I've only been here for two weeks?

I’ve been in Colombia for about two weeks now, but it seems like much longer than that. I’m learning a lot every day – not only Spanish, but about how to live here as well.

Things I’ve recently learned:

1. How to make fresh fruit juice (albeit with a lot of sugar)

2. That a cold shower isn’t always a bad thing

3. How to cram 65 people on a bus meant for 50

4. How to cook without a toaster or microwave

5. How to do laundry without a washing machine or dryer

6. How to flag down a bus

7. Coconut milk is ok, but not my favorite drink

8. Fresh papaya and mango is delicious

Training is going well. Typically, I meet 2 or 3 other Peace Corps Trainees at about 7:00 to take the bus to the training center. We catch a bus and ride for about 35-45 minutes. Once we arrive, we have our Spanish classes. They go from 8-12, with a break in the middle. At noon, we get our lunch. From about 1-5, we have either technical training classes (how to teach in Colombia) or core classes (safety, medical, etc…). The language classes are in groups of 3-4 and the afternoon classes are all 23 of us. The training center has many trees around it, so we get to see a variety of animals – mostly reptiles. There is a very large iguana that wanders around the center and a few smaller ones as well. It’s odd to watch them climb trees.

This past week was Bilingualism week in Barranquilla, so we went to four different schools to promote English education. We got a tour of the school and then went into the meeting hall. While my group had something prepared, it was more fun to watch the students’ performances. There was singing and dancing, and we received coconuts with straws in them.

Next week, we will be visiting schools where there are currently volunteers working. Some will be going to Santa Marta or Cartagena, but the majority of us will be staying in Barranquilla. I will be staying in Barranquilla as well, and will be visiting the school across the street from me. No bus ride for me!

There were elections today, so we were advised to not travel much around the city. Also, there is something called the “Dry Law” which prohibits the sale of alcohol before and on election day. People who were planning on Halloween bashes were a little disappointed.

Today, Katie and Emily (fellow trainees) are going to come over and cook lunch with my host mom and me. We will also attempt to make marmalade. This will be once the arroyo has gone done and they are able to cross the street.