It’s All Happening at the Zoo… July 9, 2009

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 [...]

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 [...]

Why Didn’t the Chicken Cross the Road? April 13, 2009

Because it rained.  And the road looked like this:   A few weeks ago David had some friends visiting from the US, so we decided to do a mid-day excursion to the nearby town of Jaji.  It is a typical Andean town smack dab in the middle of the mountains.  As I was getting ready [...]

The Ethics of Faking It March 18, 2009

So a woman sits down next to you at the bank.  She turns to you and says something, then waits for your reaction.  The things is…whatever she just said sounded a whole lot like jibberish.  What do you do?  Smile and nod, and hope it was a “boy this wait has been long,” kind of [...]