And then everything changed...

A few years ago, I downloaded a free Itunes song by Juanes (one of Colombia's most famous musical exports) called Mala Gente-- "bad people". Well, two weeks ago I had an encounter with some mala gente that has led to my prolonged blog absence. Let me explain...

Last Friday night, (Friday the 13th!) while my roommate, host mom and I were home, five people broke into our home and robbed us. They took many things that were important to us-- from our computers and cameras right down to our hiking shoes. It was probably one of the scariest experiences of my life and I hope it never happens again. 

Now of course, many people's reaction to this has been to point fingers on Colombia. She has a reputation especially in the US that is hard to escape. But I'll set the record straight right now, it was simply bad people. Mala gente are everywhere around the world. In huge cities like Bogota and in quiet backyards in New Hampshire. It's a horrible reality, but it can't be ignored. 

So after the scariest 40 minutes of my life, the robbers left and my life here in Bogota was changed for good. That night my roommate Emilie and I moved to a hotel and were immediately supported by the WorldTeach family near and far. On Sunday we officially moved out of our house with Luz, and I moved in with a fabulous couple that is a part of WorldTeach- Dave and Mary Rae (more on them later). Emilie's dad flew down from Miami and they decided Emilie would be best at home in the US for now. I took a few days off from school, and Mom and Dave flew down last Thursday (as they had previously planned) to spend the week with me. Since last Thursday, I have spent the time playing tour guide for Mom and Dave and also trying to move on. 

This process is absolutely going to be a long one. Tonight, I begin my search for a new home and continue my search for a new normal here. Even though those people took many things from me, it is not about their material value. I am thankful that night was not any worse and I will not let them defeat me. 

Emilie and I both agree that even though now everything has changed, we will not let this define our experience here in Colombia. Colombians are some of the most generous and kind people I have ever known. They want their country to prosper and be rid of the violent and criminal reputation that does not represent this culture. 

This explains my absence and please know that as things "return to normal" here I keep you updated. I could not honestly portray my experience here if I did not write the bad with the good and include every sense of my reality here. Life is good  here and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now. That Friday the 13th was a horrible day, but I have many more great days ahead of me. You will hear from me again soon!

Much love, 

Kate

Semana Santa in the Sun!

Happy Hump Day readers! I am back to school with the sniffles again but now a little tanner from last week's vacation on the Caribbean! I journeyed with some fellow WorldTeach volunteers to Cartagena and Santa Marta along the Colombian coast. These are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Colombia and for good reason. The beaches are gorgeous; the culture is strong; and the weather is HOT! Semana Santa aka Holy Week is a national holiday in Colombia and most of Latin America. It seemed like the perfect chance for us to meet up with some other coastal volunteers and relax after our first few months of teaching. Let me share the highlights with you through some visuals...

This is Cartagena. The view is from the Castle of San Felipe (you know how those Conquistadors love their medieval architecture!)  Cartagena includes the neighborhoods of "Boca Grande" which looks like little Miami with skyscrapers and city lights and "El Centro" which is the oldest, walled-in, and very colonial part of the city-- a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This is the Pegasus Plaza. Appropriately named for its massive Pegasus statues. Also you see the yellow clock tower. This was the entrance point for Africans brought here during the slave triangle trade. Cartagena is still rich with Afro-Colombian culture and much of this history remains well preserved.

Here I am at La Cevicheria! As seen on No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain. It's my first time eating ceviche (I had the cod with lime and coconut) and I was a big fan. 

 

 

 

This is where the Summit of the Americas is being held a week after our visit! Obama and nearly all other heads of states from the Americas will be in attendance. Barack, we checked out the city for you. I think you are going to like it here!

And these are my perfectly normal travel companions, Brighid and Natalie, also hailing from Bogota by way of New England. Together, we make a spectacular team! (Fish not included.)

And then we went to the beach. The two beaches we went to were ironically called Hollywood and Los Angelos. This was Brighid's first time to the Caribbean! An upgrade from the Long Island Sound.

Los Angelos. A little different than the one in the USA. Note the mountains in the background and the beach to ourselves.

This is Santa Marta. Smaller than Cartagena but just as charming. It's supposedly one of the oldest cities in South America.

These bags are wildly popular all over Colombia. And they are mostly made by women here in Santa Marta and by indigenous communities nearby. This woman (and her adorable son) is adjusting the straps to my yellow and black striped purchase. I feel like a local with it now.

Sunset on the wall of El Centro in Cartagena. A beautiful place in a beautiful country.