Adopted and Employed

When I first moved to Minneapolis, I really didn't know anyone and luckily met Virginia who adopted me into her family. In Medellin, she has extended her Colombian family to me. Yesterday, I attended a house gathering of her entire family to celebrate life after their Uncle's funeral mass. I met just about everyone and sadly, my Spanish comprehension went in and out all night. Virginia's grandmother must not have thought I understood anything she said since I had to ask her to repeat things regularly. After a glass of wine, my Spanish improved. I visited them again the next day since Gonzalo invited me over for fried pork and beans on Sat. Apparently, every Sat for the last 40 years or so, the family meets for the traditional fried pork, beans and plantains as well as a chance to catch up with each other. I loved being around such a tight knit family and look forward to seeing them again.

As for my interview, I believe I have infiltrated the Colombian health care system and landed a volunteer job. I must not have fully understood the Director of the Clinic the other day. Apparently, I needed to go through a formal interview process with a local volunteer organization before I could volunteer with the clinic. I have passed through the hoops thanks in part to Virginia's grandmother's glowing recommendation, which I hope she doesn't retract after meeting me. Teresita, the volunteer coordinator for health clinics and hospitals, is also trying to get me a job with another kid's clinic up the road. I may have a very busy month and am excited to start work. I have no idea what my responsibilities will be, and I guess I will find out on Wed.

I am still touring around the city and to the outer areas. Doris, Jill, Sinead and I visited el Penol or the stone the other day about 2.5 hours West.

The stone is literally a rock 200m high surrounded by an enormous man made lake. I'm not sure why or who developed the lake, but it does provide for a beautiful day trip. We meandered around the nearby city, Guatepe' as well.


Most of the time, I wander aimlessly around the streets of Medellin alone in order to obtain a better sense of the city, the people and the culture. I like being the only foreigner I see all day until I return back to the hostel. Today, I passed through what seemed to be a transvestite brothel area with plenty of women hanging outside of a worn down hotel. I guess they must receive business at all hours of the day including at 1pm when I walked by.
I especially enjoy passing by the various stalls of interesting fruits and watching people meander around themselves. Yesterday, I stopped in the Barefoot Park and received a personal foot tour. My guide and I took off our shoes and walked through the various settings. My feet enjoyed feeling various surfaces and in receiving such personal attention.