Second Day, Many Firsts

This is my first official post from Colombia!
Where do I begin?

Everything went very well with my flights and immigration paperwork. I met so many kind and interesting people along the way! In Bogota, the weather is cool and dry and the people have fare skin and speak at a moderate rate. But, when I arrived in Santa Marta, I discovered a great contrast. Here, it is HOT. More so than Houston. And the sun is everywhere! On he first day, I already looked red as a tomato lol

The airport in Santa Marta is located right in between the mountains and the ocean. It was so beautiful. What a great way to start my stay! However, I waited for a while alone, hoping to see a group of AIESECers arrive. I began to worry that something had gone wrong....but no worries! Jorge arrived to take me to the city.

On the surface, Santa Marta is very much so like the movies. The mountains, beaches, palm trees, fruit trees, and colorful buildings are incredibly beautiful. The streets are full of crazy drivers in small, outdated vehicles. More people drive motorcycles than anything else. There are also more taxis, bicycles and small, worn down buses than domestic cars. If you think drivers in Houston are dangerous, here you have to always be super watchful and aggressive, especially as a pedestrian. Also, the fancy tourist hotels are surrounded by poverty.

Yesterday, after arriving at the airport,  met the ICX team at El Rodadero, the more touristic beach of the city. I have already made substantial progress on my tan in the span of 24 hours lol The beach was full of people, food, and music! and the water was the PERFECT temperature!

Afterwards, I came to Duvan's house and settled in our room. For lunch, we had pure melon juice, yucca, fish, and some yummy vegetables. That was the first time I have eaten fish in years...

Afterwards, I took a much needed shower, and we left for a fiesta at Carlina's house. I met even more crazy cool Colombianos and learned how to traditional Colombian dances and several AIESEC role calls.

Today, I visited the office of Fundacion Sin Limites, the non-profit organization with which I will be working. I met some of the coordinators and directors, all of whom are super nice! Essentially, I will create lesson plans, recruit support from local business, and work with the high school girls in our classes of leadership and and how to be a productive and positive member of society. I can't wait!

The office is located en El Centro, or downtown. The house in which I am staying is located en El Suburbio, the suburbs. But, the suburbs here are nothing like those in the U.S.. The housing is similar to the quality of the Third Ward, and this is the nicer area of the city. Wealth is all so relative!

In El Centro, I went to the super market. There were so many random items for sale and so much food! Lots of interesting smells :S I did not buy anything, but I hope to buy some souvenirs from there later on for everyone.

Now, I am back home, about to meet with my adoptive family to discuss some more details. In the house, there is Duvan, my roommate, Juan, his brother, and Duvan's mother and father. But, every day I have met someone new in the house!

I have to go for now, but I hope to take and post some pictures soon! Also, there is so much more to say!

Until later,
Cassie