Showing posts with label vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vacation. Show all posts
Thursday, July 31, 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
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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