Week Two

Rotary meeting with the other exchange student from Germany

First time shopping with the other exchange student in my town

The Caribbean

My new home, Santa Marta

Birthday Party

The bus ride to Cartagena

Mud Volcano

Where they get salt from the ocean water "Galerazamba"

Most of my class in Cartagena

My new family!

Week One in Santa Marta, Colombia

It has been one week since I left home and came to Colombia. I'm having a blast. The people here are very nice. People are very understanding of my limited Spanish and have learned to talk way slower for me. The food here is very good. They have lots of food that can't even grow where I live, so I'm always trying new things which I love doing. I have an amazing host family. My host sister Maria Ines has been my best friend from the start, and has given me amazing friends too :-) I can't thank Rotary enough for the experience they have given me!   

My new Family welcoming me at the airport :-)

1st restaurant

First time hanging out with my new friends!

1st time going shoe shopping at Ocean Mall

1st Colombian icee

1st time seeing the Ocean and going Swimming in a Colombian pool

 1st day of school at San Luis :-) The people are very nice even though I don't speak a lot of Spanish yet  

My 1st taxi ride ever!

Juan Valdez (a Colombian Coffee place)

My 1st Rotary meeting

1st party at my house with a band

1st time getting ice cream, I got nutella and arequipe (which is similar to carmel) ice cream

Tonight is my last night in the United States. I spent the day with many friends and tonight I spent playing games with my family. Since I'm one of five children in my family it's hard to get us all together, it was nice to be with my entire family having fun before I left. I am super excited to arrive in Colombia, even if it does mean an over night flight :-)

I want to thank everyone who helped make this dream come true. From all the people who sent checks to all the rotarians. Also to all my friends who have been at my side through it all even though I know you will miss me, you still supported me. And thank you to the Rotex who have told me so much about Colombia. See you in a year :-) I'll miss you