So, where were we?
Ah sí, the Dudes are asleep. Charlotte has stopped giggling and is playing with some miniature animals she bought during our last outing, whilst watching Disney Español.
CC and I decide to hit the shops downtown. The two of us drive to pick up her friend, the Good Witch, and we all go downtown for shopping! I began to feel a little uncomfortable walking down the sidewalk with these 2 ladies. They are maybe 5’2” on a good day, and I’m 6 feet tall. Every Colombian we see is only as tall as my shoulders. So, we are walking and EVERY SINGLE PERSON stops what they are doing and looks at me as I walk by. Then every once in a while I hear some one whisper “Grande” as I walk past. On the outside I appear confident and am just going about my business. On the inside I’m having a real mental battle. Part of me wants to run and hide, and the other part of me is thinking, “Screw them! This is who I am!”
I remember when I was a young girl, my family lived in Sicily. My dad, Padre-man, has always told me to never be ashamed of my height. When we would walk around the towns and markets of Sicily we were generally the tallest folks around. Padre-man told us to keep our heads up and faces forward, not to look down at the ground and avoid people. One of his favourite sayings is from Eleanor Roosevelt, “No one can make you feel inferior without your permission.”
All of these memories are rushing over me as I walk with CC and the Good Witch. The ‘screw them’ attitude won out. Everyone, and no, that is not an exaggeration, EVERYONE still stared as I walked by and I still heard grande at least twice a block. I laughed and told the girls that I was going to start saying pequeño to everyone who called me grande. (FYI: Pequeño means small) I didn’t actually say that to anyone, not out loud at least. Someone needs to set a good example.
We went to a little shop with all kinds of hand made pottery and Colombia knick knacks. I bought a couple Colombia bracelets for the kids and miniature chiga. A chiga is a bus, similar to the kind that the kids rode in VillaMaria. I’m going to make an ornament out of it for our Christmas tree. Yeah, I’m that good, and I think ahead. Most of the time. Then we hit a candy store, I bought some SuperCoco lollipops for Charlotte’s class next year. They are made here in Manizales. We also went to a grocery store for COFFEE! I bought lots of bags of different kinds, and I bought some chocolate bars used in their hot chocolate and I can’t leave out that all important ingredient, PANELA! I asked CC what exactly panela is, it is made from sugar cane. It is not refined like our white sugar, and it still has the sugar cane colour and taste. They are sold in all sorts of sizes and styles, from ‘instant’ granules to big thick cow pies. Yup, you know I bought those cow patties!
By the time we were finished with our spending it was nearly 5 o’clock and we were expected at the Lady in Red’s house for dinner. After dropping off our purchases and picking up the Dudes and Little Mermaid we drove to LIR’s house (that’s Lady in Red, amigos). All the ladies we met yesterday are college friends of CC. The LIR has a 9 year old son. He is SO CUTE! He attends a bilingual school here in Manizales and once he warmed up to us (which took all of 2 minutes. We maybe giants, but we’re gentle giants!) he began to speak in English. His English is excellent. NO ACCENT! The Little Dude loved playing with a big boy. They played with matchbox cars and transformers. The LIR is so thoughtful; somehow she procured some girl toys for Little Mermaid. At first Little Mermaid played with an anatomically correct niño (that’s baby boy, gringos). Then she switched, as she always does, into veterinarian mode and began focusing on the stuffed animals.
As an aside…
The other day I learned that CC’s father is a veterinarian and a lawyer. After he finished vet school in Colombia he attended a school in Oklahoma (I think it was Oklahoma State?) where he specialized in large animals, like cows, horses etc… Later, back in Colombia he returned to school and became a lawyer. He practiced both professions, simultaneously until he retired. Maybe he and the Little Mermaid can talk about life as a vet this evening!
Soon the LIR’s husband came home. He is a mild mannered bespectacled man, much like certain Dude I know. He’s also a doctor. Like a certain someone…
We sat down to dinner and had an incredible time. We ate a traditional Colombian Soup. It was a clear broth with a chunk of corn, some yucca and potatoes. There were bowls on the table, one with shredded chicken, one with Latino evaporated milk, and one with capers. You add as much of each item you’d like. Then mix it all together and enjoy! We also, had CC’s favourite Colombian food item – Arroz con Leche. It’s sort of like a coconut rice pudding. Muy Bien!
It was a great evening. The kids had a BLAST! CC really has some wonderful friends. We didn’t want to leave, but, everyone has work in the morning and kids to get to sleep.
Buenos Noches!
Showing posts with label spanish. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spanish. Show all posts
Friday, July 18, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Muchas Amigas
I think that CC must be the most popular person in all of Manizales. Everywhere we go at least 3 new people find her. Even when she’s driving, if we’re at a stop sign someone will holler out to her. It’s weird but cool. Like being with a celebrity.
Today was a first though. Things are always rather tranquil at the house of CC. Today, while Jack was still napping, and after CC came back from visiting her aunt and uncle, CC, her mother and I were sitting around the table when out of the corner of my eye I saw a car pull up the driveway. “Un Coche.” I said. “Donde?” they replied. “In the driveway.” (yeah, my Spanish is not THAT advanced. C’mon!)
CC went to the front door and peeked through the key hole. Then she opened the door and who should come into the house but 8 people! I recognized CC’s sister-in-law and los ninos. The entourage consisted of her parent’s and siblings. Two sisters and 1 brother. They were a lot of fun. I never felt so at home. If you’ve ever been to a meal or event with my family (and my extended family) then you know what I mean. It got real loud, real quick. Just as we were getting settled in, the door bell rang. The oldest sister (we are so much a like, I swear we were separated at birth) and I went to answer it and try to figure out how to open the door. Yes, I already told you, it IS that complicated.
Three women were standing there and Sis and I were like, ‘yeah?’ They started talking rapid fire and I began to slowly back away. Were they trying to sell us something? Convert us to some new religion? CC’s mom beckoned them in. Apparently they are college friends of CC and they just dropped in to say hi before she left. Now it got really loud. Mom – you would have loved it!
After much visitation and lots of hugs and photos someone said that magic word, OBLEAS. If you aren’t familiar with obleas, scan down and read about them. It’s worth it. Everyone packed into their respective cars and the plan was to meet on the hill where one can find the best obleas. When we got there, the car with CC’s friends arrived, but the car with the relatives was nowhere to be found. Thus begins the freak-out of 2008. CC had her friends calling on their cell phones trying to get in touch with her sister-in-law. For 20 minutes we can’t get a hold of anyone. Finally someone picks up SIL’s phone. She’s left it at the house! Turn that freak out meter up a notch. CC calls her brother but the reception is really bad and the friends are frantically dialing numbers. Well, somebody got a hold of someone. The Relative Car stopped for gas. Then SIL realized her phone was at the house, so they went back for it. By then it was getting dark, so they decided to drive home (they live about 90 minutes away).
Well, the freak-out cut into prime oblea eating, thus, we went to a restaurant to eat. Little Mermaid had a hotdog, on a bun with ketchup. The Dude ordered empanadas (not as good as the Iglesias. Maybe they were touched by G-d?) I told the girls that I wanted something authentic and Colombian. I ended up with a plate with a layer dish on it. Think pizza but oblong and no sauce. The dough was a huge smooshed plantain that was lightly fried. Then add a thin layer of patty (I think beef), add some bacon (oh yeah, this was SO NOT VEGAN!), cheese, shredded chicken and… wait for it… SHRIMP! Oh my…
I’m not sure what it is called but I ate it all. And it was good. And I don’t even feel guilty.
Plus the other ladies had them too. Except CC. She ate a hotdog.
Little Dude was inconsolable for most of the meal. We tried to feed him and offer him drinks. The Dude walked with him. I held him and walked around. I put him in the sling. Dude changed his diaper. NOTHING WORKED. Then one of the girls offered to walk around the restaurant with him. TA FREAKIN’ DA
She must be a witch. Because she cast some sort of magic spell over that baby, and the rest of the night she was the only one who could make him happy. If she is a witch, she’s a nice one… like Hermione. And she’s pretty.
After our dank (that means good, rookies.) dinner the Lady in Red (she was the friend in the Red Suit) and Little Mermaid and I walked across the street to a mini-mart. We looked at the cool Colombian candy. She told us all about the different treats. Including one that is made right there in Manizales. Little Mermaid picked a couple of things out and I actually paid. I understood the cashier and everything. I even gave exact change! I KNOW! Snaps to me.
Now we are home again. We are all going to bed. Tomorrow evening we are going to the Lady in Red’s house for dinner, or something. And I think CC is going to take us shopping again. I still need to buy coffee!!!
Oh, by the way, Juan Valdez is invading AMERICA! You lucky ducks in New York City are the first to be blessed with a Juan Valdez Café. I highly suggest you go and get some kick @$$ coffee. It puts Starbucks to SHAME!
Ok, more later!
Ciao
Today was a first though. Things are always rather tranquil at the house of CC. Today, while Jack was still napping, and after CC came back from visiting her aunt and uncle, CC, her mother and I were sitting around the table when out of the corner of my eye I saw a car pull up the driveway. “Un Coche.” I said. “Donde?” they replied. “In the driveway.” (yeah, my Spanish is not THAT advanced. C’mon!)
CC went to the front door and peeked through the key hole. Then she opened the door and who should come into the house but 8 people! I recognized CC’s sister-in-law and los ninos. The entourage consisted of her parent’s and siblings. Two sisters and 1 brother. They were a lot of fun. I never felt so at home. If you’ve ever been to a meal or event with my family (and my extended family) then you know what I mean. It got real loud, real quick. Just as we were getting settled in, the door bell rang. The oldest sister (we are so much a like, I swear we were separated at birth) and I went to answer it and try to figure out how to open the door. Yes, I already told you, it IS that complicated.
Three women were standing there and Sis and I were like, ‘yeah?’ They started talking rapid fire and I began to slowly back away. Were they trying to sell us something? Convert us to some new religion? CC’s mom beckoned them in. Apparently they are college friends of CC and they just dropped in to say hi before she left. Now it got really loud. Mom – you would have loved it!
After much visitation and lots of hugs and photos someone said that magic word, OBLEAS. If you aren’t familiar with obleas, scan down and read about them. It’s worth it. Everyone packed into their respective cars and the plan was to meet on the hill where one can find the best obleas. When we got there, the car with CC’s friends arrived, but the car with the relatives was nowhere to be found. Thus begins the freak-out of 2008. CC had her friends calling on their cell phones trying to get in touch with her sister-in-law. For 20 minutes we can’t get a hold of anyone. Finally someone picks up SIL’s phone. She’s left it at the house! Turn that freak out meter up a notch. CC calls her brother but the reception is really bad and the friends are frantically dialing numbers. Well, somebody got a hold of someone. The Relative Car stopped for gas. Then SIL realized her phone was at the house, so they went back for it. By then it was getting dark, so they decided to drive home (they live about 90 minutes away).
Well, the freak-out cut into prime oblea eating, thus, we went to a restaurant to eat. Little Mermaid had a hotdog, on a bun with ketchup. The Dude ordered empanadas (not as good as the Iglesias. Maybe they were touched by G-d?) I told the girls that I wanted something authentic and Colombian. I ended up with a plate with a layer dish on it. Think pizza but oblong and no sauce. The dough was a huge smooshed plantain that was lightly fried. Then add a thin layer of patty (I think beef), add some bacon (oh yeah, this was SO NOT VEGAN!), cheese, shredded chicken and… wait for it… SHRIMP! Oh my…
I’m not sure what it is called but I ate it all. And it was good. And I don’t even feel guilty.
Plus the other ladies had them too. Except CC. She ate a hotdog.
Little Dude was inconsolable for most of the meal. We tried to feed him and offer him drinks. The Dude walked with him. I held him and walked around. I put him in the sling. Dude changed his diaper. NOTHING WORKED. Then one of the girls offered to walk around the restaurant with him. TA FREAKIN’ DA
She must be a witch. Because she cast some sort of magic spell over that baby, and the rest of the night she was the only one who could make him happy. If she is a witch, she’s a nice one… like Hermione. And she’s pretty.
After our dank (that means good, rookies.) dinner the Lady in Red (she was the friend in the Red Suit) and Little Mermaid and I walked across the street to a mini-mart. We looked at the cool Colombian candy. She told us all about the different treats. Including one that is made right there in Manizales. Little Mermaid picked a couple of things out and I actually paid. I understood the cashier and everything. I even gave exact change! I KNOW! Snaps to me.
Now we are home again. We are all going to bed. Tomorrow evening we are going to the Lady in Red’s house for dinner, or something. And I think CC is going to take us shopping again. I still need to buy coffee!!!
Oh, by the way, Juan Valdez is invading AMERICA! You lucky ducks in New York City are the first to be blessed with a Juan Valdez Café. I highly suggest you go and get some kick @$$ coffee. It puts Starbucks to SHAME!
Ok, more later!
Ciao
Monday, July 14, 2008
VillaMaria and Miss Universe
How in the world did Ms. Kosovo with her alien-esque hair style make it to the top 10?
Yeah. I’m watching Miss Universe as I type.
ANYWAY!
I left you yesterday when we were on our way to a playground. It was small and cute. There is A LOT of bamboo growing wild all over Manizales. There was a cute patch along side the park. On the other side of the playground was the neighborhood Iglesia (church). There seem to be small Iglesias everywhere. We saw people walking to the service from the neighborhood. CC attended the service and we stood outside on the church patio with many others listening to the priest. The pews were packed! Also, outside, some church ladies were selling food. I ate the BEST empanadas in the world! They put mine to SHAME! So good! Once it started to rain we, CC’s sister in law the kids and the Dude and I, headed for home. The service was nearly complete and when we got home, CC soon followed.
Lunch was a Colombian version of spaghetti and chicken. A chicken broth soup was the precursor to the meal. We drank a traditional Colombian drink made from tomates de arbol. I know it sounds like tomatoes, but it was white and tomates de arbol are a local fruit – not our vegetables.
The Little Dude was cranky, even though he ate a lot, and when I tried to get him to sleep, he absolutely refused. So the 11 of us packed into 2 small cars and headed for the country. We hadn’t really counted on the rain, so our adventure turned into a car tour. We did stop at the main square of the Villa Maria. The kiddies got a mini bus ride that was powered by Fred’s two feet. Fred being the guy pushing the kid size bus around the square 3 times. Then the rain picked up and we were off to our next adventure.
CC showed us the schools in which she taught, as well as the local university she attended. We drove through the country and downtown Manizales. We are planning to walk around and take pictures another day. However the rain did not keep us from the highest point of the city. The rain subsided so we were able to walk around and I managed some pictures of the stunning view.
On to the food!
Obleas: A layered tortilla size treat. SO GOOD! First you take a flat round crispy wafer-like tortilla. Smear caramel sauce on one half and strawberry sauce on the other half. Then sprinkle unsweetened coconut shavings on half and a light mild crumbly cheese on the other half. Top this with another wafer. Add some fruit, sliced strawberries and cut brevas (a fig type fruit) in caramel sauce. Finally, lightly drizzle a white sweet sauce over the fruit and viola! Perfectamente!
Bunuelos: An egg shaped donut type cake - deep fried like a donut, but so light and just a hint of sweetness. Very very good!
Kumis: A yogurt type beverage. Not my favourite drink. It has a slight fermented taste similar to kefir (found in health food stores). Kunis must be an acquired taste.
Ok, I was typing this up as I watched the Miss Universe pageant on Colombian TV.
Miss Venezuela? Are you kidding me? It was TOTALLY between Miss Mexico and Miss Colombia. How Miss Russia beat out Mexico, with her unbrushed hair covering her face, I’ll never understand. The competition was between Mexico, USA (my unbiased opinion – even AFTER she fell flat on her booty), and COLOMBIA! Cha! Once USA and Mexico were out, it HAD to be Miss Colombia!
In the words of GOB (Arrested Development – rent it, watch it, love it) “C’mon!”
With that rant you know how my day ended. We came home, full from our food adventures and watched the pageant. Now, in my disgust I’m going to bed.
CHA!
Yeah. I’m watching Miss Universe as I type.
ANYWAY!
I left you yesterday when we were on our way to a playground. It was small and cute. There is A LOT of bamboo growing wild all over Manizales. There was a cute patch along side the park. On the other side of the playground was the neighborhood Iglesia (church). There seem to be small Iglesias everywhere. We saw people walking to the service from the neighborhood. CC attended the service and we stood outside on the church patio with many others listening to the priest. The pews were packed! Also, outside, some church ladies were selling food. I ate the BEST empanadas in the world! They put mine to SHAME! So good! Once it started to rain we, CC’s sister in law the kids and the Dude and I, headed for home. The service was nearly complete and when we got home, CC soon followed.
Lunch was a Colombian version of spaghetti and chicken. A chicken broth soup was the precursor to the meal. We drank a traditional Colombian drink made from tomates de arbol. I know it sounds like tomatoes, but it was white and tomates de arbol are a local fruit – not our vegetables.
The Little Dude was cranky, even though he ate a lot, and when I tried to get him to sleep, he absolutely refused. So the 11 of us packed into 2 small cars and headed for the country. We hadn’t really counted on the rain, so our adventure turned into a car tour. We did stop at the main square of the Villa Maria. The kiddies got a mini bus ride that was powered by Fred’s two feet. Fred being the guy pushing the kid size bus around the square 3 times. Then the rain picked up and we were off to our next adventure.
CC showed us the schools in which she taught, as well as the local university she attended. We drove through the country and downtown Manizales. We are planning to walk around and take pictures another day. However the rain did not keep us from the highest point of the city. The rain subsided so we were able to walk around and I managed some pictures of the stunning view.
On to the food!
Obleas: A layered tortilla size treat. SO GOOD! First you take a flat round crispy wafer-like tortilla. Smear caramel sauce on one half and strawberry sauce on the other half. Then sprinkle unsweetened coconut shavings on half and a light mild crumbly cheese on the other half. Top this with another wafer. Add some fruit, sliced strawberries and cut brevas (a fig type fruit) in caramel sauce. Finally, lightly drizzle a white sweet sauce over the fruit and viola! Perfectamente!
Bunuelos: An egg shaped donut type cake - deep fried like a donut, but so light and just a hint of sweetness. Very very good!
Kumis: A yogurt type beverage. Not my favourite drink. It has a slight fermented taste similar to kefir (found in health food stores). Kunis must be an acquired taste.
Ok, I was typing this up as I watched the Miss Universe pageant on Colombian TV.
Miss Venezuela? Are you kidding me? It was TOTALLY between Miss Mexico and Miss Colombia. How Miss Russia beat out Mexico, with her unbrushed hair covering her face, I’ll never understand. The competition was between Mexico, USA (my unbiased opinion – even AFTER she fell flat on her booty), and COLOMBIA! Cha! Once USA and Mexico were out, it HAD to be Miss Colombia!
In the words of GOB (Arrested Development – rent it, watch it, love it) “C’mon!”
With that rant you know how my day ended. We came home, full from our food adventures and watched the pageant. Now, in my disgust I’m going to bed.
CHA!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Manizales
Hola mi familia y amigos!
Yesterday we arrived in Manizales. We had an amazing Colombian breakfast in our lovely hotel, the Habitel of Bogota. Arrepas (sp), tamales, cafe and hot chocolate. I was even brave enough to try papaya juice, not my favourite drink. Arrepas are traditional maize pancakes, the tamales had some lima beans, maize and some meat - ham maybe? I´m not a Colombian Vegetarian. Hey, when in Rome...
The coffee was good, the waiter asked me if I wanted it in American style, I said si. So he put milk in it. The milk was hot, not cool, which I found interesting. The Little Mermaid had Hot Chocolate. It was amazing! I can´t put my finger on just what is different about it. I think it is stronger and less sweet, but there is this amazing aromatic quality to it. hmmm...
Before I go any further, I would be remiss not to mention the OUTSTANDING service we received on our flight from the US to Bogota. We were given all the refreshments we wanted, plus 2, yes TWO hot meals. Plus, the alcoholic beverages were FREE. They even had a ´house´´airline wine!!! No I didn´t get a drink - but I should have! I needed one! The attendants were extremely polite and very affectionate towards the children. An unaccompanied minor sat next to me and he was so sweet, playing with the Little Dude. I wish I could let him parent´s know what a wonderful boy they have. 25F I´m talking about YOU!
Ok, now back to yesterday...
The hotel took us to the airport and we checked in and went through security. It was a lot like US security, but we didn´t have to take off our shoes. The Dude thought that was interesting, but I mentioned that they probably have not had someone try to blow up an airplane by lighting his tennis shoe!
We waited in an open terminal for about 30 minutes then boarded our propeller winged puddle jumper. Looked just like the ones in the US. The flight was a little loud, as those small planes often are, but it lasted less than an hour. As we flew into Manizales the beauty of the land was evident. Mountains and hills, dotted with houses and small towns. As we deboarded the plane I could see our hostess, CC, through the window in the airport. She was there with her baby brother, who is a giant in Colombia, probably 6´3". Also CC´s niece was there, a mere 9 months younger than the Little Mermaid. We loaded into 2 cars and drove to CC´s family home.
Manizales is very hilly. Much like San Fransico! On our way to her home, we passed a WAWA of all things! I laughed and told her that we have WAWA´s in the NorthEast. Philly and NJ! It´s a small world!
CC´s house is beautiful. Her parent´s are selling it, b-c as the 3 children are grown and on their own, they hardly have need for a 6 bedroom house! They have a lovely atrium with exotic plants and Señor Tortuga who lives in the indoor garden. It is a 2 level house, with a bedroom and full bath on the 1 1/2 floor. There is lots of light and many religious artifacts throughout the house. The walls are white, the ceiling is made of lovely honey coloured wood, as are the floors. Once we settled in CC ordered Chop Suey. Let me just say the chinese food in Colombia is better than ANYTHING I´ve had at home. The rice that came with the meal definately had a colombian influence. But we all really loved it.
Soon after lunch, the Little Dude had a nap the Little Mermaid and her new hermana played and played. CC´s parent´s took a siesta and CC, the Dude and I all sat in the livingroom chatting about our flight, food and politics. Obama seems to be a favourite in Colombia, even though McCain visited here just before the FARC hostages were freed.
Once the Little Dude woke up, we all walked to a little shopping mall. Our first order of business was a store that is not unlike Target. I bought the girls matching nightgowns for last night and Jack got a new pair of shoes. I wanted to get some clothes for the kids, but EVERYTHING has english printed on it, whether what it says makes sense or not. The Little Dude also got a new cup, because we forgot his in los Estados Unidos.
We came back home to find CC´s sister in law and baby niece at home. The baby is about 4 months younger than the Little Dude. They kept hugging each other. So the kids played and the Dude and I and Abuela (CC´s Mom) watched some fútbol on tv. A major Colombian star was retiring last night. It was touching to see his speech with tears and sweat in his eyes. The field was littered with confetti during the game. I don´t know how they were able to play!
For dinner we ate the equivelant of hotdogs/ sandwiches. It was ham, onions, cheese and maize sauteéd and rolled up in a tortilla, with potato chips on the side. Muy Bien!
Then is was off to bed for the Little Dude. We cuddled up in CC´s old bedroom and flipped through the channels, finally settling on LOS SIMPSONS. We watched about 2 1/2 episodes of the spanish speaking Simpsons, at one point with the Little Mermaid and her neuvo hermana in bed with us!
Sleep was deep and full.
Now we are all dressed, fed (Migas = a traditional Colombian breakfast of arrepas scrambled with cheese and eggs) and on our way to park where the kids can play and get rid of their wiggles. At noon we have a church service and then after lunch we will spend our afternoon in the country.
More later my virtual touristas!
Adios!
Yesterday we arrived in Manizales. We had an amazing Colombian breakfast in our lovely hotel, the Habitel of Bogota. Arrepas (sp), tamales, cafe and hot chocolate. I was even brave enough to try papaya juice, not my favourite drink. Arrepas are traditional maize pancakes, the tamales had some lima beans, maize and some meat - ham maybe? I´m not a Colombian Vegetarian. Hey, when in Rome...
The coffee was good, the waiter asked me if I wanted it in American style, I said si. So he put milk in it. The milk was hot, not cool, which I found interesting. The Little Mermaid had Hot Chocolate. It was amazing! I can´t put my finger on just what is different about it. I think it is stronger and less sweet, but there is this amazing aromatic quality to it. hmmm...
Before I go any further, I would be remiss not to mention the OUTSTANDING service we received on our flight from the US to Bogota. We were given all the refreshments we wanted, plus 2, yes TWO hot meals. Plus, the alcoholic beverages were FREE. They even had a ´house´´airline wine!!! No I didn´t get a drink - but I should have! I needed one! The attendants were extremely polite and very affectionate towards the children. An unaccompanied minor sat next to me and he was so sweet, playing with the Little Dude. I wish I could let him parent´s know what a wonderful boy they have. 25F I´m talking about YOU!
Ok, now back to yesterday...
The hotel took us to the airport and we checked in and went through security. It was a lot like US security, but we didn´t have to take off our shoes. The Dude thought that was interesting, but I mentioned that they probably have not had someone try to blow up an airplane by lighting his tennis shoe!
We waited in an open terminal for about 30 minutes then boarded our propeller winged puddle jumper. Looked just like the ones in the US. The flight was a little loud, as those small planes often are, but it lasted less than an hour. As we flew into Manizales the beauty of the land was evident. Mountains and hills, dotted with houses and small towns. As we deboarded the plane I could see our hostess, CC, through the window in the airport. She was there with her baby brother, who is a giant in Colombia, probably 6´3". Also CC´s niece was there, a mere 9 months younger than the Little Mermaid. We loaded into 2 cars and drove to CC´s family home.
Manizales is very hilly. Much like San Fransico! On our way to her home, we passed a WAWA of all things! I laughed and told her that we have WAWA´s in the NorthEast. Philly and NJ! It´s a small world!
CC´s house is beautiful. Her parent´s are selling it, b-c as the 3 children are grown and on their own, they hardly have need for a 6 bedroom house! They have a lovely atrium with exotic plants and Señor Tortuga who lives in the indoor garden. It is a 2 level house, with a bedroom and full bath on the 1 1/2 floor. There is lots of light and many religious artifacts throughout the house. The walls are white, the ceiling is made of lovely honey coloured wood, as are the floors. Once we settled in CC ordered Chop Suey. Let me just say the chinese food in Colombia is better than ANYTHING I´ve had at home. The rice that came with the meal definately had a colombian influence. But we all really loved it.
Soon after lunch, the Little Dude had a nap the Little Mermaid and her new hermana played and played. CC´s parent´s took a siesta and CC, the Dude and I all sat in the livingroom chatting about our flight, food and politics. Obama seems to be a favourite in Colombia, even though McCain visited here just before the FARC hostages were freed.
Once the Little Dude woke up, we all walked to a little shopping mall. Our first order of business was a store that is not unlike Target. I bought the girls matching nightgowns for last night and Jack got a new pair of shoes. I wanted to get some clothes for the kids, but EVERYTHING has english printed on it, whether what it says makes sense or not. The Little Dude also got a new cup, because we forgot his in los Estados Unidos.
We came back home to find CC´s sister in law and baby niece at home. The baby is about 4 months younger than the Little Dude. They kept hugging each other. So the kids played and the Dude and I and Abuela (CC´s Mom) watched some fútbol on tv. A major Colombian star was retiring last night. It was touching to see his speech with tears and sweat in his eyes. The field was littered with confetti during the game. I don´t know how they were able to play!
For dinner we ate the equivelant of hotdogs/ sandwiches. It was ham, onions, cheese and maize sauteéd and rolled up in a tortilla, with potato chips on the side. Muy Bien!
Then is was off to bed for the Little Dude. We cuddled up in CC´s old bedroom and flipped through the channels, finally settling on LOS SIMPSONS. We watched about 2 1/2 episodes of the spanish speaking Simpsons, at one point with the Little Mermaid and her neuvo hermana in bed with us!
Sleep was deep and full.
Now we are all dressed, fed (Migas = a traditional Colombian breakfast of arrepas scrambled with cheese and eggs) and on our way to park where the kids can play and get rid of their wiggles. At noon we have a church service and then after lunch we will spend our afternoon in the country.
More later my virtual touristas!
Adios!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Bogota
Ahhh.... Vacation time!
We are finally in Bogota, Colombia! Let me just say, the Colombian people are not only beautiful, but they are so welcoming and kind. Nearly everyone here speaks English, and WELL! Almost no hint of an accent. It sort of makes me feel ashamed, because it seems the only people who are bilingual in the USA are immigrants or 1st and 2nd generation Americans. I'm really motivated to learn Spanish now!
The flight from DC to Colombia was LONG and hard. It was totally full and I was stuck in a middle seat, with the Little Dude, away from the Little Mermaid and the Big Dude. Actually, I was in the row across from them. And there was THIS WOMAN! Argh! Yes, I'm talking about YOU Ms. 25C! She was sitting with my family and she was travelling with her son, who was a little younger than the Little Dude - maybe 18 months. She looked like a lizard and her son looked like a hobit. I only say this, b/c she never offered me her seat. So the Big Dude and I had to communicate by shouting over her and passing things infront of her. PLUS, the Little Dude had to stay with me the ENTIRE 5 1/2 HOUR FLIGHT! He was crying b/c he wanted to be with his sister and daddy so I gave him to the Big Dude at the beginning of the flight and the flight attendants told us that due to the number of oxygen masks, there could only be 1 lap child in a 3 seat row. AND since Gollum and her spawn were there, THE LITTLE DUDE COULD NOT! Now you see my frustration!
Well, it's over now. We are in our BEAUTIFUL hotel. We breezed through customs. The Colombians really cater to families, so we were placed in the short line. Woo-hoo! And since we had not any checked bags (thank you - idiot american run airlines), we were able to walk right past the throngs of people waiting for their items, and right into the capable hands of our escort from the hotel. SO GREAT!
We checked in and got to our room and CRASHED! The room is huge and the bed is comfortable. The Little Mermaid is still asleep and the Dudes are at breakfast. I’m about to hop in the shower.
We have to get back to the airport for our flight to Manizales, Colombia. So excited! This leg of the trip is only an hour and then we will be able to relax with our friends in the city on the mountain!
More later!
Adios!
We are finally in Bogota, Colombia! Let me just say, the Colombian people are not only beautiful, but they are so welcoming and kind. Nearly everyone here speaks English, and WELL! Almost no hint of an accent. It sort of makes me feel ashamed, because it seems the only people who are bilingual in the USA are immigrants or 1st and 2nd generation Americans. I'm really motivated to learn Spanish now!
The flight from DC to Colombia was LONG and hard. It was totally full and I was stuck in a middle seat, with the Little Dude, away from the Little Mermaid and the Big Dude. Actually, I was in the row across from them. And there was THIS WOMAN! Argh! Yes, I'm talking about YOU Ms. 25C! She was sitting with my family and she was travelling with her son, who was a little younger than the Little Dude - maybe 18 months. She looked like a lizard and her son looked like a hobit. I only say this, b/c she never offered me her seat. So the Big Dude and I had to communicate by shouting over her and passing things infront of her. PLUS, the Little Dude had to stay with me the ENTIRE 5 1/2 HOUR FLIGHT! He was crying b/c he wanted to be with his sister and daddy so I gave him to the Big Dude at the beginning of the flight and the flight attendants told us that due to the number of oxygen masks, there could only be 1 lap child in a 3 seat row. AND since Gollum and her spawn were there, THE LITTLE DUDE COULD NOT! Now you see my frustration!
Well, it's over now. We are in our BEAUTIFUL hotel. We breezed through customs. The Colombians really cater to families, so we were placed in the short line. Woo-hoo! And since we had not any checked bags (thank you - idiot american run airlines), we were able to walk right past the throngs of people waiting for their items, and right into the capable hands of our escort from the hotel. SO GREAT!
We checked in and got to our room and CRASHED! The room is huge and the bed is comfortable. The Little Mermaid is still asleep and the Dudes are at breakfast. I’m about to hop in the shower.
We have to get back to the airport for our flight to Manizales, Colombia. So excited! This leg of the trip is only an hour and then we will be able to relax with our friends in the city on the mountain!
More later!
Adios!
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