Isla Barú, Bolivar, Colombia
Fifty-one years ago, I visited my first foreign country and swam in their sea. It was a once in a lifetime journey. I was in Florida, and what made this new adventure even more special was that aside from baseball, I had absolutely nothing in common with all of the USAers I encountered there. When I told them of my home and native land, they’d listen in awe. When they told me of recent MLB trades, I’d tell them what I thought of the trades. Again, they’d look at me in wonder. One day I heard that a couple from Canada had arrived at our hotel, and I vividly remember how sour I felt about that. The first thing they’d want to talk about would be the Toronto Maple Leafs, and other homeland topics I’d happily been able to escape.
After all this time, my weird ways have exacerbated. In Colombia, almost no one speaks our English, and I love it. Sitting at the breakfast table with Colombians and Argentines, we were lucky enough to have a young fellow from Buenos Aires, who’d learned a bit of English. He would translate what Elenka or I wanted to say.
Then the others would look at us with the same awe I saw in the U.S.A folks all those years ago.
The young Argentine told us that he once met some people from the U.S. who told him they spoke only American. He continued, rather confused, saying they used the English language to tell him this.
I paused for moment, then slowly explained using hand gestures, that America stretches all the way from Canada to Tierra del Fuego in the south. So that even though his native language is Argentine, it would not be wrong of him to say that he only speaks American, as well.
Tidbits:
In 2009, the first time Elenka and I visited Buenos Aires, I bought a Boca Juniors football jersey, (see blue/yellow BBVA jersey photo) in hope that people would like me. And boy, did they ever. Since then, I’ve made a point of wearing the jersey in every country we’ve visited, just to see how recognizable it really is. Only two countries, out of maybe 40, failed to pass the test — the U.S. of A. and Canada.
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The kitten sleeps through the night with Elenka and I. Unfortunately, we will not be able to bring her home with us. The logistics just don’t work.
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Bonus note: For those concerned with how to manage their hair after swimming in a saltwater sea, the Toronto Star newspaper (see attached photos) has something to say about that:
Ellen
2025-02-24
Test
Susan McKay
2025-02-24
Have you been to Costa Rica? My dad used to own a Teak Plantation there ... he sold some of it off, and gifted me and my sisters a portion of the plant. I eventually sold my shares off, but I think my sisters still may own their shares. We used to go to Costa Rica for the shareholders meetings .... tax right off you know! But a beautiful place!
Margo
2025-02-24
Hello, glad that you arrived safe and sound. When I originally tried to comment, I was prompted to contact you to receive the 4 digit comment code. This time it’s pre-populated so all good. So you’re resisting the temptation to bring home another addition? You might’ve had an insurrection, lol
CATE
2025-02-25
There you guys go again.....a bit scary to start but.......all's well and a kitten to take your mind off of things ..who could ask for anything more......enjoy your time and be safe