Not even the middle of December yet !!

Well it's December 10th and the fireworks and random but daily explosions are increasing. When I say explosions I don't mean they would blow up a car or a house, but that if you were right near one it might leave you blind or deaf. We hear them mostly from far away, which is nice because when occasionally a very big one goes off close by it takes you by surprise and raises your heart beat a little.

I'll be glad on Jan 7th when most of the nonsense is over. The big days of course are Xmas and new year's. Every year both children and adults lose fingers, eyes and are severely burned. The country has laws against the use of these explosives but they don't seem to be able to enforce them. As a foreigner here you first impression is that it is part of their culture and that they must all be for it and enjoy it. It's just not true. Most Colombians feel strongly about the fireworks and explosives and don't like the explosives. Naturally most people enjoy the colorful fireworks that light up the sky but they are completely against the explosions.

For now one just has to put up with this tradition and pray and hope that no one gets injured. It only has about 3 weeks to a month to go, so we just have to hang in there.

Greetings from Medellin, Colombia

Just a short note to welcome you to Medellin, Colombia. I hope to be showing you different aspects of this city and country from an American point of view. I would also like to answer any questions about this country. I had lived in Bogota back in 1990 when I had graduated college and wanted to perfect my Spanish, which I did. But now it is even more perfect. Well it'll never be perfect, but it's pretty good for a gringo.

So I hope to read your comments and enjoy the views.