Showing posts with label summer travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer travel. Show all posts
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday
Dad’s Dinner Night
Every Wednesday night is my Dad’s night to cook. Mom has the evening off and Padre-man brings something home. Tonight we had Chinese. Move over Campbell’s, it was Mmm Mmm Good!
I’ve mastered the paper folding purses and will begin to teach you tomorrow.
In the meantime, you need to cut 288 pieces of paper.
144 of these are your purse colours (try to use ads and pictures from magazines that don’t have a whole lot of white or text).
The other 144 pieces of paper can be text or anything else, you won’t see them at all.
You also need to cut 144 pieces of cellophane.
All of these pieces of paper should measure 2 ½ inches x 6 inches. For the cellophane, you can use crystal clear page protectors. If you use standard size protectors you will be able to get 12 pieces of 2 ½” x 5 ½” rectangles.
Cut these out and once you are finished cutting, grab a roll of scotch tape, a giant plastic needle or giant rounded tip embroidery needle; and either embroidery floss or fishing line.
In summary you need:
144 pieces of colourful magazine paper; 2 ½” x 6”
144 pieces of paper, 2 ½” x 6”
144 pieces of page protectors, 2 ½” x 5 ½”
Scotch Tape
Embroidery Floss, or fishing line
Giant Plastic or Rounded Tip Embroidery Needle
Meet me back here tomorrow and I’ll teach you how to fold your paper and start weaving together one of these AWESOME pocketbooks!
Ok, so back my life in Charleston…
As many of you know, my dear Mom has been getting really healthy. I am trying to follow her every move, b/c I desperately want to get healthy too. I weighed in Sunday morning at 255 ½! OMG! PEOPLE! That was a shocker. Remember, I’m 6 feet tall, but DAMN! That’s a lot.
Monday I weighed in at 252 ½ , Tuesday I forgot to weigh in before breakfast… and today I was (drum roll please!) 249 ½! Woohoo!
I’ve been more active here, but I need to step it up. I’m dying to get on my bike and ride to the pool and round the ‘hood. Haven’t gotten it together for that yet. Yesterday we packed the kids to the beach. It was so hot! Whew! Plus I was the family pack mule. I swear, I carried 95% of our stuff, including, chairs (4), umbrellas (3), a bag with towels (4) sunscreen, water (3 bottles), and extra clothes, beach toys (think multiple buckets, shovels etc…) It is a miracle that I made it. Sheesh! We parked ourselves too far from the water, it was low tide and it was like a mile from the dry sand to the water, okay not a mile, but a really long way and I was already pooped from dragging this gear from the car, across the street, down the boardwalk and into the sand. It was a beautiful day, but next time we are definitely bringing less crap and setting up shop closer to the water.
Today we checked out the pool.
It was so nice! I think we will have to make a daily trek to the pool I can def. bike there. It’s in the ‘hood so there are no real busy roads. The Pool is actually 3 pools: a little 1 foot baby pool, a 3- 4 ½ foot amoeba shape pool and a large rectangular lap pool. We hung out mainly in the big amoeba pool. The Little Mermaid swam, actually swam, and without complaint! Little Dude had fun going form me to Grandma and back again. And he found particular pleasure in following Little Mermaid around and annoying her. But she secretly loved it, you could tell, it was her entertainment. At one point, Mom and the kids had a mini conga line going. Very cute.
Every Wednesday night is my Dad’s night to cook. Mom has the evening off and Padre-man brings something home. Tonight we had Chinese. Move over Campbell’s, it was Mmm Mmm Good!
I’ve mastered the paper folding purses and will begin to teach you tomorrow.
In the meantime, you need to cut 288 pieces of paper.
144 of these are your purse colours (try to use ads and pictures from magazines that don’t have a whole lot of white or text).
The other 144 pieces of paper can be text or anything else, you won’t see them at all.
You also need to cut 144 pieces of cellophane.
All of these pieces of paper should measure 2 ½ inches x 6 inches. For the cellophane, you can use crystal clear page protectors. If you use standard size protectors you will be able to get 12 pieces of 2 ½” x 5 ½” rectangles.
Cut these out and once you are finished cutting, grab a roll of scotch tape, a giant plastic needle or giant rounded tip embroidery needle; and either embroidery floss or fishing line.
In summary you need:
144 pieces of colourful magazine paper; 2 ½” x 6”
144 pieces of paper, 2 ½” x 6”
144 pieces of page protectors, 2 ½” x 5 ½”
Scotch Tape
Embroidery Floss, or fishing line
Giant Plastic or Rounded Tip Embroidery Needle
Meet me back here tomorrow and I’ll teach you how to fold your paper and start weaving together one of these AWESOME pocketbooks!
Ok, so back my life in Charleston…
As many of you know, my dear Mom has been getting really healthy. I am trying to follow her every move, b/c I desperately want to get healthy too. I weighed in Sunday morning at 255 ½! OMG! PEOPLE! That was a shocker. Remember, I’m 6 feet tall, but DAMN! That’s a lot.
Monday I weighed in at 252 ½ , Tuesday I forgot to weigh in before breakfast… and today I was (drum roll please!) 249 ½! Woohoo!
I’ve been more active here, but I need to step it up. I’m dying to get on my bike and ride to the pool and round the ‘hood. Haven’t gotten it together for that yet. Yesterday we packed the kids to the beach. It was so hot! Whew! Plus I was the family pack mule. I swear, I carried 95% of our stuff, including, chairs (4), umbrellas (3), a bag with towels (4) sunscreen, water (3 bottles), and extra clothes, beach toys (think multiple buckets, shovels etc…) It is a miracle that I made it. Sheesh! We parked ourselves too far from the water, it was low tide and it was like a mile from the dry sand to the water, okay not a mile, but a really long way and I was already pooped from dragging this gear from the car, across the street, down the boardwalk and into the sand. It was a beautiful day, but next time we are definitely bringing less crap and setting up shop closer to the water.
Today we checked out the pool.
It was so nice! I think we will have to make a daily trek to the pool I can def. bike there. It’s in the ‘hood so there are no real busy roads. The Pool is actually 3 pools: a little 1 foot baby pool, a 3- 4 ½ foot amoeba shape pool and a large rectangular lap pool. We hung out mainly in the big amoeba pool. The Little Mermaid swam, actually swam, and without complaint! Little Dude had fun going form me to Grandma and back again. And he found particular pleasure in following Little Mermaid around and annoying her. But she secretly loved it, you could tell, it was her entertainment. At one point, Mom and the kids had a mini conga line going. Very cute.
We are all getting a little tan, in spite of the sunscreen.
Ok, going now.
Don’t forget your supplies!
XO
Beach Mama
Ok, going now.
Don’t forget your supplies!
XO
Beach Mama
Friday, July 18, 2008
Grande y Pequeño
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!
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!
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
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Shopping!
Well I don’t know WHAT I was thinking when I wrote that CC’s brother was freakishly tall. Maybe he just looked that tall compared to the other small people waiting at the airport. But he is maybe 5’7 on a good day. Probably only 5’5”, really.
Monday!
CC bought the Little Mermaid some cereal, b/c she’s not really into the whole Colombian breakfast thing. The rest of us ate large pancake size arepas with a Colombian cheese melted on top. Muy Bien! I’m not sure if the cheese is goat cheese or made with olive oil – but it reminds me a little of a very mild feta, not crumbly though.
Once we are all showered and dressed we headed downtown. It was sort of a wet day, so we didn’t do a lot of sight seeing, but we did hit a downtown mall! The Dude finally found some sandals. He’s been wearing the same Teva’s for 8 years and they are barely staying together! The Little Mermaid got some super cute shoes for escuela and at a girly store called YoYo one of the retailers spoke perfect ingles. So we had some fun there. Little Mermaid got a cute white jean skirt with sparkly studs on it and a darling pink/orange plaid jumper. I finally bought something for myself – some turquoise plaid canvas shoes. I love them, they are slip-on flats.
The Little Mermaid was starving, so we headed to the food court. It was dominated by the oh so Colombian pizza, hotdogs, and hamburgers. Little Mermaid ate pizza, I found an empanada (not a good one) and then we headed home.
The main meal in Colombia is lunch. Breakfast is pretty light. Lunch is huge and dinner is nearly non-existent. I kind of like this philosophy.
For lunch we had the Colombian version of Roast Beef Stew, Sancocho. YUMMY! They also made a guava juice drink. Pretty good – though not my favourite beverage.
The Little Dude took a nap (before lunch) and after lunch the Dude and I joined him. The Little Mermaid watched Disney in Spanish.
After our siesta we came downstairs to find CC in the living room visiting with a friend and former co-worker. Her English is perfect. Even a US accent – slightly Californian. I asked her if she’d ever studied abroad and she said no! She learned it all from school and TV! WOW!
We all piled into CC’s car and went to a beautiful shopping center in Manizales. It is built into a mountain so the views from the windows were amazing! First we hit a Juan Valdez out door coffee shop. Juan Valdez is branded like Starbucks in Colombia. And the coffee is, obviously, top notch! I was able to get on the Juan Valdez wireless system and publish yesterday’s blog. Though it proved too slow for pictures.
After our coffee break we walked to the mall for SHOPPING! First we hit a grocery store. CC’s mom needed some things and the Little Dude needed butt crème, I needed hair conditioner and the Little Mermaid needed detangle spray. We walked the multilevel mall and the Dude finally found a pair of jeans, the Little Dude got a pair of cute sufer dude shorts and I bought a cool black/grey shirt. At the top of the mall is a cinema and play area for kids. The Little Mermaid jumped until just couldn’t jump anymore on the netted trampoline. And the dudes shot basketball hoops and played a race car video game. By this time the sun had set. And we began to meander down to the ground floor. We made one more stop at a book store. The Little Mermaid got a Barbie movie – Mariposa – in espanol and a Strawberry Shortcake colouring book and story book. The colouring book is pretty cool. It has tracing paper between all the pages so you can trace the image and have 2 to colour! MUY BIEN!
We came home, happy and exhausted. After a small snack of sandwiches, we hit the sack.
The other day I asked CC to let me cook with her so I could learn the recipes for the food we’ve been eating. She smiled and told me that she doesn’t cook. Doesn’t cook! Over the weekend when her sister in law and los ninos were visiting another woman magically appeared in the kitchen. I asked CC who she was and it turns out that she is her brother’s family’s housekeeper/ nanny. On Monday, after CC’s brother’s family returned to their town another woman mysteriously appeared. Again I asked CC who she was, and she is her parent’s housekeeper! She prepares all the meals, keeps the house and does laundry.
Each morning I make our beds and make sure all of our things are picked up. Well, after our adventures on Monday when we returned to our rooms, I noticed the beds had been re-made. I guess I didn’t do it right! LOL! I have to say, it is nice not having to cook. CC’s sister-in-law was able to focus all her attention on her children and family. The housekeepers are sort of like part of the family. We all help out, clearing the table, setting the table, but sometimes, the help we offer (ie: making the beds) is not that effective.
TUESDAY!
This morning CC was able to get a dentist appointment. A couple of teeth had been bothering her and she wanted to get it checked out. The Dudes and I ate Migas for breakfast with hot chocolate – I figured out what that magical fragranced taste to the chocolate was. Panela water! Panela is a sugar brick that is used in a variety of ways. It reminds me of molasses. For the hot chocolate, panela is dissolved in water as the water simmers on the stove. I don’t know the ratios yet, but YOU KNOW I’m going to find out.
The Little Mermaid slept in, which is a good thing. While the Dudes and I visited with Senor Tortuga, Abuelo, CC’s father, came down stairs and went out for his morning constitutional. Every day he goes for a long walk. I don’t know if he has a destination, or just exercises. The Little Dude and Abuelo have a special bond. They just love each other! Well, The Little Dude didn’t get to Abuelo before he was out the door and by the time I figured out how to open the door (yes it IS that complicated) Abeulo had disappeared down the street. I had to deal with a minor breakdown at that point. But breakfast was served and disaster was averted.
I observed the most precious moment between the Little Dude and Abuelo. Last night Abuelo was standing on the front stoop looking out at the night. I was bringing the Little Dude to everyone for good night kisses before I took him to bed. When we got to Abuelo, he leaned close to the Little Dude and whispered something in Spanish to him. Immediately the Little Dude opened his arms to Abuelo and he took him from me. My Spanish is not great, but I was able to figure out that Abuelo was showing the Little Dude how to say good night to the day and welcome the night. After several minutes of cuddling and talking, Abuelo gave him back to me and we went upstairs to bed.
Monday!
CC bought the Little Mermaid some cereal, b/c she’s not really into the whole Colombian breakfast thing. The rest of us ate large pancake size arepas with a Colombian cheese melted on top. Muy Bien! I’m not sure if the cheese is goat cheese or made with olive oil – but it reminds me a little of a very mild feta, not crumbly though.
Once we are all showered and dressed we headed downtown. It was sort of a wet day, so we didn’t do a lot of sight seeing, but we did hit a downtown mall! The Dude finally found some sandals. He’s been wearing the same Teva’s for 8 years and they are barely staying together! The Little Mermaid got some super cute shoes for escuela and at a girly store called YoYo one of the retailers spoke perfect ingles. So we had some fun there. Little Mermaid got a cute white jean skirt with sparkly studs on it and a darling pink/orange plaid jumper. I finally bought something for myself – some turquoise plaid canvas shoes. I love them, they are slip-on flats.
The Little Mermaid was starving, so we headed to the food court. It was dominated by the oh so Colombian pizza, hotdogs, and hamburgers. Little Mermaid ate pizza, I found an empanada (not a good one) and then we headed home.
The main meal in Colombia is lunch. Breakfast is pretty light. Lunch is huge and dinner is nearly non-existent. I kind of like this philosophy.
For lunch we had the Colombian version of Roast Beef Stew, Sancocho. YUMMY! They also made a guava juice drink. Pretty good – though not my favourite beverage.
The Little Dude took a nap (before lunch) and after lunch the Dude and I joined him. The Little Mermaid watched Disney in Spanish.
After our siesta we came downstairs to find CC in the living room visiting with a friend and former co-worker. Her English is perfect. Even a US accent – slightly Californian. I asked her if she’d ever studied abroad and she said no! She learned it all from school and TV! WOW!
We all piled into CC’s car and went to a beautiful shopping center in Manizales. It is built into a mountain so the views from the windows were amazing! First we hit a Juan Valdez out door coffee shop. Juan Valdez is branded like Starbucks in Colombia. And the coffee is, obviously, top notch! I was able to get on the Juan Valdez wireless system and publish yesterday’s blog. Though it proved too slow for pictures.
After our coffee break we walked to the mall for SHOPPING! First we hit a grocery store. CC’s mom needed some things and the Little Dude needed butt crème, I needed hair conditioner and the Little Mermaid needed detangle spray. We walked the multilevel mall and the Dude finally found a pair of jeans, the Little Dude got a pair of cute sufer dude shorts and I bought a cool black/grey shirt. At the top of the mall is a cinema and play area for kids. The Little Mermaid jumped until just couldn’t jump anymore on the netted trampoline. And the dudes shot basketball hoops and played a race car video game. By this time the sun had set. And we began to meander down to the ground floor. We made one more stop at a book store. The Little Mermaid got a Barbie movie – Mariposa – in espanol and a Strawberry Shortcake colouring book and story book. The colouring book is pretty cool. It has tracing paper between all the pages so you can trace the image and have 2 to colour! MUY BIEN!
We came home, happy and exhausted. After a small snack of sandwiches, we hit the sack.
The other day I asked CC to let me cook with her so I could learn the recipes for the food we’ve been eating. She smiled and told me that she doesn’t cook. Doesn’t cook! Over the weekend when her sister in law and los ninos were visiting another woman magically appeared in the kitchen. I asked CC who she was and it turns out that she is her brother’s family’s housekeeper/ nanny. On Monday, after CC’s brother’s family returned to their town another woman mysteriously appeared. Again I asked CC who she was, and she is her parent’s housekeeper! She prepares all the meals, keeps the house and does laundry.
Each morning I make our beds and make sure all of our things are picked up. Well, after our adventures on Monday when we returned to our rooms, I noticed the beds had been re-made. I guess I didn’t do it right! LOL! I have to say, it is nice not having to cook. CC’s sister-in-law was able to focus all her attention on her children and family. The housekeepers are sort of like part of the family. We all help out, clearing the table, setting the table, but sometimes, the help we offer (ie: making the beds) is not that effective.
TUESDAY!
This morning CC was able to get a dentist appointment. A couple of teeth had been bothering her and she wanted to get it checked out. The Dudes and I ate Migas for breakfast with hot chocolate – I figured out what that magical fragranced taste to the chocolate was. Panela water! Panela is a sugar brick that is used in a variety of ways. It reminds me of molasses. For the hot chocolate, panela is dissolved in water as the water simmers on the stove. I don’t know the ratios yet, but YOU KNOW I’m going to find out.
The Little Mermaid slept in, which is a good thing. While the Dudes and I visited with Senor Tortuga, Abuelo, CC’s father, came down stairs and went out for his morning constitutional. Every day he goes for a long walk. I don’t know if he has a destination, or just exercises. The Little Dude and Abuelo have a special bond. They just love each other! Well, The Little Dude didn’t get to Abuelo before he was out the door and by the time I figured out how to open the door (yes it IS that complicated) Abeulo had disappeared down the street. I had to deal with a minor breakdown at that point. But breakfast was served and disaster was averted.
I observed the most precious moment between the Little Dude and Abuelo. Last night Abuelo was standing on the front stoop looking out at the night. I was bringing the Little Dude to everyone for good night kisses before I took him to bed. When we got to Abuelo, he leaned close to the Little Dude and whispered something in Spanish to him. Immediately the Little Dude opened his arms to Abuelo and he took him from me. My Spanish is not great, but I was able to figure out that Abuelo was showing the Little Dude how to say good night to the day and welcome the night. After several minutes of cuddling and talking, Abuelo gave him back to me and we went upstairs to bed.
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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