So... It's like 5am as I write this. Getting ready to leave. To wrap up my "Colombia" chapter I have to say it's been a blast. I've had some fun adventures, for sure! I'm going to miss this place!
Keeping Andrés "into" his Colombia roots, won't be too hard. I love this country. The people are great, weather is amazing and food is delish!
Thanks for reading and thanks for your support.
Andrés
Summer 2015
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
25 Feb
It's over! Legally speaking Andrés is my son! We got his immigrant visa today at the US embassy. The people were so nice at the embassy. I felt kinda "bad" skipping everyone in line again, though. All this special treatment! Anyway...tomorrow Andres has to finish up academic testing at FANA. We are staying in Colombia until Tuesday to do a few things that I promised him. We fly back to BUF on Tuesday morning. Changing my ticket and adding Andres to my reservation was such a PITA. Jet Blue has a new reservation system and I don't think they trained the workers on how to use it. I was on the phone with them for 49 mins. (International Long distance mind you.)
Anyway...I'll post the return details on Tuesday. Party at the airport. Everyone is welcome to meet the new gringo! (LOL)
Anyway...I'll post the return details on Tuesday. Party at the airport. Everyone is welcome to meet the new gringo! (LOL)
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
24 Feb
New developments... passport agency took the birth certificate I had and switched his place of birth. Yeah. I image that was a little illegal. Rollin' dirty here in BOG! Took the "shiny new" passport to the US embassy today. Tomorrow after 3pm I'll know for sure if we can exit the country with the "messed up" documentation I kindly provided. If it's not accepted I'll be here about 12-13 more days. Please cross your fingers now. I think this stress is making me sick. I know it's beyond my control, but I can't help feel anxiety. In speaking with my legal liaison, it seems to me like La Hormiga is to Valle de Guamuez as Snyder is to Amherst. So... saying you were born is Snyder is the same as really being born in Amherst just not on paper. Henceforth, if you aren't from the area, it appears that these are two very different places on planet Earth.
What else... huge meltdown with Andrés last night. Dinner plans were ditched and I stayed home listening to him cry for 3 hours. Freakin' ridiculous. I'll save my rant and rave for my mom.
Going to a soccer game tonight. Maybe it will put me in a better mood. ♪♪ Olé, olé, olé, olé.♪♪
What else... huge meltdown with Andrés last night. Dinner plans were ditched and I stayed home listening to him cry for 3 hours. Freakin' ridiculous. I'll save my rant and rave for my mom.
Going to a soccer game tonight. Maybe it will put me in a better mood. ♪♪ Olé, olé, olé, olé.♪♪
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
23 of Feb.
Hey! A month ago it was my birthday! (LOL)
Anyway... the past few days have been fun! We took a day trip to a place called Villavencencio and Granada. My friend Nelson's brother (Victor), who lives here in Bogota invited us on the trip. It was so cool to see "small town" Colombia with a native! We saw a lot of cows on the trip down there. The area is a very agricultural region. The kids enjoyed going through the tunnels. There were a lot of them! It's amazing how the climate changes from the entrance of one tunnel to the exit of the next tunnel. The rt. we were on had a lot of security. I'm talking military outlooks every 1/2 mile or so. If it wasn't an armored tank then it was at least a solder with heavy machine guns. I felt safe.
Our first stop was to take the kids (Andrés and his friend) to a zoo. The only animals at this zoo were native to this region of Colombia. Once again, the animals looked great. Very well taken care of! The workers at the zoo seemed really young to me. At each exhibition there was a teenager teaching us the basics of the animals. I really enjoyed my time there. After the zoo we took a ride to pick up Victor's friend. She invited us to lunch. The restaurant was called "El acuario". The grounds of "El acuario" were so pretty. There was a little lake with turtles, a playground and hammocks to rest in after the meal. I had some kind of fish. As always, my fish dish was delish!
After lunch they took us to a river where the kids could go swimming. (Thank God) There was A LOT of complaining in the car. The kids swam while the adults drank! I love how relaxed Colombia is. Everyone seemed so happy where we were. Regardless of what they have or don't have life is just good! After the river swim we went back to Victor's friend's home for a rest. Actually, the kids were invited to swim in her pool, too. Once again, they were super happy. The ride home took about 5 hours. I felt bad that Victor had to drive so much in one day with at least one very ungrateful child in the back seat. GRRRR!!!! That boy was in big trouble with me the next morning!
When we arrived back to the apartment in Bogota my friend Esteban was waiting for us. He was born in Bogota, but lived in a few other Colombian cities during his years here before coming the USA for college. It's been fun going back to his old neighborhood. From Esteban's perspective Colombia had changed a lot. Inflation in insane, his neighborhood didn't seem quite as posh, and Bogota is HOT. At least in comparison to his memories from 15 years ago... it's changed. I like being able to have a setting now for all the stories that he had recounted to me about his friends, his family and his memories of living here.
In terms of Andrés' adoption process, the birth certificate came, but didn't have La Hormiga (his birth town) written on the document. I imagine this is going to be a delay. My legal liason is going to call me back at 10:30 to update me on where we stand.
Once again, I got burned from the sun. Even with SPF 50... I still burn! It's really getting annoying! I know my friends back in Buffalo must be rolling their eyes at me. These burns are like frostbite, but to the other extreme! My skin kills!
OMG! I wrote another little book here! Thanks for reading. I'll update again once I find out where we stand with the missing birth certificate information.
Anyway... the past few days have been fun! We took a day trip to a place called Villavencencio and Granada. My friend Nelson's brother (Victor), who lives here in Bogota invited us on the trip. It was so cool to see "small town" Colombia with a native! We saw a lot of cows on the trip down there. The area is a very agricultural region. The kids enjoyed going through the tunnels. There were a lot of them! It's amazing how the climate changes from the entrance of one tunnel to the exit of the next tunnel. The rt. we were on had a lot of security. I'm talking military outlooks every 1/2 mile or so. If it wasn't an armored tank then it was at least a solder with heavy machine guns. I felt safe.
Our first stop was to take the kids (Andrés and his friend) to a zoo. The only animals at this zoo were native to this region of Colombia. Once again, the animals looked great. Very well taken care of! The workers at the zoo seemed really young to me. At each exhibition there was a teenager teaching us the basics of the animals. I really enjoyed my time there. After the zoo we took a ride to pick up Victor's friend. She invited us to lunch. The restaurant was called "El acuario". The grounds of "El acuario" were so pretty. There was a little lake with turtles, a playground and hammocks to rest in after the meal. I had some kind of fish. As always, my fish dish was delish!
After lunch they took us to a river where the kids could go swimming. (Thank God) There was A LOT of complaining in the car. The kids swam while the adults drank! I love how relaxed Colombia is. Everyone seemed so happy where we were. Regardless of what they have or don't have life is just good! After the river swim we went back to Victor's friend's home for a rest. Actually, the kids were invited to swim in her pool, too. Once again, they were super happy. The ride home took about 5 hours. I felt bad that Victor had to drive so much in one day with at least one very ungrateful child in the back seat. GRRRR!!!! That boy was in big trouble with me the next morning!
When we arrived back to the apartment in Bogota my friend Esteban was waiting for us. He was born in Bogota, but lived in a few other Colombian cities during his years here before coming the USA for college. It's been fun going back to his old neighborhood. From Esteban's perspective Colombia had changed a lot. Inflation in insane, his neighborhood didn't seem quite as posh, and Bogota is HOT. At least in comparison to his memories from 15 years ago... it's changed. I like being able to have a setting now for all the stories that he had recounted to me about his friends, his family and his memories of living here.
In terms of Andrés' adoption process, the birth certificate came, but didn't have La Hormiga (his birth town) written on the document. I imagine this is going to be a delay. My legal liason is going to call me back at 10:30 to update me on where we stand.
Once again, I got burned from the sun. Even with SPF 50... I still burn! It's really getting annoying! I know my friends back in Buffalo must be rolling their eyes at me. These burns are like frostbite, but to the other extreme! My skin kills!
OMG! I wrote another little book here! Thanks for reading. I'll update again once I find out where we stand with the missing birth certificate information.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
"Sentencia"
OMG! What a trip to the jungle of Putumayo. The flight took off late and this is where the crazy day starts.
Let me set the scene: Trees. Lots of them. Trees. More of them. Trees. Add some more. Weather. Humidity at 87% with the temperature at 91 degrees. Airport. About the size of a minimart.
I got off the flight and found my Putumayo lawyer waiting for me. We had about an hour to sign and get back for my return flight, as it wasn't recommended that I stay in Puerto Asis for an extended amount of time. So we went straight to the office to sign sentencia and the judge was "A Bitch". She was horrible to me. I felt like a criminal for wanting to adopt Andrés. She asked all kinds of personal questions, uncomfortable questions, questions that were already answered in my paperwork! Then she asked how come this process happened so fast, how come it took less than a year for me when other families from Europe have wait years to adopt a child? How the hell do I know??? She asked me at least 5 times how I came to know Andrés. Finally, I said to her "Look, my lawyer in Bogota explained to me that I am here to look over some papers, check spellings, dates, passport and case numbers and to make sure you put the correct stamp on my documents." The American government has done a very deep background check on me. I took the classes FANA and the Buffalo agency required me to take. My doctor has included the health information you are asking. I'm not here to play games with you and I hope you are not here to play games with me." She left. Mr. Putumayo lawyer told me to "relax". She came back and said she wasn't going to sign sentenia for 2 days! I was so mad I wanted to punch her in the face. My lawyer said stuff...then she said she would sign at 4:00pm that day! I told her that "Wasn't fair, I'm going to miss my flight and the person who gets hurt the most is Andrés. I don't want to do that to him. He's going to think I left him for good if I don't come back tonight." So, then she changed it to 2:00pm that day!
My Putumayo lawyer told me she was new and young. Younger than me...she had new power and wanted to show it. OMG...I was steaming in more than one sense of the word.
So... while waiting for 2pm to come we went back to the airport to get my boarding pass. There I was told my flight was leaving at 12:30pm not 2:30pm! Also, the last flight back to Bogota was at 1pm on a different airline. I had a meltdown. I'm talking all out crying in front of my lawyer. I asked him what am I going to do, how can I stay here, this isn't safe for me, etc. He was really nice to me. A true gentleman. We found a hotel in the town. There was only 1 room left with 3 beds! No choice, I took it and he stayed there with me to make sure no one would bother me. Now, who else from Baker Victory can say they slept with their lawyer? (LOL) We were in seclusion until we both decided hunger beats security. Off we went to a local restaurant across the street. After lunch we went back to sign a paper then settled in watching "Animal Planet" until he had to leave to get the paperwork. Later that evening he had to go back 3 times to the judge's office because they were taking over 3 hours to make 7 copies of my sentencia! I swear that judge did it on purpose.
So anyway.... my lawyer is now on his way to La Hormiga to get Andres' birth certificate changed and to send it to Bogota, I hope by Tuesday.
I have to say, it was kinda cool to see how life is in these small towns. When I say small towns think of the size of an average Buffalo neighborhood. Put in one or two paved streets and everything else is dirt road. Totally different from major Colombian cities! The houses had tin roofs and the rain water is collected and used. It was not directed into a sewer system. Motorcycles are the vehicle of choice as most people can't afford cars nor are they really appropriate either. Helmets are never worn. Holding an infant on the back of a motorcycle one is 100% normal. Side note, Andrés is always laughing at me because I "follow the rules", after seeing how life is down there I understand why now. There are no rules. Well, don't be stupid and you'll be fine. Be stupid and you'll get hurt. End of story!
Next step in Colombia is to wait for the new birth cert, wait for an appointment with the embassy, get passport pics, get an appointment with the Doctor, and then we can peace out of Colombia. I'm thinking another 10 -12 days.
As always, thank you for reading! :-)
OMG! What a trip to the jungle of Putumayo. The flight took off late and this is where the crazy day starts.
Let me set the scene: Trees. Lots of them. Trees. More of them. Trees. Add some more. Weather. Humidity at 87% with the temperature at 91 degrees. Airport. About the size of a minimart.
I got off the flight and found my Putumayo lawyer waiting for me. We had about an hour to sign and get back for my return flight, as it wasn't recommended that I stay in Puerto Asis for an extended amount of time. So we went straight to the office to sign sentencia and the judge was "A Bitch". She was horrible to me. I felt like a criminal for wanting to adopt Andrés. She asked all kinds of personal questions, uncomfortable questions, questions that were already answered in my paperwork! Then she asked how come this process happened so fast, how come it took less than a year for me when other families from Europe have wait years to adopt a child? How the hell do I know??? She asked me at least 5 times how I came to know Andrés. Finally, I said to her "Look, my lawyer in Bogota explained to me that I am here to look over some papers, check spellings, dates, passport and case numbers and to make sure you put the correct stamp on my documents." The American government has done a very deep background check on me. I took the classes FANA and the Buffalo agency required me to take. My doctor has included the health information you are asking. I'm not here to play games with you and I hope you are not here to play games with me." She left. Mr. Putumayo lawyer told me to "relax". She came back and said she wasn't going to sign sentenia for 2 days! I was so mad I wanted to punch her in the face. My lawyer said stuff...then she said she would sign at 4:00pm that day! I told her that "Wasn't fair, I'm going to miss my flight and the person who gets hurt the most is Andrés. I don't want to do that to him. He's going to think I left him for good if I don't come back tonight." So, then she changed it to 2:00pm that day!
My Putumayo lawyer told me she was new and young. Younger than me...she had new power and wanted to show it. OMG...I was steaming in more than one sense of the word.
So... while waiting for 2pm to come we went back to the airport to get my boarding pass. There I was told my flight was leaving at 12:30pm not 2:30pm! Also, the last flight back to Bogota was at 1pm on a different airline. I had a meltdown. I'm talking all out crying in front of my lawyer. I asked him what am I going to do, how can I stay here, this isn't safe for me, etc. He was really nice to me. A true gentleman. We found a hotel in the town. There was only 1 room left with 3 beds! No choice, I took it and he stayed there with me to make sure no one would bother me. Now, who else from Baker Victory can say they slept with their lawyer? (LOL) We were in seclusion until we both decided hunger beats security. Off we went to a local restaurant across the street. After lunch we went back to sign a paper then settled in watching "Animal Planet" until he had to leave to get the paperwork. Later that evening he had to go back 3 times to the judge's office because they were taking over 3 hours to make 7 copies of my sentencia! I swear that judge did it on purpose.
So anyway.... my lawyer is now on his way to La Hormiga to get Andres' birth certificate changed and to send it to Bogota, I hope by Tuesday.
I have to say, it was kinda cool to see how life is in these small towns. When I say small towns think of the size of an average Buffalo neighborhood. Put in one or two paved streets and everything else is dirt road. Totally different from major Colombian cities! The houses had tin roofs and the rain water is collected and used. It was not directed into a sewer system. Motorcycles are the vehicle of choice as most people can't afford cars nor are they really appropriate either. Helmets are never worn. Holding an infant on the back of a motorcycle one is 100% normal. Side note, Andrés is always laughing at me because I "follow the rules", after seeing how life is down there I understand why now. There are no rules. Well, don't be stupid and you'll be fine. Be stupid and you'll get hurt. End of story!
Next step in Colombia is to wait for the new birth cert, wait for an appointment with the embassy, get passport pics, get an appointment with the Doctor, and then we can peace out of Colombia. I'm thinking another 10 -12 days.
As always, thank you for reading! :-)
Sunday, February 14, 2010
14 Feb
Last few days have been busy going on "field trips". We've hit the hardrock, went to a place called parque Jaime Duque and yesterday we took an 8 hour tour yesterday of an indigenous village and of a laguna (lake) holding the legend of El dorado. First off, the view of the Andes was amazing. You can see forever. It was wild to just stand there and stare. I was trying to imagine the land below without buildings. The eco tour took us to a village which was started about 11 or so years ago to help Colombia get back it's lost native culture. We had a great tour guide named Marco, who taught the kids about the native culture before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors.
After the village we had a typical Colombian lunch. The girls in the group had a crush a boy "directing traffic". We were the traffic! They gave him a tip. It was really cute. Lunch for some of us consisted of cow intestine. Delish! (joking) It's called Chunchulo, I think. Andres tried spelling it for me and got "mad". (Side note- English class is going well!)
Pics will be on FB soon. Can't wait to show his first girlfriend eating that crap. Pun intended!
After lunch we took a hike to la laguna and learned about El dorado. Firstoff, it was amazing. The lake, the views, the native trees and plants. I was happy to be there. However, the air is so thin up there I couldn't move 5 steps without gasping. The kids left me in the dust which might have added to my stress. The tour guide asked how everyone in the group was doing..."is anyone shaking, getting a headache, or feeling faint"? Of course there is a chorus of "no" behind me...menos yo... acutally, I had all of those problems! I apologized to the group and they were all super nice. "Tranquila" is the word I got from everyone. The guide let me led the procession to the top so we could go at a speed comfortable for me. How nice! I think the tour took twice as long because of me!
Anyway... on the way home we saw two huge fires on the side of the mountains in Bogota. It was really bad. People live up there and their houses are made of wood, too. The fire was really spreading fast. About two city blocks were on fire. The only way to put them out is with helicopters. During the night, I don't think they can fly them with the topography here.
Well, today we will chillax. I need to go to exito to buy groceries. Besides that...things are going well. I hope to have an idea about when I need to go Putumayo this week!
After the village we had a typical Colombian lunch. The girls in the group had a crush a boy "directing traffic". We were the traffic! They gave him a tip. It was really cute. Lunch for some of us consisted of cow intestine. Delish! (joking) It's called Chunchulo, I think. Andres tried spelling it for me and got "mad". (Side note- English class is going well!)
Pics will be on FB soon. Can't wait to show his first girlfriend eating that crap. Pun intended!
After lunch we took a hike to la laguna and learned about El dorado. Firstoff, it was amazing. The lake, the views, the native trees and plants. I was happy to be there. However, the air is so thin up there I couldn't move 5 steps without gasping. The kids left me in the dust which might have added to my stress. The tour guide asked how everyone in the group was doing..."is anyone shaking, getting a headache, or feeling faint"? Of course there is a chorus of "no" behind me...menos yo... acutally, I had all of those problems! I apologized to the group and they were all super nice. "Tranquila" is the word I got from everyone. The guide let me led the procession to the top so we could go at a speed comfortable for me. How nice! I think the tour took twice as long because of me!
Anyway... on the way home we saw two huge fires on the side of the mountains in Bogota. It was really bad. People live up there and their houses are made of wood, too. The fire was really spreading fast. About two city blocks were on fire. The only way to put them out is with helicopters. During the night, I don't think they can fly them with the topography here.
Well, today we will chillax. I need to go to exito to buy groceries. Besides that...things are going well. I hope to have an idea about when I need to go Putumayo this week!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
11 Feb.
Started off today with a trip to the minimart, pan pa'ya for a little breakfast and then off to parque Jaime Duque.
Snacks in hand, sunblock 30, and a wallet filled with pesos...we took off for parque Jaime Duque, who from my understanding was the first owner of Avianca, the first Colombian owned airline. He loved Greek mythology and throughout the park you can see his passion. The first part of the tour is a zoo. I'm not a big fan of zoos, but this was nice in the fact that the habitats were very natural. (Some of the animals lived on these little islands, some in cages and some behind glass) For the most part they seemed well taken care of. Next we hit the food court and then the amusement park section of the park. Unfortunately, most of the rides were closed, being that this is the off season.
After the park we took a taxi to get our CLEAN CLOTHES! What a luxury. Really! Washing things in the sink and using febreze doesn't really cut it!
Andrés had his first English class today. I walked away crying because he doesn't even know his Spanish alphabet. I just felt so scared for him. The other parents felt bad for me...so...off we went to the hotel bar for a few beers!
As far as the process is going. I don't expect to hear anything until next Friday at the earliest. One family found out their court is closed until Feb 27th. Another family is leaving on Sat, a third family is signing "sentencia" tomorrow and the forth family is still waiting news.
I just got an email this evening from a fellow adoptive parent here, who has a friend, who knows a pastor living in Puerto Asis. This pastor has agreed to meet me at the airport and escort me with my lawyer. I have no idea who this person is, but I can't go too wrong with man of God on my side, right?
Well, thanks for reading! Love you guys!
Snacks in hand, sunblock 30, and a wallet filled with pesos...we took off for parque Jaime Duque, who from my understanding was the first owner of Avianca, the first Colombian owned airline. He loved Greek mythology and throughout the park you can see his passion. The first part of the tour is a zoo. I'm not a big fan of zoos, but this was nice in the fact that the habitats were very natural. (Some of the animals lived on these little islands, some in cages and some behind glass) For the most part they seemed well taken care of. Next we hit the food court and then the amusement park section of the park. Unfortunately, most of the rides were closed, being that this is the off season.
After the park we took a taxi to get our CLEAN CLOTHES! What a luxury. Really! Washing things in the sink and using febreze doesn't really cut it!
Andrés had his first English class today. I walked away crying because he doesn't even know his Spanish alphabet. I just felt so scared for him. The other parents felt bad for me...so...off we went to the hotel bar for a few beers!
As far as the process is going. I don't expect to hear anything until next Friday at the earliest. One family found out their court is closed until Feb 27th. Another family is leaving on Sat, a third family is signing "sentencia" tomorrow and the forth family is still waiting news.
I just got an email this evening from a fellow adoptive parent here, who has a friend, who knows a pastor living in Puerto Asis. This pastor has agreed to meet me at the airport and escort me with my lawyer. I have no idea who this person is, but I can't go too wrong with man of God on my side, right?
Well, thanks for reading! Love you guys!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
9 Feb
Another early morning rise...as we had to take a spin to have a few more documents notarized. My case should be on the back of a motorcycle and on it's way to Putumayo. So wild! I guess it's how they roll around here!
Today we took a tour of a salt mine outside of Bogota. Super cool trip! It was nice to see the countryside. We had a post breakfast snack before checking out the salt mine. We only toured 5% of the mine. It took a good 2.5 hours. It was interesting. We also checked out a cute little town, where we stopped for lunch/dinner. As always, pictures are on facebook.
Our tour guide, Jorge Rico, has a great rapport with all these kids. He's into ecology and is always helping the kids find ways to help earth. He's super neat. Also, he can pick up on little things and teach the kids a lesson. For example, today I didn't buy Andrés a "recuerdo" at the salt mine. Why? A. I can't buy him everything he wants. B. I think that stuff is a waste of money. On the way home Jorge started a cute conversation on the "gift" of disposable money. He discussed with the kids everything from banking and adoption fees to taxes and how some parents balance life with one income. I know he did this for me. It was sly and sweet. Just because mom doesn't buy something doesn't mean the kids don't deserve it, or they aren't loved as much or they did something bad. All the 'rents out there know what I mean...;-)
That being said, tomorrow we are chillaxin' here during the day and going to the hard rock cafe for dinner. I think Friday we are going to a park called the Jaime Duque. Updates to follow...thanks for reading.
Today we took a tour of a salt mine outside of Bogota. Super cool trip! It was nice to see the countryside. We had a post breakfast snack before checking out the salt mine. We only toured 5% of the mine. It took a good 2.5 hours. It was interesting. We also checked out a cute little town, where we stopped for lunch/dinner. As always, pictures are on facebook.
Our tour guide, Jorge Rico, has a great rapport with all these kids. He's into ecology and is always helping the kids find ways to help earth. He's super neat. Also, he can pick up on little things and teach the kids a lesson. For example, today I didn't buy Andrés a "recuerdo" at the salt mine. Why? A. I can't buy him everything he wants. B. I think that stuff is a waste of money. On the way home Jorge started a cute conversation on the "gift" of disposable money. He discussed with the kids everything from banking and adoption fees to taxes and how some parents balance life with one income. I know he did this for me. It was sly and sweet. Just because mom doesn't buy something doesn't mean the kids don't deserve it, or they aren't loved as much or they did something bad. All the 'rents out there know what I mean...;-)
That being said, tomorrow we are chillaxin' here during the day and going to the hard rock cafe for dinner. I think Friday we are going to a park called the Jaime Duque. Updates to follow...thanks for reading.
Monday, February 8, 2010
8 Feb
This morning we had our BIENESTAR interview. It went well! I was forewarned by the other parents that the kids will do everything and anything to embarrass the parents. As most of you can imagine, there were a lot of laughs this morning! First, Andrés showed the nice lady my sunburn for a good 5 mins. Super cute of him, right??? I got a lesson on proper skin care. Then, she asked about my family and he told her that his Grandma is very fun loving. He also showed her a picture of them on a ride at Darien Lake. He said that Grandpa is cool, but his "fun room" in the basement is a disaster. There were a lot of theatrics with that remark. Everyone was laughing, even the lawyer!
Speaking of lawyers it looks like everyone wants a piece of the pie...so now I am not only paying the lawyer in Bogota, but also the lawyer in Putumayo. Tomorrow my documents will be sent to the lawyer in Putumayo to start the case there. I'm not sure when I will have to travel. I guess in 5 -8 days I'll know something. I was told the flight to Putumayo is super expensive. If that is the case then I don't want to bring Andrés. What's the point to sit around all day for an $800.00 ticket? Although the company would be nice...I'd rather take him to Disney world for a long weekend! Maybe he can stay with one of the other families while I travel.
When possible we are working on English. He has a little cheat sheet near the phone. I usually let him answer so he can practice. It's kinda cute. He speaks with a deep voice in English as opposed to his baby voice in Spanish!
It sounds like there might be a "field trip" to a salt mine later this week. Should be fun. Did you know salt is black before it's processed? I didn't either!
Speaking of lawyers it looks like everyone wants a piece of the pie...so now I am not only paying the lawyer in Bogota, but also the lawyer in Putumayo. Tomorrow my documents will be sent to the lawyer in Putumayo to start the case there. I'm not sure when I will have to travel. I guess in 5 -8 days I'll know something. I was told the flight to Putumayo is super expensive. If that is the case then I don't want to bring Andrés. What's the point to sit around all day for an $800.00 ticket? Although the company would be nice...I'd rather take him to Disney world for a long weekend! Maybe he can stay with one of the other families while I travel.
When possible we are working on English. He has a little cheat sheet near the phone. I usually let him answer so he can practice. It's kinda cute. He speaks with a deep voice in English as opposed to his baby voice in Spanish!
It sounds like there might be a "field trip" to a salt mine later this week. Should be fun. Did you know salt is black before it's processed? I didn't either!
Friday, February 5, 2010
5 Feb
Nice morning! Slept in till 10:00ish, made steak and eggs for breakfast. Delish! No street meat for me. This was the good stuff!
Met the group for a typical Colombian lunch and headed to a place called Diversity. Lunch was some kind of fish, yuca, baked potato, guacamole and "warm" lemonade. In the end my dish was really good! Diversity was super cool. It is a little city where kids can learn about different professions. There's everything from a mini coke (cola) plant to a vet's office. Really cool place. I'll post pics on FB.
Unfortunately, waiting in line...Andrés kicked a girl. He wouldn't say sorry and the dramatics began. Typical teenager...First I'm ignored, then comes the attitude, then comes the pouting, then comes the tears. Defiance...you all get the picture. Maybe I have a telenovela superstar on my hands! Chalk it up to a lesson learned. No kicking girls otherwise you'll get an 8:30 bedtime and no DS nor TV time!
Tomorrow I have another appointment with the notary. The Bienestar meeting is still Monday and in the works is a flight in and out of Puerto Asis. I'm NOT at all excited about this trip. I might have a meltdown!
Met the group for a typical Colombian lunch and headed to a place called Diversity. Lunch was some kind of fish, yuca, baked potato, guacamole and "warm" lemonade. In the end my dish was really good! Diversity was super cool. It is a little city where kids can learn about different professions. There's everything from a mini coke (cola) plant to a vet's office. Really cool place. I'll post pics on FB.
Unfortunately, waiting in line...Andrés kicked a girl. He wouldn't say sorry and the dramatics began. Typical teenager...First I'm ignored, then comes the attitude, then comes the pouting, then comes the tears. Defiance...you all get the picture. Maybe I have a telenovela superstar on my hands! Chalk it up to a lesson learned. No kicking girls otherwise you'll get an 8:30 bedtime and no DS nor TV time!
Tomorrow I have another appointment with the notary. The Bienestar meeting is still Monday and in the works is a flight in and out of Puerto Asis. I'm NOT at all excited about this trip. I might have a meltdown!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
4 Feb
Progressive day! Signed papers to hand over power of attorney to "a lawyer" to represent me in Putumayo (the department or "state" where Andrés is from). My lawyer will do everything for me, as I am not allowed to travel there. I think it's a red zone. Next major news is the Bienestar interview has been assigned for Monday morning at 9:30am.
Yesterday we spent time at FANA, went to mass, and had a reception there. It was nice. Long, but nice. We also, went shopping at the supermarket. Had a little meltdown there. He didn't like the size of the cart. Really... I couldn't believe the shopping cart was going to be an issue! Anyway... I took away his TV remote and DS at bed time! (LOL).
What else...for lunch we are going to a cool place called Andrés DC. I think they have steak. Should be fun! Thanks for reading!
Yesterday we spent time at FANA, went to mass, and had a reception there. It was nice. Long, but nice. We also, went shopping at the supermarket. Had a little meltdown there. He didn't like the size of the cart. Really... I couldn't believe the shopping cart was going to be an issue! Anyway... I took away his TV remote and DS at bed time! (LOL).
What else...for lunch we are going to a cool place called Andrés DC. I think they have steak. Should be fun! Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
2 Feb
Woke up @ 7:30am to a loud blast of Reggaeton. Way to easy my head back into my headache! This altitude thing is for real. I'm not sick, but have a light headache. A fellow American parent gave me a bottle of TRU O2. Oxygen enriched air. Just going up or down a flight of stairs causes breathing issues. Unless I'm just still winded from my sprint set at JFK!
Today we tried to find a park. We didn't. We did find the mall! Walked around, went bowling in the mall and then to the supermarket. Even though I just taught a lesson on Colombian pesos...I'm still having issues with all these zeros everywhere. How many thousands does bowling cost? (LOL)
Took a taxi ride to the laundry mat with another mom from BUF. We didn't make it the first time as the address wasn't correct. Oups...went back to confirm the address and tried it again. I'm glad I went...I never would have found it. The laundry mat looks like a martini bar! $25.00 for 3 big bags to be washed, dried and folded. Beats the hotel laundry prices. For the most part, prices seem to be on par with American prices. A whole chicken is 13.700 pesos. Like about $8.00US. It was lunch and dinner for the two us!
My apartment is on the ground floor and faces a courtyard. Today we had quite an event. A corporate party with modern dancing, (2 dudes in white skintight jump suits) an angel and a new car. No idea how all three things link together as the sound system wasn't working well. Needless to say, it was quite the free entertainment, as Andrés couldn't stop laughing.
Tomorrow we are returning to FANA for an anniversary party. Thursday we are going to a 3 floor restaurant; floor 1 is hell, floor 2 is purgatory, and floor 3 is heaven. Should be fun!
As always, thanks for reading!
Today we tried to find a park. We didn't. We did find the mall! Walked around, went bowling in the mall and then to the supermarket. Even though I just taught a lesson on Colombian pesos...I'm still having issues with all these zeros everywhere. How many thousands does bowling cost? (LOL)
Took a taxi ride to the laundry mat with another mom from BUF. We didn't make it the first time as the address wasn't correct. Oups...went back to confirm the address and tried it again. I'm glad I went...I never would have found it. The laundry mat looks like a martini bar! $25.00 for 3 big bags to be washed, dried and folded. Beats the hotel laundry prices. For the most part, prices seem to be on par with American prices. A whole chicken is 13.700 pesos. Like about $8.00US. It was lunch and dinner for the two us!
My apartment is on the ground floor and faces a courtyard. Today we had quite an event. A corporate party with modern dancing, (2 dudes in white skintight jump suits) an angel and a new car. No idea how all three things link together as the sound system wasn't working well. Needless to say, it was quite the free entertainment, as Andrés couldn't stop laughing.
Tomorrow we are returning to FANA for an anniversary party. Thursday we are going to a 3 floor restaurant; floor 1 is hell, floor 2 is purgatory, and floor 3 is heaven. Should be fun!
As always, thanks for reading!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Jan 31
I'm here! What a ride! We landed twice @ JFK. I looked at the guy sitting next to me and said..."weren't we on ground like 3 seconds ago?" His deer in the headlights stare answered my question. Pilot said "Folks, we were cleared to land and then I saw a plane that wasn't really off our runway. So... as you all saw and felt...I got out of his way. We'll try again in a few mins." WTF!!!
As I entered the JFK terminal, my name was shouted over the PA system. I never sprinted like that before in my life! I still taste blood in my lungs. Gross. Sitting in my seat the flight attendant announced my flight going to Orlando. WHAT??? My ticket had no indication there would be a pit stop in Orlando. Whatever... they wanted me on the flight and I was there. At least I got real food in Orlando. (Well, is McDonalds real?) Off to BOG....
On the flight I read the best parenting book I'll ever need. "Wisdom of Our Fathers. Lessons and letters from Daughters and Sons" by Tim Russert. Grab one from used books @ Amazon.com...totally worth the read, the tears, the laughs, the feeling of doing what is right even when nobody in the world cares. I loved it!
Arrived in Bogota to city lights, mountains and a nice breeze. I was one of the first through immigration, to get my luggage (how it got to Bogota is beyond my comprehension) and one the the first to go through customs. I saw a sea of people, none I knew, none had my namecard. It's not like Madrid where you can hop in a taxi and go. So... I waited. I called a friend in Bogota, but my phone didn't work. I said a few choice words to myself and then the driver showed my with my name card. Off we went.
Bogota is under a lot of construction. They are making a high speed bus line, improving bike paths, and sidewalks. There's no metro system here. I knew that, but still surprises me. The vast amount of people here would benefit, for sure!
This apartment/hotel is good enough. From the outside it looks modern. From the inside it smells like a bad super 8. It's clean and big, though. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, livingroom...oh flatscreen TV. WOW! Can't wait to watch a soccer game on this!
OK... taking a shower and off to bed! As always, thanks for reading!
As I entered the JFK terminal, my name was shouted over the PA system. I never sprinted like that before in my life! I still taste blood in my lungs. Gross. Sitting in my seat the flight attendant announced my flight going to Orlando. WHAT??? My ticket had no indication there would be a pit stop in Orlando. Whatever... they wanted me on the flight and I was there. At least I got real food in Orlando. (Well, is McDonalds real?) Off to BOG....
On the flight I read the best parenting book I'll ever need. "Wisdom of Our Fathers. Lessons and letters from Daughters and Sons" by Tim Russert. Grab one from used books @ Amazon.com...totally worth the read, the tears, the laughs, the feeling of doing what is right even when nobody in the world cares. I loved it!
Arrived in Bogota to city lights, mountains and a nice breeze. I was one of the first through immigration, to get my luggage (how it got to Bogota is beyond my comprehension) and one the the first to go through customs. I saw a sea of people, none I knew, none had my namecard. It's not like Madrid where you can hop in a taxi and go. So... I waited. I called a friend in Bogota, but my phone didn't work. I said a few choice words to myself and then the driver showed my with my name card. Off we went.
Bogota is under a lot of construction. They are making a high speed bus line, improving bike paths, and sidewalks. There's no metro system here. I knew that, but still surprises me. The vast amount of people here would benefit, for sure!
This apartment/hotel is good enough. From the outside it looks modern. From the inside it smells like a bad super 8. It's clean and big, though. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, livingroom...oh flatscreen TV. WOW! Can't wait to watch a soccer game on this!
OK... taking a shower and off to bed! As always, thanks for reading!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Jan 30, 2010
Jan. 30th, 2010...
Take off: MINUS 16 HOURS!!!!!
COLOMBIA!
The next portion of the adventure! I'm ready. Almost! My luggage is too heavy. I can't part with anything. o-well. I'll deal with it at the airport.
Looking forward to the Colombian process...here's the deal, as I know it.
Day 1: "Handing over" Ceremony. This will take place at FANA, I think. Super cool. We get dressed up, take pics, sign some papers.
Days 2-8: "Bonding". We chillax in the hotel. Play dominos, uno, watch TV, sleep in late, go to bed late. Tour things. Buy things. Want things. Need things. I can only imagine.
Day 8 or 9: "Bienestar interview". Colombian officials ask the who, what, when, where, why questions to Andrés and to me, myself, I...(English teachers help!)
Days 9-16: "Waiting". I was advised that if I can afford it "go on vacation". Santa Marta, Cartegena, etc.. are great places. We'll see. I know it's a once in a lifetime trip. I'll do what I can. Having a "papichulo" paycheck would help. Note to self...Find husband. (JUST JOKING!!! Really.)
Days 17-34: Waiting. Waiting. Court Date. Waiting. Waiting. Embassy Date. Waiting. Waiting. Doctor Date. Waiting. Waiting. Passport/Visa stuff. Waiting. Waiting. Exit Date. Waiting Waiting.
Days: 34-???. "Bitch on". This is where I will "lose it". I will call everyone and anyone on 5 mins intervals to get home. (Including the lawyers, The American Embassy, President of Colombia, etc.) :-)
So... I'm looking forward to keeping you all updated. Thanks for reading!
Take off: MINUS 16 HOURS!!!!!
COLOMBIA!
The next portion of the adventure! I'm ready. Almost! My luggage is too heavy. I can't part with anything. o-well. I'll deal with it at the airport.
Looking forward to the Colombian process...here's the deal, as I know it.
Day 1: "Handing over" Ceremony. This will take place at FANA, I think. Super cool. We get dressed up, take pics, sign some papers.
Days 2-8: "Bonding". We chillax in the hotel. Play dominos, uno, watch TV, sleep in late, go to bed late. Tour things. Buy things. Want things. Need things. I can only imagine.
Day 8 or 9: "Bienestar interview". Colombian officials ask the who, what, when, where, why questions to Andrés and to me, myself, I...(English teachers help!)
Days 9-16: "Waiting". I was advised that if I can afford it "go on vacation". Santa Marta, Cartegena, etc.. are great places. We'll see. I know it's a once in a lifetime trip. I'll do what I can. Having a "papichulo" paycheck would help. Note to self...Find husband. (JUST JOKING!!! Really.)
Days 17-34: Waiting. Waiting. Court Date. Waiting. Waiting. Embassy Date. Waiting. Waiting. Doctor Date. Waiting. Waiting. Passport/Visa stuff. Waiting. Waiting. Exit Date. Waiting Waiting.
Days: 34-???. "Bitch on". This is where I will "lose it". I will call everyone and anyone on 5 mins intervals to get home. (Including the lawyers, The American Embassy, President of Colombia, etc.) :-)
So... I'm looking forward to keeping you all updated. Thanks for reading!
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