It’s Been Awhile (first two lines are to be read like the horrible song with the same title)

It’s been a while since I posted on my blog.

And Its been a while since I updated yall. 

Sorry for that...

Family at my dad's Boquilla style birthday party

So to catch everyone up, my most recent occurrence has been me going to Bolivia to reunite with my family--minus my brother-- and then all of us coming to Cartagena--including my brother and his girlfriend.  I had the greatest time with them and although I had not seen them in 10 months, after a brief 30 minute ‘catching up session’ it was like I had never left.  I was so happy to show them the amazingness that is Cartagena, but even more excited to show them where I have been working, what I have been doing, and where I have been living in La Boquilla.

Trip highlight:  Although my dad’s birthday is in July, my host family did not know this, and I wanted to show my family how we get down in La Boquilla.  So I told them it was his birthday.  I felt a little bad telling them this, but I figured since we payed for the entire party and everyone had a great time, there was nothing to worry about.  In typical Boquilla fashion there was enough food to feed the whole town, everyone danced, and the LIGHT beers were flowing like wine (Dumb and Dumber reference).  More importantly my family got to meet all 11 family members that I am currently living with, the 6 that are always here and 4 cousins from venezuela that are here for two months. 

However, don’t think for a second that those were the only people there because when my host family throws down the whole town knows about it.  So there were a bunch of neighbors, other Boquilleros, and cousins that live down the dirt road.  It was a magical night that was full of dancing--my dad with my host mom, my sister with a seven year olds and myself with a four year old neighbor-- and quotes.  My favorite quote of the night had to be when my four year old host sister came up to my family, after they were trying to get her to dance, only to tell us, 

“My mom says I can’t dance because I’m Christian.”  

-Four year old Evangelical 

It instantly became a vacation favorite and was repeated with frequency.   

My family has since left, but not before leaving me with Twizzlers, Peanut butter and more.  I really do miss them a lot, but I am very excited to get back to work and have a busy month ahead.  I hope to get another post up within the next fortnight, but for now enjoy a few pics.

My dad at his birthday party with a few of the guests

My host sister (getting the piggyback ride) and my cousin that lives down the dirt road, as mentioned above

More of the crew

Me and my host mom dancing salsa per usual