I am somewhat overwhelmed with the information to share with you in just 3 short days but I'll give it my best. So, let's start with the trip down to Colombia (with an o not a u!). It's safe to say that I was very excited to get into Medellín late Monday night. Monday started bright an early - 2:23 am to be exact - and I got to my apartment about 8:30 pm local time which is 9:30 eastern pm. We are really in the same 'time zone' but Colombia doesn't do daylight's saving time so I will be one hour behind for half of the year and the same time the other half of the year. Mom took me to the airport and we were grateful for the 5:45 am flight because there wasn't going to be much sleeping anyways and half asleep goodbyes are always easier. After a weekend full of 'see you laters', I was emotionally exhausted by the time Monday came around. I saw tons of family for Luke's birthday party Saturday (thanks to everyone for the letters.... I've been opening them slowly) and then had to say some rough goodbyes to Katie, Sam, Luke and Logan Saturday. Thank goodness for FaceTime!!
My flights took me to Washington DC then Panama then Medellín. I met other teachers for the first time on my last flight and it was so great talking with others and putting faces with names. Needless to say, it is a fun, adventurous, easy going group of people. They are awesome! We got our bags, got all organized, and got into two different buses to finally get to our apartments. Upon landing, they gave us some money for travel reimbursement. The currency here is Colombian pesos and approximately 3000 pesos is 1 dollar.
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| Easy way to be a millionaire?? Do it in pesos |
The apartments themselves are spread out all over the city. I am a little further from the city center and about 10 minutes away from other teachers. I am still working out some kinks in my apartment (hot water, furniture, some lights, etc) but overall I have been happy with it so far. Here are some quick pictures after a little unpacking Monday night.
Driving from the airport to the city took us down off the mountain and into the city bowl. I am surprised at how hilly everything is. My first view of everything was at dark (the sun rises and sets much earlier here) so I was ready for quite the treat when Tuesday morning rolled around.
Tuesday was a shopping day. We went to different stores (one mainly for home goods and one for food). Let me just tell you that it is a little stressful trying to stock a brand new apartment from scratch. A couple interesting things from the shopping trips. Buildings here are often built up and not out. That means escalators for shopping carts at store.
The grocery store has many workers/ sales people in the aisles asking you what you were looking for and trying to sell you a certain product. Its pretty fun and interesting to shop in another language. You don't always know what you are getting. But with a good attitude and a smile, it all works out. I bought the basics along with some new-to-me fruits and some that I have not had in a while. The verdict is still out on the peanut butter selection. I am hoping to find some different kinds at other supermarkets. In between the two stores, we made a quick stop for lunch. I got my first Colombian dish, ajiaco, which was a chicken soup with potatoes and corn. It was very good.
I made it back to my apartment around 4 and worked the rest of the evening to get this place organized. Slowly but surely....
Wednesday morning I met the bus outside to head to immigration to get our cedula (government ID) and to the doctor for a checkup. We got done about 1:00 so I decided to go on a little adventure. We dropped off two teachers that live much closer to things (shopping, dining, etc) than I do and I got out with them to explore. I went to Santa Fe mall and walked around a while. I got some data on my phone and some lunch. The mall was massive and beautiful. There were four floors with multiple different wings and many American stores/ restaurants. Side note: have I talked about the weather here yet?? Its pretty perfect. Perfect enough that there is no AC or heat in most places and even doors for that matter. It is a little cool in the morning and evening, a little toasty mid day, but generally perfect. I walked back to my apartment (think straight up hill for a mile) in attempt to get the lay of the land.
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| 'inside' the mall |
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| The 'doors' to the mall |
Okay so I think that gets me caught up. We are going on a city tour tomorrow so I am sure I will have more pictures of that. I want to include a few more random thoughts before I check out on this (much longer that usual I would believe) post.
- The streets are small and very crowded. There are lots of motorcycles that weave in and out of that stopped cars. They have almost created a third lane on a two lane road by riding on the lines.
- Also, traffic, traffic, traffic. all the time. any where you go.
- everything takes time and more time than you think. (refer to the bullet above)
- there is absolutely no leniency for foreigners as far as language goes. The assumption is that you are fluent in Spanish. They is no slowing down or anything when they talk to you. I need lots more practice listening and speaking. Fortunately, I am getting that each and every day with every single thing that I do. With that said, people are generally extremely welcoming and appreciate any attempt at trying to communicate with them.
- wow at the hills.
- love all the green. its everywhere. trees. bushes. flowers. Speaking of flowers, there is a huge flower festival coming up soon.
- the other teachers are great! it has been so fun getting to know them. They are easy to talk to, interesting, and easy going. needless to say, we are all here for a reason.
- the city has some neat architecture, street art, etc. all over
One last thing... as far as getting a hold of me goes, I still have my same US number. As long as I have wifi, I will be able to talk/ text normally. It won't cost you or me. So stay in touch!
Well thats a wrap for the first post from Colombia. Talk soon.
p.s. don't worry about my safety. The people here have been very friendly and I think three (one not pictured) separate locks will suffice.
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