As anyone who knows anything about Colombia already knows, kidnapping is relatively common. The number of kidnappings nowadays is pretty low, especially when compared to 2000 when there were something around 3,500 kidnapped people. In the year 2006, however, there were only around 680. While one should definitely exercise caution in certain areas like the border or the Amazon, most of the country is quite safe. Anyway, the majority of Colombians want peace and are fighting for the release of kidnap victims. The pictures above and below are of large signs placed in the main plaza asking for "libertad para todos."
Last weekend I met Javier, or, as many call him, el gordo. He´s one of Federico´s best friends, and is wonderful. Super nice and funny and just fun to be with. Anyway, we spent some time walking around the older part of el centro. Above is just a random shot. Ohhh, we also ate traditional Colombian delicacies. It is a common practice to put a special, creamy cheese in hot chocolate and then eat it after it has melted. Yes, I know this sounds absolutely revolting, but it's really really good. I also winced when I was first told of this combo, but it's delicious. We also got obleas with caramel. Yum!
The following day, he took me to a family party at a finca about 30 minutes outside of Bogotá. There were at least 100 people there, and it was beautiful with lots of yummy food (again, what a surprise). It was really fun to meet his family and talk about the various social situations Colombia is currently facing. Here you can see the gorgeous Andes in the distance and get a feel for what it was like. Having a finca is a great thing...one can enjoy the ammenities of a big city like Bogotá, but then escape the city by going to a country home. I've realized that having a finca in Colombia is kind of like having a cottage in the US.
This is a horrible picture, and I look lame, but I thought I should include it anyway. This is el gordo...as you can see, he's not at all gordo anymore.
More blog updates to come! I just got back from a week en la zona cafetera, so for those of you that I haven't yet written, I haven't forgotten about you...just give me some time :)
Love to you all,
gina
No comments:
Post a Comment