Just a Few Pictures

Happy Birthday indeed! From halfway around the world my wonderful parents sent me a birthday cake! Tres Leches, yummmmiiiee!!! And so pretty! And from one of the best bakeries around :O)

My Birthday lunch with Peter's Mom and his cousin Kevin @ "Sopa y Postres" (Soup and Desserts). I've had my eye on this restaurant since I got here and Gloria treated me for my special day. They accepted my Ontario Drivers License as proof it was my birthday and in exchange I got this HUGE fried Ice Cream and they played a 5 minute version of "Happy Birthday" complete with mariachi music and singing! AND in English!

Kevin, Gloria and Me!

First person to post on here and tell me what exactly is different about me in these photos will get a little gift from Colombia :O) I've kept it under wraps for three weeks now, and figure it's about time to come clean. (and no, it's not that I am getting chubby)

I loved this fluffy dog. He was loyally watching his boy walk home from the store about 1/2 km away. This is in another Barrio close to ours, but is much quieter and only has houses, which are huge and almost all of them have a lovely courtyard garden.

Peter and his Mom @ Mother's Day lunch in "Dona Elvira" restaurant in our neighbourhood. It was (is??) a famous haunt for crooked politicians and was lined up out the door with people waiting for a seat!

Lots of stuff happens in Bogota/Colombia in any given week but little of the news makes it out of the country no matter how amazing it might be. I will not be posting anything political here because I know better than that, but of particular human interest in the last week a gentleman who was kidnapped more than 9 years ago escaped from the guerillas, on foot, through the jungle. I think it took him about 17 days to reach civilization. His story and the news he is sharing with Colombia and the world is like nothing you would even make up in your wildest Hollywood epic. In fact, if someone doesn't make a movie about it I would be very surprised. If you are interested in checking it out you can try the local paper, http://www.eltiempo.com/ , it's amazing how much you will pick up even with no knowledge of Spanish!

More pics to come, I'm going to eat CAKE!!! Thanks to everyone from both my families for their e-mails, postings on Facebook, gifts and phone calls. I was worried it would be a lonely birthday but it has been anything but! I love you all, thanks again!!

One Month: Things I Have Learned

I can't believe a month has gone by already! Here are 20 lessons/things I have learned in my month here..

1. Agressively pushing the line forward or asking a question from four places back in a lineup is accepatable and sometimes the only way to be attended to.

2. If you don't remember to take toilet paper from the "community" roll at the door of public washrooms you are OUT OF LUCK! You will learn this lesson faster than any other lesson and for reasons I won't go into here.

3. Most public toilets have no seats, who needs a thighmaster!

4. Pedestrians DO NOT have the right of way, if you get hit by a car YOU are at fault not the driver. Even at green lights look ALL ways before you cross or it is only a matter of time before you are under the wheels of something.

5. People wear their shoes in the house and there is nothing you can do about it.

6. Because of #5: TIP: Importing Swiffers would be a lucrative business! I can't find one anywhere!

7. You will think it is not possible to wash the same floor twice in one day, but speaking from experience, it really is.

8. You have not experienced agressive driving until you drive on the highway during rush hour
in Bogota. Only the drivers with the most finely honed skills make it anywhere, often with only half an inch to spare between their car and yours.

9. The horn on your car is actually for daily driving use, and a useful tool. It is not just for road raging someone in the Tdot.

10. 3 out of 5 taxi drivers will reach over and lock your door when they hear you speak English or see your blue eyes.

11. 9 out of 10 people will not look twice at a pale, blond haired, blue eyed person. The 10th person will make up for it by staring so hard at you that you think their head will twist off as you pass.

12. Wearing a toque to the mall makes you stick out a lot. You will quickly remove it as your husband whisperscreamhisses "WHY IS EVERYONE STARING AT YOU?"

13. Heavy security and searching your car trunk is regular practice at mall parking entrances.

14. The HomeCenter (South American Home Depot, exactly the same as a North American HD) has bomb sniffing dogs at the entrance. The will jump in your trunk and run madly around your car. (why the Home Depot would be a target I have no idea!!)

15. Eating an entire pint of Uchuva fruit will seem like a delicious idea while in progress but will in fact make you extremely sick and you will want to die for 24 hours straight.

16. Food is very hearty, lots of meat, potatoes, plantain and rice but with no spice.

17. Hot sauce is always provided, however, all hot sauce is not created equal. Try it before you dump it on your food or you might regret it!

18. Yogurt is a drink, not a lovely thick creamy sweet snack and sadly cottage cheese is nowhere to be found.

19. Taking a camera out in public will make your husband yell at you. (this is why there are few pictures on here as of yet)

20. It is possible to go for an entire month and not see another Canadian. (of all the places I've been this is the longest time I have not seen another Canuck)

Happy Long TwoFour Weekend to all of my Canadian family and friends!

Closer Encounter with Riot Police

Today, quite by accident, I saw thousands of University students protesting in the streets, about 5 blocks from my house. Before you panic, let me explain..

This morning, while showering I finally decided enough was enough on my slight loss of independence here. I need some canvas to paint a mural of sorts for the baby room, and decided that I would venture out on my own to find out where I can get one and how much. Sounds easy, and normally such a task is not daunting but venturing into stores, trying to explain what you want and find out the cost when you are using limited language is a BIG step.

I DID IT!! I managed to ask in stores for the price and various questions with NO ENGLISH or helpful family translator and while I am sure my "Canadian" accent shone brightly people were very sweet and helpful.

Mission accomplished and very proud of myself I strolled along 53rd Street window shopping (the Queen Street of my "hood") and stopped once I got to the main intersection (say Queen and Spadina with less ethnicity). It was looking like it was going to rain so I turned around and was stopped dead in my tracks by the sight of yet another convoy of riot police (my second in less than a week), fully decked out with shields and batons, maybe 50 or so of them, stopped along both sides of the road maybe two blocks from where I had just come.

Now, I'm a smart gal, and a smart traveller. I have some street sense from living in thy city and from travelling to various 2nd and 3rd world countries. I always follow the basic rules of being alert, keeping a tight hold on your cash and documents, and not hanging out where there is obviously a chance of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Following even those basic rules means the sight of riot police is always more than slightly disconcerting.. and of course today, being alone, was no exception.

The police were obviously relaxed, they were not on guard and not intimidating anyone, just kinda hangin out, but something was obviously about to happen. They were not even paying attention to anyone really, but people were clearing out of the way, moving off down side streets or into stores. I ducked down the first side street I came to and circled back around 2 blocks further West of where they were. As I headed back towards the main street I noticed thousands of people marching by. There were young and old alike carrying signs, some were dressed in scary Hallowe'en costumes, some were on stilts, one guy was painted entirely grey and not wearing anything but grey paint, his shoes and a bag slung over his shoulder. Yup, that's ALL he had on!! Some were handing out pamphlets and most were singing protest chants/songs. Most of the different faculties of the local Universities were represented, from Arts to Orthodontists. Traffic was completely blocked while they marched past, for a good 15-20 minutes. I watched all this from at least 3/4 of a block back, alternately laughing and wondering if maybe I should retreat home and stop being so reckless.

Finally, the end seemed to pass and the traffic started up again. I decided to walk back the way I came down 53rd, so I rounded the corner and YET AGAIN a line of riot police was the sight that greeted me, this time only 20 metres or so away. These guys were seemingly less friendly and were in a line across the street, backed up by two huge police trucks with lights flashing. The police were advancing slowly, step by step, shields up and protecting themselves the way you see them on the tv news when they are attempting to back off a surly crowd. I think what they were actually doing was letting the side street traffic, which was by this time so incredibly backed up it would take hours to clear, run out across the street and catch up the lights. However , my North American nature freaked out a bit, and I hightailed it out of there as fast as my 25 extra lbs of cargo would let me!

The traffic was backed up until almost 4 o'clock apparently, as the protest made it's way to the main square of the city and the students continued their mission. I don't know what good the protest did, mostly on the internet people were ticked off that they were held up and that the resulting traffic jam affected millions of people and held people up for hours.

Oh, by the way, they were protesting a law that would limit the access to public education for lower income families. They had a noble purpose as this country needs all the educated people working together for a better life for everyone.

The picture at the top is a sight from the top of the street. I was standing at street level, but on a side street watching them pass by.

Sunny Perfect Sunday

This weekend has been beautiful weather wise. It rained for a total of 10 minutes today, and then it was clear blue skies and hot sun!


Peter and I slept in after our early rise yesterday (more on that later), had a nice breakfast and then hit the streets. I walk a LOT here, which has been good for me and baby. Everything I need is within a 10 block radius or so. We went to the bank and then stopped for lunch at the Kokoriko. http://www.kokoriko.com.co/

Kokoriko is technically a fast food restaurant, but they have the best, most tenderest chicken I've ever had. It is marinaded in some kind of secret sauce that just makes it irresistable. They even give you a little pair of plastic gloves to wear, so you can eat it with your hands and get good and messy and not care if it's all over your face! They have other things like chicken burgers, fries, stuffed yuca thing'ees, desserts, but I like to fill up on the chicken. If anyone evenutally ventures out to visit me a stop at Kokoriko will be mandatory!

As we were sitting there eating I noticed a lot of cars going by with flags hanging out the window, and a lot of people in the street dressed in "futbol" jerseys, either blue http://www.millonarios.com.co/ or red. There is a soccer game going on in the city today, which is pitting the two favourite hometime rival teams against one another. Sounds like a fun sporting event right? Kinda like when the Leafs play they Sens!

Another ten minutes pass and I happen to look out to the street again in time to see at least 35 motorcycles pass by. Each motorcycle had two police officers on it, one in normal dress (more like army greens than the nice outfits our cops wear) and another in full riot gear carrying a shield riding on the back. Trying not to sound too alarmed I ask Peter.. "uhhh, not to sound to panicky North American but... what up?". He says that it really isn't anything to be alarmed at, that it's normal for soccer games here, especially when the two rivals are on deck. As we walked home there were lots of police wagons out and about, on their way to the stadium, which is not far from our house, but far enough, if you know what I mean. No worries, we agreed that we were not likely to ever attend a game here because as I ALWAYS say there is no fan like a soccer fan, they put the "fan" in fanatic!

There is a strong police presence here always, during rush hour they are on every corner in the main area where the mall is and stuff. They don't do much, just are there so everyone knows they are there I guess.

Now for yesterday! I had bloodwork at 7:15 a.m. and had to do the Gestational Diabetes test AGAIN (it was even more yucky here and yes on a Saturday) followed by an ultrasound at 9 a.m. I have to say I was impressed by the promptness and niceness of everyone who worked at the clinic I went to. It was clean and modern, and is literally a block and a half from our house. (it is not where I will have Lukas but it is on our benefit plan which is why we chose it for this purpose)

The ultrasound went well from what we could tell. Peter was completely fascinated by the pictures that came up, confusing as they appear to us. We saw and heard his heart, his brain, liver, stomach, kidneys, his feet, legs, little hands, and most exciting his face! He was sucking his thumb and looking all alien in the way ultrasounds make them look. He seems to have Peters' nose and big wide eyes, and YES it is DEFINITELY a boy!

Over and out!

Fat Lady Update

Ya okay, so I look less than impressed in this picture. But it's an updated belly photo, taken on Tuesday, as I have had lots of people ask to see an updated "bump".

I had my 7 month (30 week!) baby Dr appointment today. The doctor was very, very nice and we were early for the appointment but still only waited about 10 minutes. In Markham I often had to wait an hour or two PAST my scheduled appointment time! Because I am now usually uncomfortable sitting and am suffering from restless legs it was a pleasant surprise!!

The doctor assures me from what she can tell all is well with the baby and me. She asked lots of questions and checked us both out. We heard his heartbeat strong and fast. She says I am very small, but that that is typical for a North American woman, as we eat less rice and deep fried foods (like empanadas) and are less "gordita" (FAT) to begin with. Let it be known that Peter deserves credit for my lack of deep fried empanada consumption or I would eat them every day. He considers them junk food and won't let me stop at the empanada stands that are EVERYWHERE, no matter how much I nag! Anyone who has been out with my in Toronto knows my addiction to the empanadas they have at the midnight buffet at Plaza Flamingo, and the amount of them I have consumed in my day... mmmm..

Anywho, the appointment was fine. Just to ensure my file is up to date I am having ALL the tests done again on Saturday, and am having another ultrasound on Saturday as well. Peter will get to see the little guy in person, which is very exciting for us both!!!

Happy Friday tomorrow!

We have curtains!!!

Yay, we have curtains.. I know that seems like a basic decorative necessity, but Bogota gets real cold at night, and we were going through a crazy process of hanging a blanket in the window every night, and using an extra cover on the bed because we didn't have curtains to keep out the cold. The window glass is not thermal like it is in North America, so when the sun goes down it cools off really fast.

So.. off we went on Saturday with Peters brother, Luis, and Mom to buy curtains. I got a nice tour of some different parts of the city. We chose some nice light yellow curtains, custom made in two hours (more or less) and ready to hang same day! We also got nice blue gingham curtains ordered for the baby room, but those take a little longer, Luis is picking them up soon.

We ate lunch at a typical restaurant, a huge open room with wooden tables and benches, an open kitchen with a huge barbeque constantly pumping out bbq smoke. We had a huge plate of chicken, chorizo, blood sausage, pork, chicharron (bacon supreme!), yucca, potatoes and plantains!! Heart attack on a plate! It was piled about a foot tall and we ended up taking more home than we were able to eat!

We were stopped by the police for the first time since I have been here on Saturday. Being randomly stopped by the police is a regular occurance here. They have the right to stop cars and ask for the "cedula" of the occupants. The cedula is basically a registration card with your name and number on it, it's assigned to you and you carry it for life. The police are not malicious in stopping you, it's just a random security check. They have a list of wanted people that they check your cedula number against, ask you to get out of the car, pat you down, take a quick look in your car and in the trunk and then you are off. This was strange to me as a Canadian used to the police requiring a reason to pull you over. Peter assured me it happens all the time and it was nothing to be alarmed at, especially since I know that none of us is wanted in any way. (you can breathe again now Mom)

Sunday we spent buying things for our apartment, a nifty indoor clothesline with four retractable lines, a nice homemade lamp that Peter bought a few blocks away, a TOASTER (YEA LIVING THE HIGH LIFE!!), and various other organizational items. For those of you that don't know Peter that well, he is the king of neat and organization. I think he listened a little too well in the army when they discussed order and process or something. Crystal diplomatically calls him "particular".. I use a somewhat less diplomatic word which I am sure you can guess quite easily!

Ohh also very exciting.. Luis fixed our shower!!! No big deal usually right? You turn on the water in Canada and it comes out hot and ready. In Bogota utilities are billed on a scale, 1 -6. The better the neighbourhood you live in the higher the price scale of your utilities. We live in a 4 neighbourhood so it's on the more expensive side. Expensive enough you have to be energy concious. People are very concious about water usage, hydro consumption etc. etc. Instead of having a hot water heater on all the time using energy constantly in our shower we have a hot water "on demand" heater. This was initially installed for us by Peters' friend Diego. .. Diego is not an electrician... the first time I used the shower it gave a big SPARK!! It worked well, but every time I got into it I remembered that spark! On Saturday, after a huge breakfast and hot coffee, I was so looking forward to my hot shower. I spend a long time in the shower in the morning warming up. I was maybe half way through, no hair washed or anything yet though, when I smelled burning wires! I called Peter who confirmed that yes, it did indeed smell like an electrical fire in there! I was out of the shower as fast as lightening (no pun intended) and Luis came back at night to fix it for us. In true Michael Shouldice electrician style there he stood in the shower (floor still wet) cutting wires and tape-ing it all back up, without turning off the electrical current. He's still here to talk about it and I have a safer shower! Thank-you Luis!!

Our lovely new home made lamp!