I could seriously see myself living in Colombia. I love, love, love Colombia. Dispel all those thoughts about Colombia being dangerous. I seriously have felt more threatened in parts of Europe than I have in Colombia. Thus far, knock on wood, I never really felt like my life was endangered. Sure, I may have walked through some parts a bit faster than others, but that is because the locals are so cautious that they kind of scare you about the neighborhood.
I just left Bogotá and am now in Leticia, the Amazon jungle. Bogotá is an amazing city. Well, besides the party life it just has a certain vibe to it. Now, it´s not the kind of city I could see my parents liking. It´s not like it is so beautiful, but it just has some vibe that I love.
Plus, Colombians are so nice! Ridiculously nice! Getting lost and someone walking with you to make sure you get to the right place nice! The police are so nice as well. They also have walked me numerous places to make sure that I am in the right place. I told a Colombian that I thought the police were nice and then he laughed. yehahahhaha. Well, at least to tourists!
Seriously considering settling here. Now, if only I did not have to meet Corina in 5 days in Cuzco. yehahahhahaah
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Military Men
Ok, so I was never really the type to like a guy because of the outfit he wears, but, seriously guys, the hottest Colombians I have seen thus far have been the men in green! yehahahaha.
And, these police are so flirtatious. And they are also everywhere there are tourists, especially in Bogotá, the capital. One incident was when I was walking on the street. Just woke up from a nap. Hair wild. Sleepy eyes. And in dire need of an empanada or buñelo. Police man whispers, well more of flat out says something, that I don´t understand and am quite too tired to think. He smiles. I think expecting some sort of answer. I say ¿Como?. And at that moment a bus was quite close as I was walking on the street. He nudges me aside, "Cuidado, corazon." Gives me a smile. I laugh. And back to my search for some food. Usually my interaction with police is the good ole staredown, maybe a smirk or two, asking for directions, etc. All have been quite pleasant. Let me clarify. It's not like I am talking to the police 24/7 just observing them.
I swear the police here are always smiling, staring, or gossiping. I see them take pictures of buildings, of marching bands, of their friends on duty. They just seem so relaxed. Not all of them even have weapons. They just wear the outfit. Every Colombian is supposed to have 1 year of military service. Not sure if that also applies to the women. My understanding could have been lost in translation.
I also went to the police museum and our tour guide sort of spoke English. He was so sweet and asked if we had facebook. Didn´t give out the info then, but we could always go back. Hmm, partying with Colombian police can be in the near future.
And, these police are so flirtatious. And they are also everywhere there are tourists, especially in Bogotá, the capital. One incident was when I was walking on the street. Just woke up from a nap. Hair wild. Sleepy eyes. And in dire need of an empanada or buñelo. Police man whispers, well more of flat out says something, that I don´t understand and am quite too tired to think. He smiles. I think expecting some sort of answer. I say ¿Como?. And at that moment a bus was quite close as I was walking on the street. He nudges me aside, "Cuidado, corazon." Gives me a smile. I laugh. And back to my search for some food. Usually my interaction with police is the good ole staredown, maybe a smirk or two, asking for directions, etc. All have been quite pleasant. Let me clarify. It's not like I am talking to the police 24/7 just observing them.
I swear the police here are always smiling, staring, or gossiping. I see them take pictures of buildings, of marching bands, of their friends on duty. They just seem so relaxed. Not all of them even have weapons. They just wear the outfit. Every Colombian is supposed to have 1 year of military service. Not sure if that also applies to the women. My understanding could have been lost in translation.
I also went to the police museum and our tour guide sort of spoke English. He was so sweet and asked if we had facebook. Didn´t give out the info then, but we could always go back. Hmm, partying with Colombian police can be in the near future.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Zona Rosa
¡Shot! ¡Shot! ¡Shot! Colombians love taking shots. Buying bottles and taking shots. Also, without chasers! How the heck am I supposed to drink like that. It's not like the loaded people are the only ones buying bottles. There isn't really fancy bottle service where you get a table and free chasers. You literally get a bottle (room temp) and tiny plastic shot cups. You post in a corner or wherever you can find a space and begin the chanting. ¡Salud!
I even checked out the gay Colombian scene. My brit friend, Dave, who I thought was straight was in need of some Colombian lovin. Being the charming fellow and white man that he is, he, of course, went home with someone that night. yehahahaha.
The big cities all have an area called the Zona Rosa or the Red Zone. It's pretty much party central where everyone goes to get blasted. Clubs don't close and the Aguardiente (Colombian liquor much like sambuca) runs freely.
The big cities all have an area called the Zona Rosa or the Red Zone. It's pretty much party central where everyone goes to get blasted. Clubs don't close and the Aguardiente (Colombian liquor much like sambuca) runs freely.
First night out: Cartagena.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Noni, Aires, what's next?
Dark hair, dark skin = Tawny is considered a Colombiana.
Yes, I have been easily confused numerous times that I was Colombian and then the local being shocked that my Español is not up to par. Super sad face.
I chat in español for a good 5 minutes and then the dreaded question, "¿hable español?" Hands up. I have been caught. Smile. Laugh. Smile. I think he knows the answer to that.
People have mistaken my name to be Noni, Aires, and some local then decided to give me a colombian name, but by that point well we were all beyond to remember whatever that given name was.
Yes, I have been easily confused numerous times that I was Colombian and then the local being shocked that my Español is not up to par. Super sad face.
I chat in español for a good 5 minutes and then the dreaded question, "¿hable español?" Hands up. I have been caught. Smile. Laugh. Smile. I think he knows the answer to that.
People have mistaken my name to be Noni, Aires, and some local then decided to give me a colombian name, but by that point well we were all beyond to remember whatever that given name was.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Ciudad Perdia
Just got back from a 5 day trek in the Colombian jungle to see Ciudad Perdida or the Lost City. Now, I haven't seen Machu Picchu, but the Lost City is pretty impressive despite what some might say. We were the only group to roam the city. Just us and the military men who would trade their military gear for pack of smokes. Unfortunately, I had nothing to barter with.
My left achilles tendon pretty much split in half and I had at least 22 bites on my left leg alone, but i wobbled back!
Now, there was roughly 18 of us trying to make the trek and well, it's amazing how your smelliness, pain, and excitement can bring you so close. It was quite sad when we all split apart just knowing that you probably won't see each other again. Everytime I wanted someone to tell me something, I would just say "What's the big deal anyways? I probably won't ever see you again so it doesn't even matter." That normally would be followed with a laugh, but seriously, I think I did some pretty disgusting things and said some pretty weird stuff, but whatevs. What can you do?
My left achilles tendon pretty much split in half and I had at least 22 bites on my left leg alone, but i wobbled back!
Now, there was roughly 18 of us trying to make the trek and well, it's amazing how your smelliness, pain, and excitement can bring you so close. It was quite sad when we all split apart just knowing that you probably won't see each other again. Everytime I wanted someone to tell me something, I would just say "What's the big deal anyways? I probably won't ever see you again so it doesn't even matter." That normally would be followed with a laugh, but seriously, I think I did some pretty disgusting things and said some pretty weird stuff, but whatevs. What can you do?
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