This one hit home Thanks so much for sharing Jess. You said so many things that I used to think when I visited Bogota over the years. I felt so bad for the people begging, and my aunts would get mad at me if I gave them money saying it would encourage them. It's weird that you noticed so many of them, because I remember there being so many more when I was little than when I was there the last two times (last summer and 4 years before that). One of my relatives used to help an orphanage or still does, not sure. Anyway, there's so much still to be done (more education, jobs, etc) while a relatively small amount of the population is very wealthy... And you were so right about the contrasts of big city and nearby tranquility. I miss the people, the food, the music, the dancing, the mountains...I love Colombia!!!
Heard you surprised your Grandmother. She was so happy to see you. You are still doing some pretty amazing things. I am so happy for you. Enjoy every minute as I'm sure you are. Leaving for Florida on January 18th. Going to Estero to visit a friend. Planning to see Josh and Brooke and meet Kendall. I haven't seen her yet. Can't wait.
Very sorry to hear about Cocoa. What a great dog!!
Catherine
what a great artcle! This one was very informative, Travel services really needs to be given a priority to the customers.. Let us all patronize a natural spots in the envirnment. Good job!
You might wanna check us at http://yourtravelclub.biz/
Teaching English Hi Jessica,
Little by little as i read more of your blog i get insights into your life and your story. Teaching English would be a wonderful experience and actually something that i wouldlove to do around South America. Have you done a TESOL degree? Are you volunterring or are you using the teaching as a way to fund your travels? I hard is it to find a job teaching English and what is the pay like?
What is the house that you are staying in? It sounds like an English school residence or something. The experiences you are living seem absolutely amazing. Coming from Australia, the South American cultures are so differnet and intriguing to me and i really look forward to experiencing these.
Transport I can imagine a long bus trip when you are tired on bumpy roads that i have heard all too much about was not what you were looking forward to. Keep up the fantastic blog.
Couch Surfing Hi Jessica,
It's fantastic to know that you have been couch surfing :o) My friend and I are actually planning to do a couch surfing documentary as we are so amazed at the whole concept and love the idea if meeting new and exciting people and having friends everywhere you go in this large and exciting world. From the dangers i have heard that comes with the beautiful Colombia your blog seems like you felt comfortable in your surroundings the whole time. Being a female and couch surfing by yourself is very inspiring to me.
Your Blog Is Fantastic I have started reading your blog as i have many friends from Colombia and am very interested in their beautiful culture. Always so happy and up for good times, laughs and celebrations.
I am from Australia and am a 23 yr old female.
I would love to go and experience first hand their love for futball, there lovely passion for food and the celebrations that everyone is willing to take part in no matter what the occasion.
The colours of the Raquira look amazing and the countryside looks absolutely beautiful. Are you both from Ecuador? You mention that you will be going there and i am wondering if you are from there or teaching English or travelling as if you were from their i can imagine you would speak fluent Spanish and not be so amazed with the fantastic new words you are learning.
I am also learning Spanish at my university alongside a psychology degree and am really enjoying it. I find it hard to remember all the vocabulary though but really enjoy studying the culture and the language is so very beautiful and romantic to me.
I think you are extremely brave trying to hitch-hike in Colombia from the stories i have heard of the dangers in the country, guess these dangers are every where though. The bike riding sounds like a fantastic way to get off the beaten track and get to speak to the locals and experience things you wouldn't have done so had you not gone exploring on the bikes.
I am keen to read more of your blog as i have really enjoyed this entry.
Take care, enjoy your travels and thank you for the enjoyable time I got from reading your blog :o)
Angie
Weather Hi there
Lovely blog...i intend to come to come there in the next 3 weeks, can you tell me something about the devastating torrential rains. has it hit santa marta badly ?
tnx
konrad
Weather Hi there
Lovely blog...i intend to come to come there in the next 3 weeks, can you tell me something about the devastating torrential rains. has it hit santa marta badly ?
tnx
konrad
general i finally got to read your entire blog. it probably is a good thing that i did not know about parts of it. just keep yourself safe and come home healthy. you have turned into an amazing young woman. i think you will soon be able to write for the food network. keep up the wonderful experiences. tomorrow we are going to estero for an overnight. i love you lots.....gram
I was in Playa Blanca about 4 years ago, we left very early and had a full day there, then headed back at dusk, the beach was idyllic and spotlessly clean, the people friendly and not pushy, I'm sorry you had a bad time, it appears to have changed then..........shame
Your journey It is just remarkable as to what you are doing. Nice to meet other people and to be in their company. Take care of yourself and be careful. Write again when you get a chance. We all enjoy reading about your adventures.
ease up bruiser your former soccer coach would like to remind you that it is not ok to take out little kids. don't get so darn competitive! :) we miss you tons!!!!!
UUUUGGGH FUCKING Tarantulas!!!!! Jessie this is so much fun reading these entries!!!!!!! Please lets skype as soon as possible!! i love you and im so happy your happy!
What a Life!!! HI Jessie,
You really do lead a veryexciting life. Good for you. You certainly have gotten to experience a lot of different life styles etc.
Catherine (Substitute grandma)
Went to the Fall Fest (where you can pick a home to have dinner) last evening with your Grandma. Very delicious dinner and met some very nice people.
Pictures Love this picture. Handsome and beautiful.
Loved all the pictures.
Your grandma gave me the website and I enjoyed looking at all your adventures.
Love,
Catherine
Love your blogs! Jesse, Your Mom gave me your blog address and I have just finished reading them. You will always remember the wonderful experiences you are now having and have had (Spain). Take care of yourself! You should submit your writings to International Living and maybe get paid for them!
Hola from Florida Hi Jessie,
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog (my first experience with a "blog"). I am glad that you are living the life of austerity, living the frugal life, rather than one of extravagance and luxury. It surely prompts creativity and ingenuity. Mom told me about the methods of car repair that you are learning - banging on parts with a hammer. Based on conversations with our very experienced Chief Mechanic at the City, it is a very cost-effective repair method in trying to start a car, used to bump a starter. After a while the starter, as it turns, keeps coming to rest at the same stop - this point gets worn - and so the hammer bumps it out of the worn spot and so it works again! I learned it too and use a hammer to bump start our electric garage door opener! Anyway, I like the beer stories and would love to sample some.
I leave for my motorcycle trip to West Virginia next Wednesday, and beginning tomorrow, I will plan my two day trek taking back roads most or all of the way (450+ miles each way just to get to the rally site). I will be staying at an inn in a room that sleeps three (I get the loft). Then we will explore the mountains for two days, then I head back home for two more days of riding. Then for the weekend of Sept 25, I will be flying up to Massachusetts for a surprise 50th birthday for Uncle Ken. As of yet, I haven't told anyone that I'm showing up at the party site on Saturday night - that should be a surprise in and of itself. I plan to see Grandma, Aunt Pam, John Dolan, etc. during the weekend stay as well as my family and friends at the party.
I called Jared tonight. He's doing well. He said he went to "The Swamp" today to watch the Gators defeat USF 38 - 14. Unfortunately, I won't be bringing up the old 1981 Yamaha 250 up to him. I was originally planning to drive both Yamahas up to Jared and drop off the little 250 to him, but one of the replacement parts (left front fork) is bent and can't be used, so the bike probably won't be ready by next week's trip.
Well, you take care of yourself and those kids. I hope that they learn as much from you as you will learn from them!
Love, and hugs and kisses,
Daddie
the jungle i'll have to remember to never complain about my teaching conditions. we do have a drive set up for you and your school. will mail out next week and see if things get there
love you and love to read about your travels
Embarking on an incredible journey throughout South America...
"Estoy viviendo intensamente cada instante, bebiendo con sed el agua de la vida."
(I am living intensly every minute, thirstily drinking the water of life.)... full info
consuelo
non-member comment
hermoso
que lugar tan hermoso soy colombiana y no conozco este hermoso lugar. seria hermoso tener fotos para hacer cuadros,besitos s todos, consuelo