So, yesterday (Monday) and today were two recent anniversaries of mine. One of them is a good one and one of them is a not so good one.
Monday marks 2 weeks that I have been running on a regular basis! I have always been the person that "runs" and will run once every couple of months. But, never enough to accomplish anything or to actually be worth the exercise.
One of the ex-pats that is living here in Barranquilla is a marathon runner (*gulp*) and she mentioned that she has run quite a bit since getting to Barranquilla. So, I thought that it would be fun to join her sometime and see how that was. Well... I absolutely wont be running any marathons ANY time soon. But, the two of us have been running with another person and I really enjoy the company, I enjoy that they push me farther and harder than I ever thought I would be able to actually be able to run. They are really encouraging and helpful and full of tips and advice. I really enjoy them. We usually run together 2 evenings a week, and then I will go on my own 4 days a week.
So here are some things about running in Barranquilla:
1. It is HOT! Oh my goodness is it hot here. It is regularly in the mid-90's here everyday. But, not only that, the humidity is generally well up in the 60-70% if not more. So, it is a really wet, hot, sticky HOT, hot. I almost always go running in the evening (around 8:00 or so) and even then it is still pretty hot and humid. The heat is kind of a motivation though, you create your own wind, and you almost don't want to stop running because as soon as you do you lose the breeze that you previously had!
2. The roads and sidewalks aren't quite as nice as they are in North America. They aren't horrible, but there are random obstacles, such as super high sidewalks (because of the flash floods, or arroyos), there are sometimes cracks, and also street venders and the notoriously slow walking people of the city. I am and always have been a power walker. This is something that I just can not get used to unfortunately.
3. Flash floods/Arroyos. The first Saturday that I went running alone there were some darkish clouds, but there are often clouds so I didn't think anything of it. Well... needless to say, I made it for about 15 minutes before there was an absolute DOWNPOUR! I had to walk all the way back to my apartment (I couldn't home run because a lot of the sidewalks here are made with tile, so as soon as there is even the tiniest bit of water they are ridiculously slippery). It was about a 10 minute walk home and in that time there was already a miniature arroyo on my street. It is crazy, and kind of scary.
So, that is the good, or exciting anniversary that I wanted to share with everyone! It is something that I have been really excited about. It feels nice to be active.
The sadder one is that 4 weeks ago today I was pick pocketed on the bus on my way to the school where I volunteer. I was really disappointed because they got my iPod. I used that stupid thing for just about EVERYTHING! I had so many helpful apps and dictionaries and games and so many things. I used it to talk to friends and family and to also keep a schedule and for my alarm clock. Just everything. It has been a big adjustment getting used to not having it.
It really was my own fault that I lost it. I absolutely never carry it with me while on the bus, and very rarely while outside of my apartment. But, after 8 1/2 months of never having anything happen, I thought that it would be fine to take it and with me so that I could listen to a podcast that I had downloaded, while walking home.
Luckily for me, the two people who took it were VERY good at what the do, so although I knew that something was funky in the situation while I was trying to get off the bus before the bus passed my stop, I didn't realize that I was being robbed. So I appreciate that. However, unluckily for me, the two people robbing me were very good at what they do so they got my iPod, haha.
It has actually been a surprisingly great conversation starter! So many people here have experienced losing their cell phones, both expensive and inexpensive, to the "ladrones or ratas." Apparently, black market cell phones are in VERY high demand here. Because the unemployment rate here is so high, people are desperately looking for ways to provide for their families. So, one way to do that is to come upon a cell phone and get a pretty good deal on it from a pawn shop. From what I hear they pay a pretty nice fee. I was talking to a friend who was telling me that most people who are stealing and selling these phones hate what they are doing. They never thought that they would ever do something like this, but that they lost their jobs, or are sadly unable to pay their bills.
So, in short, although I am very very sad that my iPod is gone, I have learned a very valuable lesson and I will never again carry anything, even slightly of value, on the bus. But, I do also hope that the person who took my iPod was able to get a good deal on it to provide for their family.
Also, on a happier note! Running is great!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Friday, October 12, 2012
280 - Seas of yellow
Today was a very important game in Colombian soccer!
Today, I learned that each region (South American being a region) only has a certain number of spots that are open for the World Cup. So... it is really really tough to get one of those spots. Also, since the World Cup is being held in Brazil, they get an automatic in! Super lucky for the country that the game is being held in, not so lucky for every other country in the region who has one less spot that is open for them.
So, great news for Colombia is that they beat Paraguay 2 to 0! Oh my goodness... let me just tell you all about what it is like when a goal is scored by the Colombian team. First of all, even when the team that you are rooting for here gains control of the ball people are up on their feet and screaming and yelling and cheering and it is hilarious. There were women, and possibly men, who were screaming and it sounded like they were being murdered. I was a little afraid for a while. So, you can just imagine what it is like when the team actually scores. Up roar is the only word that I can think of to describe what it is like. EVERYONE is up on their feet screaming and clapping and cheering for a good two or three minutes, if not more. People are hugging and laughing and it is just a great site to see.
Today is actually the first day that I have ventured out of my apartment on a game day. I have heard horror stories, so I usually just stay inside. I went to a restaurant with some fellow ex-pats that I have recently met. They are a great couple from Miami who are working and living in Barranquilla. They have a 17 month old little boy and I love hanging out with them. It has been a real blessing knowing them. Anyway, as I was walking to meet up with them, I noticed that there were restaurants where I had NO idea there were restaurants before. It was crazy. They just popped up out of no where to accommodate for all of the people watching the game. It was great. There were people everywhere. Also, the Colombian jersey is bright highlighter yellow and everyone is most certainly all decked out! I think that I may have to purchase one very soon.
But yes, there are so many people out on the streets and in bars and restaurants that are all wearing yellow and it is almost overwhelming! It is just a sea of yellow.
I also started running very recently. That has been something that I have really enjoyed. One of the ex-pats is a hard core runner and she let me tag along. Hopefully she wasn't disappointed when she realized that I don't have much endurance! I am hoping to change that though. It has been really nice to have some activity to really look forward to.
So yes, sorry that I haven't been updating very frequently, I haven't been doing much that is blog-worthy. The school where I volunteer has been on fall break for the last week, so my excitement of the week was when I FINALLY (after 2 months of calling and asking and asking my landlord) got my oven fixed! Oh man, I was exciting! I made cookies, and they were delicious.
Today, I learned that each region (South American being a region) only has a certain number of spots that are open for the World Cup. So... it is really really tough to get one of those spots. Also, since the World Cup is being held in Brazil, they get an automatic in! Super lucky for the country that the game is being held in, not so lucky for every other country in the region who has one less spot that is open for them.
So, great news for Colombia is that they beat Paraguay 2 to 0! Oh my goodness... let me just tell you all about what it is like when a goal is scored by the Colombian team. First of all, even when the team that you are rooting for here gains control of the ball people are up on their feet and screaming and yelling and cheering and it is hilarious. There were women, and possibly men, who were screaming and it sounded like they were being murdered. I was a little afraid for a while. So, you can just imagine what it is like when the team actually scores. Up roar is the only word that I can think of to describe what it is like. EVERYONE is up on their feet screaming and clapping and cheering for a good two or three minutes, if not more. People are hugging and laughing and it is just a great site to see.
Today is actually the first day that I have ventured out of my apartment on a game day. I have heard horror stories, so I usually just stay inside. I went to a restaurant with some fellow ex-pats that I have recently met. They are a great couple from Miami who are working and living in Barranquilla. They have a 17 month old little boy and I love hanging out with them. It has been a real blessing knowing them. Anyway, as I was walking to meet up with them, I noticed that there were restaurants where I had NO idea there were restaurants before. It was crazy. They just popped up out of no where to accommodate for all of the people watching the game. It was great. There were people everywhere. Also, the Colombian jersey is bright highlighter yellow and everyone is most certainly all decked out! I think that I may have to purchase one very soon.
But yes, there are so many people out on the streets and in bars and restaurants that are all wearing yellow and it is almost overwhelming! It is just a sea of yellow.
I also started running very recently. That has been something that I have really enjoyed. One of the ex-pats is a hard core runner and she let me tag along. Hopefully she wasn't disappointed when she realized that I don't have much endurance! I am hoping to change that though. It has been really nice to have some activity to really look forward to.
So yes, sorry that I haven't been updating very frequently, I haven't been doing much that is blog-worthy. The school where I volunteer has been on fall break for the last week, so my excitement of the week was when I FINALLY (after 2 months of calling and asking and asking my landlord) got my oven fixed! Oh man, I was exciting! I made cookies, and they were delicious.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Day 260 - Culture and Birthdays!
Well, I didn't do too well on actually updating more regularly like I had planned. But I do honestly think about this little blog often and try to come up with things to write that will actually be interesting. So... here it goes.
I have been thinking a lot about culture lately. Culture is something that I had honestly never thought about until... I would say my third year of university, Fall of 2008. Up until then I was quite ignorant. I really had no reason to not be... I had never traveled out of North America, even though I was going to University in Canada, Canada and the States are actually quite similar. However, starting in my third year of University I became very close with two friends (specifically) who were VERY interested in International Development and third world studies and things of that nature. I'm not sure if they realize just how much they have opened my eyes. I have realized how much I really really love learning about new cultures and traveling and seeing new and wonderful places and experiencing new and incredible things. Since then I have done a little bit of traveling. I have been to Ecuador, Puerto Rico and Colombia. My trips have steadily gotten longer and longer (15 days, 3 months, 2 years respectively) and the adventure has just started.
When you first enter into a new culture it is easy to spot the new and different aspects of life, habits, idiosyncrasies, and ideas of people in the new culture. It is even easy to bash some of these new ideas because you obviously are right, because this is how you have done it all your life so why wouldn't other people do it like that? However, when you actually spend some time in these communities and cultures you realize just how similar we all are, and also that these new-to-you ideas aren't all that bad.
One really obvious difference between Latin America and North America is the way that time is viewed. Being here I, personally, am VERY conflicted. For anyone who knew me from... 2009 and back, knows that I was NOTORIOUSLY 10 to 15 minutes late to absolutely everything. While in my high school youth group my youth leaders would actually sometimes make me a special informational paper with an earlier time on it so that I would get there at the right time. Shoot. So, because of that I am very conscious of time. I have learned more how to respect (in a North American aspect) other people's time and show up more or less exactly when I say I will. Well, because this was something that I was constantly battling and thinking about after 2009 (more or less) I always made sure to be on time. I was always looking at the clock and remembering how long it took to get from one place to another and counting down learning shortcuts and blah blah blah. Needless to say when I got to Colombia I was no different. When I would set up meetings or hang out dates I would say 2:30 and would get there at 2:30 and be upset when I was the first person there, sometimes by 30 minutes or more. I would also call ahead in some cases to let people know that I was running 5 minutes late (a completely foreign concept to most people, which now has caused many laughs, haha). Now I feel silly.
This was hard to adjust to, and honestly I am still in the process of adjusting. At the beginning I would get upset because I felt disrespected. I didn't realize that I was the one being disrespectful by showing up early, or on time. In most Latin American cultures when someone tells you a certain time, they mean "come after 7:00." Generally, it is safe to assume that you will want to get somewhere around 15 minutes after the stated time, unless it is work or school or something like that. However, time here isn't viewed in the North American way. In North America we are governed by time and schedules and late vs. early and things of this nature. In Latin America it is more important to continue listening to a friend, rather than leaving "on time." Or, to finish preparing the meal, or spending more time with your children, or what ever other activity. I could really talk about the time issue more and more so I am going to stop it there.
Another of the big ones for me was shoes. For lack of a better word... I hate shoes. I love having my toes free and my feet on the ground and I love the feel of the floor or the grass or that whatever on my feet. Shoes are constricting and hot and I am not a fan. I would of course come to a place where it is considered rude to take off your shoes in someone's house. In North America, in most houses, the first thing you do when you enter a house is take off your shoes (in my house we have a little area specifically for shoes when you walk in the door). This is because most houses have either carpet or hardwood flooring. So, you want to respect the home owner by not ruining, or dirtying, their flooring. So, that has just become a part of our culture. Here in Colombia, all floors are tiled. Also, most people sweep and mop either everyday or at least every other day. Also, why would you want to get your feet dirty? It is easier to clean the floor.
Clothing. This one has been the most difficult for me. I am a comfortable dresser. I could honestly care less about my appearance. Give me shorts and a silly and punny Threadless T-shirt any day of the week! That is not the case in Colombia. I don't know how they do it, especially with the heat and humidity here! However, everyone here (unless they are going to or leaving from the gym) are dressed to a T! I have seen very very few adults wearing shorts. I think that I could honestly count on one hand the amount of times I have seen an adult in shorts. They are just simply a foreign idea. One time, I went somewhere and met someone new and they asked me where I was from. The person that I was with said (well can't you tell from how he is dress? He is from the States!). At first, I was offended but in reality... it's true. We are notoriously bad dressers. I was just recently helping to clean out the closet of the family who previously lived in the church building so that we could send them their things. I made a comment to the pastor, "wow, they have a lot of really nice clothes," and she responded with "yeah, that's how it is here." Shoot. I have had to (through MUCH trial and error) learn that when going anywhere official that pants are required. There are some places that actually wont let you enter if you are wearing shorts. It has been a frustrating road, because I honestly just don't own/didn't bring many pants because I am in a tropical very humid climate. I have become some what of a joke because of my clothes and on many occasions had people ask me "why are you dressed like that?" I have started to just laugh it off, and or make fun of myself. But frankly, unless I am at a school or church, I don't care that people look at me funny for wearing shorts.
One other major difference of course is food. A HUGE staple in Colombia is meat. This has been a tough one for me. I have honestly never been a big meat eater. When I was younger and found out that meat was actually animals and that we killed them to eat them... I was devastated. There were times where I would actually get myself physically and emotionally wrecked thinking about the fact that I was eating a cow, or a pig, or a fish, that was just days or hour before playing with it's friends. Today that same distaste for meat has carried over to my adulthood. I still don't like the idea of killing animals, but for me the environmental and nutritional factors are larger in my mind. The idea amount of energy and resources that goes into many meat producing farms makes me weary, the same as the often horrible conditions that the animals are in for their entire lives causes me to not want to support their production. The same goes for the thought of hormones and preservatives and additives in meat. Through finding other alternatives throughout my life I never really learned to like meat. I do eat meat, don't get me wrong. I love a good hamburger and I can never get enough buffalo wings. But, if there are vegetarian options I will usually take them. Colombians are generally carnivores and they love, and are very proud of their meat dishes. I have been in many awkward situations in restaurants when I ask if there are any vegetarian options. It is such an odd concept for many of the people down here, and one they have never experienced. Why would you with all the tasty meat products? But, I don't consider myself a vegetarian. I rarely cook with meat in my apartment, but I am more than happy to eat meat that has been prepared for me or in a restaurant.
These are just some of the larger examples that I am sure I will go farther into at some point in this blog. In all honesty, I sometimes forget where I am. Especially in Barranquilla, a large port city, the city and much of the culture (aside from some of the more obvious aspects) is very similar to that of large cities in North America. However, I have learned to really appreciate life from a different set of eyes now that I have been living in, and learning about this new culture.
Also, today is my baby sister's 18th birthday today. I really and truly can't believe she is 18 years old. When did this happen?! I am so excited for her! Happy Birthday Allie!!!
I have been thinking a lot about culture lately. Culture is something that I had honestly never thought about until... I would say my third year of university, Fall of 2008. Up until then I was quite ignorant. I really had no reason to not be... I had never traveled out of North America, even though I was going to University in Canada, Canada and the States are actually quite similar. However, starting in my third year of University I became very close with two friends (specifically) who were VERY interested in International Development and third world studies and things of that nature. I'm not sure if they realize just how much they have opened my eyes. I have realized how much I really really love learning about new cultures and traveling and seeing new and wonderful places and experiencing new and incredible things. Since then I have done a little bit of traveling. I have been to Ecuador, Puerto Rico and Colombia. My trips have steadily gotten longer and longer (15 days, 3 months, 2 years respectively) and the adventure has just started.
When you first enter into a new culture it is easy to spot the new and different aspects of life, habits, idiosyncrasies, and ideas of people in the new culture. It is even easy to bash some of these new ideas because you obviously are right, because this is how you have done it all your life so why wouldn't other people do it like that? However, when you actually spend some time in these communities and cultures you realize just how similar we all are, and also that these new-to-you ideas aren't all that bad.
One really obvious difference between Latin America and North America is the way that time is viewed. Being here I, personally, am VERY conflicted. For anyone who knew me from... 2009 and back, knows that I was NOTORIOUSLY 10 to 15 minutes late to absolutely everything. While in my high school youth group my youth leaders would actually sometimes make me a special informational paper with an earlier time on it so that I would get there at the right time. Shoot. So, because of that I am very conscious of time. I have learned more how to respect (in a North American aspect) other people's time and show up more or less exactly when I say I will. Well, because this was something that I was constantly battling and thinking about after 2009 (more or less) I always made sure to be on time. I was always looking at the clock and remembering how long it took to get from one place to another and counting down learning shortcuts and blah blah blah. Needless to say when I got to Colombia I was no different. When I would set up meetings or hang out dates I would say 2:30 and would get there at 2:30 and be upset when I was the first person there, sometimes by 30 minutes or more. I would also call ahead in some cases to let people know that I was running 5 minutes late (a completely foreign concept to most people, which now has caused many laughs, haha). Now I feel silly.
This was hard to adjust to, and honestly I am still in the process of adjusting. At the beginning I would get upset because I felt disrespected. I didn't realize that I was the one being disrespectful by showing up early, or on time. In most Latin American cultures when someone tells you a certain time, they mean "come after 7:00." Generally, it is safe to assume that you will want to get somewhere around 15 minutes after the stated time, unless it is work or school or something like that. However, time here isn't viewed in the North American way. In North America we are governed by time and schedules and late vs. early and things of this nature. In Latin America it is more important to continue listening to a friend, rather than leaving "on time." Or, to finish preparing the meal, or spending more time with your children, or what ever other activity. I could really talk about the time issue more and more so I am going to stop it there.
Another of the big ones for me was shoes. For lack of a better word... I hate shoes. I love having my toes free and my feet on the ground and I love the feel of the floor or the grass or that whatever on my feet. Shoes are constricting and hot and I am not a fan. I would of course come to a place where it is considered rude to take off your shoes in someone's house. In North America, in most houses, the first thing you do when you enter a house is take off your shoes (in my house we have a little area specifically for shoes when you walk in the door). This is because most houses have either carpet or hardwood flooring. So, you want to respect the home owner by not ruining, or dirtying, their flooring. So, that has just become a part of our culture. Here in Colombia, all floors are tiled. Also, most people sweep and mop either everyday or at least every other day. Also, why would you want to get your feet dirty? It is easier to clean the floor.
Clothing. This one has been the most difficult for me. I am a comfortable dresser. I could honestly care less about my appearance. Give me shorts and a silly and punny Threadless T-shirt any day of the week! That is not the case in Colombia. I don't know how they do it, especially with the heat and humidity here! However, everyone here (unless they are going to or leaving from the gym) are dressed to a T! I have seen very very few adults wearing shorts. I think that I could honestly count on one hand the amount of times I have seen an adult in shorts. They are just simply a foreign idea. One time, I went somewhere and met someone new and they asked me where I was from. The person that I was with said (well can't you tell from how he is dress? He is from the States!). At first, I was offended but in reality... it's true. We are notoriously bad dressers. I was just recently helping to clean out the closet of the family who previously lived in the church building so that we could send them their things. I made a comment to the pastor, "wow, they have a lot of really nice clothes," and she responded with "yeah, that's how it is here." Shoot. I have had to (through MUCH trial and error) learn that when going anywhere official that pants are required. There are some places that actually wont let you enter if you are wearing shorts. It has been a frustrating road, because I honestly just don't own/didn't bring many pants because I am in a tropical very humid climate. I have become some what of a joke because of my clothes and on many occasions had people ask me "why are you dressed like that?" I have started to just laugh it off, and or make fun of myself. But frankly, unless I am at a school or church, I don't care that people look at me funny for wearing shorts.
One other major difference of course is food. A HUGE staple in Colombia is meat. This has been a tough one for me. I have honestly never been a big meat eater. When I was younger and found out that meat was actually animals and that we killed them to eat them... I was devastated. There were times where I would actually get myself physically and emotionally wrecked thinking about the fact that I was eating a cow, or a pig, or a fish, that was just days or hour before playing with it's friends. Today that same distaste for meat has carried over to my adulthood. I still don't like the idea of killing animals, but for me the environmental and nutritional factors are larger in my mind. The idea amount of energy and resources that goes into many meat producing farms makes me weary, the same as the often horrible conditions that the animals are in for their entire lives causes me to not want to support their production. The same goes for the thought of hormones and preservatives and additives in meat. Through finding other alternatives throughout my life I never really learned to like meat. I do eat meat, don't get me wrong. I love a good hamburger and I can never get enough buffalo wings. But, if there are vegetarian options I will usually take them. Colombians are generally carnivores and they love, and are very proud of their meat dishes. I have been in many awkward situations in restaurants when I ask if there are any vegetarian options. It is such an odd concept for many of the people down here, and one they have never experienced. Why would you with all the tasty meat products? But, I don't consider myself a vegetarian. I rarely cook with meat in my apartment, but I am more than happy to eat meat that has been prepared for me or in a restaurant.
These are just some of the larger examples that I am sure I will go farther into at some point in this blog. In all honesty, I sometimes forget where I am. Especially in Barranquilla, a large port city, the city and much of the culture (aside from some of the more obvious aspects) is very similar to that of large cities in North America. However, I have learned to really appreciate life from a different set of eyes now that I have been living in, and learning about this new culture.
Also, today is my baby sister's 18th birthday today. I really and truly can't believe she is 18 years old. When did this happen?! I am so excited for her! Happy Birthday Allie!!!
Thursday, September 6, 2012
238 - QUE PENA!!! (and blue moons!) (I thought that this updated on Saturday - Whoopsies)
Que pena is a phrase in Spanish that I use quite often! Literally translated it mean "what a shame!" They use it to mean things like, "I'm SO sorry" or "Oh shoot!" (if you forgot something). So me... being the forgetful person that I am, have forgotten to update my blog. Que pena. I am so sorry friends! I have had a couple of people in my family tell me that I need to get my act together! So, here goes nothing! I am going to shoot for updating at least twice a week for September! Hopefully exciting things will happen and I will want to update you all more often but we shall see!
Where to even start?!
Firstly, can I just say that I can not believe that August is already over! When did that even happen?! I suppose it happened tonight...
Where last we left off, I had just recently gotten back from Riohacha and I had taken my short little trek to Santa Marta and Taganga. Then, I was getting settled back into the swing of things.
Since getting back I have been getting more and more involved with the school where I have been volunteering! I absolutely love it there. I still feel like a rock star because the kids get super excited, so that is always an added bonus to my weeks! It is definitely a self esteem booster. I help out in 8 classrooms for about 30-45 minutes at a time, over three days. It is SO nice having something in my week that is definite and set in my schedule. It also fulfills my need to "do" something. I love reading books, I love teaching/singing songs. It is just great.
I have really gotten to know some of the teachers that are there and that is wonderful! I keep bumping into more and more people who speak English here! Who knew there were so many?!
Very recently a friends' church was having a sale/festival to raise money for their church. They had hot dogs and other food, they were also having a book sale! Oh and I love book sales! So, I got some really really cheap books so that was awesome. I am looking forward to reading them and improving on my Spanish. I bought one Goosebumps (or should I say Escalofríos) book. I used to really enjoy those when I was younger.
I have also recently been able to meet up with some fellow ex-pats (ex-patriots, or people who are not living in their country of birth) and it was great! We found each other on an ex-pat website and is used for networking and research for ex-pats, and it was really great timing. I have really been craving some North American contact and now I know of a couple people who are also living in Barranquilla! So great. I also found out from this website that there are hardly ANY ex-pats that are now, or were living in Barranquilla. From what it seems like, most people go to Bogota or Cali and steer clear of Barranquilla. That is too bad because this is a great city!
I could say more but I am going to have to make sure that I have other things to say for the next post!
Where to even start?!
Firstly, can I just say that I can not believe that August is already over! When did that even happen?! I suppose it happened tonight...
Where last we left off, I had just recently gotten back from Riohacha and I had taken my short little trek to Santa Marta and Taganga. Then, I was getting settled back into the swing of things.
Since getting back I have been getting more and more involved with the school where I have been volunteering! I absolutely love it there. I still feel like a rock star because the kids get super excited, so that is always an added bonus to my weeks! It is definitely a self esteem booster. I help out in 8 classrooms for about 30-45 minutes at a time, over three days. It is SO nice having something in my week that is definite and set in my schedule. It also fulfills my need to "do" something. I love reading books, I love teaching/singing songs. It is just great.
I have really gotten to know some of the teachers that are there and that is wonderful! I keep bumping into more and more people who speak English here! Who knew there were so many?!
Very recently a friends' church was having a sale/festival to raise money for their church. They had hot dogs and other food, they were also having a book sale! Oh and I love book sales! So, I got some really really cheap books so that was awesome. I am looking forward to reading them and improving on my Spanish. I bought one Goosebumps (or should I say Escalofríos) book. I used to really enjoy those when I was younger.
I have also recently been able to meet up with some fellow ex-pats (ex-patriots, or people who are not living in their country of birth) and it was great! We found each other on an ex-pat website and is used for networking and research for ex-pats, and it was really great timing. I have really been craving some North American contact and now I know of a couple people who are also living in Barranquilla! So great. I also found out from this website that there are hardly ANY ex-pats that are now, or were living in Barranquilla. From what it seems like, most people go to Bogota or Cali and steer clear of Barranquilla. That is too bad because this is a great city!
I could say more but I am going to have to make sure that I have other things to say for the next post!
Sunday, August 5, 2012
212 - Updates and Impromptu lunches
My poor little blog has been so neglected lately! I am so sorry for those of you who read it!
I just have to say that I can't believe I am already passed the 200 days mark! When did that happen?! Well... I suppose that it happened about 12 days ago. But, that doesn't change the fact that it is really crazy to think about for me.
Update - I spent about two weeks (Monday July, 9th until Saturday July 21st) in a "little" coastal town called Riohacha. Riohacha holds the oldest Mennonite church on the coast. The church there is also a nursing home which is really exciting. Nursing homes are very rare in Latin America because families are so predominant here. However, there is a very big need for these establishments, so it was a great experience to be able to be a part of one of these communities for two weeks.
While there, I was able to build relationships with many of the people who lived and worked there. I also had the chance to give a few English lessons. It was a lot of fun! I made some really great friends there. I got a chance to learn how to fish with just some fishing line, a hook, and a plastic bottle! That was definitely new! They have a little guest room that I was able to stay in, so it was nice to be right there in the church.
I taught a class to younger kids in the morning, high school aged kids in the afternoon, and adults in the evenings. It was a lot of fun having the different dynamics and age groups there.
On my way back from this trip I took a very short trip to a hostel that I previously stayed in for a little rest and relaxation time. That was definitely a blessing! I was able to meet a lot of really cool people and spend a lot of time in the pool and chatting it up with backpackers from ALL over the world! I met people from all over Europe and Australia and New Zealand as well.
I even made my way to a little fishing village called Taganga and spent some time on the beach there! That was awesome.
Since being back I have been getting back into a routine that now includes volunteering in a local school that two of my good friends work at! That has been such an incredible experience! I just finished my first week there! The little kids are just great! I work with grades one and two primarily and I was also able to meet with some grade 10ers and we spoke in larger conversations and got a little more serious. All of their teachers have to be bilingual and they teach two subjects (as well as English classes) in English by the time you get to junior high years. So, by the end of school there almost all of the students are very very near being bilingual, if not actually bilingual. They have a great system and I have really enjoyed getting to know the teachers and students! They are a hoot!
The kids in the school make me feel like a celebrity! This last week every day during their first break a lot of the kids would come up to me and just stand there and stare. I would ask them what their names were (usually in English because I was told I wasn't allowed to speak in Spanish while there, haha) and they would just blush and smile and run away. But then a couple brave students would ask me in English what my name was and how old I was and how many brothers (the idea of the word "sibling" is very strange for Spanish speakers because "hermanos" means siblings but also brothers, and you would say "hermana" for sister) I had and little things like that. They would get SO excited when they could understand me. There were a lot of giggles (on both ends of the conversations because I giggle when I get nervous) and smiles and one little boy even shared a cookie with me! I am REALLY looking forward to continuing to volunteer there.
Today was Sunday which means church! We had a lovely service and Pastora Mitzi gave a very nice sermon on prayer and living for God from I Peter 4. After service we were standing around and talking and then all the sudden there was a TORRENTIAL downpour! Traveling in Barranquilla while it is raining is actually VERY dangerous. I am not sure why exactly it is this way because it isn't the case in all of Colombia but it is bad. It is famous for it's "arroyos," or flash floods. Many many people die every year and a lot of damage is done as well. They have been known to move city buses. Not just move as in a couple inches, but move as in a few blocks at a time! Scary stuff. I am going to include some links to youtube videos at the end.
So, since we were trapped in the church we had an impromptu lunch. It was so much fun because it was really unexpected and we just hung out and laughed and told stories and goofed off and watched the Olympics (a female long jumper from Colombia got a silver medal!) had a great time! It is so often (and as is the lifestyle and culture here in Colombia) that the best times are had with the impromptu get togethers and random occurrences.
There was a meeting afterwards and people were getting a little overly excited. I was pretty pumped though because I understood about 80% of the conversation even though people were talking back and forth and over each other and speaking VERY quickly! Sometimes in situations like that I really surprise myself with my Spanish and it make me feel like I am actually learning!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOd39djeGb8&feature=fvst
This one is a slide show
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYOFEavp8M0&feature=related
This is an extreme one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ranUY9TJqc&feature=related
This one is actually just about two blocks from where I used to live!
I am very happy to live on the 6th floor when these things happen! On a very similar note, I was really confused when I first got here and saw that the sidewalks were up REALLY high from the street and often there are waist high walls at some intersections. Well... I soon found out why.
On a lighter not, these don't happen often at all! I would say just maybe twice a month or so depending on the part of the city you are in and the time of year. The rainy season is roughly June-ish until maybe November.
I just have to say that I can't believe I am already passed the 200 days mark! When did that happen?! Well... I suppose that it happened about 12 days ago. But, that doesn't change the fact that it is really crazy to think about for me.
Update - I spent about two weeks (Monday July, 9th until Saturday July 21st) in a "little" coastal town called Riohacha. Riohacha holds the oldest Mennonite church on the coast. The church there is also a nursing home which is really exciting. Nursing homes are very rare in Latin America because families are so predominant here. However, there is a very big need for these establishments, so it was a great experience to be able to be a part of one of these communities for two weeks.
The front of the church in Riohacha
This is when you walk in the door. Everything is very open in Colombia. I really enjoy that.
While there, I was able to build relationships with many of the people who lived and worked there. I also had the chance to give a few English lessons. It was a lot of fun! I made some really great friends there. I got a chance to learn how to fish with just some fishing line, a hook, and a plastic bottle! That was definitely new! They have a little guest room that I was able to stay in, so it was nice to be right there in the church.
This was my bed for two weeks in the guest room. The previous occupant really enjoyed music!
Also lions! One of the workers always made sure that I had a thermos full of ice water every morning! It was so nice of her! I would leave and come back and she would have replaced it every morning. It made me feel very special!
I taught a class to younger kids in the morning, high school aged kids in the afternoon, and adults in the evenings. It was a lot of fun having the different dynamics and age groups there.
One of my afternoon classes
On my way back from this trip I took a very short trip to a hostel that I previously stayed in for a little rest and relaxation time. That was definitely a blessing! I was able to meet a lot of really cool people and spend a lot of time in the pool and chatting it up with backpackers from ALL over the world! I met people from all over Europe and Australia and New Zealand as well.
I even made my way to a little fishing village called Taganga and spent some time on the beach there! That was awesome.
Taganga is a little village and you can take a 5 minute boat ride around a small mountain into a little cove and sit on an awesome beach! The view was incredible!
This is a view from the beach.
Then, this is a view of the beach.
There were venders everywhere that were selling things from fruit juice to shrimp, to sunglasses. It was great!
Since being back I have been getting back into a routine that now includes volunteering in a local school that two of my good friends work at! That has been such an incredible experience! I just finished my first week there! The little kids are just great! I work with grades one and two primarily and I was also able to meet with some grade 10ers and we spoke in larger conversations and got a little more serious. All of their teachers have to be bilingual and they teach two subjects (as well as English classes) in English by the time you get to junior high years. So, by the end of school there almost all of the students are very very near being bilingual, if not actually bilingual. They have a great system and I have really enjoyed getting to know the teachers and students! They are a hoot!
The kids in the school make me feel like a celebrity! This last week every day during their first break a lot of the kids would come up to me and just stand there and stare. I would ask them what their names were (usually in English because I was told I wasn't allowed to speak in Spanish while there, haha) and they would just blush and smile and run away. But then a couple brave students would ask me in English what my name was and how old I was and how many brothers (the idea of the word "sibling" is very strange for Spanish speakers because "hermanos" means siblings but also brothers, and you would say "hermana" for sister) I had and little things like that. They would get SO excited when they could understand me. There were a lot of giggles (on both ends of the conversations because I giggle when I get nervous) and smiles and one little boy even shared a cookie with me! I am REALLY looking forward to continuing to volunteer there.
Today was Sunday which means church! We had a lovely service and Pastora Mitzi gave a very nice sermon on prayer and living for God from I Peter 4. After service we were standing around and talking and then all the sudden there was a TORRENTIAL downpour! Traveling in Barranquilla while it is raining is actually VERY dangerous. I am not sure why exactly it is this way because it isn't the case in all of Colombia but it is bad. It is famous for it's "arroyos," or flash floods. Many many people die every year and a lot of damage is done as well. They have been known to move city buses. Not just move as in a couple inches, but move as in a few blocks at a time! Scary stuff. I am going to include some links to youtube videos at the end.
So, since we were trapped in the church we had an impromptu lunch. It was so much fun because it was really unexpected and we just hung out and laughed and told stories and goofed off and watched the Olympics (a female long jumper from Colombia got a silver medal!) had a great time! It is so often (and as is the lifestyle and culture here in Colombia) that the best times are had with the impromptu get togethers and random occurrences.
There was a meeting afterwards and people were getting a little overly excited. I was pretty pumped though because I understood about 80% of the conversation even though people were talking back and forth and over each other and speaking VERY quickly! Sometimes in situations like that I really surprise myself with my Spanish and it make me feel like I am actually learning!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOd39djeGb8&feature=fvst
This one is a slide show
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYOFEavp8M0&feature=related
This is an extreme one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ranUY9TJqc&feature=related
This one is actually just about two blocks from where I used to live!
I am very happy to live on the 6th floor when these things happen! On a very similar note, I was really confused when I first got here and saw that the sidewalks were up REALLY high from the street and often there are waist high walls at some intersections. Well... I soon found out why.
On a lighter not, these don't happen often at all! I would say just maybe twice a month or so depending on the part of the city you are in and the time of year. The rainy season is roughly June-ish until maybe November.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
179 - Fruit Juice!
One of my favorite things here in Colombia is the FRUIT! There is fruit everywhere! There are so many different types of fruits that I have never heard of and will probably never see again!
BUT! My all time favorite is maracuyá! Oh my goodness is it delicious! It is a really strange looking acidic and sour fruit but... oh so yummy. Let me show you how to prepare it.
BUT! My all time favorite is maracuyá! Oh my goodness is it delicious! It is a really strange looking acidic and sour fruit but... oh so yummy. Let me show you how to prepare it.
This is maracuyá (passion fruit). It really doesn't look like anything special. From what I understand you are even supposed to pick out the ugliest ones that you can find because they will generally have the most juice.
Then you cut that baby open and find the magic that is inside! The seeds are covered by the fruit which is a little unfortunate but that doesn't stop me from turning it into the yummiest juciest juice ever!
You just take a spoon and scoop it out! It comes right out. It is so weird! It has little finger like things inside that hold some of the fruit in place.
Then you blend it, add some water and sugar (I like to do half honey and half sugar to make it a little healthier) and then strain out the seeds...
Then enjoy the little piece of heavenly nectar from the gods that is jugo de maracuyá...
It is really REALLY good if it is made with milk but I was too scared to try and make it with milk. Maybe next time!
Day 169 (Saturday June 23rd) - Birthday!
This was the second time that I have ever been away from my family for my birthday. Having a summer birthday was always a little difficult as a child because when I was younger all of my friends planned big parties and passed things out around school and people were generally excited about it for a long time before hand! I have had parties before but before the technology of cell phones and e-mail it was a different task. Anyway, what I am saying is that in the past one thing that was consistent for me every year was the fact that my family was always there! I have been blessed the last two years to be around great people for my birthday, but it will never be quite the same being away from my family :).
My day was like any normal Saturday. I taught my two English classes and then we had youth group! For youth group we played games and ate cake and brownies and just hung out. We were celebrating all of the birthdays from January to June. It was a ton of fun! It also just so happened to fall on my birthday, haha! :P
After this I headed home and what should I find upon entering my apartment?!
There was a nice little smörgåsbord (I looked up this word and it is apparently a type of Scandinavian meal that is served buffet style. It originated in Sweden... you learn something new every day. Also I thought the original spelling was fun) of Colombian food!
This is a blended fruit drink made out of my FAVORITE fruit, maracuyá (passion fruit)!! So delicious. It is topped of with milo, which is a chocolate powder that is from Australia, but is really popular here! It is so delicious!
I had such a good night! We listened to Colombian music and talked and laughed and they tried to teach me how to dance some but I was cursed with two Mennonite left feet and dancing isn't my strong suit to say the least! Haha! It was such a good night and they made me feel so special and loved here in Colombia! They also made me realize that I should keep a better eye on my spare key... Haha! :P
My day was like any normal Saturday. I taught my two English classes and then we had youth group! For youth group we played games and ate cake and brownies and just hung out. We were celebrating all of the birthdays from January to June. It was a ton of fun! It also just so happened to fall on my birthday, haha! :P
After this I headed home and what should I find upon entering my apartment?!
Some good friends broke into my apartment and decorated it all Colombian-like! Yellow, blue, and red are the colors of the flag. Then, there were also little cut outs of different Colombia things around as well! I was so surprised and excited! :)
We've got muffins (in Spanish also called muffins) that are made with peanuts and arequipe (or dulce de leche as it is more commonly known in the States). Delcious.
This is called matrimonio, kind of like marriage. It is made with a coastal cheese and a something called bocadillo which is a lot like home made fruit roll ups. Yummy. Never would have thought to put cheese with fruit though. That was weird at first! The tooth picks had coffee beans and Colombian flags and good 'ol Juan Valdez (who was the first person to import coffee into Colombia).
Delicious cake that was basically one of the muffins but it bunt cake form.
On top here is botifarra, which is a type of sausage. Then on bottom is bollo de yuca. Bollo (boy-o) is... kind of... hard to explain. It is kind of a cake type thing. But made out of yuca, which is a root like a potato, but not a potato. It is interesting. They also have corn bollo which is pretty delicious.
I had such a good night! We listened to Colombian music and talked and laughed and they tried to teach me how to dance some but I was cursed with two Mennonite left feet and dancing isn't my strong suit to say the least! Haha! It was such a good night and they made me feel so special and loved here in Colombia! They also made me realize that I should keep a better eye on my spare key... Haha! :P
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