I want to be a part of it!

Hola, todos!

I am now in Armenia, Colombia! It is way warmer here than in Bogota - it's 81 right now at 12:51PM. I am staying with a host family and they are absolutely awesome! They have done so much for me and taught me a great deal about Armenia. The university is really close to where I live, as is the hospital, mall, movie theater, and grocery stores. Luckily, there is no malaria here! I am learning about la cultura Paisa - "Paisa" refers to the people here ("Paisa" is like Rochesterian). They eat corn arepas, which are like thick tortillas. El aquardiente is the liquor that is specifically Paisa - I have yet to try it!

The people in Armenia are extremely warm and welcoming. When greeting someone, it is customary to ask a few questions to see how they're doing. In the U.S., we tend to rush small talk, but if omitted here, it is considered very rude!

I have my own room here, and the atmosphere is relaxed and caring. That combined with sunny days makes for a wonderful place to live for 10 months! Pictures to come. I love it here! I hope all is well with whoever is reading this!

Pantuflas = slippers

pepinillos = pickles

http://portal.uniquindio.edu.co/uniquindio/

If you go to the page and click on the Fulbright link, you will see the announcement that my university made about the program and my arrival! Thanks for visiting!