Random Thoughts as I Leave Colombia

1.  I think I like Colombia more than Venezuela.  This is saying something too because I practically grew up in Venezuela and it will always hold a special place in my heart.  

2.  I need to figure out how to make cafe con leche in the US.  This means I need an espresso machine.

3.  I had forgotten how gigantic and intimidating the roaches are in the tropics.  They're practically prehistoric.  They all must die.  Environmental impact be damned.

4.  I feel remarkably less threatened by the military and police officers in Colombia than I did the police/military in Venezuela.

5.  Race is a very interesting thing here.  Its not uncommon for lighter skinned Colombians to call the black Colombians "negritos."  Is it racism or just a way of identifying or referencing a group of people?

6.  Its really surprising how long a bad reputation will follow a country.  The drug wars in Colombia have been over for quite some time but I was amazed at how many people were concerned for my safety traveling here.  For the record: I was not kidnapped, robbed, raped, pick-pocketed, harassed or otherwise violated or offended.

7.  On the many days I ran in the morning along the bay I hardly saw any women running.  Groups were walking and a few rollerbladed.  I wonder why more don't run.

8.  Is it rude if I call a little girl a "gordita" (little fat girl) for laughing at me while I was stretching outside my building after a run...and then tell her that if she exercised she wouldn't be fat? And, yes, I'm sure she was laughing at me - she pointed...and her mother/nanny was trying to shush her up.  Little brat...

9.  I need to come here with my sister.  My parents won't go salsa dancing with me and, in spite of the fact that I'm 26 years old (!!!!!!!!) they wouldn't let me go alone.  But, I figure if both their kids throw a hissy fit and walk out with some taxi money...maybe I'd get to experience some nightlife.  I'm thinking this needs to happen over Christmas.

10.  I finished reading two books while I was here and I'm halfway through a third.  Reading is awesome.

11.  Chocolate croissants here are way too freaking awesome.  I will eat 3 by the time today is over because I have yet to find a pastry shop in the States that makes them as awesomely.

12.  Wine here is way to expensive.  Note to self: bring several bottles in from Houston next time.

13.  I really don't want to live in the States.  Anyone know of a job in the UK that I can apply for? Their legal system is the most similar to the one I just studied.

14.  Along those same lines...the coming week in the States is going to suck.  I always get a little depressed upon returning from an overseas trip.