¡Vamos a Santa Marta! *La magia de tenerlo todo* ¡Qué chévere!
Santa Marta, Colombia
![Santa Marta, Colombia](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibaGFmqFEoQQPmARCf_T3j_AsrEXpdH86aE0prNJZH3GpsvIInZnvGtimodufAFuErZTakxi7TtQ1FrYQthncJgs2WEo1n_dGmL_4_XJlJ1gLL5RKJnl2pNcC6BMg6RpEw9igJrKEphckH/s760/Santa-Marta-037.jpg)
Monday, June 20, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Work, Work, Work!
6/2 Thursday: I honestly can’t remember… more meetings?
6/3 Friday: After recovering from the flu, I became ill with a nasty stomach virus. Every five minutes, I ran from bed to the bathroom. Not even Pepto Bismol could ease the pain. The stomach virus continued for almost a week, until now.
6/4 Saturday: On Saturday, I had another workshop with the girls at a neighboring private university. However, I couldn’t enter because I was wearing shorts. I found myself in the same situation the week before at the secondary school. A few establishments don’t approve of women in shorts. Long skirts and pants are considered more appropriate for school settings. Our theme for the workshop was Leadership in the City. I began the first presentation with a series of questions for the girls: 1)What is the most important characteristic for a leader? Why? 2)Who are leaders in Santa Marta and Colombia? Why? 3)How do you act as a leader? At the end, I asked the girls which question they considered to be the most difficult to answer. Their response: the second question. I emphasized that the purpose of our workshops is to build future leaders in the girls, so that they can set an example for the generations to come. That night, I went out with Eder and some other friends. Before heading to downtown, Eder showed me the oldest church in Colombia (different than the oldest Cathedral) and we spent some time hanging out in his beautiful home. Afterwards, we went to a bar in downtown called Crabs. Crabs plays classic rock and blues, and there is a billiards table for all to enjoy. I felt comforted by the familiar environment. Afterwards, we danced the night away at a club, and ended our adventure with a swim in the ocean.
6/5 Sunday: We went to a beautiful series of beaches called Taganga. The beaches are nestles within the mountains. Gorgeous! To walk to the different beaches, you have to trek through the mountain sides. We spent the day swimming in the ocean, competing to see who could hold their breath for the longest underwater, tanning, eating mangos and bread, and enjoying a day outdoors. That night, I showered all the sand off and slept very well.
6/6 Monday: In the morning, I headed over to the hotel, Santa Mar, to host a show for a University event. Essentially, the event was a series of informational talks and fun presentations for students who had just completed their first semester at the U. On my way to the bus stop, I saw THE CUTEST baby donkey in a cart being led by the mother donkey. Anywho, at the hotel, I met up with fellow AIESECERs. We practiced for our show: an American Idol performance but with a dance competition, instead of singing. I acted as the host, like Ryan Seacrest, with a mic and everything! We also had a panel of judges, like Simon, Paula, and Randy. We had 6 couples compete with with different dances from Colombia and the United States. We all had a lot of fun, and, as always, I was impressed by the diverse dancing skills of Colombians! Afterwards, we hung out at an @ers house. That night, I met up with a neighbor named Jorge. He is awesome! For a week or so, I have been giving him informal, unstructured English lessons in the evening. He is a perfect example of the kindness and open-mindedness of Colombia.
6/7 Tuesday: I had my first morning English class at the University! The class lasts for three weeks, 5 days a week, 2 hours a day. And the price is equivalent to only $25. Incredibly inexpensive! However, I will receive no pay. The first day, I wasn’t sure what to expect. My goal: evaluate the level of English in the class. I had my students answer some evaluation questions. Overall, the level of the class is intermediate, but there are a few very basic levels and a few relatively advanced. I mostly cater to the intermediate level, with some more individual attention to those of basic and advanced.
6/8 Wednesday: Second class! We practiced describing the physical appearance and personality of other people. At the end of class, we sang a song by Hilary Duff that included a diverse set of descriptions in the lyrics. The class was a bunch of fun! That afternoon, I met with Angela, a fellow trainee from Switzerland. We decided we would teach a large English class of 42 students together, instead of splitting the group into two smaller classes. I enjoy working with her! It is nice to spend time with another trainee with whom I can identify. That evening, I went to ping pong practice with Esteban. I had a ton of fun playing again. I hadn’t played since they removed the ping pong table from the dorms 4 or so months ago. I could use some practice!
6/9 Thursday: Third class! We discussed student life, academics, and other items related to the University. In class, we focus on vocabulary and design many verbal presentations. That night, I went to the cinema to see X-Men…all in Spanish. I understood everything! I enjoyed relaxing in the theater. Afterwards, we grabbed some ice cream at McDonalds. Yummm! Here, McDonalds is expensive in relation to other food options, and the portions are much smaller than those of the U.S. In fact, in general, portions are smaller! Especially of drinks, the thing I crave most in all this heat.
6/10 Friday: Final class for the week! We discussed vocabulary about the design of homes and all of the different rooms in a house. I showed a video of MTV Cribs as one of the activities hehe That night, I went again to the rock music, American bar, Crabs. We played billiards, drank some exotic and yummy non-alcoholic mixers, and I taught my friends the card game Kemps. Afterwards, we met up with a big group and went to a dance club. I had fun, but I am not a dancing Colombian machine. I am always one of the first people to be tired or want to change activities. Yes, I enjoy dancing, but in moderation. Colombian dances require so much energy!
6/11 Saturday: This morning, we had a workshop with the girls about Life Plans and respect for public goods (littering, street rules, etc.) Next Saturday, we will have a day full of games and fun to end the sessions for summer break. There was also a workshop in the afternoon for the girls of 11th grade, but I felt very tired and ill today, so I stayed at home to rest. This has been a long week full of work and sickness, so I need some time to rest and reenergize. Tomorrow is another full day…
MISC.
Litter is everywhere in this city. Saw a man peeing on the sidewalk and wall. The people lack respect for public goods.
There are street crossing lights for people. The light is a green figure that begins by walking and steadily becomes faster until the figure is running. Love it!
People are curious about the differences between British English and American English. Also, my fake Texas accent.
Young girls ask me about Justin Beiber XD
I saw Gossip Girl in Spanish on the television. OMG!
The shower water only has one setting: cold. But here, the cold water is absolutely refreshing!
I have seen many poodles and other tiny fluffy dogs on the streets. The image is odd to me because those types of dogs are SO pampered in the U.S.
Infrastructure. Many streets don’t have names. There are no street signs. People know directions by landmarks, not streets. Also, many streets have dangerous holes and cracks, flooding issues, or are dirt roads and not concrete.
Threaded bracelets (manillas) are very popular here as gifts and memories. Everyone seems to have at least a few on their wrist! So far, I have one from my friend Jorge J
Sorry for such a delay!
Always,
Cassie
Friday, June 10, 2011
Some of last week...
5/30 Monday –I began my day with a sore throat. Gradually, I lost my voice. However, I still managed to complete a lot of work. I created an excel sheet to document ALL of my expenditures. I also plan to guard my money very carefully, to count my change after every transaction. Afterwards, I documented all of the meetings and activities of the last week involving work for the Foundation. I also began to plan my English classes. Essentially, I will focus on vocabulary for certain practical situations/themes: banks, hospitals, schools, transportation, food, etc. I will also teach basic verb conjugations and prepositions. I will spend a significant amount of time on practicing pronunciation, one of the most difficult facets of the English language for native Spanish speakers. A reason why the pronunciation is so difficult is because English emphasizes the hard sounds of consonants. In Spanish, the majority of words end in a vowel or soft sound. Later in the day, I met with Gloria, a member of ICX to discuss the quality of my exchange so far. She seems very cool! She has traveled to and lived in many different countries, including Peru, Argentina, Italy, and Switzerland (I just can’t remember specifically which others!). In the future, I hope to be as cultured in experience as she is. As we discussed @, travel, life, romance, partying, we enjoyed some wonderful smoothies. My favorite aspect of the food here is the FRUIT. Fresh, pure, exotic, and flavorful! I could just eat and drink fruit for every meal :D That evening, I met the head director of the Foundation for the first time. Her name is Greici. Super cool! She is a fellow @er who recently returned from her exchange in Brazil. She is beautiful, kind, intelligent, everything you could hope for in a boss. Apparently, she has also acted in a Colombian soap opera. Badass!
5/31 Tuesday - I couldn’t sleep. So far, I have endured two nights without rest, and my other nights are marked by vivid, stimulating dreams. I woke up feeling even more ill, and they continued, I became aware of my fever, migraine, and full body aches. Nevertheless, I went to the high school for my classes with the girls. It is difficult to follow all that is said in the philosophy and ethics courses. However, the activities and conversations that I do understand are fascinating. They are discussing very critical and abstract concepts, such as the creating and purpose of man and gender roles of society. The high school is all-female, so there is an overlying spirit of feminism, which I respect and admire. I enjoy my English class the most, with students in the 9th grade. They are super cute, kind and talkative. I am also able to genuinely contribute assistance in the class to the professor and students. I read conversations and vocabulary out loud for them to repeat and practice pronunciation. Only when teaching English, have I realized the difficult of the language. Honestly, I prefer the sound of Spanish, but English is so necessary for business and communication in today’s world! After classes, I returned home, ate, and passed out in bed. I woke in the sweat of fever, and then slept some more. My adoptive mother gave me some tea, water, and hot sugar cane juice, alongside bread and medicine to sooth my illness. She told me that I have a virus/flood as a result of the climate change. Apparently, it is quite common. So, I spent night sick and resting.
Funny times: During English class, Duvan attempted to make a pun with the words t-shirt and teacher. He super failed XD
I also had an interesting thought during breakfast… as I watched flies about the home (very common), I thought about how animals require no passports to travel from country to country, continent to continent. I wonder if the animals can sense a difference in culture alongside climate….
Speaking of animals… I found a worm inside my avocado during dinner, and my adoptive mother says, “Don’t worry, it’s more fiber,” and she laughed. (Fortunately, I didn’t actually have to eat it!)
Other thoughts….
A peace core project just recently began here in Santa Marta. The focus is to assist professors in teaching English to the community. English = the most valuable verbal export in the world. The @ members ask to practice English with me, which I am always more than happy to do. At times, I am too exhausted to speak Spanish coherently. Especially at the end of a long day, I lack the willpower, especially to listen and discern. It is far more difficult to listen than to speak! Exciting news: A friend recommended me to privately tutor a university student in English. So, I might have another source of money! We’ll see…
On the topic of languages, the three other interns can speak at least three languages, one can speak five. I am very impressed! USA needs to emphasize the importance of foreign language starting in elementary school. Seriously. The US needs more cultural awareness outside of its own borders! However, I do appreciate the diversity of my country. The culture of the US is indeed the culture of the world. As one of the most diverse countries in the world (if not THE MOST diverse), there are hundreds of languages, foods, and holidays from every country in the globe.
When I return to the U.S., I also hope to embark on more domestic travels. There are a few Colombians who I have met that have seen New York, Miami, San Francisco, etc., cities that I, as a US resident, have never seen. What a shame! I must change that J
6/1 Wednesday – Woke up feeling much healthier! I am determined to fully recover by tomorrow. Today, we hosted an event in the plaza of the university to advertise the English courses during vacations in June. Our goal: 3 classes (English, German, Spanish) with 15 students in each. The other interns and I played music from our respective countries and presented photos and info in our languages. I also walked around campus with Duvan, both of us in Gangster University of Houston baseball caps. He set the beat, and I rapped in English about the summer courses. We passed out a ton of interest forms. Also, because I brought no items from the US (no flag, no pamphlets, etc.), I dressed up as the flag in red, white and blue, and created a presentation of visuals and info in the computer. Today, we received the information of many interested students. I am excited! I discovered that several @ers are talented Harmonica and chess players. How kool! Also, we played thumb wars, rock/paper/scissors (though it is a tad different here), and that violent, unnamed slapping game lol I returned home for lunch, and I watched the price is right with a Colombian host and the prices in pesos. I’m not quite as talented at guessing the price in other currencies, but I hope to improve my skill. That evening, I headed over to the U for ping pong practice, but I discovered it had been canceled due to the rain. On my way back home, I ran into some @ers. We hung out at a local panadería (drinks, bread, deserts), and drank some gaseosa (soda). Afterwards, I went with Cristian to drink coffee at the famous Juan Valdez Café. Essentially, Juan Valdez is the Starbucks of Colombia. It tasted incredibly delicious! He taught me about differences in coffees and mangos.
Pañuelo de papel – tissue paper
La Gripa – flu
La Virosis – virus
Oso de peluche – teddy bear
El té – tea
La Panela – sugar cane
El/La Nativo/a - native speaker
La visita – period/menstruation, literally it means the visit (from mother nature)
Carrefour – a huge store like Walmart
Casilda – another new nickname
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Time Continuum
Arrival: Delayed Delivery. Warning: Crazy Colombian Content.
Contents ---
@ = AIESEC
@er = AIESECer/member
Foundation Santa Marta Without Limits = non-profit organization that hosts the workshops
Laura Vicuña = the all-girls secondary school (6-11 grade)
Leadership School = an elite group of students from Laura Vicuña that participate in the workshops
TM = Team Managment, @ group
ICX = Incoming Exchange, @ group
U = University of Magdalena
Contents ---
@ = AIESEC
@er = AIESECer/member
Foundation Santa Marta Without Limits = non-profit organization that hosts the workshops
Laura Vicuña = the all-girls secondary school (6-11 grade)
Leadership School = an elite group of students from Laura Vicuña that participate in the workshops
TM = Team Managment, @ group
ICX = Incoming Exchange, @ group
U = University of Magdalena
Saturday 5/21: I had my first soccer practice. At the U, the sports teams are divided by academic program. For the most part, the teams only compete within the U. I am a defender for the International Business/Economics women's team. The girls are super nice! I managed to hold my own, but I sure was red by the end! I was unable to attend the next game, and the final game was canceled. So, I have yet to actually compete, but we are planning to practice a bunch during the summer. Can't wait! Afterwards, I assisted some friends with an all-English presentation about the Cuban Missile Crisis. Pronunciation of English is very difficult for native Spanish speakers because English is much more harsh, abrasive language, without the soft flow and tones of Spanish. I love the environment here: I am a student of Spanish, and my friends are students of Spanish. No one is embarrassed to ask for help or admit error. We are learning together. That night, I attended the AIESEC graduation ceremony for new members. There sure are a lot of newbies! The LC here consists of around 40-50 members. After the ceremony, I ate with a group at a fast food restaurant named Vomito (vomit). The restaurant is famous for the crazy, large pizzas topped with chicken, pepperoni, ham, sausage, french fries, lettuce, cheese, peppers, several sauces and a ton more! I also tried Salchi Papa, a similar and very popular dish. To end the night, we went to Downtown, I had my first Colombian clubbing experience. We ended up at a club named Mi Sitio (My Hangout). We talked, we danced, we drank. It was a really fun night!
Sunday 5/22: I woke up late, after my night of partying. On Sundays, Angela, the nanny of sorts, does not work at the house. So, the family cleans and cooks. I was in charge of fixing lunch and dinner. A learning experience. For lunch, I cooked tuna, potato soup, rice, and sweetened plantains. I am a pure novice in the kitchen, so I struggled to balance all of the cooking tasks at once with my somewhat understood Spanglish directions. David, the eldest brother, assisted me. I owe him many thanks. In the end, the food tasted pretty decent. However, I burned the bottom side of the plantains. Ayayay! For dinner, I cooked hot dogs (perros calientes). My family's attempt to introduce some U.S. familiarity for me. However, hot dogs are considered plain, flavorless food here in comparison to Colombian cuisine. That night, I went to the movies and watched Pirates of the Caribbean 4 completely in Spanish. I understood the majority of everything, but I missed some of the verbal comedy. Comedy is so difficult to translate in other languages. Some people barely understand humor in their own language! I also met some awesome new people: an AIESEC member who worked in Turkey for a year and a fellow University student who hopes to be a language teacher.
Monday 5/23: We had our weekly morning meeting at the Foundation. We discusses the plans for Saturday's workshop. My job: to work in the office on preparing activities, games, and theme presentations, finding locations for the workshops, and contacting businesses for financial support. I have yet to actually work in the office. Most of my work occurs at home. The plans we established on Monday eventually changed before the date of the workshop. I have learned that nothing remains concrete or certain. As a result, you must communicate frequently and adapt quickly. Improvisation!
Tuesday 5/24: I assisted with basic English classes at the high school. The girls had to dress up as famous characters and describe that person's traits and activities. Some of the characters included Hannah Montana, Miranda Cosgrove, Selena Gomez, Marge Simpsons. I had a lot of fun watching and assisting! Later that day, we had a group meeting about the Saturday workshop to clarify job descriptions and begin developing the workshop activities. That evening, I hung out with Maira, VPTM, and some other cool cats! We walked from the U to other houses. It is interesting to compare the design and size of homes here. However, it is common that students from other cities outside Santa Marta live in Pensiones. The U does not have dorms, so the students essentially rent out a room from someone else's house. I met a girl who lived in South Carolina for a year with her father. I cringed at the thought of a small town in South Carolina as the only impression of the US. I also met a girl who might travel with me to Barranquilla! However, I am still in the process of developing all of my travel plans. That night, Maira had me do an activity about life goals. Essentially, you draw and write your goals for the next five years. Ever since, I've been thinking about my future, my hopes and dreams. Maira also sent me a presentation titled The Microeconomics of Love. It is a practical application of econ in the real world, very sweet and funny in the analysis of dating, lust, and love!
Wednesday 5/25: Wednesday morning, I took the bus for the first time solo. Important: the buses here are not conformed with specific stops and starts like the Metro in Houston. Also, the buses are private, worn down vehicles. You wave for the bus to pick you up, and you shout for the bus to drop you off. The bus actually passed my stop without me realizing, so I had to back track the path without getting lost. On my way back home, I did the opposite and stopped the bus too early. Ay caramba! Once again, a learning process. Here, a bus ride costs 1,200 pesos. A short taxi ride costs 4,000 pesos. A moto taxi is the same cost as the bus. At the high school, I worked with a team of @ers to interview, film, and photograph the girls who are members of the Leadership School that participate in the workshops with the Foundation. I tried Colombiano, a distinctly Colombian drink. I believe it is equivalent to cream soda back home. Afterwards, we walked around downtown in search arroz con coco (coconut rice, a Colombian delicacy). However, it is rare to find on week days in downtown. Apparently, it is served most commonly near the beach. So, hopefully I will taste the delicacy soon! We ended up eating a nice little restaurant. The food tasted exactly like the food at home. I was struck by how authentic and traditional my living experience is here at home! Afterwards, I went to the U for a football game, our last game, but it was canceled. We were going to play against the best girls' team at the U. In their last game, the girls beat the other team 12-0. OUCH! That night, I went out with a group to a restaurant named Rico Ricos. We shared a huge, mountainous dish called Picada. It consisted of similar ingredients to the crazy pizza! Super delicious with lots of veggies and meat!!!
Thursday 5/26: In the morning, I met with other @ers about Language courses during the month of June. The other Trainees and I will teach courses, including Portuguese, German, and English (me!). In the span of two weeks, we will undertake intense documentation, organization, and advertisement for the classes. We are aiming for 45 students, 15 for each language. I am excited! I will essentially be working two jobs at once: one with the Foundation and the other with the University Language Center. I returned home for lunch and passed out on the sofa after eating. When I wok up, I had to hurry to another meeting. However, I felt such an intense fatigue, an unwillingness of my body to move. I trudged along to the U, feeling unbalanced and miserable. The problem: I need to stay more hydrates and get better rest. The people here just don't drink much. However, my body is not accustomed to the constant heat and body layer of sweat. Also, every night I dream heavily, and I wake up feeling tired from all of the stimulation. When I arrived at the U, I immediately walked over to the water fountain and drank for a good minute. :D At the meeting, we discussed the upcoming @ meeting (every Saturday afternoon). The TM team is super cool! As always, I learned a lot about the infrastructure of @. That night, I hung out with a fellow @er, and we shared a ton of music and videos. Media is one of the strongest ways to connect with someone else beyond language.
Friday 5/27: Meeeeeetings. I met with Mauricio, the head of the U Language Center. He asked for my help to edit his essays for the Fulbright Scholarship application. Hope he wins! I tried to persuade him to include University of Houston as one of his choices, since he hopes to get an MBA lol Go Coogs! I also helped him translate office titles at the U to English. The goal is to include the name of the office/lab/classroom in both Spanish and English at the entrance. Afterwards, I met with my project team to fortify the details of the workshop. I ate an awesome sweet that is essentially cheese filled with caramel. Sounds odd, but tastes amazing! That night, I went with some friends to drink a few beers and hang out. Chilltastic!
Saturday 5/28: MY FIRST WORKSHOP. AND MY BROTHER'S BIRTHDAY! Our workshop themes: Emotional Intelligence - Fear & Love for Your City. Duvan presented on Fear: What is fear? What do we fear? How do we react when we are afraid? How do fears change and develop over time? How do we overcome our fears? Afterwards, we worked with the girls in groups to create skits about 5 different types of fears and how to overcome the fear. The skits were creative and funny! Next, I attempted to present on City Pride and Contribution, but I had to improvise. However, the girls helped me when I stumbled with words and thoughts. Such a nice, loving group. To end the day, we played tag and Red Rover. I had a fun time! Also learned a lot about hot to prepare and present the workshops in the future. I returned home and decided to examine my current finances. I realized that someone had jipped me of significant change, and I also managed to lose a $20 bill at some point... or someone stole it. I was very frustrated with myself. Very frustrated. I thought that my money was disappearing far too quickly. As a result, I have managed to lose/spend $100 in two weeks. And I have a three month stay here in Santa Marta. I decided to guard my money far more carefully, and ALWAYS count my change. After my frustration, I went to the @ meeting located on the campus of a nearby, private U, named U Sergio Arboleda. It is far smaller than UniMag. The meeting lasted a good 4 hours! I attended an inspiring, short session about Motivation, played some fun games, and heard two fellow LCPs (Local Committee Presidents) speak about their experiences. As a tradition, @ers grab empanadas at a nearby restaurant after meetings at U SA. I ate a delicious empanada with chicken, cheese and rice. I also tried two new sauces: suero (milk and cheese) and sweet pineapple. SO DELICIOUS! Later that night, I went with a group to an international club called La Puerta (the door) inn downtown. The music was amazing! From all around the world, including a Spanish-flare remix of a Lil' Wayne. Very amusing. Colombians are amazing dancers! Some of the best, if not THE best, dancers I have ever seen first hand. So much rhythm, so much speed and strength and passion. I was so impressed! I need some major practice lol
Sunday 5/29: Woke up late and spent most of the day catching up with mail and documents on the computer. I took care of some business back home for UH. I enjoy tasks that connect me again with Houston, my home-base. I also Skyped with my family for a good while. Miss them! That night, I attended an ICX meeting. Once again, I learned about the infrastructure of an established @ LC. I really hope to return home and apply all of my new knowledge to assist our Houston LC. There will be two more Trainees arriving this summer. I believe both are from Brazil. One will work at a local museum, and the other will be my partner with the Foundation. Can't wait to meet her! In Colombia, exchanges to and from Brazil are SUPER popular. The majority of Trainees come from Brazil and and the majority of students travel to Brazil. One major factor: Brazil is HUGE and consists of very active and well-established @ LCs. I also had some more wicked dreams last night about natural disasters, death, and fleeing the country. Feels like I am never fully rested in the mornings.
Vocabulary Time!
El Pedo - Fart
Deshidratado - Dehydrated
Cocotazo - a knuckle hit on the head
Rocar - to Snore
Engordar - to fatten (my Colombian family is trying to engordar me!)
Siesta - Nap
*MUSICA*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4MuIYgs0EI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-Q5Ye0WntU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_tvxY4ozbQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3o6Mg32ot4I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To1nk4urGAs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkZhFoxYfFw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XV7DOBFj-KI
Cassie
Sunday 5/22: I woke up late, after my night of partying. On Sundays, Angela, the nanny of sorts, does not work at the house. So, the family cleans and cooks. I was in charge of fixing lunch and dinner. A learning experience. For lunch, I cooked tuna, potato soup, rice, and sweetened plantains. I am a pure novice in the kitchen, so I struggled to balance all of the cooking tasks at once with my somewhat understood Spanglish directions. David, the eldest brother, assisted me. I owe him many thanks. In the end, the food tasted pretty decent. However, I burned the bottom side of the plantains. Ayayay! For dinner, I cooked hot dogs (perros calientes). My family's attempt to introduce some U.S. familiarity for me. However, hot dogs are considered plain, flavorless food here in comparison to Colombian cuisine. That night, I went to the movies and watched Pirates of the Caribbean 4 completely in Spanish. I understood the majority of everything, but I missed some of the verbal comedy. Comedy is so difficult to translate in other languages. Some people barely understand humor in their own language! I also met some awesome new people: an AIESEC member who worked in Turkey for a year and a fellow University student who hopes to be a language teacher.
Monday 5/23: We had our weekly morning meeting at the Foundation. We discusses the plans for Saturday's workshop. My job: to work in the office on preparing activities, games, and theme presentations, finding locations for the workshops, and contacting businesses for financial support. I have yet to actually work in the office. Most of my work occurs at home. The plans we established on Monday eventually changed before the date of the workshop. I have learned that nothing remains concrete or certain. As a result, you must communicate frequently and adapt quickly. Improvisation!
Tuesday 5/24: I assisted with basic English classes at the high school. The girls had to dress up as famous characters and describe that person's traits and activities. Some of the characters included Hannah Montana, Miranda Cosgrove, Selena Gomez, Marge Simpsons. I had a lot of fun watching and assisting! Later that day, we had a group meeting about the Saturday workshop to clarify job descriptions and begin developing the workshop activities. That evening, I hung out with Maira, VPTM, and some other cool cats! We walked from the U to other houses. It is interesting to compare the design and size of homes here. However, it is common that students from other cities outside Santa Marta live in Pensiones. The U does not have dorms, so the students essentially rent out a room from someone else's house. I met a girl who lived in South Carolina for a year with her father. I cringed at the thought of a small town in South Carolina as the only impression of the US. I also met a girl who might travel with me to Barranquilla! However, I am still in the process of developing all of my travel plans. That night, Maira had me do an activity about life goals. Essentially, you draw and write your goals for the next five years. Ever since, I've been thinking about my future, my hopes and dreams. Maira also sent me a presentation titled The Microeconomics of Love. It is a practical application of econ in the real world, very sweet and funny in the analysis of dating, lust, and love!
Wednesday 5/25: Wednesday morning, I took the bus for the first time solo. Important: the buses here are not conformed with specific stops and starts like the Metro in Houston. Also, the buses are private, worn down vehicles. You wave for the bus to pick you up, and you shout for the bus to drop you off. The bus actually passed my stop without me realizing, so I had to back track the path without getting lost. On my way back home, I did the opposite and stopped the bus too early. Ay caramba! Once again, a learning process. Here, a bus ride costs 1,200 pesos. A short taxi ride costs 4,000 pesos. A moto taxi is the same cost as the bus. At the high school, I worked with a team of @ers to interview, film, and photograph the girls who are members of the Leadership School that participate in the workshops with the Foundation. I tried Colombiano, a distinctly Colombian drink. I believe it is equivalent to cream soda back home. Afterwards, we walked around downtown in search arroz con coco (coconut rice, a Colombian delicacy). However, it is rare to find on week days in downtown. Apparently, it is served most commonly near the beach. So, hopefully I will taste the delicacy soon! We ended up eating a nice little restaurant. The food tasted exactly like the food at home. I was struck by how authentic and traditional my living experience is here at home! Afterwards, I went to the U for a football game, our last game, but it was canceled. We were going to play against the best girls' team at the U. In their last game, the girls beat the other team 12-0. OUCH! That night, I went out with a group to a restaurant named Rico Ricos. We shared a huge, mountainous dish called Picada. It consisted of similar ingredients to the crazy pizza! Super delicious with lots of veggies and meat!!!
Thursday 5/26: In the morning, I met with other @ers about Language courses during the month of June. The other Trainees and I will teach courses, including Portuguese, German, and English (me!). In the span of two weeks, we will undertake intense documentation, organization, and advertisement for the classes. We are aiming for 45 students, 15 for each language. I am excited! I will essentially be working two jobs at once: one with the Foundation and the other with the University Language Center. I returned home for lunch and passed out on the sofa after eating. When I wok up, I had to hurry to another meeting. However, I felt such an intense fatigue, an unwillingness of my body to move. I trudged along to the U, feeling unbalanced and miserable. The problem: I need to stay more hydrates and get better rest. The people here just don't drink much. However, my body is not accustomed to the constant heat and body layer of sweat. Also, every night I dream heavily, and I wake up feeling tired from all of the stimulation. When I arrived at the U, I immediately walked over to the water fountain and drank for a good minute. :D At the meeting, we discussed the upcoming @ meeting (every Saturday afternoon). The TM team is super cool! As always, I learned a lot about the infrastructure of @. That night, I hung out with a fellow @er, and we shared a ton of music and videos. Media is one of the strongest ways to connect with someone else beyond language.
Friday 5/27: Meeeeeetings. I met with Mauricio, the head of the U Language Center. He asked for my help to edit his essays for the Fulbright Scholarship application. Hope he wins! I tried to persuade him to include University of Houston as one of his choices, since he hopes to get an MBA lol Go Coogs! I also helped him translate office titles at the U to English. The goal is to include the name of the office/lab/classroom in both Spanish and English at the entrance. Afterwards, I met with my project team to fortify the details of the workshop. I ate an awesome sweet that is essentially cheese filled with caramel. Sounds odd, but tastes amazing! That night, I went with some friends to drink a few beers and hang out. Chilltastic!
Saturday 5/28: MY FIRST WORKSHOP. AND MY BROTHER'S BIRTHDAY! Our workshop themes: Emotional Intelligence - Fear & Love for Your City. Duvan presented on Fear: What is fear? What do we fear? How do we react when we are afraid? How do fears change and develop over time? How do we overcome our fears? Afterwards, we worked with the girls in groups to create skits about 5 different types of fears and how to overcome the fear. The skits were creative and funny! Next, I attempted to present on City Pride and Contribution, but I had to improvise. However, the girls helped me when I stumbled with words and thoughts. Such a nice, loving group. To end the day, we played tag and Red Rover. I had a fun time! Also learned a lot about hot to prepare and present the workshops in the future. I returned home and decided to examine my current finances. I realized that someone had jipped me of significant change, and I also managed to lose a $20 bill at some point... or someone stole it. I was very frustrated with myself. Very frustrated. I thought that my money was disappearing far too quickly. As a result, I have managed to lose/spend $100 in two weeks. And I have a three month stay here in Santa Marta. I decided to guard my money far more carefully, and ALWAYS count my change. After my frustration, I went to the @ meeting located on the campus of a nearby, private U, named U Sergio Arboleda. It is far smaller than UniMag. The meeting lasted a good 4 hours! I attended an inspiring, short session about Motivation, played some fun games, and heard two fellow LCPs (Local Committee Presidents) speak about their experiences. As a tradition, @ers grab empanadas at a nearby restaurant after meetings at U SA. I ate a delicious empanada with chicken, cheese and rice. I also tried two new sauces: suero (milk and cheese) and sweet pineapple. SO DELICIOUS! Later that night, I went with a group to an international club called La Puerta (the door) inn downtown. The music was amazing! From all around the world, including a Spanish-flare remix of a Lil' Wayne. Very amusing. Colombians are amazing dancers! Some of the best, if not THE best, dancers I have ever seen first hand. So much rhythm, so much speed and strength and passion. I was so impressed! I need some major practice lol
Sunday 5/29: Woke up late and spent most of the day catching up with mail and documents on the computer. I took care of some business back home for UH. I enjoy tasks that connect me again with Houston, my home-base. I also Skyped with my family for a good while. Miss them! That night, I attended an ICX meeting. Once again, I learned about the infrastructure of an established @ LC. I really hope to return home and apply all of my new knowledge to assist our Houston LC. There will be two more Trainees arriving this summer. I believe both are from Brazil. One will work at a local museum, and the other will be my partner with the Foundation. Can't wait to meet her! In Colombia, exchanges to and from Brazil are SUPER popular. The majority of Trainees come from Brazil and and the majority of students travel to Brazil. One major factor: Brazil is HUGE and consists of very active and well-established @ LCs. I also had some more wicked dreams last night about natural disasters, death, and fleeing the country. Feels like I am never fully rested in the mornings.
Vocabulary Time!
El Pedo - Fart
Deshidratado - Dehydrated
Cocotazo - a knuckle hit on the head
Rocar - to Snore
Engordar - to fatten (my Colombian family is trying to engordar me!)
Siesta - Nap
*MUSICA*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4MuIYgs0EI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-Q5Ye0WntU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_tvxY4ozbQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3o6Mg32ot4I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To1nk4urGAs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkZhFoxYfFw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XV7DOBFj-KI
Cassie
Monday, May 23, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
"Para Dios, el tiempo siempre es perfecto"
Thursday. I went to the U again and got a detailed tour of the campus. They have hangers for research and labs, including a mortuary for medical students and a botany building full of plants. I love the campus! I also met some more AWESOME people, including Maira, the VPTM. We talked about so many things, including politics and world peace. Here, people are very curious about the attacks of 9/11/2001. Apparently, some students here also partied when Osama died. however, Colombia has it's own breed of homegrown terrorists. Originally, they fought as a force for the people against corrupt government. In the past decade, the government has improved greatly, though there is still plentiful financial corruption. The people no longer support violence as the answer. As a result, the rebels lack a substantial and cause. Everyone is a victim of their bombings and kidnappings. They live in the mountains, which is why driving long distances in mountainous regions is VERY dangerous.
Walking around the U, I see the same groups of kids that roam the UH campus. You have the smoker clan, the anime/Japanese fanatics, the girly girls, the gangsterrrs, and the hot nerds (my crowd ;]). Maira invited me to play on her all-girls soccer team. I haven't played in years, but I'm down to try again. I think it will be a great way to get some exercise and meet awesome new people!
What do the students do here on the weekends? Go out to eat, go to the movie theatre (although, cinema is not as well-funded an enterpirse as in the U.S., the cinemas don't have a good reputation), go to the beach, and to las discotecas (clubs!). I have seen a few skaters, but not many. Bikes are far more common. Cocacola is popular here, and I have seen a commercial for KFC. The Spanish slogan is KFC ~ buenisimo! I've met some fellow AIESECers who love American rock and pop from the 90s, including Disney music. Made me so happy! :D
Some information about legality:
Cedula - the ID that everyone has to verify citizenship and age
Carnet - student or employee IDs
Licensia de Manejar - Driver's License
Drinking Age - 18yrs old
Driving Age - 15 yrs old
More Important Words (tehe):
Ricirici/Papasito/Bandito - player, womanizer, super hot
Mototaxi - a motorcycle taxi
Broncearse - to get a tan
FARC - a terrorist group
Salchipapa - sausage and french fries (I hope to try some soon!)
Gringo/a -designates someone from the U.S.
Cumbia de Colombia - the national anthem
More on the differences between the coast and the interior of the Colombia.
Costenos = people from the coast
Cachacos = people of the interior
The difference is similar to that here between the north and south. The climate largely impacts the mentality of the people. In the interior, the people speak more slowly and more formally. They are less casual and festive. On the coast, they speaker very quickly, el espanol golpeado, leaving out certain letters in different areas of the coast.
More on the food.
There are fruit trees EVERYWHERE. Especially mangos. You can simply eat the fruit from the tree in many cases. I have tried so many new fruits for the first time, I can hardly remember the names. Also, they don't use tortillas commonly, as in Mexico. They use corn cakes, which are much thicker.
More on National news in Colombia.
Currently, Bogota, the capital, and surrounding cities are suffering from horrible flooding. The rivers filled with too much water and overflowed into the cities. Also, there are have been recent terrorist attacks in the same area. :S
Friday. The days being early. The sun naturally wakes you up. Bright. Hot. Omnipresent. My sleep schedule: lights out around 11pm, ponder upon life, fall asleep in mid-thought, wake up around 2 or 3 in the cold to use a blanket, wake up again around 6am to the hot sun, remove blanket, and sleep again till 8 or 9. Every night, I have dreamed in great detail. Not restless nightmares, but detailed dreams full of random people and events. I have started a dream journal of sorts. Time to analyze! lol Also, the dreams have started to incorporate Spanglish. A true sign of adapting bilingualism.
Yesterday and today, I attended events for a forum on race in the coast. There are many people of African decents, and mixed races, like Creoles in the U.S. I enjoyed the seminars, though I could not understand everything. Today, girls from the secondary school performed afro-hispanic dances. Very cool!
Tonight, AIESEC celebrates the graduation of several members. There will be a formal ceremony, afterwards a huge dancing party a club, and swimming at the beach to end the celebration at some obscure hour of the morning. I am excited to learn the dances, but I know it will be a big challenge. I wasn't born with much rhythm lol
Duvan, my adoptive brother, pllays the guitar. He has even recorded songs, Vallenato, Merengue, Salsa, and Regeuton, at a recording studio. He has a lot of talent! So, I've been borrowing his guitar to sing and attempt some song composition. A nice way to relax :)
I also road on a motorcycle for the first time yesterday, and again today. SO COOL. and dangerous. You really have to be careful abotu speed, bumps, and holes in the streets. Also, other crazy drivers. Here, there is NO safety for the pedestrians, You must constantly remain vigilant. Apparently, a previous AIESECer on exchange burned her ankle when exiting a motorcycle on the wrong side, and another broke her ankle in an accident. YIKES!
and finally, the meaning of the TITLE, "Para Dios, el tiempo siempre es perfecto." Maira told me about the phrase. In English, it says, "In the eyes of God, timing is always perfect." I am not religious, but the phrase spoke to me. I tend to be very organized and always living around a schedule of classes, meetings, etc. But here, life is more flowing, more free. At first, I worried about not having a schedule, but now I realize the timing will work itself out.
In the eyes of God, timing is always perfect.
Cassie
Walking around the U, I see the same groups of kids that roam the UH campus. You have the smoker clan, the anime/Japanese fanatics, the girly girls, the gangsterrrs, and the hot nerds (my crowd ;]). Maira invited me to play on her all-girls soccer team. I haven't played in years, but I'm down to try again. I think it will be a great way to get some exercise and meet awesome new people!
What do the students do here on the weekends? Go out to eat, go to the movie theatre (although, cinema is not as well-funded an enterpirse as in the U.S., the cinemas don't have a good reputation), go to the beach, and to las discotecas (clubs!). I have seen a few skaters, but not many. Bikes are far more common. Cocacola is popular here, and I have seen a commercial for KFC. The Spanish slogan is KFC ~ buenisimo! I've met some fellow AIESECers who love American rock and pop from the 90s, including Disney music. Made me so happy! :D
Some information about legality:
Cedula - the ID that everyone has to verify citizenship and age
Carnet - student or employee IDs
Licensia de Manejar - Driver's License
Drinking Age - 18yrs old
Driving Age - 15 yrs old
More Important Words (tehe):
Ricirici/Papasito/Bandito - player, womanizer, super hot
Mototaxi - a motorcycle taxi
Broncearse - to get a tan
FARC - a terrorist group
Salchipapa - sausage and french fries (I hope to try some soon!)
Gringo/a -designates someone from the U.S.
Cumbia de Colombia - the national anthem
More on the differences between the coast and the interior of the Colombia.
Costenos = people from the coast
Cachacos = people of the interior
The difference is similar to that here between the north and south. The climate largely impacts the mentality of the people. In the interior, the people speak more slowly and more formally. They are less casual and festive. On the coast, they speaker very quickly, el espanol golpeado, leaving out certain letters in different areas of the coast.
More on the food.
There are fruit trees EVERYWHERE. Especially mangos. You can simply eat the fruit from the tree in many cases. I have tried so many new fruits for the first time, I can hardly remember the names. Also, they don't use tortillas commonly, as in Mexico. They use corn cakes, which are much thicker.
More on National news in Colombia.
Currently, Bogota, the capital, and surrounding cities are suffering from horrible flooding. The rivers filled with too much water and overflowed into the cities. Also, there are have been recent terrorist attacks in the same area. :S
Friday. The days being early. The sun naturally wakes you up. Bright. Hot. Omnipresent. My sleep schedule: lights out around 11pm, ponder upon life, fall asleep in mid-thought, wake up around 2 or 3 in the cold to use a blanket, wake up again around 6am to the hot sun, remove blanket, and sleep again till 8 or 9. Every night, I have dreamed in great detail. Not restless nightmares, but detailed dreams full of random people and events. I have started a dream journal of sorts. Time to analyze! lol Also, the dreams have started to incorporate Spanglish. A true sign of adapting bilingualism.
Yesterday and today, I attended events for a forum on race in the coast. There are many people of African decents, and mixed races, like Creoles in the U.S. I enjoyed the seminars, though I could not understand everything. Today, girls from the secondary school performed afro-hispanic dances. Very cool!
Tonight, AIESEC celebrates the graduation of several members. There will be a formal ceremony, afterwards a huge dancing party a club, and swimming at the beach to end the celebration at some obscure hour of the morning. I am excited to learn the dances, but I know it will be a big challenge. I wasn't born with much rhythm lol
Duvan, my adoptive brother, pllays the guitar. He has even recorded songs, Vallenato, Merengue, Salsa, and Regeuton, at a recording studio. He has a lot of talent! So, I've been borrowing his guitar to sing and attempt some song composition. A nice way to relax :)
I also road on a motorcycle for the first time yesterday, and again today. SO COOL. and dangerous. You really have to be careful abotu speed, bumps, and holes in the streets. Also, other crazy drivers. Here, there is NO safety for the pedestrians, You must constantly remain vigilant. Apparently, a previous AIESECer on exchange burned her ankle when exiting a motorcycle on the wrong side, and another broke her ankle in an accident. YIKES!
and finally, the meaning of the TITLE, "Para Dios, el tiempo siempre es perfecto." Maira told me about the phrase. In English, it says, "In the eyes of God, timing is always perfect." I am not religious, but the phrase spoke to me. I tend to be very organized and always living around a schedule of classes, meetings, etc. But here, life is more flowing, more free. At first, I worried about not having a schedule, but now I realize the timing will work itself out.
In the eyes of God, timing is always perfect.
Cassie
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Water-Proof! (you'll understand by the end...)
Tuesday night, I went with the family to a business meeting for Amway. Apparently, there is a US equivalent named QuickStar that began in Michigan. Essentially, the business recruits individuals to sell the products, which include toiletries, house cleaning supplies, and health supplements. The business promises wealth for entrepreneurs, but I'm not sure to feel....However, it is like a family business in my home.
On our way to the business meeting, we drove around the mountains to El Rodadero at the other side of Santa Marta. In the city, there is one big mall named Carrefour and Ocean Mall. Nearby is a the one McDonalds, a shining symbol of U.S. influence. I haven't visited the mall, but it appears very clean and fancy. However, it is nowhere near the size of the Galleria! On our way home, we bought empanadas from a street vendor. So Yummy!
Speaking of food, I am in love with food here! Especially the drinks: pure fruit juice, amazing coffee, and a drink called avena which is like milk with oats. I have eaten a lot of yellow and green bananas, mangoes, ñame, yucca, and rice. Also, fish. I never eat fish back home. Here, I am having to become accustomed to the taste and smell. However, I really don't enjoy it. I eat all the fish first and very quickly, so I can enjoy the rest of the meal. It is incredibly rude not to clear your plate, so I eat everything. However, I am not hungry most of the time. I feel uncomfortably full after a meal. Instead, I am ALWAYS thirsty because it is constantly hot with no air conditioning and few fans. Everyone's pee is dark yellow. Not healthy. Also, because of the heat, everyone leaves doors and windows open to catch the breeze inside. As a result, there are mosquitoes biting you everywhere! The other day....I had a HUGE sweat stain on my skirt, just from sitting down for a while lol
I asked about poverty and wealth in the city. El Rodadero, the tourist area, if full of wealthy visiting foreigners and a few wealthy Colombians. The rich neighborhood, like River Oaks in Houston, is called El Jardin. However, I have yet to see the wealthy area. Also, there are my indigenous folk that live in the mountains. From time to time, they visit the city to trade and sell. I have to meet one, but I hope to do so during my stay. I especially hope to visit Tayrona National Park, an enormous natural park full of different ecosystems. The indigenous population lives nearby the park. I also hope to travel westward to the cities of Baranquilla and Cartagena, but I need a travel partner...or several. We'll see.
Yesterday, I visited the University of Magdalena for the first time. It is quite beautiful. There are so many trees and fields. There is even a lake with ducks, fish, a bridge, and canoes for the students. The buildings are much smaller than those at UH. And they are much more open to the outdoors. I believe there are close to 10,000 students. Classes range from 6am to 10pm. Such a long day! The campus felt so much more social and personal than that of UH. But, that is the feel of Colombia. Like family.
As a family, everyone greets each other with a hug and kisses to the cheek. Such a gesture would be considered much more intimate in the U.S. Here, it is absolutely normal, and I have started to greet others that way, as well. Everything is very physically intimate, especially the dances. Here, I am not sure where the line lies between friendly and romantic.
At the University, I also spent time in the AIESEC office which is located inside the Language Center. I met a bunch more AIESECers, including my team for the project, Santa Marta Sin Limites. Our team is me, Duvan, Brenda, Jorge, Oscar and Randy. I have a feeling it will be a strong team! Essentially, my job involves planning activities for the girls and leading those activities. I will also ssist in recruiting financial support from local business. However, everything will be a communal effort, to develop and market the program.
On June 12, the girls start vacations from secondary school. For that month of vacations, we will be developing many activities, videos, and business contacts. I will also be teaching English to fellow AIESEC members. Also, I will be teaching English to the girls while secondary school is in session. Today, I was supposed to assist the professor at the school, but Duvan and I woke up late, and apparently the class began at 6:30am. I have been out of the loop with a lot of timing, so I am in the process of clarifying everything and creating a more concrete schedule. Right now, the schedule looks very active, including meetings, office hours, and classes. I know I'll feel more centered when I have a routine schedule!
Also, this weekend, there is a Graduation Dance, for the graduating AIESEC members. The theme is American Prom. I giggled, remembering the disaster of my own prom. Here, they do not have a Prom celebration like in the U.S. To attend, you must have a date. My date is the LCP (President) of AIESEC Santa Marta. He is a very nice guy! I just hope one of the two dresses I brought with me will suffice :S
This weekend, I am also attending a forum on race at the University and assisting a fellow AIESECer with a presentation in English. Here, the Hispanic and African races are VERY integrated. On the coast, there are many people of African decent, but not in the interior of Colombia. There are also many people who look like hybrids between the two races. I wish we had the same integration in the U.S. There is still so much embedded racism and reverse racism. :/
A few funny Spanish words:
Friki - a person who spends a lot of time on the computer, nerdy
Catchalots - a player, heartbreaker
Chevere - cool
Bocano - very cool
Also, some important phrases for yours truly:
No entiendo. - I do not understand.
Mas despacio, por favor. - Slower, please.
Que significa? - What does it mean?
Como se dice? - How do you say...?
Como se escribe? - How do you write...?
Vaqueros - Cowboys
Que chevere! - How cool!
and a few funny stories to end this post....
Everyone has asked me about the HUGE bruise on my leg. I tell them the story of our partying and drinking and how I honestly don't remember how I got the bruise. As a result, everyone jokes that I am an alcoholic XD Ayayay!
I watched DBZ with Duvan, and now I am known as the Super Saiyan.
and the best yet....
Yesterday, I canoed in the lake at the U (University) and the boys were rocking the boat back and forth. For 10-15 minutess, we all kept trying to worry the others about tipping the boat over. And, then, IT ACTUALLY HAPPENED. All the students ran to the shore to see, laugh, and take tons of pictures. Apparently, every time a boat sinks, it makes headline news in the school newspaper. My first impression for the U: wet and muddy with a goofy look of surprise on my face.
Just another day in Colombia,
Cassie :)
On our way to the business meeting, we drove around the mountains to El Rodadero at the other side of Santa Marta. In the city, there is one big mall named Carrefour and Ocean Mall. Nearby is a the one McDonalds, a shining symbol of U.S. influence. I haven't visited the mall, but it appears very clean and fancy. However, it is nowhere near the size of the Galleria! On our way home, we bought empanadas from a street vendor. So Yummy!
Speaking of food, I am in love with food here! Especially the drinks: pure fruit juice, amazing coffee, and a drink called avena which is like milk with oats. I have eaten a lot of yellow and green bananas, mangoes, ñame, yucca, and rice. Also, fish. I never eat fish back home. Here, I am having to become accustomed to the taste and smell. However, I really don't enjoy it. I eat all the fish first and very quickly, so I can enjoy the rest of the meal. It is incredibly rude not to clear your plate, so I eat everything. However, I am not hungry most of the time. I feel uncomfortably full after a meal. Instead, I am ALWAYS thirsty because it is constantly hot with no air conditioning and few fans. Everyone's pee is dark yellow. Not healthy. Also, because of the heat, everyone leaves doors and windows open to catch the breeze inside. As a result, there are mosquitoes biting you everywhere! The other day....I had a HUGE sweat stain on my skirt, just from sitting down for a while lol
I asked about poverty and wealth in the city. El Rodadero, the tourist area, if full of wealthy visiting foreigners and a few wealthy Colombians. The rich neighborhood, like River Oaks in Houston, is called El Jardin. However, I have yet to see the wealthy area. Also, there are my indigenous folk that live in the mountains. From time to time, they visit the city to trade and sell. I have to meet one, but I hope to do so during my stay. I especially hope to visit Tayrona National Park, an enormous natural park full of different ecosystems. The indigenous population lives nearby the park. I also hope to travel westward to the cities of Baranquilla and Cartagena, but I need a travel partner...or several. We'll see.
Yesterday, I visited the University of Magdalena for the first time. It is quite beautiful. There are so many trees and fields. There is even a lake with ducks, fish, a bridge, and canoes for the students. The buildings are much smaller than those at UH. And they are much more open to the outdoors. I believe there are close to 10,000 students. Classes range from 6am to 10pm. Such a long day! The campus felt so much more social and personal than that of UH. But, that is the feel of Colombia. Like family.
As a family, everyone greets each other with a hug and kisses to the cheek. Such a gesture would be considered much more intimate in the U.S. Here, it is absolutely normal, and I have started to greet others that way, as well. Everything is very physically intimate, especially the dances. Here, I am not sure where the line lies between friendly and romantic.
At the University, I also spent time in the AIESEC office which is located inside the Language Center. I met a bunch more AIESECers, including my team for the project, Santa Marta Sin Limites. Our team is me, Duvan, Brenda, Jorge, Oscar and Randy. I have a feeling it will be a strong team! Essentially, my job involves planning activities for the girls and leading those activities. I will also ssist in recruiting financial support from local business. However, everything will be a communal effort, to develop and market the program.
On June 12, the girls start vacations from secondary school. For that month of vacations, we will be developing many activities, videos, and business contacts. I will also be teaching English to fellow AIESEC members. Also, I will be teaching English to the girls while secondary school is in session. Today, I was supposed to assist the professor at the school, but Duvan and I woke up late, and apparently the class began at 6:30am. I have been out of the loop with a lot of timing, so I am in the process of clarifying everything and creating a more concrete schedule. Right now, the schedule looks very active, including meetings, office hours, and classes. I know I'll feel more centered when I have a routine schedule!
Also, this weekend, there is a Graduation Dance, for the graduating AIESEC members. The theme is American Prom. I giggled, remembering the disaster of my own prom. Here, they do not have a Prom celebration like in the U.S. To attend, you must have a date. My date is the LCP (President) of AIESEC Santa Marta. He is a very nice guy! I just hope one of the two dresses I brought with me will suffice :S
This weekend, I am also attending a forum on race at the University and assisting a fellow AIESECer with a presentation in English. Here, the Hispanic and African races are VERY integrated. On the coast, there are many people of African decent, but not in the interior of Colombia. There are also many people who look like hybrids between the two races. I wish we had the same integration in the U.S. There is still so much embedded racism and reverse racism. :/
A few funny Spanish words:
Friki - a person who spends a lot of time on the computer, nerdy
Catchalots - a player, heartbreaker
Chevere - cool
Bocano - very cool
Also, some important phrases for yours truly:
No entiendo. - I do not understand.
Mas despacio, por favor. - Slower, please.
Que significa? - What does it mean?
Como se dice? - How do you say...?
Como se escribe? - How do you write...?
Vaqueros - Cowboys
Que chevere! - How cool!
and a few funny stories to end this post....
Everyone has asked me about the HUGE bruise on my leg. I tell them the story of our partying and drinking and how I honestly don't remember how I got the bruise. As a result, everyone jokes that I am an alcoholic XD Ayayay!
I watched DBZ with Duvan, and now I am known as the Super Saiyan.
and the best yet....
Yesterday, I canoed in the lake at the U (University) and the boys were rocking the boat back and forth. For 10-15 minutess, we all kept trying to worry the others about tipping the boat over. And, then, IT ACTUALLY HAPPENED. All the students ran to the shore to see, laugh, and take tons of pictures. Apparently, every time a boat sinks, it makes headline news in the school newspaper. My first impression for the U: wet and muddy with a goofy look of surprise on my face.
Just another day in Colombia,
Cassie :)
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Day 3, already feeling like home
Today, I visited the secondary school for the first time. I met many of the young women with which I will be working. In Colombia, middle school and high school are not separated. There is primary school, like elementary school, and secondary school. Also, there only 11 grades, not 12. All of the students are girls, and they have to wear a uniform. The girls were beautiful, inside and out. At the school, I will be working with the English teacher and the philosophy teacher. I start on Thursday; I am very excited!
Since then, I have been at the house listening to more Colombian music with Duvan. Vallenato is a popular style of music that is uniquely Colombian. Instruments include the piano, accordion, and guitar. Reggaeton is another very popular style, similar to Daddy Yankee and some of Pitbull's music in the U.S.
Yesterday, I met the EPs from Poland and Switzerland. However, both women work with a different TN. On the first day, I met the EP from Brazil, and I will be working with her for my TN. Hopefully, I will meet the EP from Germany soon. He is the only male EP here!
Tomorrow, I will finally visit the University of Magdalena and a bunch more AIESECers. We will also prepare for my first session with the students on Saturday. Very exciting!
Soon, I believe the LC is planning a celebration for the graduating members in the style of an American prom. Also, there is a National conference in June that I hope to attend! :D
My hopes: to improve my Spanish every day, to spend plenty of time with the students and my fellow AIESECers, and to experience all of the city as a resident, not as a visitor.
A little more about the culture:
Here, the community is very tight knit. Everything is very personal, very close contact. You greet each other with hugs and kisses. You ask about everything, including the love life lol There is not the social distance that we experience in America, that uncomfortable personal bubble.
I am becoming more and more accustomed to the friendly and intimate atmosphere.
Also, everyone here is so beautiful. The dark hair, dark eyes, tanned skin, friendly smiles. I have fallen in love with the city, the country, the life. I really hope to assimilate more.
I have also seen signs of American influence. There is a Power Rangers sticker on the closet door in my room. Earlier today, I watched Friends and Dragon Ball Z. So kool! Also, there are occasional signs in Spanglish.
Dogs are also very common, but primarily small dogs. Many run wild in the streets. My dogs would seem like GIANTS in comparison!
The not-so-great aspects:
It is VERY hot. You sweat all the time. You feel sticky and smelly. All the time. I have already developed a rash on my chest from all the sweat and dirt. I hope it will go away soon, though. Also, the poverty. Imagine poverty everywhere. Around every street corner. In the eyes of the blind beggars, in the faces of the small children, in the enduring smiles of those waiting for positive change in a city run by corrupt officials.
Regardless, I am so happy to be here. My adoptive family is amazing: Duvan, Jose, David, y Snr y Snra Barros. They treat me like part of the family :)
Anywho, that is all for now!
Buenas,
Cassie
Since then, I have been at the house listening to more Colombian music with Duvan. Vallenato is a popular style of music that is uniquely Colombian. Instruments include the piano, accordion, and guitar. Reggaeton is another very popular style, similar to Daddy Yankee and some of Pitbull's music in the U.S.
Yesterday, I met the EPs from Poland and Switzerland. However, both women work with a different TN. On the first day, I met the EP from Brazil, and I will be working with her for my TN. Hopefully, I will meet the EP from Germany soon. He is the only male EP here!
Tomorrow, I will finally visit the University of Magdalena and a bunch more AIESECers. We will also prepare for my first session with the students on Saturday. Very exciting!
Soon, I believe the LC is planning a celebration for the graduating members in the style of an American prom. Also, there is a National conference in June that I hope to attend! :D
My hopes: to improve my Spanish every day, to spend plenty of time with the students and my fellow AIESECers, and to experience all of the city as a resident, not as a visitor.
A little more about the culture:
Here, the community is very tight knit. Everything is very personal, very close contact. You greet each other with hugs and kisses. You ask about everything, including the love life lol There is not the social distance that we experience in America, that uncomfortable personal bubble.
I am becoming more and more accustomed to the friendly and intimate atmosphere.
Also, everyone here is so beautiful. The dark hair, dark eyes, tanned skin, friendly smiles. I have fallen in love with the city, the country, the life. I really hope to assimilate more.
I have also seen signs of American influence. There is a Power Rangers sticker on the closet door in my room. Earlier today, I watched Friends and Dragon Ball Z. So kool! Also, there are occasional signs in Spanglish.
Dogs are also very common, but primarily small dogs. Many run wild in the streets. My dogs would seem like GIANTS in comparison!
The not-so-great aspects:
It is VERY hot. You sweat all the time. You feel sticky and smelly. All the time. I have already developed a rash on my chest from all the sweat and dirt. I hope it will go away soon, though. Also, the poverty. Imagine poverty everywhere. Around every street corner. In the eyes of the blind beggars, in the faces of the small children, in the enduring smiles of those waiting for positive change in a city run by corrupt officials.
Regardless, I am so happy to be here. My adoptive family is amazing: Duvan, Jose, David, y Snr y Snra Barros. They treat me like part of the family :)
Anywho, that is all for now!
Buenas,
Cassie
Monday, May 16, 2011
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