Tio Alirio

This gentleman is Alirio-- my new "Tio," or uncle. He is president of a major international business based in Medellin, more importantly he is one of the most generous, kindest people I have ever met. He is close friends with Barbara, and I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with him at his finca (exquisite, weekend mountain-home, typical of the Medellin elite). Though he is not smiling here, we did spend the day laughing and talking together. A few days later he called and told me he was sending his car to pick me up and take me to an interview his friend set up for me at the Montessori school!

Public Art

Medellin is full of interesting public art. From the Botero Sculptures in Parque Berrio to these works at a road-side overlook on the eastern side of the valley-- there is always something beautiful and surprising to see!

Neighborhood



The farm truck that visits our neighborhood on Saturdays.



Sun rising over Edificio Unicol-- where I live with Barbara.



Bienvenida

Hello friends and family! I hope to maintain this blog so you all can keep up with my new life in Colombia (note: 2 O's... no U's). Here's what I've been up to so far...

I arrived the morning of Sept. 2 and was received at the airport by the lovely Barbara Jahn. I met Barbara when I was here in April and we arranged for me to house-sit for her this Fall. She is a quilting artist and her impressive work is on display throughout her apartment. She will be heading to the States at the end of the month to exhibit her quilts and visit with family.

I have a very comfortable room in Barbara's house, and of course, I sleep under one of her exquisite creations. The neighborhood is called Barrio Conquistadores and has to be one of the best locations to live in Medellin. This is a city of 3.8 million people, yet Conquistadores feels small and quiet. There are many green spaces between the homes and apartment complexes that create a sweet network of parks for me to run through in the mornings. It is also right in the middle of the city. I have been learning the best ways to utilize the many bus routes nearby and have been riding the Metro a ton-- even at rush hour, which is inadvisable for those who value their personal space!

Through Barbara, I 've met many well-connected people in Medellin- she, herself, is impressively connected here. One of these new friends of mine took it upon himself to "make a few calls." Well, one of those calls got me an interview at one of Medellin's finest private schools, Colegio Montessori. I will be a long term substitute at this school until December. For September, I will fill in full-time for a secondary English class. In October and November, I will work part-time teaching 3rd grade Math, in English. I am very fortunate to have this perfect opportunity!

The plan was to teach English at Universidad de EAFIT in January...but, the Montessori school has made me an offer for an elementary Math position. I am very seriously considering this because the salary and benefits exceed anything the university could offer. EAFIT has also kind of "left me hanging" meanwhile, Montessori has a contract waiting for my signature right now. We will see! As for teaching Dance at Universidad de Antioquia starting in February, that's still a part of the plan :)

With my spare time, I am cooking a lot with all of the great fresh vegetables and fruits from the region. I am also attending theater events when I can, especially the free events at university theaters. And, of course I have found a rock climbing gym-- it's walking distance from my house! I am learning about the main climbing destinations in the region and have plans to climb on local rock next weekend. When the public university is back in session next week, I am hoping to take a Ballet or Modern Dance class.

In the meantime, I will get my exercise exploring the streets of this beautiful mountain city!