So my orientation program has kept me safely in “gringolandia” for the past several days, but I’m finally here in Bogotá! I must say that Bogotá is not the most beautiful city, at least not in the traditional, physical sense of the word. It’s huge and verrry spread out as most buildings are only two or three stories. But que buena onda! The people are magnificent. Everyone calls me “mi vida” (my life) after about two minutes of knowing me. So Latin-loverish!
I have so much to learn. Luckily I’m living with eight Colombians so I hope to catch on quickly. I’ve already arranged a few cultural exchange agreements through my contacts at the university, trading my only skill (English lessons) for salsa lessons, cooking lessons, and trips to local soccer games. This city is so alive. Today is a very important day as the new president, Juan Manuel Santos, will replace Álvaro Uribe, arguably the best and most popular president in Colombian history. La Plaza Bolivar is decked out in red, blue, and yellow, and thousands of people are out and about.
Most impressive thus far has been the group of students and professionals I have had the pleasure to meet over these past few days. Everyone is so intelligent, so motivated, so interesting, so worldly, and yet so down to earth. How did I get here again? There is so much I want to do, see, and experience. Ten months already feels like not enough time.
I shall close with a quote from Pillars of the Earth, the novel I have been reading: “but mourning the passing of his youth. Never again would he be as naïve, as aggressive, as hungry or as strong as he had been when he had fallen in love” (Ken Follet). Don’t worry, I’m not in love, just infatuated with the culture, the language, and the desire to soak up as much life and experience as physically possible, so I guess I should run with it now, in my youth, rather than fret about it later J
No comments:
Post a Comment