Colombian Culture, Colombia Adoption and Raising Colombian Kids

Colombia, which ranks second in the world for plant diversity, is home to about 45,000 different plant species. Only Brazil, a country which is 6 1/2 times larger than Colombia, has more distinct plant species (about 55,000). This means that approximately 15% of plant species world wide are found in Colombia. Colombia is the second largest exporter of flowers to the world. (There is nothing like a Colombian rose on Mother's Day -- May 9th -- Hint! Hint!) One interesting statistic about Colombian biodiversity. Colombia makes up 1% of the planet surface, but it contains 10% of the world's entire biodiversity. Some of the more interesting plants of Colombia include: La Victoria (Victoria regia) which grows large enough for a child to sit on it and float. And the Frailejón (Espeletia schultzii) which grow in the páramo regions of Colombia. Pictures: http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archivo:Victoria_regia_Kew_Gardens.jpg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rossettenstauden.JPG

The 21 of May marks the official day of Afrocolombian celebration in Colombia -- more about the actual holiday on 5/21. However, I became aware of a House Resolution currently circulating in Washington D.C. that deserves our attention. As menitoned in previous posts, Colombia has the highest rate of Internally Displaced People (refugees) in the world -- even higher than Iraq. I wrote a post about this issue a while back. http://raisingcolombiankids.blogspot.com/2009/07/greatest-number-of-internal-refugees.html In 2004, the Constitutional Court of Colombia ruled that the government was violating the rights of the displaced persons and ordered them to fi the situtation. Unfortunately, the government has does little to comply with the court rulings. Now, " Representative Hank Johnson of Georgia and twenty-two other Representatives are sponsoring Resolution 1224 to mobilize U.S. government support for the work of the Colombian Constitutional Court and to urge the Colombian go

Might I introduce you to a Colombian group called: Bomba Estereo. They formed in 2001 and released their first album in 2006. Last year, the release of their 3rd album -- Blow Up! -- rocketed them onto the international Latin Music scene. They call their musical style "Electro-Vacilon". But, to me it sounds like Electro-Cumbia. Anyway, they just played at the South by SouthWest Festival. I thought you might enjoy hearing their #1 hit -- I give you Fuego! In the song they mention some Colombian cultural icons -- Agua de Panela and the Pollera Colora.

A few days ago at work my husband had an interesting exchange with a colleague from the UK. They were, of course, talking about the World Cup, and my huband was giving his opinion about who should win in each group. His friend teasingly asked -- "How many Colombians will be playing the the World Cup?" My husband, knowing that his friend knew darn well that Colombia hadn't qualified asked, "And how many Brits will be singing at the opening ceremony?" The man looked at him as if to say WHAT? To which my husband responded, "Well, 2 Colombians will be there!" So, in honor of that Colombian vindication, I recently found out that the composition written by Shakira has been chosen as the official theme song for the World Cup. Her song includes the Afrocolombian soca, and is accompanied by the South African group -- Freshly Ground. In Spanish: Read more: http://bogota.vive.in/musica/bogota/articulos_musica/abril2010/ARTICULO-WEB-NOTA_INTERIOR_VIVEIN-76

When I first met my husband, I had just spent 8 months living in rural Mexico. I had a fabulous campesino Mexican accent. When we were married (4 months later), we went to Colombia to spend several months with his family. The first thing I noticed was that my in-laws sounded nothing like my friends in Mexico. While the grammar was the same, they used all kinds of new vocabulary and pronunciation. For example, my sandia (watermelon) became patilla in Colombia. My mantequilla de cachuate (peanut butter) became mantequilla de maní. And my cachucha (baseball hat) became a gorra . Just to name a few of the differences. Not only did various vocabulary words change, but the pronunciation of the same vocabulary word on occasion also changed. Like take the word for beans, Mexicans say fri JO les (stress on the JO). My in-laws in Boyacá say FRI jo les (stress on the FRI). Another big difference that I noticed was that there was a huge variation in accents -- depending on the region of

Playing professional soccer (futbol) is the dream of thousands of Colombian boys. For 50 boys who are currently in the ICBF system, this dream has taken one step closer to reality. Last week, ICBF signed an agreement with the professional soccer team, Independiente Santafe, located in Bogota. In this agreement, the team will provide training in their farm leagues for 50 boys, ages 8-18, who are currently under the protective care of ICBF. The boys that will participate were selected by 5 trainers from the professional team. The participants demonstrated not only outstanding soccer skills, but an ability to cooperate and work well as a team. You can read more here: https://www.icbf.gov.co/icbf/directorio/portel/libreria/pdf/BOLETIN_ACUERDOCONSANTAFE_14-03-10.pdf

This is a very common song, often sung through out the Spanish speaking world. You can play a "Duck Duck Goose" type game while singing this song. There are a few variations -- typically who the singer wants to marry -- be it a widow from the capital ( viudita de la capital) or a young woman from the capital ( señorita de la capital) or even an old woman from the capital ( viejita de la capital). The song that you can listen to below uses the young woman. There are also variations as to the things the woman knows how to do. The fact that she knows how to sew and embroider is pretty universal, however, the last thing listed has multiple versions. Here are the lyrics for the song that you can click on below: Arroz con leche Rice pudding Me quiero casar I want to get married Con una señorita To a young single woman de la capital From the capital Que sepa coser That knows how to sew Que sepa bordar That knows how to embroider Que sepa abrir la puerta T

Nice Video -- they should have spent more on their English editing -- Its not It's. And perhaps the narrator could have better pronounciation. But, nice nonetheless.

You've read my version of the story, however, if you would like to hear it in Spanish. You can purchase the audiobook at Amazon.com. h ttp://www.amazon.com/MADREMONTE-TERROR-LOS-CAMPESINOS-Spanish/dp/9588318041/ref=sr_1_141?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246883144&sr=1-141

The myth of the Madremonte (Mother Mountain), and I do say myth though many campesinos in Colombia believe in her today, has it's roots in the indigenous cultures of Colombia and is known throughout much of Colombia including Antioquia, Caldas, Arauca, Caqueta, Amazonas, Guainia, and perhaps more departments. The Madremonte looks like a large woman. She has large, bony hands, large teeth and Betty Davis Eyes -- which on closer examination glow. Her body is covered in leaves and moss. Her hair is a tangled mess of plants and moss which often covers her face. She lives in the mountains and jungles, (in Antioquia and Caldas she lives in swamps where streams are born. People who claim to have seen her, usually report to have done so near thickets and bushes in jungle like areas. Others report having heard her bloodcurdling screams and groans on stormy nights. She rules the winds, the rains, and all the vegetation, and her role is to protect nature. She punishes those who invad

Colombia ranks #1 in world biodiversity in kinds of Orchids. Colombia boast about 3,500 species of orchids, which is about 15% of the entire world species. Amazingly enough, new species are continuing to join the ranks. In fact, just a few short months ago (October 2009) the latest unique species of orchid was announced . The find was made near the city of Yotoco in the department of Valle del Cauca . The new species has been given the name Lepanthes foreroi . Unfortunately, this new species is already threatened by local farmers wanting to expand their farms. You can read more and see a picture here: http://www.elpais.com.co/historico/nov112009/REG/orquidea.html Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/camusdazur/3432354948/sizes/l/

If your Colombianitos are 10-17 years old, there is an art competition that may interest you. Race car driver, Juan Pablo Montoya, together with Formula Sonrisas , and Colombia es Pasion announced an art competition to design his helmet that will be used in the Daytona on July 3, 2010. The competition is open until May 20, 2010, and the winner will be announced in June. Your child's artistic design should revolve around the following theme. THEME: DIVERSITY OF COLOMBIA , including Biodiversity (my blog's entries for the last few months should be helpful here http://raisingcolombiankids.blogspot.com/search/label/Flora/Fauna ). You may also include the riches of Colombia, her peoples, her culture, and her music. To compete, your child must be Colombian . He/She must be between the ages of 10 and 17 . He/She must have a valid US visa -- if not a dual US/Colombian citizen -- make sure to outline that your child is a Colombian living abroad. You must also use this link to do

The most recent Wait List was published by ICBF on April 9, 2010. Joyfully, there has been a lot of movement again this time. Once again, the ICBF Wait List applies to adoptions through ICBF only -- not through CASAS PRIVADAS. It also ONLY APPLIES TO NON COLOMBIAN FAMILIES. It DOES NOT reflect special needs children. The definition of special needs are children with disabilities, children over 8 years of age, and sibling groups of 3 or more. All dates that have advanced I am putting in BOLD and RED. Also, this list only reflects that there are no more dossiers at the national office prior to the date shown. Dossiers from before May 2006 in the 0-23 months category, for example, may still need a referral, but they have already been sent to a region and are no longer at the national office. Age of Child ------- Date of Application Approval by ICBF Child 0-12 months ------ Jul - 2006 Child 13 - 23 months ---- Jul -2006 Child 2 years ----------- Oct - 2005 Child 3 years ----------- Feb -

Taxis are another great way to get around Bogotá. There are multiple services. It is best to call ahead and have a cab sent to where you are to pick you up. When you call they give you a "SECRET CODE" which you can use when the taxi shows up so you can be sure it is a taxi from a reputable company -- this keeps you safe :) A really helpful site when looking at public transportation in Bogotá -- buses and taxis -- is found in both English and Spanish at: http://www.bogota-dc.com/trans/bog-tra.htm This site gives you the latest rates, you can hire a taxi for 1 hour at the rate of $14,000 pesos -- about $7.50 US. There is also an added fee for a trip from the airport -- $3,200 (less than $2 US). This also means a ride from the airport shouldn't cost you more than $10. So, don't get ripped off by your agency. You can always send them a link to this site. I heard of one agency charging $30 for a trip from the airport to the hotel. NOT COOL!! That extra $20 can be very usef

In a city where there are over one million vehicles, and the streets aren't exactly wide and well planned thoroughfares , there was a need to create a plan to reduce traffic congestion. The transportation solution included the TransMilenio bus system, the new subway, and an interesting system (borrowed from Mexico City) which has come to be know as Pico y Placa . Pico y Placa means that you cannot drive your car on certain days of the week -- based on the last number on your car's license plate. It applies to all vehicles, public and private. For example, cars whose plates end in a 3, 4, 5, or 6 cannot circulate from 6 am until 8 pm on Mondays for the year from July 2009 until June 2010. A violation of this law will cost you over $100 US and you may have your car impounded. This rule often puts a damper on some adoptive families that rely on certain drivers. Inevitably, a driver will be unable to circulate 2 days of the week. This is why getting a handle on public transpor

Juan de Castellanos was a 16 th century poet and priest. He was born in Spain, but spent much of his life in Cartagena and Tunja . He is most remembered for his epic poem " Elegías de Varones ilustres de Indias ", which tells the story of the Spanish conquest of what is today Colombia. There we read about the India Catalina: Una india llamada Catalina An Indian named Catalina Desde Santo Domingo se traía From Santo Domingo was brought Y era de Zamba , pueblo que confina And she was Zamba , a people that are found Con los que viven esta bahía Amongst those that live in this bay (today Galerazamba North of Cartagena ) En lengua castellana muy ladina In the Castilllian language a very smooth talker Y que la destas gentes entendía And in the (language) that these people understood La cual de esta costa presa Who from this coast was taken prisoner Siendo muchacha , Diego Nicuesa As a young girl, by Diego Nicuesa Castellanos helped to immortal

Cartagena, many know that name of the city is actually Cartagena de Indias, but did you know that the original name was San Sebastian de Calamar? Here is the story: Pedro de Heredia was born in Madrid, Spain. As a young man he was involved in a brawl that left three men dead, and he was therefore forced to leave Spain as a penance. He moved to the island of Hispañola -- Santo Domingo. There, he made friends with the right people and in 1526he was named the lieutenant governor of Santa Marta (in today Colombia), under Perdo Badillo. While in Santa Marta, he became a wealthy man by trading trinkets (bells, mirrors and hats) with the natives and receiving gold in return. He returned to Spain, and requested that he be granted permission to explore from the mouth of the Magdalena River to the Atrato River. On, June 5, 1532, he was granted his request by the sovereign of Spain. He landed in what is today the Bay of Cartagena in January 1533, and proceeded to subdue and annihilate (mostly

One thing I have noticed while following adoptive family blogs is that many adopted children have birthdays while the family is in process in Colombia, or within a few months of returning home. A few weeks ago, I received an e-mail from a family anticipating the adoption of their child who will likely celebrate her birthday while the family is in Colombia. The question, "Are there any Colombian birthday traditions we should be aware of?" This question brought about an interesting conversation between my husband and me. Later, I spoke with other family members and even sent out a request to my online Colombian friends. Unfortunately, there was painfully little that anyone could come up with. So, here are the things that I did learn. Besides the Quinceañera, the only other birthday that seems to be special is the 1st birthday. Many families, but by no means all families, will spring for a big shindig on their child's first birthday. They will invite loads of people and feed

After having polled numerous Colombian family and friends, and found painfully little that was very different between American customs and Colombian customs. Like here the wedding reception is paid for by the bride's family. The groom buys a ring. The bride and her family find the dress and make most of the wedding preparations, etc. etc. etc. There were a few differences that I found that might be of interest. #1 -- No Bridesmaid or Best Man Most of the people I spoke with said that though some people may have adopted this tradition today, typically most ceremonies and receptions will not include them. #2 -- A Dance Most families will host a dance as part of the celebration. Couples will dance to Salsa, Merengue , Cumbia , Vallenato , just about anything. But, they will dance. And so will most of the guests. Here a dance may be rather hit or miss depending on your family. There, EVERYONE, no matter the age, dances to the same music and so it is quite a party. #3 -- The Coins Many

The word Quince in Spanish means 15. The Quinceañera is a girl who is turning 15 years of age. In Colombia (as well as many other Latin American countries), depending on the family's economic means, this birthday is celebrated with a special party -- a sort of coming of age party. This party, called the Fiesta de Quince , ushers the young woman from the world of childhood into the world of womanhood. However, the kind of party you get will depend on your economic station in life. The more wealthy your family is, the fancier the party, the poorer your family is, the more simple. However, no matter your station, there are certain elements that are part of nearly every Quinceañera celebration. #1 The Hair, Make-up and Nails. Every girl will have a special hairdo for the occasion. Most families will splurge and send the girl to the beauty salon where she will get he royal treatment -- hair, nails, make-up, etc. She needs to look her very best. #2 The Dress. Most 15 year old Colombi