenomenon of sizing here continued on it's unpredictable path. As it turns out, I got to be pleasantly surprised this time! I actually wear a size smaller here than in the US! I went shoe shopping today. I realized pretty much as soon as I got here that my feet were terribly out of style. I pretty much expected that. I brought 4 pairs of shoes with me. Gym shoes, flip flops, Toms, and a pair of ballet flats. Obviously not really appropriate for all situations. Women here are very fond of their shoes. My Mother In Law told me that on average they buy 30 pairs of shoes a year. She built a closet in their new house just for her shoes. I know that some people in the states have this outlook on shoes. But not like here. You don't see anyone out in public wearing flip flops. Or gym shoes. Or any other kind of non fancy shoe. This is the norm. And I am finally part of the norm :)
We went to an area in the city that specializes in shoes. It is an entire at least 2 blocks with only shoe stores. Lining both sides of the street are shoe stores. I wanted to take a picture to put on here, but my MIL said that the area was not the safest in the city. Not that bad.. But not safe enough to be flashing things of value around. Soo.. there was no way that I was going to pull out my iPhone to start snapping pictures :) All I can say is WOW. I have never seen so many shoes in my life. Carlos said that they make them pretty locally and that's why there are so many stores in that area. Now the fact that they buy 30 pairs per year is not at all surprising to me. I bought 4 today, and spent just under $100! Also, I joined the bandwagon... I bought more heels. EVERYONE here wears them, and I was feeling a little left out. I rarely wear them at all in the states, only for formal events. And even then, I don't like it. I have to say though- I have missed them! I used to always wear them, and I had forgotten how much I love how tall I get when I wear them! And the comfort level overall in pumps here vs. what I am used to in the US.. no contest! The ones I bought are so comfortable that I can't wait to wear them!
Well, this is the first time (probably of many times) that I am alone with the kids while Carlos is out of town. It actually isn't going so bad! Carlos' mom spent the day with me today, so that completely helped and made my day fly by! They offered to have us over while he was gone, but I thought it would be easier to have the kids on their own turf, own beds, etc. It is fortunately a super short trip (he will be home tomorrow night) but still, it is always different when he's not around. At least I have Johana!
On a negative note, the day was almost spoiled by me tripping over a step on the street today going into the grocery. I brought Emma and my MIL down with me. My hand, knee, and toe have been throbbing ever since, and I am hoping my nail will be intact. Emma did not sustain any injuries except a tiny scratch on her knee. Carlos' mom left the scene with a wound on her wrist, and a sore ankle. I will report back on my toe.
When I move from Chile to the USA. Two large suitcases were just for my shoes.You could imagine Jay's face.. hahaha. And I even sold a pair when I left (something that now I regret... same thing for my awesome furniture in Chile... sigh). We southamericans are really fond of shoes. I'm glad to know that now you know where I am coming from! Shoes are more than flats, flip flops and tennis shoes! Cannot wait to see all the other pairs you are going to buy in not such a distant future. Cannot wait for me to be there, and then go shopping with you! Have you try going to Mango or Zara yet for clothes?
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