Hello Everyone-
9. You can type half as fast. Yes, these spanish keyboards take a minute to get used to. I mean who knew that at sign would be with the Q.
8. Shoes are hard to find. I have been laughed out of every shoe store because who would think of carrying a size 11 in womens!
7. Motorcyclists where their hearts on their sleeve. Actually, they wear these reflective vests that make them look like construction workers and their license plate is written on the vest. It is a great idea. So, when they are weaving in and out of traffic they can't be missed.
6. The Transmilenio: It's a bus. No it's a metro. No, it's a bus that you get on and off with at stations just like you would a metro/subway. genius! Of course, the city bus system is another story....
5. Delivery service right to your desk: That's right. We have two women who work in our little office kitchen and just bring you water, coffee, tea...it is great. It turns out it is pretty common in most offices. No more debating over who is going to make the coffee.
4. BRRRRRRR! Surprise, it is actually a little chilly here in the mountains of Bogota (and I don't mean Puerto Rico in February chilly.) We are talking some crisp fall weather. So, (just a suggestion), if anyone is inspired to send a week anniversary present...send warm clothes!
3. Aromatica: Ah yes, this hot beverage is fabulous. It is kind of like apple cider made with the flavor of the day. So, as I am huddled in my layers in the office (we all know that I am a wimp anyone), the kitchen workers just keep pumping me full of aromatica.
2. Comida, Comida, Comida: Ah, I love this food. Beans and rice and fresh fruit and soups all the time. We went to this huge fruit market yesterday and it was heaven. I cant tell you exactly the fruit I am eating but it sure tastes great. Of course, I also tried what appeared to be a polish sausage and it turned out to be something made of liver (I think) and I had to run to the garbage. I hope that is culturally exceptional....I mean I will eat just about anything but liver! Of course, I had to find the garbage while dodging numerous carts. It was kind of like bumper cars but no one actually acknowledges that other people are trying to pass.
Yes, today we celebrate our one week anniversary in Colombia. How exciting! To mark this special occasion, and for those of you who have known me long enough, it is one of my favorite ways to celebrate (other than with a glass of wine): A Top 10 List! So, here it is:
Top 10 Ways to Know that You Are in Colombia
10. Abby talks less. Yes, my complete comfort with the language and ability to form eloquent orations has not yet been totally fulfilled. All in good time....
9. You can type half as fast. Yes, these spanish keyboards take a minute to get used to. I mean who knew that at sign would be with the Q.
8. Shoes are hard to find. I have been laughed out of every shoe store because who would think of carrying a size 11 in womens!
7. Motorcyclists where their hearts on their sleeve. Actually, they wear these reflective vests that make them look like construction workers and their license plate is written on the vest. It is a great idea. So, when they are weaving in and out of traffic they can't be missed.
6. The Transmilenio: It's a bus. No it's a metro. No, it's a bus that you get on and off with at stations just like you would a metro/subway. genius! Of course, the city bus system is another story....
5. Delivery service right to your desk: That's right. We have two women who work in our little office kitchen and just bring you water, coffee, tea...it is great. It turns out it is pretty common in most offices. No more debating over who is going to make the coffee.
4. BRRRRRRR! Surprise, it is actually a little chilly here in the mountains of Bogota (and I don't mean Puerto Rico in February chilly.) We are talking some crisp fall weather. So, (just a suggestion), if anyone is inspired to send a week anniversary present...send warm clothes!
3. Aromatica: Ah yes, this hot beverage is fabulous. It is kind of like apple cider made with the flavor of the day. So, as I am huddled in my layers in the office (we all know that I am a wimp anyone), the kitchen workers just keep pumping me full of aromatica.
2. Comida, Comida, Comida: Ah, I love this food. Beans and rice and fresh fruit and soups all the time. We went to this huge fruit market yesterday and it was heaven. I cant tell you exactly the fruit I am eating but it sure tastes great. Of course, I also tried what appeared to be a polish sausage and it turned out to be something made of liver (I think) and I had to run to the garbage. I hope that is culturally exceptional....I mean I will eat just about anything but liver! Of course, I had to find the garbage while dodging numerous carts. It was kind of like bumper cars but no one actually acknowledges that other people are trying to pass.
1. Buena Gente: Yes, there are great people here. The woman, Clarita, that I live with is great as are the two dogs. And my co-workers are great...it is an office of about 15 with many more women than men. And, last night, we went to a bar (it felt like going to Grandma's in Duluth) and I think we met the equivalent of Colombian frat boys. They kind of had their own choreography and lip singing to the songs and instead of the shopping cart dance they did this mime with a basketball....some activities cross all cultures. (And, if you don't know that I am talking about, go find some 20 something American male.)
Basically, Bogota reminds me a lot of New York on another continent. People are from everywhere and the driving is crazy.
I miss you all lots and do hope that all is well! A blog shall be coming soon so look forward to it. Also, I plan to send some pictures but I am not completely connected.
Love!
Abby
PS For those of you who are connected, look me up on Facebook because I am sure that I will be posting some pictures there.
PPS Start planning those vacations now....I mean if you come visit, I think that you would make a top 10 list!
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