mom. my first lady. in colombia for christmas.

As anyone who has lived abroad (or in another state far away from their family and friends) will tell you, holidays are some of the most difficult parts of being so far away. Especially if you live in a very family-oriented culture, where not only do families gather every Sunday for the traditional Sunday lunch, but most holidays are spent with family, including Christmas and New Years. I was so very happy to have my beautiful mother here with me in Colombia for this time of year. Although it was not without the normal Brown challenges, including both of us getting a pretty nasty flu, we has some really nice moments. We were invited to my roommate's family Christmas with at least 35 spirited people gathered. Highlights of that evening included the reading of the Novena (the story of Jesus and traditional songs), midnight throwing of gifts, and dancing salsa late into the night (see photos above). We did a few touristy things, like Museo Botero and the breathtaking Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá, and then spent New Years Eve/Day with my other friend, Alba's beautiful family near a pueblo called La Vega. The mountain photos are from that area. I'd have to say the highlight for me, other than just getting to hug my mom in person, was getting to have my new friends down here meet her. There is just something about Moms isn't there? Grateful I am.

Christmas at the family of Cata (family portrait: Jess is there in spirit!)

curry chicken dinner with Mom and (some of) my wonderful friends (dessert: homemade pumpkin pie that the Colombians actually loved! Score! <3

 museo botero (hence the 'large faced women' below)

monteratte

 ajiaco soup- hmm

 new years eve colombian traditions

 12 grapes, a wish one for each month that were eaten at midnight with champagne

family of Alba Lucia :)

 Alba, Me, Mom

 tradition #2: run around the town square with your (empty) suitcase if you would like to travel in 2013

 la Virgin de la Vega

 homemade ajiaco with the family of Alba