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Published: January 19th 2011
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Luz &Marta
I took this foto before I met them and they were a bit upset at me, only gave me a dirty look as they passed. The morning... long breakfast and internet searches and went with Javier to see his room.
In the early afternoon I searched: http://www.compartoapto.com This is a site for sharing an apartment.
Set out late afternoon to discover Laureles a barrio off of calle 70 about 10 minutes from Estadios. Stopped at a shoe repair shop for my tennis shoes (unfix-able), stood under the shelter during a fairly common shower (but nonee for 12 days till now), took a foto of 2 girls walking by holding handkerchiefs over their mouths.
A bit further up I saw them, we talked & they took me with them. Luz Marina (married) made it clear that her sister Marta Luz needed a husband. Very nice girls and they warned me about the dangers of using the internet to find shared accommodation. They gave me their phone #.
Wandered around Laureles (maybe a mile x a mile). I liked it but it didn't seem as upscale as it's reputation. Got a little Spanish practice with the locals. Then back down to 70 and found a billiards/bar/restaurant/hotel that put the Australian open on for me. Talked with a fellow and his son (more practice). Met a
Luz Marina & Marta Luz
We are in the apartment rental agency they found. Sisters We became friends quickly.
very cute waitress who wants to learn English....
Now it is maybe 8PM and I am at the end of 70, across the street is Parque Estadios Basically my backyard and I noticed a lady 40+ sitting on a bench. As I passed I thought why am I passing??...an opportunity to meet a new person. I dont want to be too forward so I turn from the corner back into the square where she is sitting and watch some military guys getting ready for their shifts maybe. Then still feeling like I would be too forward jsut going over to her... I went to a little kiosk selling drinks beside her and got what turned out to be a very good milkshake of blended strawberries for only $1500. I won't be able to pass that place easily anymore. Practiced more Spanish while waiting for the milk shake preparation.
Now I needed a place to sit...and the lady was still there. Her name is Marta, she was waiting for her daughter 15 (who is going to Calgary to study English in October) to finish Karate class in Estadios. She will at that bench on Wednesday at 5:30 - 7Pm.
Estadios Outdoor Gym
I will go here soon and take in the jogging track also. It was very good Spanish practice and fun conversation.
Back home 9:30... chat with some guests in the "bar", then some outside people show up with a bottle of aguardiente and a party started in earnest. I wasn't up for it and I didnt know the people who showed up so I went for a walk and a couple of blocks away found a nice hotel/bar outdoor of course (haven't eaten or drank
inside since I got here), they had a big TV and a channel changer so I got to watch tennis ...Spaniard, Fernando Verdasco and Serbia's, Janko Tipsarevic for 4 fantastic sets and it was 12 midnight and Filipe who sat with me and helped my Spanish had to close up shop. Missed the last (apparently disappointing)set.
Went home to a quiet Hostel (11 PM is quiet time) and had a great sleep. Ready for new adventures today.
I am editing a bit now (Nov 20 2012) on my 3rd trip here.
Keep in mind what I write will change with each trip and more knowledge. Also it is from the point of view of an old guy not a 20 or
Javier from Barranquia
An accountant public he is staying in a shared house near here. He speaks a little English and we will practice together. 30 y.o. guy doing a lot of partying or a 60 -70 y.o. with a 20 y.o. babe...yes BABE! he is putting through school....very common....and a blog in itself.
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topspinwilly
william williams
I need a bit of critical review
I suspect I am too wordy. And???? Could use some imput. the stats say there have been over 400 page views so far. Maybe I would get more If I refined my writing. thanks William