The last time I spent a considerable time outside of the country and away from friends and family was when I studied abroad in London during college. To keep my loved ones in the loop with my adventures, I started blogging to discuss what I'd been doing, how I felt about my travels, people I met, etc.
Now that I'm leaving again (this time for a much longer time), I figured I brush the dust off the old keyboard and start again. In this blog, I hope to account for the various experiences I'll be having in Bogotá, Colombia in general, and other parts of South America (hopefully). I hope to include straightforward blog posts, video logs (vlogs), and tons of pictures.
This blog is as much for me as it is for those who read it, so feel free to write comments or ask questions! I am happy to curate posts based on audience interests or answer questions you may have about my experiences. Otherwise, you will be subject to my rambling, stream of consciousness processing of what's happening around me.
To conclude this introductory post, I've decided to include some FAQs to satisfy any lingering questions you may have for Colombia, my decision to move there, etc.
FAQs:
- Q: Where is Bogotá and/or Colombia?
- A: Here's a map! Bogotá is the capital of Colombia and Colombia is at the top of the continent of South America. It borders Panama, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador. It's equatorial, so the climate stays about the same year round, and it's nearly 1.5 miles above sea level, so it's much cooler than the coasts. Right now (in July), it's rainy season and summer will pick up around November.
- Q: Wait, is it Colombia or Columbia?
- A: It's Colombia. The other one is a university or city in South Carolina.
- Q: Where/what will you be teaching?
- A: I will be teaching at the English School (Colegio Inglaterra) and I will teach 9th and 10th grade English. Most students will be Colombians, but there will also be students from all around the world.
- Q: So, are you teaching in Spanish?
- A: Oh heavens no. The school is bilingual (meaning English and Spanish are both used), but I will teach 100% in English. Most students will have studied English since they were in elementary school, so they will be well-versed by the time they get to me in high school.
- Q: But your Spanish is pretty good right?
- A:........... así así. Let me put it this way: Language is like a muscle. If you exercise it, it functions well and is strong. If you ignore the muscle and sit on your butt for seven years, the muscle will atrophy and die. That's kinda harsh for my actual abilities, but you get the picture. Basically I'm not as good as I once was, but I'm getting better everyday (thank you telenovelas on Netflix).
- Q: How long will you be gone?
- A: Two years (at least). The school runs on a year-round schedule, so I will not follow the traditional American model. That means I have smaller vacations spread out through the year and am ready for visitors during all of them ;)
- Q: Can I make jokes about drugs, Narcos, or Pablo Escobar?
- A: No. It's not in good taste and is rather rude. While many things have changed since the 90s, the impact of the violence from narco-trafficking is still raw for many. So please don't make jokes.
- Q: Why are you doing this?
- A: This is probably the most common question I've received in talking to people about this for the past few months. To keep a long story short, I learned a lot during that semester in London, the most important ones for this journey is that (1) the world has an incredible ability to humble you and (2) the are endless things we can learn, explore, understand, and appreciate from others in the world despite nationality, ethnicity etc. I've always wanted to participate in things that are bigger than myself, and this is another opportunity to do so. I could go on and on about all the things I'm excited for (the school, the city, the food, the endless supply of Chilean wine) but it all boils down to participating in a global relationship, something bigger than any individual. Also, why not?
- Q: Why is the title of your blog "No me gusta café"?
- Because it's true, and I'm moving to one of the biggest coffee exporters in the world. I appreciate the irony.
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