Isolation
You may recall if you follow this blog, that I had decided after living in Cuenca for one year, to isolate myself in a very tiny town for a time. I enjoyed my time in Giron, and made trips into Cuenca every few days for shopping. However, I really lived like a hermit for that year. For reasons I have covered I just wanted some “alone time”.
Here I am in Manizales, Colombia and as of a few weeks ago, I find myself back in that mood. Except for a few times when I had no choice, I have isolated myself in the apartment. I just need a break from time to time. I need to step out of the stream of life and regroup. I mentioned in the last blog that I had intentionally been meeting people. Well, that takes a toll on me and I decided to stop for a while. I am not depressed. In fact, I am quite happy.
I got a comment on my last blog. The guy had all sorts of insults and advice for me. Called me a typical “sexpat”, and that I should basically be more Colombian if I wanted to find a girlfriend. It always amazes me the amount of condescension people can have. Lots of assumptions. His mind must have been working overtime to picture what I must think. All because I am in Colombia. He made a comment that basically, all Colombian women were prostitutes.
I could have written the exact same words about a time in New York, and his comments would have never been made. I wonder what that makes him? He told me if I want a woman I need to take a shower. Along with an entire list of other things I must do if I want a good woman in Colombia. I guess a good woman that is also a prostitute? Did any of this upset me? No. Sadly I am getting used to this sort of thing. When you put yourself out there in writing or video, slimeballs crawl out of the woodwork with the intention of being superior and try to tear you down. In this case, he was so ridiculous, I laughed through most of it.
This week I am going through analysis. I am looking for alternative platforms for youtube. I am deciding how I will take this project forward. I am looking at various ways to monetize what I am doing. I plan to make a day trip to a little town not far from me. The place fascinates me. Its called Salamina. I am also planning the next group of videos.
Adriana send me a message last night telling me they have the Christmas tree up already. They were discussing “letters to Santa” with Martin and Isa. Isa is the 4-year-old of Sandy (Adri’s sister). Isa wanted to know how to get the letter to me, as apparently she is convinced I am secretly Santa. Hilarious. And cute. Last Christmas was really very nice, even if I was sick as a dog with pneumonia. Did you see the videos?
So that’s about it for today. Not a lot going on in my life other than that.
Take care!… and be kind to others.