End of The Home Stay

Brian is here. My days in Campestre are over. I am now living the life of a tourist with Brian in the walled city of Cartagena. For me, it’s the end of the home stay in Cartagena.

Brian’s welcome to Cartagena

After Brian’s arrival (late), I welcomed him, got him settled in to the airbnb, and we walked around the old town a bit. But soon it was time to meet the family! We grabbed a taxi so he could meet the important people in my Cartagena experience. I took him back to the barrio!

a visit to campestre

Marcela greeted us followed by Libary soon after. We got some photos of the whole gang before we separated for good.

People
Me and Marcela out front of her house
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Last Day in Campestre

Today is my last day at Marcela’s house. Three weeks plus three days have flown by, that’s a fact. Now it’s my last day in Campestre, Cartagena.

Reflections of Living with a Host Family

It was an adjustment for me, absolutely, as I’ve mentioned in previous posts. I had to lose some privacy and control over my surroundings. While I met and shared dinners with Marcela’s husband and adult son, and they were nice and welcoming, I didn’t get to know them very well. This was probably my weak Spanish skills and general shyness about those skills. It also was tiring to try to speak Spanish all the time, with no breaks!

I am still glad I tried, and immersed myself with the family rather than stay on my own or with other tourists. It’s crazy to think how much I’ve learned and done since I first stepped foot in Cartagena.

Home in Campestre
House in Campestre

What’s Next?

Brian is on his way to Cartagena as I write this and I will be moving out of my barrio home to the touristy side of the city with him.

Last Day in Campestre Celebration

We are having a little “meet and greet” at Marcela’s this evening so Marcela and her family and Libary will meet mi esposo (Brian). I will post photos for sure!

Things About Colombia

I’ve been here for over 3 weeks and I’ve noticed a lot of little things about Colombia that stand out as unique to me as a North American. These are my thoughts on interesting things about Colombia.

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