Day 6: The Ostrich Farm

Today was our very first excursion with Samuel. We decided to check out one of Villa De Leyva's attractions -  the Granja de Avestruces (the Ostrich Farm). It was a short drive away from our rental house. Once we arrived, we stumbled our way through the admissions process. FYI, "pasaporte" can also mean admission or ticket, not passport. We all got a good laugh over our confusion. 

Once we got our tickets, we loaded up our crew onto a train which drove us through the farm. 

We then unloaded to get a closer look at the animals. There were all sorts of animals - goats, horses, donkeys, ducks, cows, emus, llamas, and of course ostriches. 

Our tour guide led us around the farm and typed up everything in google translate so we could understand. Most of the animals could be fed, but only Shane and Nana Bev were brave enough to feed the ostriches. They ate quite forcibly from their hands. We all laughed as they gave it a try. It was definitely an experience to remember.

During the tour, there was a narrow walkway with ostriches on both sides. With how long their necks can reach, it made for a bit too tight of a passage for our comfort as the ostriches started approaching us from both sides..

As we neared the end of the narrow pathway, we stopped and Cole was chatting with Aria and not noticing the giant ostrich just inches away! It nearly bit his hat. The look on the bird's face was priceless.

It was a nice little trip. Sam and Aria enjoyed their stroller ride and the other kids got a kick out of feeding all the animals. 

After the tour, we were escorted to the souvenir shop and Rose and Kate purchased some items. Then we were told to redeem our tickets at the snack shop for a free slushy and popcorn. After our snack, we loaded up again in the train and headed back to the parking lot where our driver was waiting to bring us back to the rental house. Our first outing with Sam was a success!

The afternoon was a lazy, quiet one enjoying the last few days we have here in Villa de Leyva. It is such a beautiful, breathing taking area. The pictures don't do it justice.

Rose and Kate swam at the pool while Aria and Sam napped.

We also snuck in our first attempt at bath time. Samuel took showers with his foster mom as bathtubs are not very common. He did so well in the pool that we didn't expect his reaction of pure fear when we attempted to place him in the water. So we quickly pulled him out, tweaked the temp, and I held him tight while he first splashed with just his hands, then splashed with this feet, and finally got into the tub. Once in, he loved it.

We've been getting lots of Samuel snuggles. He's the sweetest little guy with the most adorable grin. It's still a bit surreal to know in just a couple more weeks he will legally be ours. How very blessed we are!

Tomorrow we have another excursion lined up for our last full day here. On Wednesday, we head to Bogota!