Monday, May 14, 2007
Current mood: grateful
I got a bit lonely Friday night, made a few phone calls to hear the voice of the famaliar...it was nice.
Saturday afternoon, my dad had his friend come over to teach me to dance Tango...that was a blast! It's a challenge but worth the work. Dancing is a hard sport, regardless if anyone thinks so or not, ha.
Then I meet up with my uncle, Leo, one of my mom's many brothers. I had last seen him when I was ten and we took a trip to Colombia, so I really haven't seen him for 10 years. I hadn't seen his wife, Gladis, and their kids (my cousins), Yoal and Karen since I was itty bitty...well no that's a lie. I saw Karen five years ago in my last visit...
Karen had since had gotten married and had a baby, she's a year older than me but that's not uncommon to do young here. She did have her baby three months premature but he's doing great and growing. Owen, his name, is so beautiful, and he smiles a lot. I fell in love with him right away, I love kids, I look forward to the next 6-7 years cause then I will consider having a family:)
Anywho, since Mother's Day was on Sunday, I got to see the way they celebrate it here. And honestly, it's a huge huge holiday here, as every holiday is. People spend all week to prepare for this day. There were parties everywhere, sales, malls stayed open all night, carnivals and everything. I have always been accustomed to giving my mom flowers, a card and going out to dinner, but there that's nothing compared to what they call El Dia De La Madre. All women, not just mothers, are valued. We went out to a mall, looked at bands playing, sales they were having. We got a bottle of Aguadriente, which is very typcial and popular liquor. It's clear, and it was smooth with a hint of tast of black licorce. But nothing like Sambuca, icky. And you take it neat with one big sip (not a shot really though), or mutliple sips. We played dominos and had a few drinks. After a couple hours, it started to wind down and everyone went to be except me and my uncle.
We continued to stay up till 230 am just talking. It was great! My mom always said he was a really good man, but I didn't realize how close they were growing up. And considering they were nine kids, that's pretty cool. He talked about my mom, and growing up. How much my mom did for him, and what she did for him, it's so good to hear that because it just goes to show how big my mom's heart has always been. We shared things that we both had in common growing up, which was crazy weird considering we both grew up in different eras and countries. He's an intelligent and simple man, he looks at life and sees it all, good and bad, as a blessing. He's patient with everything that he comes into contact with, he's had to work hard for his life and for his family. He made it clear that family, friends and the moments with them are all that matter in life, money buy materilistic things that can be replaced. Time can't be replaced.
His daughter, Karen, got married and had a baby young. But instead of being upset or disappointed like maybe some parents would do, he supported it from the beginning. He saw her as a woman who was going to have a family someday anyway, what was the difference with now and then? No regrets.
Sunday afternoon, we went to Gladis's sisters house with her family to have a dinner and celebrate mother's day. Her sisters were so sweet, they are both single mothers. One had been left with her two little girls by her husband so he could run off with another woman, the other had lost her husband just 7 months ago when he was killed by the Guerilla army, she was left with her 3 year old son. It's those kind of expiriences that make them strong, and you sense that strength in their presence.
I talked to my mom that afternoon, and realized how much I wish she was here. How much fun she's be having, how many people would love to see her, and how she would love to see them.
I look forward to seeing the rest of my family. Next weekend! :) I love how where you go, you are family.
TQM!
Monday, May 14, 2007
Friday, May 11, 2007
Current mood: cheerful
I was up at 630 this morning to start off my day. My dad had a meeting at a university called Nacional, he wanted me to tag along so I could see it and then we'd check out another one afterwards...Check out my opinion on my school options and give me some feedback, if you know me well enough you know what I want:)
Nacional- is a very very liberal school. There happens to be a lot of strikes there lead on by the students toward the goverment and the problems in Colombia. During these strikes, the students are actually allowed to spray paint their words and thoughts on the concrete and on the buildings. Which sounds a bit trashy but it was a sight! I loved reading the words that these students felt, or still feel. Of course anything inapporpriate is covered up. Some of the things written were: "Luchamos para una nueva Colombia" or "Unidad" or "Fuera Uribe." And there was actually a building with a big portait of Che Guevara, this building was actually called the Che Building. The school has a good reputation for being it's education, so it would be a good choice for me. I loved the atomosphere there.
Los Andes-We visited La Universidad de Los Andes on Tuesday. And it's love at first sight. One, there's all these steep stairs leading up to the different departments because it's up in the mountains (hence the name). Every staff member we talked to was absolutely wonderful. They were helpful and super eager to have me there. Plus I could do a double major in 10 semesters for the price of one, plus I would be able to learn french, bonjour! And it's considered one of the best schools in the country. oh la la
Rosario-We also visited today. It's set right in the heart, and busiest part of Bogotà. I loved that. You walk out the door of the school, and walk right into a plaza in which people set up these stands to sell books, jewelry, shirts, bags, scarfs, it's glorious! It's surrounded by shops, restaurants and so many people! I think I feel like I belong in a busy moving city. I could also do a double major here, but they don't offer any languages except for english, and I think I got that one down.
ANYWAYS
Continuing with the day. The sun was out and it was a gorgeous day! I love love the sun. My dad took me to a couple places that he loves...
There's a strip of stores that have a tons and tons of fabric to choose from, and they have designs of shirts to choose from or you can design your own style, and they will make it for you in 2 weeks! Any shirt you want, it's really cool. I got a yellow shirt coming:)
We rode on the public transportation called the Tranmilenio. I like to compare it to the EL in chicago except it's on wheels. But the cool thing is, considering the horrible driving and traffic here, these buses actually have their own lane! So they don't deal with any of the traffic and such. It gets packed, and I mean packed, at rush hours. This morning it was packed, and all the sudden I heard a lady yell out to the guy next to her...apparently she caught him trying to get into her purse. She handled pretty well, she was a bad ass, he got off and she followed him to get the police that are stationed at the entry way...I don't know how that turned out but pickpocketers are pretty common. So I don't think it was a surprise to everyone else on the bus, but her reaction definately made the guy look like an ass.
For lunch, I had the best juice ever. I love juice here, it's all natural and of every fruit you can imagine. I had fresh, natural grape juice. yum!
Today, I had a blast maybe it was the sun or maybe it was the crazy busy side of the city I got to see. I loved it. I felt comfortable and ready to be here. I miss things, people and the old life but I know this is life. I gots to move on and take a step forward. Today made me anxious to see everything else here.
And I forgot my camera today, way to go eh? Sorry guys, I suck at taking pictures!
Next Saturday, I get to go to Cali! :) I'm way pumped! I get to see the rest of my family and go to Palmira (where I was born), and Trujillo (where my mom was born and raised ). Trujillo is the smallest town you can ever think of, yes smaller than Ames:), two of my uncles own farms up in the low mountains, and looking down you can see the whole town with the beautiful white church in the middle. I love being there. I get to go for a whole month! Yes, I'll be there for my brithday too, I'll be old balls like the rest of my friends ha! I'll bring my camera.
I'm still keeping on. I love you and miss you. I miss Templeton Rye with a passion, and I would die for a Great Plains Pizza with candian bacon right now.
Have some whiskey and pizza for me! Cheers!
Current mood: cheerful
I was up at 630 this morning to start off my day. My dad had a meeting at a university called Nacional, he wanted me to tag along so I could see it and then we'd check out another one afterwards...Check out my opinion on my school options and give me some feedback, if you know me well enough you know what I want:)
Nacional- is a very very liberal school. There happens to be a lot of strikes there lead on by the students toward the goverment and the problems in Colombia. During these strikes, the students are actually allowed to spray paint their words and thoughts on the concrete and on the buildings. Which sounds a bit trashy but it was a sight! I loved reading the words that these students felt, or still feel. Of course anything inapporpriate is covered up. Some of the things written were: "Luchamos para una nueva Colombia" or "Unidad" or "Fuera Uribe." And there was actually a building with a big portait of Che Guevara, this building was actually called the Che Building. The school has a good reputation for being it's education, so it would be a good choice for me. I loved the atomosphere there.
Los Andes-We visited La Universidad de Los Andes on Tuesday. And it's love at first sight. One, there's all these steep stairs leading up to the different departments because it's up in the mountains (hence the name). Every staff member we talked to was absolutely wonderful. They were helpful and super eager to have me there. Plus I could do a double major in 10 semesters for the price of one, plus I would be able to learn french, bonjour! And it's considered one of the best schools in the country. oh la la
Rosario-We also visited today. It's set right in the heart, and busiest part of Bogotà. I loved that. You walk out the door of the school, and walk right into a plaza in which people set up these stands to sell books, jewelry, shirts, bags, scarfs, it's glorious! It's surrounded by shops, restaurants and so many people! I think I feel like I belong in a busy moving city. I could also do a double major here, but they don't offer any languages except for english, and I think I got that one down.
ANYWAYS
Continuing with the day. The sun was out and it was a gorgeous day! I love love the sun. My dad took me to a couple places that he loves...
There's a strip of stores that have a tons and tons of fabric to choose from, and they have designs of shirts to choose from or you can design your own style, and they will make it for you in 2 weeks! Any shirt you want, it's really cool. I got a yellow shirt coming:)
We rode on the public transportation called the Tranmilenio. I like to compare it to the EL in chicago except it's on wheels. But the cool thing is, considering the horrible driving and traffic here, these buses actually have their own lane! So they don't deal with any of the traffic and such. It gets packed, and I mean packed, at rush hours. This morning it was packed, and all the sudden I heard a lady yell out to the guy next to her...apparently she caught him trying to get into her purse. She handled pretty well, she was a bad ass, he got off and she followed him to get the police that are stationed at the entry way...I don't know how that turned out but pickpocketers are pretty common. So I don't think it was a surprise to everyone else on the bus, but her reaction definately made the guy look like an ass.
For lunch, I had the best juice ever. I love juice here, it's all natural and of every fruit you can imagine. I had fresh, natural grape juice. yum!
Today, I had a blast maybe it was the sun or maybe it was the crazy busy side of the city I got to see. I loved it. I felt comfortable and ready to be here. I miss things, people and the old life but I know this is life. I gots to move on and take a step forward. Today made me anxious to see everything else here.
And I forgot my camera today, way to go eh? Sorry guys, I suck at taking pictures!
Next Saturday, I get to go to Cali! :) I'm way pumped! I get to see the rest of my family and go to Palmira (where I was born), and Trujillo (where my mom was born and raised ). Trujillo is the smallest town you can ever think of, yes smaller than Ames:), two of my uncles own farms up in the low mountains, and looking down you can see the whole town with the beautiful white church in the middle. I love being there. I get to go for a whole month! Yes, I'll be there for my brithday too, I'll be old balls like the rest of my friends ha! I'll bring my camera.
I'm still keeping on. I love you and miss you. I miss Templeton Rye with a passion, and I would die for a Great Plains Pizza with candian bacon right now.
Have some whiskey and pizza for me! Cheers!
A Fair Warning from Sam
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Current mood: giggly
This makes me laugh! Sam brought this to my attention...I'll be sure to keep my granny panties at home so I don't get caught in public with them! ha! Enjoy.
Have a good one!
Carolina
here is the link as well.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6642209.stm
Colombia hunts underwear robbers
Police in Colombia are searching for members of a gang who target women and steal their underwear in public.
A succession of women, mainly young women and students, have been attacked in the western city of Pereira, often at bus stops early in the morning.
The gang has become known across the city as the "knicker robbers". They do not usually hurt their victims, instead demanding only underwear and valuables.
Police in Pereira have described the gang as "sexual maniacs."
The attackers often strike as women wait at bus stops between the hours of 0500 and 0700, police said.
On other occasions they wait for their victims to leave work or a university campus later in the day.
Carlos Felipe Cordoba, a spokesman for the governor of Pereira, told Colombian media that police and other local and intelligence groups were working to identify and catch the gang.
Their "inexplicable" conduct, he said, was already being analysed by psychologists and sexual experts.
Current mood: giggly
This makes me laugh! Sam brought this to my attention...I'll be sure to keep my granny panties at home so I don't get caught in public with them! ha! Enjoy.
Have a good one!
Carolina
here is the link as well.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6642209.stm
Colombia hunts underwear robbers
Police in Colombia are searching for members of a gang who target women and steal their underwear in public.
A succession of women, mainly young women and students, have been attacked in the western city of Pereira, often at bus stops early in the morning.
The gang has become known across the city as the "knicker robbers". They do not usually hurt their victims, instead demanding only underwear and valuables.
Police in Pereira have described the gang as "sexual maniacs."
The attackers often strike as women wait at bus stops between the hours of 0500 and 0700, police said.
On other occasions they wait for their victims to leave work or a university campus later in the day.
Carlos Felipe Cordoba, a spokesman for the governor of Pereira, told Colombian media that police and other local and intelligence groups were working to identify and catch the gang.
Their "inexplicable" conduct, he said, was already being analysed by psychologists and sexual experts.
Test Of My Own....
Friday, May 04, 2007
Current mood: optimistic
I spent most of my afternoon reading in spanish, four o'clock rolls around and I'm craving a a delicious bread called almojabana. I decide I should definately go down to the bakery and grab a couple. Here's the thing, my dad mentioned something about the locks on the door acting up and everytime I've gone out by myself there has been someone home to let me in. Well, I'm craving this bread but I want to make sure my key works...so what do I do? but step outside let the door close so I can try out my key...yup definately didn't open up. oops.
I keep trying and trying, the bottom lock unlocks just fine, but the top one is killing me. The key goes half way in, so I keep taking it out and trying again. Finally it goes all the way in the hole! But just my luck, the key won't turn. Yup. This is at about 435, I know that someone will come home at around 6. So I just have to sit and entertain myself till then. Man, I should've grabbed my money and a book...nah life doesn't make things that easy! So I walk around the complex, sit down at a bench to people watch and daydream...a couple of teenagers walk by laughing and one of the girls comes and sits next to me. She starts talking to me and introduces herself, it was quite funny because she was very talktive about things I had no idea about. She asked me if I knew this one girl who lived in the complex, I said no. And she went on to introduce her friends, who were kinda of embarassed that their friend was telling all this to me, a stranger. Maybe she was drunk, I don't know. It was amusing for the 10 minutes she talked to me though.
An hour goes by, I go and try the key again...nothing. I don't even have my dad's phone number memorized yet. I don't really know any of the neighbors but they all stare at me as I walked by them. I sit on a ledge of this garden and just stare outside...then I realize it's getting kind of cold but by this time it's almost 6, yes! Someone will be home soon...
My dad's girlfriend usually comes home at 6, so I'm anxious. I feel dumb but really was it my fault that the key and lock suck?? I start walking up and down the stairs to entertain myself. Around 630, ah ha! Here comes my dad's girlfriend, I tell her I only waited for an hour so she didn't feel bad. I ran to the bathroom, then put on a sweater since I got so chilly, and sat on my bed. I took a deep breath and then asked myself was this a test of my patience?
Geez I hope so and I hope I passed because that was a long 2 hours. Two hours of time I won't get back, but then again do I really want them back? Situations like that seem like a waste of time but then I realize the thinking and the daydreaming I did was good, and I'll always look back on this and laugh at myself. Because wow, that was dumb:)
Cheers!
Current mood: optimistic
I spent most of my afternoon reading in spanish, four o'clock rolls around and I'm craving a a delicious bread called almojabana. I decide I should definately go down to the bakery and grab a couple. Here's the thing, my dad mentioned something about the locks on the door acting up and everytime I've gone out by myself there has been someone home to let me in. Well, I'm craving this bread but I want to make sure my key works...so what do I do? but step outside let the door close so I can try out my key...yup definately didn't open up. oops.
I keep trying and trying, the bottom lock unlocks just fine, but the top one is killing me. The key goes half way in, so I keep taking it out and trying again. Finally it goes all the way in the hole! But just my luck, the key won't turn. Yup. This is at about 435, I know that someone will come home at around 6. So I just have to sit and entertain myself till then. Man, I should've grabbed my money and a book...nah life doesn't make things that easy! So I walk around the complex, sit down at a bench to people watch and daydream...a couple of teenagers walk by laughing and one of the girls comes and sits next to me. She starts talking to me and introduces herself, it was quite funny because she was very talktive about things I had no idea about. She asked me if I knew this one girl who lived in the complex, I said no. And she went on to introduce her friends, who were kinda of embarassed that their friend was telling all this to me, a stranger. Maybe she was drunk, I don't know. It was amusing for the 10 minutes she talked to me though.
An hour goes by, I go and try the key again...nothing. I don't even have my dad's phone number memorized yet. I don't really know any of the neighbors but they all stare at me as I walked by them. I sit on a ledge of this garden and just stare outside...then I realize it's getting kind of cold but by this time it's almost 6, yes! Someone will be home soon...
My dad's girlfriend usually comes home at 6, so I'm anxious. I feel dumb but really was it my fault that the key and lock suck?? I start walking up and down the stairs to entertain myself. Around 630, ah ha! Here comes my dad's girlfriend, I tell her I only waited for an hour so she didn't feel bad. I ran to the bathroom, then put on a sweater since I got so chilly, and sat on my bed. I took a deep breath and then asked myself was this a test of my patience?
Geez I hope so and I hope I passed because that was a long 2 hours. Two hours of time I won't get back, but then again do I really want them back? Situations like that seem like a waste of time but then I realize the thinking and the daydreaming I did was good, and I'll always look back on this and laugh at myself. Because wow, that was dumb:)
Cheers!
Friday, May 4, 2007
lalala Colombia
Current mood: peaceful
I got a laptop, tv and a desk for my room...it's becoming cozy! I regret not bringing any picutre frames or posters with me, my walls are bare. Well, one wall is bare, I luckily brought a tapestry that fits so nicely on one wall. And also I did have some pictures in a a couple of my quotebooks that I put up.
I realize how much I miss my mom. And my brother. Talking to them makes me kind of sad. Although I made this decision and I'm prepared to adjust, I think I'm allowed to be sad sometimes. I do miss everyone super much. I look at picture on my computer and I want to be there again next to this person and that person and then that certain person. It feels like I'm still on a vacation which I guess Naddies does call it that:) I like alone time, so this is actually alright for me. I enjoy time to think, day dream, read and write. It gets me motivated. I laugh with myself at times:) I read a loud sometimes to hear a voice in english...although I could just turn on the tv and watch the OC, ER or Law and Order which are all in english with spanish subtitles. And then there's BBC, oh heck yeah! Now I can pratice my awful english accent for Sam and Kaylie!
Last week, I went to a book fair which was absolutely massive! Seriously, apparently it's the biggest book fair in the world and it comes here every year for a week. All these different companies come from all over with every and any kind of book you'd ever want. It's amazing. They also set up stands for Univerisities and organizations around Bogota. I found one for the U.N.! They actually have an office set up here in Colombia and do work here, which is awesome! Because if you know me, that's what I'd love to do. I got a couple numbers and addresses and hopefully will find a way to get involved with them or UNICEF.
After leaving the book fair, I saw a cops running after a thief. They couldn't catch him, the thief ended up getting caught by a pedistrian for the cops...it was quite funny. It's been hard for my compassionate side to see how hard people work and how much they do to just survive. My mom warned me about feeling this way, I wish I could give them all something.
Went to a bar with my dad and his girlfriend, it was really fun. They played music called Vallienato, which is kinda of like a countrish sound compared to very thing else. There's alot of instruments that go into it, so it's amazing to watch. The accordian plays a sweet sweet sound. So at bars and restaurants here, you don't buy one drink. They sell liquor by the bottle or half bottle, and then you seperately buy like a bottle or huge thing of coca-cola or whatever mixer, it's crazy cool! So it's like mulitple drinks at one time, and if you don't finish it you just take it home!
There's no Templeton anywhere. Tear. Nor is there Stella Artois. I have yet to see a miller lite or bud light. I did have a beer called Costeña which was similar to a Corona, not too shabby!
I hope all of you who read this know how much I miss you and how much I look forward to the day to see you again. Next summer?:)
I love you.
smile, it increases face value!
I got a laptop, tv and a desk for my room...it's becoming cozy! I regret not bringing any picutre frames or posters with me, my walls are bare. Well, one wall is bare, I luckily brought a tapestry that fits so nicely on one wall. And also I did have some pictures in a a couple of my quotebooks that I put up.
I realize how much I miss my mom. And my brother. Talking to them makes me kind of sad. Although I made this decision and I'm prepared to adjust, I think I'm allowed to be sad sometimes. I do miss everyone super much. I look at picture on my computer and I want to be there again next to this person and that person and then that certain person. It feels like I'm still on a vacation which I guess Naddies does call it that:) I like alone time, so this is actually alright for me. I enjoy time to think, day dream, read and write. It gets me motivated. I laugh with myself at times:) I read a loud sometimes to hear a voice in english...although I could just turn on the tv and watch the OC, ER or Law and Order which are all in english with spanish subtitles. And then there's BBC, oh heck yeah! Now I can pratice my awful english accent for Sam and Kaylie!
Last week, I went to a book fair which was absolutely massive! Seriously, apparently it's the biggest book fair in the world and it comes here every year for a week. All these different companies come from all over with every and any kind of book you'd ever want. It's amazing. They also set up stands for Univerisities and organizations around Bogota. I found one for the U.N.! They actually have an office set up here in Colombia and do work here, which is awesome! Because if you know me, that's what I'd love to do. I got a couple numbers and addresses and hopefully will find a way to get involved with them or UNICEF.
After leaving the book fair, I saw a cops running after a thief. They couldn't catch him, the thief ended up getting caught by a pedistrian for the cops...it was quite funny. It's been hard for my compassionate side to see how hard people work and how much they do to just survive. My mom warned me about feeling this way, I wish I could give them all something.
Went to a bar with my dad and his girlfriend, it was really fun. They played music called Vallienato, which is kinda of like a countrish sound compared to very thing else. There's alot of instruments that go into it, so it's amazing to watch. The accordian plays a sweet sweet sound. So at bars and restaurants here, you don't buy one drink. They sell liquor by the bottle or half bottle, and then you seperately buy like a bottle or huge thing of coca-cola or whatever mixer, it's crazy cool! So it's like mulitple drinks at one time, and if you don't finish it you just take it home!
There's no Templeton anywhere. Tear. Nor is there Stella Artois. I have yet to see a miller lite or bud light. I did have a beer called Costeña which was similar to a Corona, not too shabby!
I hope all of you who read this know how much I miss you and how much I look forward to the day to see you again. Next summer?:)
I love you.
smile, it increases face value!
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