A Colombian 21st

So my 21st was probably not what a typical American underager would have imagined, but I would have to say it was a pretty solid day. It started out not so great (I could barely open my right eye when I woke up because I'd gotten a bug bite on my eyelid and the water kept turning off while I was in the shower) but greatly improved.

I had a nice birthday run around the barrio and then hung out at home until lunch. I didn't tell anyone in my house it was my birthday (I don't know why, clearly I'm not shy about the topic) so I had a low-key lunch (ate by myself, actually.) I then went to the salon at the end of the block to treat myself to a manicure and pedicure. I've only ever had one of each in my life before because it's so expensive in the US, but together it was less than $7 here. Prooooobably going to become a monthly occurrence. Not quite as pampering as in the US (no massaging whirlpool footbaths) but it was nice just the same. Did take almost 2 hours though and I had a to take a cab to school so I wouldn't be late.

As I was rushing out of the house, Glo, who was on the phone, told her caller to wait just one moment and said (in Spanish) "Teresa...is it your birthday? Or was it recently?" Realizing that the arrival of multiple cards in the mail for me had tipped her off, I was like yup it's today actually...She continued to make her caller wait, got up and gave me besitos and a hug, and wished me a happy birthday. Adorable.

I had baked cookies at Pei's house (I can't use the kitchen here) to bring to share with everyone. It's the end of courses today, so yesterday and today were exams. There is no final for conversation but I didn't have anything planned for them, which turned out to be a good thing.


Only like a third of the class was in the room and a few others were like floating in and out. This is fairly typical since it usually takes at least half and hour to have everyone in the room and seated (timeliness is not a cultural value here). Then one of my students said "Teacher we have a surprise for you, close your eyes!" He then put his hand over my eyes and led me out of the room into another classroom, where the rest of my class was waiting with a cake! They sang to me, made me wish and then I blew out the candles.



The cake, genovesa, is apparently typical of Santander and was quite good. I realized it's been years since I've had a birthday cake, since I always opt for the pie option. My students had also brought candy and pop and we had a nice little party. They gave me this huge card they'd made and had all signed and I promptly started to cry. One of them (one of the ones I want to date one of the other ones) asked me if it was hard being away from my family on my birthday. I told her that I was sad I couldn't talk to my parents and all of my friends but that I am learning to be a big girl. She said "It's ok Teacher, sometimes you have to be away from the people you love but maybe next year you will get to celebrate with them all." Wise words from a 15 year old.

After class, I shared my cookies with the rest of the teachers and got serenaded with Happy Birthday on the violin by my friend Juan Pablo. I also got a call from my roommate Sandra and a text from my roommate Lorena, so apparently Glo was making quick business of spreading the word.

My second class had to take their final exam so thankfully I didn't have to actually do any teaching (wouldn't wanna strain myself too hard on my birthday.) After class was over, my friend Jose (he's taking a class a Colombo) walked to our other friend's house and then went out to dinner. We went to this Arabic place I'd been wanting to try where I got to eat HUMMUS. It was a little citrusy but still pretty glorious because I really miss ethnic food here.

I had my first legal (not sure if it even really counts since I've been legal to drink here since I arrived) drink as a 21-year-old and it was pretty delicious. There were actually 2 other birthday parties at the restaurant and these two little boys from the street who were trying to sell us toys had taken a paper crown from one of them and my friend Maki bought it off him so I could wear it. I looked super cute.

Then we went to a bar-ish place for another drink. We sat on the patio and had a really good time just talking and listening to music. We weren't out late since most everyone had to work/go to class in the morning, but it was still pretty fun. 21 here is definitely not like 21 at home, since I only had 2 drinks the entire night. It was fine by me though and just chilling was an excellent way to celebrate!