Though I am currently in Cartagena, Colombia, last week we were in Santa Marta, Taganga, and then Parque Nacional Tayrona, Colombia, all of which are on the water. And thank goodness, because it is hot hot hot. Santa Marta and Taganga were good, but Parque Tayrona was the real highlight. When I say that I think it might be the closest thing to paradise I have ever seen, I mean it. To get to the beach and 'campsites' you are dropped off approximately four kms from the sites and have to walk for about 45 minutes through the jungle, onto the beach, back through the jungle, before arriving.
We stayed at a lovely place with beautiful white hammocks (which is where you sleep), right on a beach, with jungle and rolling green hills as the back drop. It was so peaceful there (at night there really was nothing to do besides go to the beach, lie in your hammock, or drink the wine we forgot in Taganga), and there were not so many tourists. On the walk to the beach that was swimmable (the beach we were on had extremely strong currents and had taken the lives of more than a couple tourists) there were times we were the only people on the beach. I always knew I loved swimming, but I have discovered the real difference between here and home is that here it is actually hot enough to want to get into water that is not bath temperature. It was so wonderful floating around and then laying on the beach until you get hot enough to go back in.
It was delightful, relaxing and rejuvenating. Paradise, even. So, if you like paradise (and who doesn't?), go to Colombia.
Because its awesome.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Signs it is time to get the hache out of dodge....
And by dodge, I mean South America. We have exactly seven days until we board that plane back to Canada, and though I am having the best experience of my life, I think it is good this time has come. For lots and lots of reasons. I will list them here (and likely forget many of the reasons...). Here we go.
1. Neither J nor I have a properly functioning headlamp. I broke my first one. Bought a second one, however, in my chaotic scramble to get ready to catch the bus to Ecuador after 'Fright night', (which you can read about under 'Love of theme parties? Confirmed.), I stupidly left it behind. Do you know how difficult (and loud) it is to fumble around a dorm room in complete darkness, using only an iPod or digital camera as a flashlight. Not good.
2. Total number of umbrellas we have? Zero. We had two, but J broke her's in Cali while trying to show me a trick (opps). I (again, stupidly) left my umbrella in Cali, as it had fallen onto the dude's bed below me. I checked my own bed for left over belongings, I did not think to check those of my dorm mates. You're welcome, Dorey.
3. I lost my bite plate. I (third time, stupidly...), left it in my sheets at the hostel in Quito, Ecuador. (Sorry, cleaning lady, that was likely gross...). Which is not only potentially an expensive mistake, but is extremely detrimental to the health of my teeth. Do not be surprised to see me back in Halifax a lot chubbier and with shorter teeth - I have a wee bit of a grinding problem. Luckily, there is essentially no stress in my life here.
4. J and I seem to have developed some strange way of communicating, almost like a pseudo language, except its not the words, its a very particular way of using your voice (which is not always fit for public consumption). We have attributed this to spending entirely toooo much time together the past six months. I fear what would happen to us after another six months. Pure insanity.
5. My bronzer is almost gone, and what I have left is a crumbly mess.
6. I am getting so tired of locking up my possessions and having to climb a ladder to get to
my bed.
7. My 'money rash' is getting out of control, which likely sounds strange (and kinda disgusting...) which makes sense, because it is strange and kinda disgusting. You see, in order to avoid having to carry a bag when going out (and to keep our money safe) we generally carry our money in our bras, in the side part, under your arm. The only problem is money is dirty and it's hot here, it is not really so good for skin I don't imagine. So, I am excited to be able to carry a real purse, with a proper wallet and everything! Though, admittedly I will miss waking up with money in my bed. Sometimes (actually, most times) when getting ready for bed I forget to take out the money and it falls off on it's own, resulting in waking up surrounded by pesos, which never fails to make me giggle.
So, thankfully (and sadly) we only have seven more days to wander around, hoping for no rain (especially because it is waaaay too humid for rain jackets, I fear I would suffocate), fumbling around in the dark by the light of my iPod, and subconsciously (in my sleep) try to ensure I am not grinding my pearly whites.
Get ready, Canada, get ready.
1. Neither J nor I have a properly functioning headlamp. I broke my first one. Bought a second one, however, in my chaotic scramble to get ready to catch the bus to Ecuador after 'Fright night', (which you can read about under 'Love of theme parties? Confirmed.), I stupidly left it behind. Do you know how difficult (and loud) it is to fumble around a dorm room in complete darkness, using only an iPod or digital camera as a flashlight. Not good.
2. Total number of umbrellas we have? Zero. We had two, but J broke her's in Cali while trying to show me a trick (opps). I (again, stupidly) left my umbrella in Cali, as it had fallen onto the dude's bed below me. I checked my own bed for left over belongings, I did not think to check those of my dorm mates. You're welcome, Dorey.
3. I lost my bite plate. I (third time, stupidly...), left it in my sheets at the hostel in Quito, Ecuador. (Sorry, cleaning lady, that was likely gross...). Which is not only potentially an expensive mistake, but is extremely detrimental to the health of my teeth. Do not be surprised to see me back in Halifax a lot chubbier and with shorter teeth - I have a wee bit of a grinding problem. Luckily, there is essentially no stress in my life here.
4. J and I seem to have developed some strange way of communicating, almost like a pseudo language, except its not the words, its a very particular way of using your voice (which is not always fit for public consumption). We have attributed this to spending entirely toooo much time together the past six months. I fear what would happen to us after another six months. Pure insanity.
5. My bronzer is almost gone, and what I have left is a crumbly mess.
6. I am getting so tired of locking up my possessions and having to climb a ladder to get to
my bed.
7. My 'money rash' is getting out of control, which likely sounds strange (and kinda disgusting...) which makes sense, because it is strange and kinda disgusting. You see, in order to avoid having to carry a bag when going out (and to keep our money safe) we generally carry our money in our bras, in the side part, under your arm. The only problem is money is dirty and it's hot here, it is not really so good for skin I don't imagine. So, I am excited to be able to carry a real purse, with a proper wallet and everything! Though, admittedly I will miss waking up with money in my bed. Sometimes (actually, most times) when getting ready for bed I forget to take out the money and it falls off on it's own, resulting in waking up surrounded by pesos, which never fails to make me giggle.
So, thankfully (and sadly) we only have seven more days to wander around, hoping for no rain (especially because it is waaaay too humid for rain jackets, I fear I would suffocate), fumbling around in the dark by the light of my iPod, and subconsciously (in my sleep) try to ensure I am not grinding my pearly whites.
Get ready, Canada, get ready.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
I like to move it, move it
I have always been a big believer in the importance of physical activity. For both physical and mental health. My three weeks in Cali were completely amazing and confirmed to me just how important movement is. We spent an average of three hours a day dancing (sometimes more) and I have not felt happier in a long time (which is definitely saying something because I haven't really been unhappy in a long, long time). During the group classes (which were often like Latin dance aerobics classes with amazing instructors) I would notice that I could not stop smiling. I am convinced that dancing is in it's own special league in terms of it's benefits and people's ability to express themselves through it.
One of the things I am going to miss most (about south America in general, but more specifically Cali) is the amazing music and the way that dancing plays such an integral role in daily life here. Though Cali is famous for its amazing salsa, when you go to the clubs you see dancers at all levels, having fun, smiling and just feeling the music. It is amazing and is something that will not be easily replicated in Canada. To make ourselves feel better J and I are getting all the music from Cali that we can, which is helpful particularly because of music's amazing ability to transport one to a specific time or location in our lives.
A great big muchas Gracias goes out to Cali, Jovitas hostel, Son de Luz dance school, and all the amazing people we have met that made Cali the experience that it was. I leave with some sadness, but mostly with wonderful memories, some new moves, hilarious pictures, a happy heart and a whole lot of gratitude that I was able to have this beautiful experience.
Gracias xo
One of the things I am going to miss most (about south America in general, but more specifically Cali) is the amazing music and the way that dancing plays such an integral role in daily life here. Though Cali is famous for its amazing salsa, when you go to the clubs you see dancers at all levels, having fun, smiling and just feeling the music. It is amazing and is something that will not be easily replicated in Canada. To make ourselves feel better J and I are getting all the music from Cali that we can, which is helpful particularly because of music's amazing ability to transport one to a specific time or location in our lives.
A great big muchas Gracias goes out to Cali, Jovitas hostel, Son de Luz dance school, and all the amazing people we have met that made Cali the experience that it was. I leave with some sadness, but mostly with wonderful memories, some new moves, hilarious pictures, a happy heart and a whole lot of gratitude that I was able to have this beautiful experience.
Gracias xo
Thursday, June 9, 2011
If you like big butts and you cannot lie....
Then perhaps you should head to Colombia. Seriously. No, I am not suggesting that the Colombian people have naturally larger butts than any other people, but Colombia offers extremely cheap plastic surgery. What does that have to do with big butts, you are likely asking yourself? Well, for some unknown reason it is very popular for women to have butt implants, as well as breast implants. Often on the same woman (that is a whole lotta silicone...). I have a bit of trouble wrapping my head around anyone actually wanting to pay for more junk in their trunk (I have some extra in case anyone wants any....), considering in North America there are industries devoted to helping women lessen the load in their derriere. I initially was just assuming it was cultural, but this week J and I had salsa class together with our teacher, Miguel (who, for the record, is 17 years old). We were talking about the popularity of butt implants here in Colombia and talked about women in north America working hard for smaller bums. As soon as the words were spoken he immediately asked why and looked horrified. He then called to one of the other male dancers on the sxhool's team and told him what we had just said and his response was the same.
Definitely cultural.
We have been in Cali for almost three weeks and we have been going to a salsa bar on Monday nights where there is an overwhelming amount of silicone. I was not aware of this, but there is a reason for that. Apparently the club is often frequented by a lot of the drug dealers (or 'narcotraficantes' en español) go there. Again, what does this have to do with plastic surgery? Allegedly, once they are making good money they will often pay to have their women get a little bit more plastic....
What the h? Anyways, if you like big butts, Colombia is the place for you. However, if you aren't into butts that are strangely shaped and look like someone has pumped them up with a bicycle pump, maybe not the best place to go looking....
Definitely cultural.
We have been in Cali for almost three weeks and we have been going to a salsa bar on Monday nights where there is an overwhelming amount of silicone. I was not aware of this, but there is a reason for that. Apparently the club is often frequented by a lot of the drug dealers (or 'narcotraficantes' en español) go there. Again, what does this have to do with plastic surgery? Allegedly, once they are making good money they will often pay to have their women get a little bit more plastic....
What the h? Anyways, if you like big butts, Colombia is the place for you. However, if you aren't into butts that are strangely shaped and look like someone has pumped them up with a bicycle pump, maybe not the best place to go looking....
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Happy 88th Birthday!!
Grandmothers are the best, and I am lucky to have the BEST Oma ever. I have so many wonderful childhood memories of time spent in Komoka with her and my mom's family. I can think of almost nothing I enjoy more than hearing stories about what it was like living in Holland during the war, or immigrating to a country where you do not speak the language.
Yesterday was my Oma's 88th birthday. It also was the date of her wedding anniversary, and much later, the date my Opa was buried. Oma has had such an interesting life, immigrating to Canada in the 1950s, after WW II was over, though that was not her original intention...
She was raised in a Catholic household, along with her nine brothers and sisters. When she was in her late 20s she decided, after working for a period of time as a nurse/social worker/mid wife, that she wanted to become a nun. After speaking with the convent it was suggested that she think about this and that perhaps she should go to Canada and spend some time visiting with her five siblings who had already immigrated to Canada with their families and were running their own farms. While visiting one of her sisters in Ontario she happened to meet a Dutch man who had very recently immigrated to Canada and was staying with her sister. Instead of returning to Holland (and the convent!) she stayed in Canada and six months later she and my Opa were married and less than a year after that she gave birth to my uncle Adrian. Now she
has six children, nine grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom love her.
She is truly one of my favourite people in the whole world and I want to take this opportunity to publicly wish her a happy 88th birthday. I wish I could be there to celebrate with a couple games of rumicube and perhaps some dominoes! I hope your celebration is full of things as sweet as you are (like perhaps beer with sugar, her fave...).
Happy 88th Birthday, Oma! Here's to you and another happy and healthy year!
With so much love,
Melissa xo
Yesterday was my Oma's 88th birthday. It also was the date of her wedding anniversary, and much later, the date my Opa was buried. Oma has had such an interesting life, immigrating to Canada in the 1950s, after WW II was over, though that was not her original intention...
She was raised in a Catholic household, along with her nine brothers and sisters. When she was in her late 20s she decided, after working for a period of time as a nurse/social worker/mid wife, that she wanted to become a nun. After speaking with the convent it was suggested that she think about this and that perhaps she should go to Canada and spend some time visiting with her five siblings who had already immigrated to Canada with their families and were running their own farms. While visiting one of her sisters in Ontario she happened to meet a Dutch man who had very recently immigrated to Canada and was staying with her sister. Instead of returning to Holland (and the convent!) she stayed in Canada and six months later she and my Opa were married and less than a year after that she gave birth to my uncle Adrian. Now she
has six children, nine grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom love her.
She is truly one of my favourite people in the whole world and I want to take this opportunity to publicly wish her a happy 88th birthday. I wish I could be there to celebrate with a couple games of rumicube and perhaps some dominoes! I hope your celebration is full of things as sweet as you are (like perhaps beer with sugar, her fave...).
Happy 88th Birthday, Oma! Here's to you and another happy and healthy year!
With so much love,
Melissa xo
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