Though when we were first assigned to Seafront for housing, I moaned and groaned. I didn't want to be on a compound, cut off from the city. When we arrived and lacked a car for the first three weeks, I struggled to be positive about our living situation, with none of the advanced amenities (ie, Western style grocery store and Starbucks) within walking distance. Then our HHE came and I was reminded of all the things I sent to storage, knowing we'd be in a small apartment.
When Patch started AmeriKids, I came to mind it less. Who can complain about walking 20 feet to pre-school ... especially since little kids are not patient sitting in Manila traffic. When both boys had pretty serious scrapes on the playground, I appreciated it even more, since our nanny could take them to the clinic for evaluation (nurse called me on the phone saying stiches not necessary). When coworkers told stories of two hour drives home, I was thankful for my 15 minute commute - especially with a nursing infant waiting at the end of the day.
Today, I down right love it. School holidays are hard to keep two active boys happy. BUT, with two six year old boys living at Seafront, the three of them pop around like a little gang, riding bikes, going to the playground, dropping in each other's houses. They're old enough to generally be trusted to be safe, and enough guards are walking about to alert us to anything really bad (like when another six year old was trying to shimmy up the compound fence!). It's going to be tough for Wm when we move back to the U.S. and he needs an escort to walk to a friend's house.
I'm definitely a Seafront convert. It's not just making the best of where I was planted - I honestly happily enjoy the ease with which my kids can play independently, even at the expense of a Starbucks or Apartment 1B right around the corner.
When Patch started AmeriKids, I came to mind it less. Who can complain about walking 20 feet to pre-school ... especially since little kids are not patient sitting in Manila traffic. When both boys had pretty serious scrapes on the playground, I appreciated it even more, since our nanny could take them to the clinic for evaluation (nurse called me on the phone saying stiches not necessary). When coworkers told stories of two hour drives home, I was thankful for my 15 minute commute - especially with a nursing infant waiting at the end of the day.
Today, I down right love it. School holidays are hard to keep two active boys happy. BUT, with two six year old boys living at Seafront, the three of them pop around like a little gang, riding bikes, going to the playground, dropping in each other's houses. They're old enough to generally be trusted to be safe, and enough guards are walking about to alert us to anything really bad (like when another six year old was trying to shimmy up the compound fence!). It's going to be tough for Wm when we move back to the U.S. and he needs an escort to walk to a friend's house.
I'm definitely a Seafront convert. It's not just making the best of where I was planted - I honestly happily enjoy the ease with which my kids can play independently, even at the expense of a Starbucks or Apartment 1B right around the corner.
1 comment:
This is our first post where we are not on a compound. While I love the big yard I hate that the boys can't just run out the door and find someone to play with. We have to call and schedule and drive every single time. I really really hope we are on a compound at our next post.
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