Just an amazing start in Colombia

Popayan, Colombia, Diciembre 12, 2007

I just experienced a really great day. This day is a follow-up of a little story at the bottom. A woman and her daughters who frequently come to the hostel invited me to their house for a visit and lunch (the main meal of the day here). At the edge of Popayan, a small house, a living room where they live, sleep (in one bed, the three of them) and have a lot of children over to do activities with. E.g. making music, creative activities, etc.

I had a warm welcome, the kids were great, so was the family. I had lunch and was introduced in the ´real´ Colombia. How people live, in parts that are not wealthy, where life is hard on them. I was impressed, in the mean time I really enjoyed this part, the purity of life, for life. It is hard to imagine from a western European perspective how the people live their lives. Even harder to imagine with how less the people have so much joy for life, a great spirit and will.

It was an amazing day, a bit difficult since I was bound to my knowledge of Spanish, but really amazing. Since I could not do all the things I wanted. Therefore I will leave one day later for San Agustin.

ps 1.... It only seems that I have a bit of a complexion.. For real, my arms and face are darker then quite some of the locals... What can I say, South America...

ps 2.... The proceeding story:
"Money is nothing, money is everything"
´It is all about the money, the standards, the house, the car. People measure success according to salaries and financial wealth. People compare, if they want or not. Look with envy at the people that have money, dream of being rich.

A joy for life, grasping life. Seeing the joy in ones eyes, living, feeling life in the purest way. Living it with the heart and soul. That is not about money, it is within the heart. Deeply engraved. Life, love, pure joy, anyone can experience it, just let the burdens fall of, feel the purity of the sun, the wind, the rain. Step out, dance, jump, laugh, feel life! Money is nothing.

They don´t have much money. Only a big smile on their faces. There is a lot of poverty, here too. The people know they don´t have much money, a lot know they don´t need much money (some think they do need money and try to obtain it incorrectly, are they happy?). They are rich, in their hearts, in their souls, living life, loving life. Money is nothing.

A school for small children. Helping them, in their first steps in life. But it is hard, not working with the kids, but... The bank (between all the old building, poor places the only huge, big, expensive places you will find are banks), capitalists. The school will be closed in case there is not enough money. Therefore they sell art, and simple jewelry. To prevent the school for being closed, to bring joy, into the life of these children. Money is everything!

Jumping of joy, almost screaming... So much happiness, pure! A British friend of mine just gave 20 dollars (40.000 pesos) for the preservation of the school. I topped it off to 100.000 pesos (20 euros extra). For them, this is the world, the smile on their faces, the joy they experienced. No words can express that. Money, money is nothing, nevertheless, money is everything.´