The trip to the coast was great. There were so many fantastic things to see and do! We ook a night bus from Medellin to Cartagena and arrived at about 12:00 pm. Took a death-defying taxi ride through the bustling downtown area where we watched a man crossing the street (not quite quickly enough) get hit by a car. Luckily after a few shakes of the head, he brushed himself off, stood up, and continued on his way. Welcome to Cartagena! Checked into our hostel...with a name like North Star, we thought it'd be great, but were met with bedbugs and not so discreet drug use...neither of which I was excited about. Dropped off our things and began to explore one of the oldest cities in Colombia. Located on the Caribbean, it consists of "the Old City," a colonial neighborhood surrounded by a great wall, and a variety of newer neighborhoods--quite the diversity. It was fun to walk through the Old City and get a feel for what it might have been like hundreds of years ago. We hit the city at sunset and everything took on an orange glow. It was more expensive than Medellin and is a bit of a tourist destination. From talking with the cabbies, it seems as though it has avoided many of the issues other Colombian cities have faced over the past 25 years. We hit the town for some nightlife and woke up early the next day for a boat trip to Islas del Rosario, islands right off the coast. Boat trip was interesting...it came with loud music, a fairly annoying man with a microphone (never a good combo), and silly games to try and entertain us for the 3 hour trip to the first island. It was nice to be on the water, but I would do it differently next time!
The next day, we headed off for Santa Marta, with a short detour to Volcan de Lodo El Totumo, a mud volcano. Hopped on a bus, got off at some little town, hiked a mile down the highway, and ended up getting massaged in a warm mud bath by some local hombres. Good times were had by all! We played trains, planes, and automobiles (except only on buses) and finally arrived in Santa Marta around midnight.
People had raved about the beauty of Santa Marta, but I was a little less than impressed. Our hostel was lovely, although the ladies of the night and various riff-raff surrounding it were not. I knew we were in for a good time when I saw a man combing his hair with a plastic fork and a lady pulling a "Super Bowl Janet Jackson" wardrobe malfunction at the bus stop. Had a late dinner of french fries (the vegetarian thing is a little difficult on the coast) and called it a night.
The next day we spent on the beach, occasionally being solicited for messages, Aguila (local beer), and necklaces. Decided to take a paddle boat on the water to head for Playa Blanca, another "nicer" beach. We made it there okay, but on the way back hit a bit of weather...El Tornado, the locals called it. Let's just say that being far away from shore in a paddle boat when a tornado drops down out of the sky is a little scary! However, it maintained it's distance and turned into a really cool photo op! By the end of the day we were ready to get back to nature and discover Parque Tayrona...
To be continued...
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
Last Minute Thoughts
Well, tonight I am off to Cartagena for a week of sun and sand! October Break in schools is a fantastic idea. We are taking a bus tonight to the city. It is a 10-12 hour ride, so should be really interesting. After spending a few days in Cartagena, we are heading off to Santa Marta and then to Parque Tayrona, a national park in Colombia that is supposed to be paradise. I am excited to get out of Medellin--the coastal cities will be a welcome break from the pollution and rain that is here. Planning on getting a new camera before we leave tonight, so when I get back I'll put up some pics of the trip!
On the American front, I tried to watch the debate last night, but couldn't get a good connection over the 'net, so eventually gave up. I'm going to try and find it on the internet so I can see what the VP's are like. I am envious of you all in the States during this time. What an exciting political atmosphere! While I know it is biased, I still wanted to post a link to The New Yorker magazines website. The editors have written a piece endorsing Obama for Pres and I think that it is so eloquently written and thoughtful. Even if you don't swing in the way of the democrats, I would suggest reading it!
http://www.newyorker.com/talk/comment/2008/10/13/081013taco_talk_editors
The magazine received so much slack for it's earlier portrayal of Obama, but they have definitely shown their informed support with this article.
That's all for now! I won't be "with computer" for the next 10 days or so, but will post as soon as I can!
Happy October!
On the American front, I tried to watch the debate last night, but couldn't get a good connection over the 'net, so eventually gave up. I'm going to try and find it on the internet so I can see what the VP's are like. I am envious of you all in the States during this time. What an exciting political atmosphere! While I know it is biased, I still wanted to post a link to The New Yorker magazines website. The editors have written a piece endorsing Obama for Pres and I think that it is so eloquently written and thoughtful. Even if you don't swing in the way of the democrats, I would suggest reading it!
http://www.newyorker.com/talk/comment/2008/10/13/081013taco_talk_editors
The magazine received so much slack for it's earlier portrayal of Obama, but they have definitely shown their informed support with this article.
That's all for now! I won't be "with computer" for the next 10 days or so, but will post as soon as I can!
Happy October!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
This is a picture...
from the waterfall hike we went on. I thought it was cool. I'm with my friend Christina.
I don't know if those of you reading this know, but my mom is awesome. I am 27 years old, have been living on my own for a few years now, have a job, and am thousands of miles away, but I still find myself counting on her to do really great things for me and she always does, so I want to dedicate a little time to thanking her for being so "super-bien" as the Colombians would say. Since I've been here she has:
So it was a nice night in Medellin tonight. Took a walk with a friend, stopped at the store, bought some Mozorella cheese that tastes like plastic, and strolled home down Avenida Poblado. Rush hour comes late here-between 6:30-7:30, so it's a nice time to go walk around. You can watch the people get on and off the colorful busses, sit on a bench and watch students and workers heading home, and gasp at the near accidents that take place between the Taxis and motos. It was beautiful tonight. Rained a bit when coming home from school, but then cleared off and felt like a spring night with a summer breeze. I am so happy that after so many days of rain the sun is poking his head out for a bit.
Have big plans for the upcoming weeks. Going to a wind and cheese party this Friday and heading to a finca--house in the mountains--this weekend. There is a holiday this weekend and I'm not super sure, but I think it is like Valentine's Day. Have a week of work, then going to another wine and cheese party in Santa Fe Antioquia, a town (south?) near Medellin. It is supposed to be quite a bit warmer there and we're staying again at a Finca. And the next weekend begins our Fall Break. Some friends and I are going to Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Parque Tayrona for some serious beach and camping time. It is supposed to be paradise. All cities on the Carribean coast with wonderful weather, scenery, and people. I can hardly wait. I am going to try REALLY hard to replace my camera before I go so I can try and capture what everyone is raving about on film. We have 10 days off to bum around, so I'm really excited to play tourist. We're staying on hostels and hammoks for the journey, so should be eventful if nothing else. Anyway, that's the news for now. I have put off grading paper for too long, so I'll get on it!
Hope all is well in the States and I send my love!
- Sold my car
- Organized my bills
- Sent me loving letters
- Helped my credit
- Listened to me
- Helped me contact old friends
- Shown me that she loves me!
So it was a nice night in Medellin tonight. Took a walk with a friend, stopped at the store, bought some Mozorella cheese that tastes like plastic, and strolled home down Avenida Poblado. Rush hour comes late here-between 6:30-7:30, so it's a nice time to go walk around. You can watch the people get on and off the colorful busses, sit on a bench and watch students and workers heading home, and gasp at the near accidents that take place between the Taxis and motos. It was beautiful tonight. Rained a bit when coming home from school, but then cleared off and felt like a spring night with a summer breeze. I am so happy that after so many days of rain the sun is poking his head out for a bit.
Have big plans for the upcoming weeks. Going to a wind and cheese party this Friday and heading to a finca--house in the mountains--this weekend. There is a holiday this weekend and I'm not super sure, but I think it is like Valentine's Day. Have a week of work, then going to another wine and cheese party in Santa Fe Antioquia, a town (south?) near Medellin. It is supposed to be quite a bit warmer there and we're staying again at a Finca. And the next weekend begins our Fall Break. Some friends and I are going to Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Parque Tayrona for some serious beach and camping time. It is supposed to be paradise. All cities on the Carribean coast with wonderful weather, scenery, and people. I can hardly wait. I am going to try REALLY hard to replace my camera before I go so I can try and capture what everyone is raving about on film. We have 10 days off to bum around, so I'm really excited to play tourist. We're staying on hostels and hammoks for the journey, so should be eventful if nothing else. Anyway, that's the news for now. I have put off grading paper for too long, so I'll get on it!
Hope all is well in the States and I send my love!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Mountain Sunshine!
So, riding down the mountain today after school was joyous! The sun was shining in visible streams on the city, lighting up certain areas like they were on stage...gorgeous. As soon as I get a camera (mine was stolen...did I mention that?), I will post some pics.
School: The students here are slowly learning their way about the classroom. Compared with my last group, they are WAY less independent. I say every day, "I get paid to be your teacher, not your maid." They are learning to put away what they have gotten out, keep their areas clean, and stay organized. Today, they did magnificently! WOOHOO!
This week is the International Festival of Jazz and World Music here in Medellin. We were able to get free tickets to shows last night and tonight. The band last night was incredible, with some members from New York, so that was cool. Tonight we're going again and I have the feeling it's going to be just as good. The vibrancy of the city is really evident in the live music and seeing a crowd full of people in a teatro awaiting a jazz concert is a great feeling!
The weekend will be busy...there's a guy from school in a hiphop band, so am going to his concert. It's a battle of the bands, so will be a good dose of that type of music. I like the Colombian typical stuff, but a break from it will be welcomed by my ears.
That's it for now!
Have a good rest of the week...it's almost half over...and enjoy the weekend!
PS. HAPPY (belated) BIRTHDAY, WILL! I LOVE YOU!!!
School: The students here are slowly learning their way about the classroom. Compared with my last group, they are WAY less independent. I say every day, "I get paid to be your teacher, not your maid." They are learning to put away what they have gotten out, keep their areas clean, and stay organized. Today, they did magnificently! WOOHOO!
This week is the International Festival of Jazz and World Music here in Medellin. We were able to get free tickets to shows last night and tonight. The band last night was incredible, with some members from New York, so that was cool. Tonight we're going again and I have the feeling it's going to be just as good. The vibrancy of the city is really evident in the live music and seeing a crowd full of people in a teatro awaiting a jazz concert is a great feeling!
The weekend will be busy...there's a guy from school in a hiphop band, so am going to his concert. It's a battle of the bands, so will be a good dose of that type of music. I like the Colombian typical stuff, but a break from it will be welcomed by my ears.
That's it for now!
Have a good rest of the week...it's almost half over...and enjoy the weekend!
PS. HAPPY (belated) BIRTHDAY, WILL! I LOVE YOU!!!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Un Mes
So I have a month in Colombia, and each day I am still impressed with the kindness and beauty of the place. I have gotten a little slack from people for not keeping up with my blog, but time has gone by so fast and I continue to be super-busy. So, in keeping with my favorite writing style, I'm going to write in bullet points. It's easier for me and I don't have to worry about organizing my thoughts. After all, I'm still teaching and after a day at work the last thing I want to do is think....SO, here it goes:
1. My apartment: I like it! It's not as gorgeous as some of the others I have seen, but the location is great. It's close to the metro and to the nightlife district. It's also near a hospital, so although I have to listen to sirens, all the cabbies know where it is, which makes getting home at night from the nightlife district WAY easier because...
2. No one uses the street numbers here. You say the building name and what it's close to and then give directions when you finally recognize some landmarks. Make it a little difficult to get to new places, but the city isn't terribly big, so it's OK.
3. Traffic is CRAZY!! It's a dangerous mixture of pedestrians, motos, cars, buses, and taxis...each holding tight to the idea that traffic signs and regulations are merely suggestions...to be followed on a rare basis. Makes crossing the street a little difficult and maybe it's just me, but I swear that there is a sense of urgency and fear on the dark faces of the stick figures on the Pedetrian Crossing signs. They also look like they're running....
4. My school is beautiful. The campus is secluded in the mountains and a small army of folks keep it looking cared for and loved. It is chilly, rains A LOT, and is lovely. Whenever it rains (daily) you can count on losing power, but everyone is so used to it that it's rarely mentioned. I take a bus to and from school. It's about a 45 minute trek when you factor in the stops to pick the teachers up, but that's nice because it gives you time to talk with a friend or plan the day or just stare out the window at the blanket of white fog that covers the city.
5. My students are very smart, but definitely ESL. They are curious, friendly, and active...the best kind of students you could ask for. They talk a lot, but it's not to be malicious or disrespectful, it's just the culture. The parents are nice, informed, and do the best they know how...just like any other parent I've met.
6. Okay, so I live in El Poblado, which is the Beverly Hills of Medellin. There is a lot of money here and the women spend it on...BOOBS! I read about the enthusiasm for plastic surgery, but holy cow! Tiny little women with not so tiny additions. It is impossible not to stare, but I figure if you get something like that put on your body, you must want those oggles....
7. The food is okay. I've had some really good meals and it's supercheap to eat out, but for the most part, it's your standard fare: beans, rice, plantains, avocado, soup...still hanging with the vegetarian thing and as I meat (heh heh heh) more people, I am learning where I can find the ever-elusive Tofu Dogs. I have lost a bit of weight, but am looking good in my new pair of supertight Colombian jeans.
8. The use of "super." It's a favorite add on here to a variety of adjectives. Some following uses:
"La comida es SUPER rico!" The food is really good.
"Hoy para me fue SUPER bien!" For me, today went really well.
I like to use it.
9. Some things are really cheap: services (manicures, taxis, maids, dining out) and others are about the same (house stuff, food, toiletries, clothes). I think I like it...
10. My spanish is coming along. Sometimes I can really spew out some serious language, and other times I can't remember how to ask what someone's name is. I am understanding more and can get where I need to go. It's harder than I expected because I am not using it as much as I thought I would. All day is English, hanging out with friends is English, and it's very difficult to have a conversation at the bars and clubs in Spanish. So I continue to work at it...
So, I think that's all for now. Life is good. Colombians are happy. I am safe and content.
1. My apartment: I like it! It's not as gorgeous as some of the others I have seen, but the location is great. It's close to the metro and to the nightlife district. It's also near a hospital, so although I have to listen to sirens, all the cabbies know where it is, which makes getting home at night from the nightlife district WAY easier because...
2. No one uses the street numbers here. You say the building name and what it's close to and then give directions when you finally recognize some landmarks. Make it a little difficult to get to new places, but the city isn't terribly big, so it's OK.
3. Traffic is CRAZY!! It's a dangerous mixture of pedestrians, motos, cars, buses, and taxis...each holding tight to the idea that traffic signs and regulations are merely suggestions...to be followed on a rare basis. Makes crossing the street a little difficult and maybe it's just me, but I swear that there is a sense of urgency and fear on the dark faces of the stick figures on the Pedetrian Crossing signs. They also look like they're running....
4. My school is beautiful. The campus is secluded in the mountains and a small army of folks keep it looking cared for and loved. It is chilly, rains A LOT, and is lovely. Whenever it rains (daily) you can count on losing power, but everyone is so used to it that it's rarely mentioned. I take a bus to and from school. It's about a 45 minute trek when you factor in the stops to pick the teachers up, but that's nice because it gives you time to talk with a friend or plan the day or just stare out the window at the blanket of white fog that covers the city.
5. My students are very smart, but definitely ESL. They are curious, friendly, and active...the best kind of students you could ask for. They talk a lot, but it's not to be malicious or disrespectful, it's just the culture. The parents are nice, informed, and do the best they know how...just like any other parent I've met.
6. Okay, so I live in El Poblado, which is the Beverly Hills of Medellin. There is a lot of money here and the women spend it on...BOOBS! I read about the enthusiasm for plastic surgery, but holy cow! Tiny little women with not so tiny additions. It is impossible not to stare, but I figure if you get something like that put on your body, you must want those oggles....
7. The food is okay. I've had some really good meals and it's supercheap to eat out, but for the most part, it's your standard fare: beans, rice, plantains, avocado, soup...still hanging with the vegetarian thing and as I meat (heh heh heh) more people, I am learning where I can find the ever-elusive Tofu Dogs. I have lost a bit of weight, but am looking good in my new pair of supertight Colombian jeans.
8. The use of "super." It's a favorite add on here to a variety of adjectives. Some following uses:
"La comida es SUPER rico!" The food is really good.
"Hoy para me fue SUPER bien!" For me, today went really well.
I like to use it.
9. Some things are really cheap: services (manicures, taxis, maids, dining out) and others are about the same (house stuff, food, toiletries, clothes). I think I like it...
10. My spanish is coming along. Sometimes I can really spew out some serious language, and other times I can't remember how to ask what someone's name is. I am understanding more and can get where I need to go. It's harder than I expected because I am not using it as much as I thought I would. All day is English, hanging out with friends is English, and it's very difficult to have a conversation at the bars and clubs in Spanish. So I continue to work at it...
So, I think that's all for now. Life is good. Colombians are happy. I am safe and content.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
First Night
So, I'm here! Awfully tired. It's been a long past couple of days, but also incredible. Not going to write much, but I wanted to post a few pics of the night time view from my balcony. It's definitely urban living and totally breathtaking in that way! I've also included a pic of the group of teachers I met in Miami.
The view out I
The view out II
The view, looking down 7 floors
The Columbus School Foreign Hires for 2008-2009
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