Merida has a beautiful zoo. It’s carved into the side of a mountain complete with multiple waterfalls and walking paths leading to quiet secluded areas of the forest, perfect for reading, writing, or–if you’re 13–making out with your boyfriend/girlfriend on the sly. There aren’t a whole lot of animals, but the way the zoo is set [...]
Archive for the ‘Missive’ Category
It’s All Happening at the Zoo…
July 9, 2009
Hire Me To Breath Down Your Neck (I’m Cheap!)
June 21, 2009
Last year when I went to spend the summer in Morocco, my grandmother (mom’s mom) called my dad and told him he had to stop allowing me to go to “dangerous places.” My dad told her he didn’t really have that kind of control over my life, which I don’t think gave my grandma the [...]
The Oink
June 20, 2009
When my sister, Madelaine, and I first arrived in Ecuador a few weeks ago we were met by some pretty intense health screening. Unlike Venezuela and Colombia where they simply had us check off boxes on a piece of scrap paper (which they weren’t very diligent about collecting) whether or not we had a cough or fever; [...]
Well, is he married?
June 19, 2009
Literally within the first five minutes of meeting my host family back in January, I was asked about my love life. Before I could formulate an even half-Spanish response, a cacophony of voices started shouting “Venezuelan guys are feo (ugly)” and “Find yourself a gringo!” Whaaaatever, I thought, I’m here for the SPANISH, foos!! Well, fast [...]
The Nutcracker
May 25, 2009
Hmmm…memories of The Nutcracker, eh? Well, it’s beautiful, and festive…and…simply ideal for a mid-winter’s nap. Even though there are giant chunks missing from my Nutcracker-Storyline-Knowledge, that’s not to say I didn’t (/don’t) have major delusions of being one of those prima ballerinas up there on stage. The tu-tus, the toe shoes, the giant rat… [...]
Whitney Houston Has Left the Building
May 20, 2009
What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet… Kind of like a Whitney being called a Whick-me…or Whinne (da p-eew)… Right Shakespear? My name isn’t The Greatest for international travel. But in many ways, my adoptive names are some of the best souvenirs I have [...]
Strike a Pose
May 19, 2009
The rumors are true: beauty is important in Venezuela. And sex sells. Big boobs are applauded. And plastic surgery? Suuuuure that’s an appropriate Quinceañera gift! It would be unfair to say that everyone buys into the skimpy clothes, lots of makeup, fake body “accessories,” and sky-high heels packaged deal. I’ve met plenty of down-to-earth, [...]
The Fightin’ Spirit
April 30, 2009
When I was studying abroad in college, I had one incredibly memorable meltdown. I was at an Internet cafe, and my computer just wasn’t working. I had waited about 5 minutes and finally told the woman running the joint that I needed a new one. I logged on to a different machine and after sending [...]
My Two Dads (and Moms)
April 29, 2009
Who stepped forward to shake hands first, Chavez or Obama? …Well, in this microcosm of international relations, both sides were nearly nose diving for a hug and a kiss. My “real” parents (henceforth referred to as RPs) came to visit me in Venezuela last week, and a highlight of the trip was definitely the inter-family [...]
Mi Corazon
April 14, 2009
Before moving to Louisiana in the fall of 2007, I don’t think I could have ever imagined being called “baby,” “honey-child,” or “sweet girrrl” on a near daily basis. Even less so could I wrap my head around the idea of liking these names. But after a few short months in Baton Rouge, it was [...]
