end of the week and la Union

Thursday we resume classes and now in the beginner level we have some changes – Brian and Trileigh moved up and 3 of the novices joined. It is nice to slow down and not be so “immersed” in the Spanish; I'd like to think I am quite comfortable with hearing a different language and being OK with not understanding all; however, trying all day to make sense of not only the words, but the sharing that people engage you in, is tough. Smiling goes a long way, but I also wish I could put together an intelligent sentence that is a decent expression of how I feel, of my attempt to grapple with the intensity of emotion, articulación of solidarity, if you will.

An afternoon class in dance delivers an adequate dose of endorphins that carries me through an evening conversation by the pool with Marc and Martin, but soon wears off and I decide to stay at the Villa Friday morning while my friends go to the Museo del Oro. No, I'm not slacking off, au contraire, I am working on my two online classes, because I literally have to steal, or rather carve out, time to be present – with colleagues here, with my students, with my family.

[Spanish] Word of the day: perdon [is what I need to ask for]


Saturday gives me another opportunity to learn from and together with the communities in Colombia – about community-based leadership and development initiatives. I really need that perspective, because 7 am departure followed by a 3 hour bumpy ride is not my cup of tea. My fellow travelers are in good spirits, though, and the collage below captures some of that spirit.

Our first stop is Buga, the Basilica del Senor de Los Milagros. AND Limonada! (which I ordered all by myself, in Spanish too.)

Lunch is awesome as I get a huge trucha [pink fish that should translate to trout] and get to people-watch as we are eating with the La Union workers. Later we get tagged and given a tour of the vineyards and wine cellar. I manage not to pass out due to the fumes and heat, and practice my Spanish by buying water and discussing the weather with the girl at the counter. We board the bus and I really look forward to returning to the Villa and a deep conversation with my pillow.

[Spanish] Sentence of the day: Me lleve hasta la locura. [Listen to all of Fruta Fresca by Carlos Vives or just take it at face value: 'drive me crazy']