Comunicación

Pio Uribe Palacio
De la serie toros eternos
Mixta sobre lienzo
120x120 cm $15.000.000 COL

Thought you all might enjoy the random art from a hair salon called Macho's...yes, that's the real name :)

So we Hulseys just want to explain our means of communication as there seems to be some confusion. You can call our American numbers and they are forwarded to a VoIP (wifi number). If we don't have wifi, it will go to voicemail, but as soon as we have it again, we'll get your message and call you back. As for texting, you can text the following number: (seven zero three) 595.2741, but we will not get any texts sent to our normal numbers. Because we are using US numbers, there are no international charges. We're also on Skype, PingChat, Kik, Tango....ok, we're really just big dorks that like communicating with our friends and family.

We also have Colombian cell phones (think super cheap and then lower your expectations) in case 1. You need us urgently 2. You are in Colombia and know what "Movistar" is, or 3. You really like paying for international calls. If you fall under category three, please contact me for better uses of your money :)

So yea, call us, set up a Skype date, text...we're just a couple of long hours away (by plane).

Andrés Carne de Res

So imagine Moulin Rouge with amazing food and over-the-top decor. You would then have Andrés Carne de Res, by far the hippest place in Colombia. We went to the original restaurant outside of the city in January, and have already visited Andrés D.C. (in Bogotá) twice. My favorite part is the band that walks around playing for each of the tables. I so want to be the dude that just dances along in dark sunglasses and throws the tissue paper hearts in the air!

Same Difference

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We are having a great time in Bogotá but have noticed some pretty interesting differences from the States:

1. Every day at 6am and 6pm, the Colombian national anthem is played on all of the radio stations. We think the kid's version is especially entertaining.

2. These people like to eat and no one is fat. Besides the regular three meals a day there is a mid morning snack and an afternoon snack called "onces". Yet, as much as they eat, we have yet to see an obese person. We would love to figure out this mystery.

3. Refrigeration is not a priority. Keep your eggs, cheese, milk and pretty much whatever else out of the fridge and no one here gets sick. Truly a medical phenomenon.

4. Packaging is different; for example milk, jelly, mustard and mayo all come in packets that look like Capri Sun drinks. Not sure why a whole nation is anti jar or carton, but we are guessing that importing is cheaper this way.

5. Because of past violence, Bogotá takes serious security precautions. To ride in a cab safely, you call before, get a code and confirm the license plate number. To park at the mall, your car is checked by security and dogs, including your trunk. We have learned that malls are safe, but not when it comes to the temptation of buying things- then your on your own.

6. Because Bogotá is 8,500 feet in elevation, it's in the 60s year round. However, because it's the coldest city in Colombia, people dress like it's in the 20s. Think jacket, scarf, boots- you got it.

7. The juices here are amazing and plentiful. Forget the normal orange and grape. Instead try the strawberry, tangerine, lulo, and blackberry. They are all excellent and much tastier than anything in the states. However, don't make our rookie mistake and forget your water. At this elevation you really need it!!!!

A Piece of Paradise

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This last weekend was spent at Mesa de Yuegas where we joined our wonderful friends at their vacation home. The time was spent sunbathing, swimming, biking, and playing a countless number of games. Our friends brought their very cool friends as well, so we had a great time getting to meet new people!

Of course part of our experience is immersion- so lots of Spanish. I tried out my Spanish only to insult our host's cooking and call my husband "easy." Thankfully, they brushed me off as estúpido gringo and were very gracious and forgiving.

Very glad classes started this week. Praying this español thing will improve muy rapido!!!!

Snot Fruit

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Granadilla or as us Americans fondly call it "Snot Fruit". Looks gross, tastes good!

The Hulseys are alive and well. We got some essentials done in Bogotá the first two days and now are relaxing for the holiday weekend. We have been enjoying some sleeping in and our wonderful Colombian friends.

Interesting things we have learned thus far:

1. Trying to order breakfast in the morning can be a much more daunting task than anticipated and so far has turned into a game of sign language and pointing.

2. Pirates of the Caribbean Cuatro en español is not as easy to follow as you may think, even when you try to be cool and pretend that you got it :)

3. Traffic sucks worse than DC (and that's really saying something).

4. Unlocking an iPhone is an illegal offense by Colombian law as of one week ago and punishable to eight years in prison (um, whoops).

5. Kidnapping is down by 89%. Yay.

School starts Tuesday and so does consistent wifi!

Answers and Arrival

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¡Buenos Noches!

If you're reading this, it means we have arrived in Colombia and have found wifi somewhere! It's been an absolutely crazy couple of weeks preparing for our departure and there is no way we could have done it with out the help of our family and friends. Hopefully we can repay you by hosting you in Latin America soon!

As for our housing, prayers have been answered in that we will be living with a friend of a friend, and not too far away from our language school.

Over Memorial Day Weekend, although we selfishly could have spent the time packing, we had the privilege of attending JM's sister's wedding in Nashville. It was beautiful and we had such a wonderful time. It was a blessing to hang out with our TN friends and family before we left.

We are very thankful to be sitting on a plane, but slightly overwhelmed that it's not a vacation. It's crazy to think that all we have are the couple (ok, who am I kidding...six) bags we brought with us.

We ask for your continued prayer as we embark upon this journey, wherever God may lead us!

Much, much more to come!!!!

We're Married!!!

Ok, we've been married for almost nine years, but today it's officially Colombian style. Yes, our wedding rings went to a safe place and we replaced them with bands on our right hands. Feels kinda crazy, but fun :)