This is it! Today’s the day. I’ve been looking forward to this trip since I started at CU in 2018. Bags are packed. Gear checked. Spanish skills are sufficiently outdated. Here we go.
My dad dropped me at the airport today. Feeling a bit anxious that I forgot something or that something isn’t exactly where I put it last. But what’s new right? Mostly, it’s all excitement in anticipation of what is to come. The unknown nature of this trip actually doesn’t scare me: it thrills me. It feels like most of my whole life has been rigidly structured by events and activities that are supposed to make me a better learner and person. Yet, sometimes, it feels as though this structure has hindered me (and I would imagine others as well) from exploring what the world has to offer outside of known boundaries. I am excited to become immersed in the local culture, to get my hands dirty.
Turns out, I was given the opportunity to practice Spanish before even leaving Denver. As I was boarding the plane for the first leg of the journey, there was an older couple sitting in the window seat that was assigned to me. I began talking to them and trying to explain that they were in the wrong seat, but it became clear that they did not speak English. Thankfully, when I asked if they spoke Spanish (in Spanish), they replied with an astounding “¡sà por supuesto!” The next 2 hours of the flight, Anna and I conversed about everything and anything all in Spanish. I learned about her home in Guatemala, her children in Montana, and her distinct love of Bollywood attire and Indian food. We even got around to the topic of religion. She offered me some of her snacks at least 10 times which is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the generosity of Latin American people. Upon landing, I helped them secure a trolley to take them to their next gate. Anna gifted me with both a huge hug and an authentic pen from her home nation. I remember clearly she said to me with a wide smile “Even though god does not play a big role in your life, something brought you into my life today.”
I think the trip actually became real for me the moment I stepped out of the airport uber at midnight on a dark street that was completely void of people. On the way to the apartment I rented, the uber driver mentioned something about the area not being “bad,” but not necessarily “good.” Wasn’t exactly the most comforting. I called the fam to tell them I had arrived safely and I realized that that conversation was the most English I had spoken all day. I find myself in the position Anna and her husband were in only a few hours prior. No connections, some language skills, and a whole lotta confusion.
wow.. Can’t believe you are in Bogota now. Congratulation for making it happen. Wishing you all the best exploring and adventuring in new country and continent . Luv you Sid !!!
Hey siddie!! Can’t believe you made your dream come true! So many of us think about all the things we want to do in life and it’s all about ‘someday’’. Well you had a dream and you made it happen! So proud of you beta. Enjoy every minute, soak in the sights, meet new people, make new friends and just create all these memories! You take us with you where ever you. Lots of love!
Have fun. Be safe. After almost 5 years of living in SA I know you will have some amazing experiences and see incredible sights. Hope I was helpful. I will be watching with anticipation hearing about your adventures.