The P… family was instrumental in creating a smooth transition from Pomona - Los Angeles to Chile. Lisette and Rastis arrived at our Pomona Condo with a moving van on Oct. 28, 2006 and assisted us in moving and cleaning up the Condo for the anticipated renters in Jan. Lisette and I transported the cats in their SUPER BIEN square back (which they had lent us for over a month, once we sold our Insight) and Dennis and Rastis man-handled the moving truck (full of items they kindly accepted to possess) to their home on the border of Venice Beach – 50 miles west of Pomona. Their grown daughters, Luidmyla and Stephanie graciously helped out with the unloading. Stephanie arranged to have TITO’s Tacos for our supper – (My favorite Dive in LA). The P…’s set us all up (cats included) in their spare bedroom for the weekend.


Ready to leave the Pomona Condo


Getting ready to leave Condo

Lisette & Rastis


Lisette & Rastis


Loading the cats into the VW square back


Loading cats into square back



On Monday morning, Oct. 31, 2006, Lisette drove us to the airport in Stephanie’s large SUV (which we all gave her grief for, but which we welcomed to transport 4 large cat carriers, 2 super large duffle bags, 2 book boxes and 2 regular suitcases …along with 3 passengers). We arrived at LAX around 10:30 a.m. 4 hours prior to our departure time in order to process the cats. In looking back over the events I have to admit that my only fear was for the cats. I had no fear or concern over whether Dennis and I would be able to make Chile our new home or the million WHAT Ifs -



We arrived in Santiago on Nov. 1 at 6:30 a.m. we were first processed through with the International Police. We showed them our Temporary Visas/Passports with pride, and they instructed us to register within 10 days with the International Police in Villarica (the larger city next to Pucon). (NOTE: you can travel to Chile for three months without a visa) Next, we picked up belongings at Baggage claim. Everything arrived safely, especially our Cats, who were still glassy eyed from the powerful tranquillizers. At this point they had been caged for over 17 hours (13 of which was actual flight time). I found that their cages were markedly clean – so I had no messes to clean up prior to the final check point – the Aduana – Customs. Thankfully, we processed through customs without a hitch – including the cats (Custom requirements for the cats - a health certificate signed & dated within 10 days of arrival in Chile by a veterinarian validating that the cats were vaccinated against rabies, parasite free, and in general good health.)

The P… family has been a significant force in our life together - They have weathered many events with us – my teaching career at St. Marks, our first home in Venice, our wedding, the move to Claremont and now the aventura to Chile. I first met the P…’s in 1988 during the required parent-teacher conference day. Their eldest daughter, Luidmyla and I experienced 7th grade together – she as a highly intelligent & spirited teenager, and me, as her VERY GREEN teacher at a Catholic school in Venice. (Her sister Stephanie was then in the 4th grade.) We connected immediately, and became Very Close friends.



The P… family is our major artery to the states. They continue to assist us in Countless ways in order to transition into Chilean life!! We are EXTREMELY Grateful to them!!


Lisette, Rastis, Luidmyla, Stephanie, and Mayita -


A DEEP HEARTFELT THANK YOU!!!


NOTE: Lisette is the original & current owner of the infamous VW VAN (that has been completely refurbished – 1970 never looked so good!).


The infamous 1970 VW Bus