Back From Manizales

Picture above is at the Cookout
in the backgroud you can see the Paraiso Mountians and Sugar Cane

A couple of quick stories

1. I saw a guy walking down the street with a knife clutched in his hand, when I asked what his deal was they said he was carrying it for personal protection.....

2. The four hour bus ride to Manizales was the worst road/bus ride I have ever been on. The bus driver was going about 90mph on a two lane curvy road (Enelio tossed his cookies)

3. On the bus ride I noticed there were goats, cows, and horses eating the grass in the middle of a four lane highway...I am still unsure how they got there.

4. It rained most of the day yesterday which means it is very humid today.

5. I have found I have no hope of being a salsa dancer (sorry nanny I wont be on dancing with the stars) it seems the folks here are REALLY into their salsa....we were dancing until 5AM in Manizales. I have quit trying to learn how to salsa, I know the moves but cant get my coordination to cooperate.

6. On the way to the hotel from salsa dancing our taxi almost hit a donkey that was hanging out in the middle of the road (would probably be worse than hitting a deer)

7. Enelio´s mom is stuffing me full and I am on pace to be back at 220 lbs by the time that I get home.

8. I will post later about this but in Enelio´s town of Amaime, he pretty much takes care of the entire community...it is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. For instance today I had the chance to meet Daniela, who is deaf. Enelio has been assiting her with funds to travel to Cali to get her implant so she can be able to hear some....big time stuff!

Daniela (right) and Gabriela (left)....Gabriela has been working on her English so she can speak to me!

Coach Page....dont laugh, I am expected to play soccer here on Wednesday.....I think I might sit that one out, also I am having a tough time converting money here, Page I am sure you would be a beast at it! I have found about three people that speak good english but I have found it rather easy to communicate without talking...... Back on the music, these folks are all like a bunch of human radios...they know every salsa song by heart that comes on at any point during the day. They are very passionate about their music and love to dance. Believe it or not, I finally got the pictures to load....we are about one street down from Enelio´s house at an internet ¨cafe¨.....last time we had to drive 10 minutes to get access. I will quit talking and post some pictures, hope all is well....adios-DTW

BTW Mom, there are not many blonde girls down here, you will have to settle for a brunette daughter in law (Carolina)

Enelio´s House (they rent out the upstairs $75 bucks a month....Hundley, dont get any ideas!)

Roxana I fugured you would like this one, a guy selling inflatable pools from his car!

Example of a ¨hill¨ in Manizales

This is the ¨frog game¨...alot like corn hole but more holes! You throw six brass rings, the hole it goes in is the point value you get...I you get your brass ring hung on the hook you automatically win.....if you put it through the frogs mouth you get 1,000 points...I got that on my second throw....and then didn´t hit the board again!

Enelio´s Backyard

Da Toilet

Da Shower

I´ve had chicken feet...but chicken head doesn´t look so plesant!

Mom...no worries Felix (in white shirt above) has been watching over both Enelio and I..... we are safe!