Hey Everyone,
I´m thinking about building my blog stamina once again... you may have noticed that it´s been over a year that I`ve posted anything. Lindsey and I are on the road traveling for a few weeks, so I´m going to try to maybe post once or twice to give you all a taste of what South America is like through the eyes of a white-girl, wannabe Colombiana. :)
We arrived in Santiago, Chile on Tuesay morning and will spend the next three weeks in this part of Chile, the southern part of the continent known has Patagonia, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Santiago feels very metropolitan and much more ¨calm¨ than Colombia. We left Santiago this morning for just 2 days in Mendoza, Argentina. It´s a town in the desert know for the best wine in Argentina. We crossed the Andes before getting to the desert and stood outside in the SNOW while crossing the border. So strange!
After a bike tour through the vineyards tomorrow, we´ll jump back on a bus to spend a weekend in Santiago.
I promise to be back... maybe i´ll even post photos at some point. :)
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Monday, October 17, 2011
So in case you didn't hear the teachers of COJOWA screaming from the rooftops a couple of weeks ago, we had a surprise vacation announced for this past week. There is little more than you can do to make a staff of foreign teachers happier than to announce a surprise week off of work. Within minutes of hearing the news, I was looking for flights out of dodge. Lindsey, Linda, Julie and I spent the past week in the department of Santander, Colombia exploring the areas in and surrounding San Gil and Bucaramanga. Activities included whitewater rafting, rappeling down waterfalls, and paragliding in San Gil. Bucaramanga surprised us with a fun market, amazing salsa dancing, and Colombian bowling (bolos criollo). Bolos criollo means throwing lead balls at yellow sticks while at a significant distance...while drinking beer, of course. It was incredible. More than any single activity though, I just loved getting out, exploring, seeing new landscapes, staying in hostels, and doing all that traveling involves...
-meeting people in hostels from all over the world.
-sharing crazy experiences.
-staying in a place just long enough to figure it out, find the drugstore, favorite restaurants, and not need a map.
-walking through markets.
-wandering down streets just to see what's there.
-playing card games in the hostel.
-not checking my email for days.
-having everything I need in my backpack.
-not working.
-doing things you only do on vacation like paragliding!
-taking pictures.
-arriving somewhere new at night and being surprised in the morning at what you see out the window.
-talking to people on buses.
Don't get me wrong, I love that I am living in a foreign country right now, but I love what it means to leave and see something new. It's good to be home too, and nothing makes home feel like home than coming back to it. I like Cartagena and exploring a new place makes me remember how much of Cartagena I have left to explore. :)
Saturday, September 17, 2011
My favorite student stories yet
I've enjoyed my students so much this year. I actually do often think about my old students, and really do miss them. Whenever I want to illustrate something that I want my class to do or not do, I often say something like... "My third graders last year where really good at..." or "My third graders last year always forgot to..." It's funny because they all feel like they really know my old students and talk about them like they're best buds. So, anyway, my class last year loved that Dynamite song that was (is?) really popular... you know, "I wanna celebrate and live my life sayin' aay-oh..." and they would just sing it randomly together while they were working. On Thursday, my second graders, while working on a science project just started singing it...the SAME song! It made me really happy... :)
My other story involves two students... we'll call them Maria and Juanito. Maria is a smart, feisty chica. Juanito is a super spazzy, not always with-it chico. They sit next to each other. I look over at their table to see Maria standing with her hands on her hips glaring at Juanito. I said to Maria, "You look very angry. Is something wrong?" She says while giving Juanito the death glare, "He keeps calling me his girlfriend!" I look at Juanito and ask him, "Well, is she your girlfriend, Juanito?" He bats his eyelashes at me and looks down at his desk. Then I say, "Well, it looks like Maria is pretty angry about you saying that. Do you think you should continue?" And he looks at Maria, looks at me, and says "But, Mees Meechelle, is that she is so linda..." (linda=beautiful) His english is still very much coming along. Maria just stands there hands on hips ready to breath fire. I about died laughing on the inside, and may have let it out a little...
Happy weekend, everyone!
My other story involves two students... we'll call them Maria and Juanito. Maria is a smart, feisty chica. Juanito is a super spazzy, not always with-it chico. They sit next to each other. I look over at their table to see Maria standing with her hands on her hips glaring at Juanito. I said to Maria, "You look very angry. Is something wrong?" She says while giving Juanito the death glare, "He keeps calling me his girlfriend!" I look at Juanito and ask him, "Well, is she your girlfriend, Juanito?" He bats his eyelashes at me and looks down at his desk. Then I say, "Well, it looks like Maria is pretty angry about you saying that. Do you think you should continue?" And he looks at Maria, looks at me, and says "But, Mees Meechelle, is that she is so linda..." (linda=beautiful) His english is still very much coming along. Maria just stands there hands on hips ready to breath fire. I about died laughing on the inside, and may have let it out a little...
Happy weekend, everyone!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
A different kind of home
Hi friends,
I told you I wouldn't be good at keeping up a blog, but I persist. :)
I'm now approaching the month mark of being in Cartagena. Each week there is something else that makes it feel just a little more like home. I'll explain a few of seemingly insignificant "events" that have made our apartment and life in general feel like a place I'll be for awhile...
1- Soft lighting!
When Lindsey and I moved in, our apartment was FULL of those horrible florescent-like energy-saving lightbulbs. There are few things in life that I hate more than harsh lighting. I've been on a constant search for soft lightbulbs (luz caliente) that fit all of our sockets. We've finally arrived a good place, and I don't dread nighttime when I have to turn the lights on. Ah, home. :)
2- Work
I finished my first full week with students. I love, love, love them. I finally got "that" class, which doesn't mean the "special" one like it did the last 5 years of teaching. They're good, sweet, and hard-working and their accents make me smile. I love being called Miss (which actually comes out as "Meeees..."). I realize that I'm still in the honeymoon stage and that things change, but it's fun. My alarm clocks (yes, I set two) do sound at 5:30, so vacation is long gone... Home.
3- Cooking
We have some spices in the cupboard, condiments in the fridge, and a semi-fully stocked kitchen. I like to cook and I like more to cook for others. I've gotten to do both.
4- Down time
I've had more time to sit and relax and have the space to do it. We got some softer pillows for our couch and converted our extra bedroom into a sitting room of sorts. If you come visit, you can sleep there (there's a bed), but I call it the "skype-room" for now. I even rearranged our living room (Mom, you should be proud) and set up our tv/dvd player. I could stay here for awhile...
But then there are things that make me realize that I'm in a different place...
1- Showers
I don't really love to take time to shower that often in the states... if I'm not dirty or greasy, I don't shower. That is out of the question here. I'm am ALWAYS either sweaty, greasy, or wet. I even sometimes shower twice in a day (gasp!). It's ridiculous.
2- Beer
I don't really like beer in the states... Here, it's everywhere. It's cheap and cold and everywhere. I drink way more beer than I ever thought I would and even enjoy it. That's not to say that the beer actually tastes any better... the opposite might be true. We even did happy hour sitting on the wall around the old city drinking beer.... And there's no nursing a beer either. It goes from cold, to cool, to lukewarm, do downright steamy in 5 minutes flat. Different.
3- Prep time
A lot of it...like 2-3 hours a day. If I'm not a good teacher this year, there's no hope for me.
There's a bit of an update! I love that it's Saturday today. I have some serious plans to catch up on rest, with maybe a little work thrown in. I love to hear from you.... comment, email, or skype. I'm on skype often in the evenings, so sign in once in awhile. My username is michelle.burkle.
Un abrazo.
I told you I wouldn't be good at keeping up a blog, but I persist. :)
I'm now approaching the month mark of being in Cartagena. Each week there is something else that makes it feel just a little more like home. I'll explain a few of seemingly insignificant "events" that have made our apartment and life in general feel like a place I'll be for awhile...
1- Soft lighting!
When Lindsey and I moved in, our apartment was FULL of those horrible florescent-like energy-saving lightbulbs. There are few things in life that I hate more than harsh lighting. I've been on a constant search for soft lightbulbs (luz caliente) that fit all of our sockets. We've finally arrived a good place, and I don't dread nighttime when I have to turn the lights on. Ah, home. :)
2- Work
I finished my first full week with students. I love, love, love them. I finally got "that" class, which doesn't mean the "special" one like it did the last 5 years of teaching. They're good, sweet, and hard-working and their accents make me smile. I love being called Miss (which actually comes out as "Meeees..."). I realize that I'm still in the honeymoon stage and that things change, but it's fun. My alarm clocks (yes, I set two) do sound at 5:30, so vacation is long gone... Home.
3- Cooking
We have some spices in the cupboard, condiments in the fridge, and a semi-fully stocked kitchen. I like to cook and I like more to cook for others. I've gotten to do both.
4- Down time
I've had more time to sit and relax and have the space to do it. We got some softer pillows for our couch and converted our extra bedroom into a sitting room of sorts. If you come visit, you can sleep there (there's a bed), but I call it the "skype-room" for now. I even rearranged our living room (Mom, you should be proud) and set up our tv/dvd player. I could stay here for awhile...
But then there are things that make me realize that I'm in a different place...
1- Showers
I don't really love to take time to shower that often in the states... if I'm not dirty or greasy, I don't shower. That is out of the question here. I'm am ALWAYS either sweaty, greasy, or wet. I even sometimes shower twice in a day (gasp!). It's ridiculous.
2- Beer
I don't really like beer in the states... Here, it's everywhere. It's cheap and cold and everywhere. I drink way more beer than I ever thought I would and even enjoy it. That's not to say that the beer actually tastes any better... the opposite might be true. We even did happy hour sitting on the wall around the old city drinking beer.... And there's no nursing a beer either. It goes from cold, to cool, to lukewarm, do downright steamy in 5 minutes flat. Different.
3- Prep time
A lot of it...like 2-3 hours a day. If I'm not a good teacher this year, there's no hope for me.
There's a bit of an update! I love that it's Saturday today. I have some serious plans to catch up on rest, with maybe a little work thrown in. I love to hear from you.... comment, email, or skype. I'm on skype often in the evenings, so sign in once in awhile. My username is michelle.burkle.
Un abrazo.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
One week down
Hello friends,
We've got one week down and many more to go. :) I feel like I've said this a million times, but it feels like I've been here for months. Cartagena feels just a little bit more like home everyday. The first few days definitely felt like I was on vacation and I should be counting down the days until I would need to get back on an airplane and go back to the "real" world.
I mean, really, the real world couldn't be living on the Caribbean, right?! I hope the day never comes that I look out my new living room window and don't appreciate the view.
Could the real world really mean that a staff retreat is going to an island for a weekend? The majority of last week was spent finding an apartment, getting settled, going to the grocery store and mall, and beginning the process of finding my favorite places to eat. Friday we left for an island called Barú where Playa Blanca is located (if you're familiar with the area...) for a staff "retreat". I put retreat in quotation marks because the staff retreat I've known in the past consists of endless hours in a windowless room around a conference table. This place was gorgeous! Most time was spent in a beachy hut sort of thing sharing about our lives, thoughts, feelings, expectations, fears... you name it. =) We ended the weekend with a flashmob of some rewritten Black Eyed Peas dedicated to our director and principals for SUCH a warm welcome. Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1zmrR-aV4E if you feel so inclined.
I would write more, but I'm am SO tired. This moving this is exhausting.
We've got one week down and many more to go. :) I feel like I've said this a million times, but it feels like I've been here for months. Cartagena feels just a little bit more like home everyday. The first few days definitely felt like I was on vacation and I should be counting down the days until I would need to get back on an airplane and go back to the "real" world.
I mean, really, the real world couldn't be living on the Caribbean, right?! I hope the day never comes that I look out my new living room window and don't appreciate the view.
Could the real world really mean that a staff retreat is going to an island for a weekend? The majority of last week was spent finding an apartment, getting settled, going to the grocery store and mall, and beginning the process of finding my favorite places to eat. Friday we left for an island called Barú where Playa Blanca is located (if you're familiar with the area...) for a staff "retreat". I put retreat in quotation marks because the staff retreat I've known in the past consists of endless hours in a windowless room around a conference table. This place was gorgeous! Most time was spent in a beachy hut sort of thing sharing about our lives, thoughts, feelings, expectations, fears... you name it. =) We ended the weekend with a flashmob of some rewritten Black Eyed Peas dedicated to our director and principals for SUCH a warm welcome. Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1zmrR-aV4E if you feel so inclined.
I would write more, but I'm am SO tired. This moving this is exhausting.
Monday, August 1, 2011
My New Home
The recurring thought going through my head since arriving in Cartagena yesterday afternoon is "I can't believe I'm LIVING here...". Sure, I knew that it might take some adjusting and knew that it would take some time for it all to sink in that this is my new home, but it might take longer than expected. I mean, seriously, this place is gorgeous. And, sure, I've been here before...I should know exactly what I'm getting into, but I look around at the sand, waves, water, palm trees, beautiful buildings and wonder where the heck I am... Don't worry, I'm not complaining, it's just a little ridiculous.
Today was the first full day in the city and was spent doing mostly logistical things like blood work, insurance, cell phones, and a city bus tour. This evening we had dinner (hello, coconut rice and giant avocados!) around the rooftop pool on top of our director's apartment building. I'll try to attach a picture of the view. The fact that it gets dark here at 6:30 made 8:00 feel like 11:30, so it will be easy to turn in early.
Tomorrow is a day full of apartment searching and hopefully choosing... the hotel is super comfortable with hot showers (I'll miss those...), but I'm very much looking forward to some space to make my own. Can't wait to share those pictures when I have them to share!
Abrazos,
Michelle
Today was the first full day in the city and was spent doing mostly logistical things like blood work, insurance, cell phones, and a city bus tour. This evening we had dinner (hello, coconut rice and giant avocados!) around the rooftop pool on top of our director's apartment building. I'll try to attach a picture of the view. The fact that it gets dark here at 6:30 made 8:00 feel like 11:30, so it will be easy to turn in early.
Tomorrow is a day full of apartment searching and hopefully choosing... the hotel is super comfortable with hot showers (I'll miss those...), but I'm very much looking forward to some space to make my own. Can't wait to share those pictures when I have them to share!
Abrazos,
Michelle
Saturday, July 30, 2011
It's finally time!
It's time! The end of July is finally here when I get to actually board that plane heading south. The days and months since the UNI fair in February crept by at times and flew by at other times. It was a wonderful summer of spending quality time with people that I love, and I look forward to telling you all about what it looks like and feels like to LIVE in Colombia.
If you know me, you know that Colombia is one of my favorite places. It has succeeded in winning me over both times that I've been there, and I apparently just can't get enough. A handful of experiences creates long lists of expectations, so I also hope to share with you as those expectations are met, exceeded, fallen short of, blown out of the water, and completely torn to shreds.
As I sit here writing this just having finished fitting my life into 4 bags and thinking about the things I've chosen to pack into those bags, here are a few things that I am expecting...
1. I packed 4 swimsuits... I fully expect some quality beach/pool/sun time.
2. I packed 1 pair of jeans and 1 sweater... stay away winter.
3. I packed many pairs of sandals... I expect many cheap pedicures.
4. I packed a bag full of ENGLISH children's books... I can't wait to meet my new little, English-learning kiddos.
5. I packed a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping mat... I expect and hope that I meet cool people who love to camp!
Trust me, I packed so much more than that, I fully expect that I've forgotten and overlooked something...
Hasta pronto, amigos. :)
If you know me, you know that Colombia is one of my favorite places. It has succeeded in winning me over both times that I've been there, and I apparently just can't get enough. A handful of experiences creates long lists of expectations, so I also hope to share with you as those expectations are met, exceeded, fallen short of, blown out of the water, and completely torn to shreds.
As I sit here writing this just having finished fitting my life into 4 bags and thinking about the things I've chosen to pack into those bags, here are a few things that I am expecting...
1. I packed 4 swimsuits... I fully expect some quality beach/pool/sun time.
2. I packed 1 pair of jeans and 1 sweater... stay away winter.
3. I packed many pairs of sandals... I expect many cheap pedicures.
4. I packed a bag full of ENGLISH children's books... I can't wait to meet my new little, English-learning kiddos.
5. I packed a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping mat... I expect and hope that I meet cool people who love to camp!
Trust me, I packed so much more than that, I fully expect that I've forgotten and overlooked something...
Hasta pronto, amigos. :)
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