Hey there,
After being snatched away from my beer with the American instructors & Colombian trainees, we proceeded back to Aunties house. I asked Stivalis about her behavior around the Americans & Colombians. She said, that a couple of the men had been disrespectful toward her, even
after she told them about me. This incident only fueled the fire for her in wanting to return, to Cali asap! Taxi service along the beachfront sucks, once the sun goes down. If you want a cab to pick you up at the Hotel, they charged you TWICE AS MUCH!!! Go figure! We decided to flag down a cab near the front entrance of the Hotel. You talk about DARK!!!! The bugs were out in full force. The repellent we sprayed on each other, probably tasted like Salsa to the misquotos. Negro con Salsa....Yum Yum...lol. Anyway, after a ten to fifth teen minute walk, we finally hijack a car with four doors.
One of the things I really appreciated about Tumaco, was the stars. I saw every single constellation. Formations that I have only seen in books & television, were out there with such clarity. Everyone was tracking their astrological sign. It was fantastic to say the least. When we finally get to Aunties, there were about a dozen "cousins" waiting for us. Our celebrity status was wearing Stivalis out. Stivalis whispered, don't let them trick you into buying some rum. I understood where she was coming. She knew the cost wasn't hurting me, but she didn't want anyone in the family to try and take advantage of me. Relax honey, I'm crazy, not stupid! I have my quiet ways of saying "NO" without hurting my pockets or anyone's feelings. To there credit, no one from the family, asked me to buy anything during my entire stay there in Tumaco.
Imillia, Marisol & Edwin are running around the house in excitement knowing they will be spending the night with us, at the Casa del Sol. Edwin who is 10 years old, is quite intelligent & very quick in picking up english. I had my little pocket translator with me, when I was at a loss for a word. Edwin was using the translator & making it come up with sayings & phrases, I didn't know existed on the translator. Marisol is 11 & has a smile that would warm any heart. Imillia at 8, is a comedienne. The children proved to be great spanish instructors & english students. Edwin & Marisol were my go-fers. I must of went through about 100 of those sealed bags of purified water. They ran to the store on countless occasions for me. We only spent a couple of hours at aunties, eating, drinking & plenty of good convo. I think, they really appreciated talking with someone from outside their immediate world.
These folks might have been economically challenged, but they knew what was happening around them (Plan Colombia). They were also very aware of the world's perception of Colombia. The "Civil War" ended decades ago Howard. It's about Money, period! The hands of government, are taking slices of the cocaine pie for themselves, don't be fooled. These conversations were some of the most rewarding since I have started visiting Colombia. It's a shame, considering all the other natural resources this country has, for so many of it's people to be living in poverty.
The kids are giving us that "Can we leave now" look...lol. We pick up some munchies, & flag down a cab & head back to the del Sol. The kids are bouncing & laughing up a storm. It felt good getting them out of the barrio for a couple of nights. After watchng the Discovery & Cartoon Network for about 3 hours, they crash @11:30. Imillia, is crying a little since it was a first time away from Aunties house. Stivalis tells her a story to calm her down. With the cabana quiet, we all fall asleep.....HA HA HA HEH HEH....THUMP!!! At 5 friggin 15 in the morning, THESE KIDS ARE UP!!!! I roll over to continue sleeping & Stivalis is saying, how can you sleep with that racket? Oh baby, I'm used to it raising two girls having sleep-overs & occasionally baby-sitting. I trying my best not to laugh out loud. I don't believe this Howard, they just went to sleep! Stivalis pulls a mother hen, & tells the kids to kill that noise. By this time, I can't contain my laughter because, she isn't having much success. Stivalis, let me handle this! A few minutes, the kids & the cabana are quiet. What did you do? what did you say? I gave her a kiss, a smile and rolled over. You know you're going to have to tell me! Later my love, later.....lol!!!
Peace....Hoda
