Talks

I adore Colombia.  I’ve never been in a place where I’ve felt such opposites.  Comfortable and uncomfortable. Hot and cold. Same and different. Alive and dead.  It’s these mix of feelings that keep me intrigued.  I went home for Christmas and wrote this:

Damn, I’ve missed you.  That’s what I feel like saying to a lot of people.  I’m at home for Christmas, and, so far, it’s been a lovely mix of physical affection and talks with mom.

If anyone has ever traveled and worked abroad and sunk yourself into another culture, you know how difficult life can be with language and cultural barriers.  While Colombia, especially the area I live in, is overtly Americanized, I still feel left out.

I JUST WANT TO UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING AND TO EXPRESS MYSELF IN AN EFFECTIVE WAY.

It’s been a year and a half in a Spanish speaking environment, and I continue to struggle with getting my point across and having a successful and meaningful conversation.  I’ve come to appreciate quality conversations all the more.  I’ve realized the value of friendship and love and being able to convey those feelings and emotions more than ever.

Relationships are incredibly special.  Being able to share a thought with someone and have them take it in and respond is a beautiful thing that sparks endless possibilities and ideas. In Colombia, I don’t have so many of those conversations, and I miss that.

I’m trying to be patient and to actively learn and earn my place in Colombian society. To feel like I deserve to be part of their history and their conversations.  A lot of not knowing is exceptionally exciting, and I only have to get over my temporary frustrations.

I will continue to study and observe and to be thankful for my ability to communicate, but, now, I have such an appreciation for those nice long talks you have over dinner with friends or those random encounters in super markets (aka Trader Joe’s wine Saturdays).

GOAL: SPANISH..

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I still feel pretty much the same, but my Colombian community continues to grow, and I like where it’s going.  I have a lot of exciting projects coming up with new and old friends and am going to enjoy this Latino ride and all the talks and walks it provides for a bit longer. Thanks Colombia.