Turkeypalooza 2008: Take 2.0 (prep time)

Customer Service - Lost in Translation

As instructed, I diligently returned on Thursday evening to pick up the turkey...kind of my own personally way of celebrating Thanksgiving (not quite eating but at least holding a turkey). This visit helped me to realize how much I give thanks for Minnesota customer service (sorry DC, sometimes you still lack a little).

Here is how my Thanksgiving evening unfolded:

• I arrived at Olimpica and waited 15 minutes for Customer Service.
• Upon arrival, I explained my story and awaited another 30 while I was assisted along with the 10 other customers that came by...I enjoyed the two women that just decided to leave all their items on the counter.
• Finally, I filled out all the proper paperwork, only to discover...
• We purchased the wrong products - damn, Colgate:)
• I pleaded my case in Spanish and the kind customer service woman took pity on me. She wrong up the correct items without making me purchase anything additional.
• So, I was instructed to return for in 24 hours to pick up the turkey.

The saga continues...and I was off to a Mexican fiesta to celebrate Thankgiving. Yes, nothing says Happy Thanksgiving like margaritas, tacos, and a Christmas tree made of sombreros. Hopefully, I'll have pictures at some point:)

Turkeypalooza 2008: Take 1

In honor of my dear CKP (The Campus Kitchens Project), it is the time of year to celebrate Turkeypalooza...Thanksgiving has arrived!

As Thanksgiving is not a typical Colombian holiday, it took us a few attempts to get it right. Here you will find the development of our Colombian Thanksgiving: Turkeypalooza 2008!

The first step was to purchase the turkey. I ventured with Atlas Corps volunteers David and Laura (my colleagues, neighbors, and, above all, great friends:). We selected our neighborhood Olimpica supermarket. The reasons we like Olimpica:

1. It is near both of our apartments.
2. They sell turkeys.
3. They pump out 80s rock tunes at all hours...I almost whipped out the leg guitar.

So, they bonus was you could get a turkey if you purchased the correct Colgate products. And, yes, asked 3 employees to ensure we purchased the correct products. Of course, the catch: You have to return 24 hours later to receive your turkey because it takes that long for the points to be uploaded to your Olimpica card.

No worries. We left with our receipt, other holiday ingredients, and a plan to return tomorrow...

Let's Get Fresh!

Yes, it was market day today! After weeks of watching Don Pedro on my favorite morning news show (Arriba, Bogota) give the morning updates surrounded by fresh fruits and veggies, I finally visited the promise land: Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemao.

Stop #1: Flower Stands
The intense fragrance, the vibrant colors, and the ever so friendly vendors (yes, many thought we were from exotic lands like France and Australia) invigorated the senses. I have never seen such an extraordinary display...in a parking lot. It was great. And, just when you thought it couldn't get any better, the prices were amazing. I purchased 2 dozens sweetheart roses for $1.00.

Stop #2: Food Stands
One step inside the main market and I was overcome with an overwhelming urge to become completely vegetarian. We were surrounded by produce - so fresh, so large, and at such a great price. I can just imagine when the European explorers arrived how confused they must have been. There were fruits and vegetables here that I still hadn't even heard of though I was ever so eager to give them a try. Of course, beyond the produce, a major highlight is that you can actually select your live chicken on site before it is made "ready to cook."

Stop #3: San Andrecito
Next stop was everyone's favorite block of discount retailers. They sell everything from D&G to Puma to High School Musical 3 - yes, I am sure it is a legitimate copy - all at a buen precio! From what they tell me, this spot is only one of many locations with such bargains. Each one focuses on a certain class of product. Here, I sensed more of the electronics field. I think another day we shall venture to the clothing local. Here, the major highlight was the fresh lechon which was actually an entire pig with the head still attached. . .and which tasted divine!

All that Glitters Is Gold: Museo del Oro

Back and badder than ever, Colombia's famous Museo del Oro is open once again. The museum truly highlights the beautiful , golden history of Colombia's indigenous past. I admit that I have never seen so many gold items in one place at one time.

A fun part of the tourist experience was participating with InterNations - an online network of expats around the whole from countries around the world. In our little day trip, we were joined by Colombians, Germans, Americans, and Dutch. A friend invited me to join the group and not only do we have the museum tour but book club meets next week . . . yes, I am turning into a mega-nerd. You know me, anything to meet new people:)

PS I would just like to add that once again, we were followed by the press. This time RCN was in the house filming the newly opened local . . . and I am sure following us!

The Fast and the Furious

Ah, I took a trip down memory lane today . . . which passed right by the go-kart racetrack in Bogota. For those of you who knew me in my younger days, you may remember that I was the first go kart attendant at Go, Putt, and Bump in Detroit Lakes. (Yes, it is a title that I still hold with such pride:)

Reconnecting with my automotive past, a friend invited me to watch him and his friends race karts. Who knew that that would be an activity in Bogota?! It was an adventure. The photos scarcely capture the energy and excitement of the event. . .

11 PM: Where were you?

It was a dark and stormy night in Bogota. The rain continued to fall and flooded my desire to leave the house. So, I cuddled up in my slippers along with my laptop and settled down with all my friends at CNN to watch the election results (holograms included!).

Though far from the USA, I never felt out of touch with mi gente. The days leading up to the election were filled with questions. Friends, co-workers, and random people on the street asked me my thoughts and my candidate of choice. (Which, I guess is a testament not only to international interest but to the fact that I will never truly look Colombian:) Everyone was very aware of the situation at hand. So, When the day of the election finally arrived, a few things became evident:

1. Voting by mail is pretty amazing. I admit that I took such an opportunity for granted. I mean, I am thousands of miles away and I can still participate in the democratic process. The ability to vote by mail and the trust that it represents is a highlight of our political process. I was honored (and glad) to take part in it.

2. The world does watch the USA. I turned on my favorite morning show Arriba, Bogota to the phrase, "The most important country in the world holds their elections today..." And this station is locally based with local coverage. Then, there were the ongoing questions and updates throughout the day.

3. We are never really alone. Yes, I chose to stay in for the evening but I was far from being out of touch. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, I chatted with friends in Arizona, Minnesota, Chicago, and Washington, DC. Our thoughts were current to the minute and the emotion could be felt through the words shared online.

4. News is at our fingertips. The speed at which news travels is amazing. It is up to the minute so that we never miss a minute. The pictures I posted are the online headlines from the key newspapers in Colombia (taken at approximately 11:05 PM). They were ready and on the ball with the most current updates in this historic event.

5. The election doesn't stop on November 4. At least, it hasn't stopped for me. I am still stopped on the street or ignited into conversation with a taxi driver. People are so curious to hear the gringa opinion as well as to interject their own thoughts. As a Colombian said, "The world watches the USA. What you all do effects everyone?"

Of course, all of these factors lead me to one overall interesting conclusion (not meant to be positive or negative): While other countries may have to overcome a lack of position in the world or resources, the USA actually has to overcome our saturation of the world. Basically, you can be in almost any part of the world and see a TV show from the USA or see a brand name. On the other hand, it may be difficult to find an international influence in all parts of the USA. It is not an excuse for our limited geographic knowledge, monolinguistic tendencies, or inward-focused tendencies...it is just an observation on the current situation.

With that said, I am inspired by the energy ignited by this election. Now, I am eager to see where it will take us...both domestically and internationally. It is time to get ready to become part of this next chapter in history. Today, just like everyday, is an opportunity to leave a mark on the future.

Lights. Camera. Take Your Seats!

Close your eyes, open your mind, and imagine this concept. . .

It is a dark and stormy Sunday night. The most appealing option is in the comfort of a small, independent movie theater (Cinemania to be exact). You arrive to discover that you are not alone in your choice of activities. You join the line to purchase a ticket.

Now, instead of being let loss like a pack of rabid dogs in the movie theater, forced to fend for yourself to find a seat...you are actually assigned a sit when you purchase a ticket. You take your time purchasing your popcorn, waiting for a late arrival, and even chance a bathroom break prior to entering the theater. All the while, you are confident that your seat awaits you.

Is it a dream? No, it is the way cinemas work in Bogota. I love it. It is so simple to know exactly where you will be sitting. It may also add a level of class to the experience. Of course, I still think that my shoe got stuck to gum on the floor...but not all things can change:)

By the way, we watched Manual de Amor. I consider it the Italian, non-holiday version of Love Actually. For those that know me well, I would consider it a movie well worth the viewing. And, we did take a straw pole (of an American and Colombian male) and it is not considered a "chick flick."