I fell in love a little...

It has almost become a game I guess... The first time I took the wrong bus was sort of understandable- I was supposed to board the bus that said "UNICENTRO" but I accidentally hopped on the bus that said "CENTRO."


OK, makes sense, you see where I got confused... but the last bus I was on clearly said "GERMANIA."All in caps, just like that. The thing is, I can't see very well, especially when what I'm trying to read is driving by really fast and I'm standing alone in a big city. So I hesitate a bit, and get a little panicky every time a bus is coming, then sometimes I accidentally wave one down. It stops right in front of me, and I can clearly see that this is the wrong bus. But I feel so guilty for waving it down and get on anyway. Then I kinda hope it goes generally in the right direction... I sit down silently until I've semi-organized a sentence or two I can ask the person sitting next to me.


It becomes clear to them I cannot speak Spanish, and they start using some means of universal language (sometimes it's a little something like interpretive dance). I manage to get some type of instructions and I reply with a perfected "Ahhh... Muchas Gracias!" :D

                                       Yes. Yes my friends, I can read this.

La Candeleria (the place where it all began- this city I have fallen so in love with)

Friday was a really hard day for me. I've been attending Spanish classes for the last four weeks (I promise I'm going to get better soon...) and Friday was my last day. The composition of these classes are ever-changing from week to week with new students arriving every Monday or so. 


Starting on day one, I had one buddy in my class. She knew diddly squat just like me. I think of her as my side-kick kinda. Together, side-by-side, we learned how to ask to go to the bathroom, how to describe what each other were wearing, how to meet and greet, and all the good stuff like that. Each time a new student arrived in our class, we looked at each other and agreed they were far too advanced to ride with us. 


On Friday, I had to say good-bye :(


But it was unexpectedly really really hard. It's always hard saying good-bye to friends, but this time I was saying good-bye for good. We become good friends and tomorrow and everyday for the rest of my life Im not going to go to class.


I've met some seriously un-freakin-believable people from all over the world (Africa, Norway, Switzerland, Germany, Holland, USA, Canada) . Each of every person I've met is... perfect. I can't imagine my life without them now.


That's a big thing to say, but I've talked to each and every person and they have completely changed the shape of my existence. I could now go on for days and days talking about philosophical questions regarding how and why and who and what was meant to happen and bla bla bla, but I won't. Because I've been reading some other (really great) blogs, and I've realized maintaining a short message is key. 

                         Sebastian from CANADA!

                           Edwige from AFRICA!

    Mateo (ready to change the world) from the US! 

(I have also met an IAN and a JOSE from the US)

                        Luz, my crazy prof!

                        Markus from SWITZERLAND!

                         Rocco from HOLLAND!

David... (It's said "Shet-al" but it starts with a Kj...-something...) from NORWAY!

And, my side-kick, Ashley with her beautiful baby boy!

I wonder who else would change the path of my life if I had stayed just one more week.

So the message I would like to leave with you today is...

Go fearlessly and let the world change you. Open your hand to people; let their words become yours- and your words become theirs. Each of every person you encounter has the power to change a tiny thought or diminutive decision that can change the rest of your life. Whether it's a conversation, a concept, a coffee- take what has been so graciously offered and offer what can be so graciously taken.