Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Catholicism is not the Big Cheese in Bogota!
After fighting a losing battle with the Colombian version of 'Hot' water I sit writing to you under the glow of candle light and the feverish whistle of the world cup crowd passing beneath my window. It is not that Colombia does not have the comfortable trappings of Europe but simply finds no use for them: Double-glazing? Why would you want to separate yourself from the bustling adventures of the people below you; lighting in your room? If it is dark, why are you not partaking in the aforementioned adventures outside or asleep after a full day of running around waiting and procrastinating. Which brings me to my first rule of Colombia: Always carry a book! Football maybe the countriy's passion but waiting is its pasttime: banks, university, shops, cafes, the only thing you never have to wait for are questions, especially of the personal nature, but I digress. Of my 2 weeks in Bogota, roughly 60% has been waiting for things that I still do not have. However; this is not necessarily a bad thing. If I happen to be 10mins late because I spied a particular delectable piece of mango from the side of the road and ran late due to arguing with the seller that I did in fact want my fruits sans cheese, well, I am still practically early!
Which brings me to my second rule of Colombia: Respect the two religions: Queso and Catholicism!
Have you ever stared longingly over a mug of hot chocolate at the cheese cabinet and felt the burning need to lop off a piece of cheddar and throw it in to the chocolate? No, me neither, but then obviously we are not of the Colombian variety. Imagine it, mouth-watering mangoes, huge chunks of papaya, sweet pineapple, kiwis and other assorted fruits too exotic to have English names, can you see the juicy shiny goodness of it all as the waitress closes in, the fruit salad becomes even tastier as over the top of this fabulous fruit is grated coconut, oh no wait, it's cheese, CHEESE! Way to ruin your beautiful natural produce Colombia!
Now, we move on to Catholicism,
Now Catholicism and I have not always seen eye to eye, and the appearance of the priest from my university (Minuto de Dios) begging for donations over the television does not sit well with me, however this aside the selfless story of how my university was created is nothing short of heart-warming. Nevertheless, on my 1st day in the university I never expected to be dragged to an assembly where the priest proceeded to whip out a guitar and gave a rendition, to judge by the enthused participation of everyone except me, of a well-known hymn. This may seem like a passionate affirmation of the faith that Colombians have, however, I just think Colombians like to make noise. Although the hymn was sung with gusto, the previous speech made by the priest was secondary to the ritual of the Blackberry and Iphone. Furthermore, the way the man next to me was glancing at me and holding my hand with his which, sporting a very shiny wedding ring, negates the impressive spontaneous crossing and lip service. Therefore I give cheese the edge over Catholicism, at least in Bogota.
Lauren x
- comments
Jen Book me a ticket am there, CHEESE!!
Lucy Colombia sounds crazy but in a good way not a hell on earth kind of war, i love the writing!