Fernando Botero

You may or may not have seen these strange paintings of fat people before. However, in Colombia these paintings are very popular. Fernando Botero is a figurative artist and sculptor that depicts people in a large figure. His fat figures is what has brought him fame, his reason for sculpting such large figures is "An artist is attracted to certain kinds of form without knowing why. You adopt a position intuitively; only later do you attempt to rationalize or even justify it." His artwork is showcased all over Colombia. He drew a series of 27 painting and 23 sculptors dealing with the violence of drug cartels in Colombia and donated them to the National Museum of Colombia. His sculptors are showcased all over Colombia and Botero is seen as a large artistic figure in Colombia.

Celebrity of the week: Juanes

Juan Esteban Aristizabal Vasquez is a Colombian musician who has won twenty Latin Grammys and sold more than 15 million albums world wide. In 2000 he released his first solo album Fijate Bien, but it wasn't until his solo "La Camisa Negra" where his fame grew. After growing up during the Pablo Escaobar era where Colombia had the highest death rate in the world, Juanes wanted to see his country prosper. In 2005 Juanes was named by Time Magazine as one of the top 100 most influential people. Working as the goodwill Ambassador for Colombia and has a non-profit organization to raise awareness of the impact of landmines. Juanes holds peace concerts and even made parks in Medellin to promote peace throughout the country. Like many Colombian artists Juanes tries to change the image that Colombia holds for drug cartels. Juanes brings pride to the country and aims to change the country's image. People like Juanes make me proud of the country and what they stand for.

Landslides

As summer approaches us the winter is creeping up in Colombia. The winter in Colombia brings heavy rain causing much of the earth to move around. The past few winters severe land slides have occurred throughout the whole country. Just two days ago in the town of Salgar a landslide occurred which killed about 62 people. The heavy rains caused for the river of Liboriana to burst its banks and caused the landslide. The neighborhood Santa Margarita was almost completely swept away. The landslide happened in the early morning, when most of the residents were sleeping, giving no time for the people to flee. These sorts of natural disasters happen often during this time of the year, leaving many homeless and poor.

Caterine Ibarguen 2016 Olympics

Athlete Caterine Ibarguen has qualified for the 2016 Olympics this past Sunday. Caterine won silver at the 2012 London Olympics and became triple jump world champion in 2013. In Kingston, Jamaica Caterine jumped 14.87 meters, 67 meters more than necessary which qualified her for the 2016 Olympics. Ibarguen is an idolized athlete in Colombia, especially after bringing silver home after the 2012 London Olympics. Just like many other Ibarguen brings pride and glory to her people back at home. Putting Colombia once again on the map. 

Aguayuda/ Desperate need for water

In the northern part of Colombia, La Guajira, about 87.3% of the population lives without clean water. This region of the country holds most of the indigenous people, where most people live in rural areas and have no access to clean water. Making this region of the country one of the most poverty-stricken states. 15 children have died because of dehydration and no access to clean water, Aguayuda is an organization focused on making water more accessible in La Guajira. The organization is funded by large companies such as Coca-Cola and FEMSA. Aguayuda is currently working on a project called "Lazos de Agua". Through this project they have been able to install both community and household filters, and a solar pump for a 150m pump and a 40,000 liter pump. Although they're trying their best, they are still struggling because of the serious drought, since it has not rained since last November. The government although tries to help, due to corruption much of the money that is supposed to be for aid is often times gone missing. Drought problems seem to be an increasing issue throughout the world and as global warming becomes worse it doesn't seem to be looking better for planet Earth.

Celebrity of the Week: Shakira

                                                                           Shakira 

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripol most commenly known as just Shakira is a Colombian songwriter, singer, dancer and record producer. She was born and raised in Barranquilla. The reason for her such foriegn physical traits are because her father's parents were immigrants from Lebanon, who moved to New York where her father was raised. Even from a young age, Shakira knew she wanted to be a performer. She enjoyed belly dancing, and at her elementary school was known as the "belly dancer girl". Shakira later began to be the artist she is today, as she released her first album Magia, and it wasn't until her fifth album where she entered the english-spanish indutry and became who she was today. Shakira is known as one of the highest-selling Colombian artist of all time. Not only is she an amazing artist but she has given so much back to the world. She started the "Piez Descalzos Foundation" which is a charity of special schools for poor children all over the world. She often performs benefits concerts and is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Shakira is also married to Gerard Pique who plays for FC Barcelona and the Spanish National Team.  They now have two beautiful kids and continue to do great for the world.

Miss Universe

I know this was a while ago, but because it pertains to Colombia I'll write about it anyways.

On Sunday January 25 most of the world watched as women from around the world competed for the title of miss universe. Paulina Vega who represented Colombia in this year's pageant took the crown for the country. Colombians everywhere, not just in Colombia were filled with pride and joy. Once again their country has proven to be more than just the drug infested country it is known to be. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos declared the day a national holiday in her honor. Born in Barranquilla (the same city as Shakira and Sofia Vergara). Paulina is 1 of 7 siblings and was not used to the spot light and attention she was receiving after winning Miss Universe. Those representing Colombia over the past year have brought much glory to its citizens. As they have uplifted the country's name and shown the world what the country is truly about. Paulina hopes that her success encourages other young girls to be confident in perusing their goals. As Miss Universe, Paulina plans to work with organizations that fight against HIV/AIDS, and will travel around the world raising awareness and funds to help end the disease. 

My last post

As the assignment comes to an end, so does my blog. I have shared just a few of the many culture aspects of Colombia. As you can see from my posts there is a lot more culture and beautiful aspects of Colombia than just the drug cartels and the civil war within the country. I hope that you've learned more about the culture and love it just as much as I do. 

Cartagena

Since it has been extremely cold these past few days, I decided to write about the coast of Colombia. Cartagena is located in the on the Caribbean Sea. It has turquoise water and perfect white sand. Cartagena also has a cute typical old town where the houses are full of vibrant colors and where hotels, restaurants and clubs are found. This is a great tropical place to come down and visit and has such a live Colombian culture.

December in Colombia

 If there is anywhere I could be in December, it would be in Colombia. December in Colombia is filled with novenas, alumbrados, natilla,buñuelos, and non stop parties. Most of Colombia is Catholic so it is a traditionalist country.  Novenas are prayers that begin on December 16, until the 24 where families gather together every night to pray and sing Christmas carols.  At These novenas little appetizers are passed around, such as natilla and buñuelos. There is holiday spirit every where you go especially since it is "summer vacation" in Colombia people are always trying to have a good time and always throwing parties. It is the livest month of the year and it is the month where everyone looks forward to because of the parties. 

The picture above is Natilla which is the food that looks like a jello, and buñuelos are the round ones. Natilla is a delicious cross between pudding, coconut, and cinnamon. it is prepared with milk and thickened with corn starch, and sweetened panela. Buñuelos are cheeseballs that a fried. The buñuelos is a great compliment to go with the sweetness of la natilla. Both of these are vital dishes for the christmas menu in Colombia and are delicious. 

The Christmas Lighting

Los Alumbrados de Medellin 

The month of December is a great month to spend in the city of Medellin. With the lighting of the city, which usually occurs on December 7, where everyone light up candles and lights there house, the city comes to life. Medellin is decorated with millions of lights throughout the whole city. Every year is a new theme, this year is themed with "values", and created a story of a little girl named Paloma who travels on a boat through the river and makes stops along the way on various ports to learn about different human values. December in Colombia is full of happiness and joy, and non stop partying. The city at night becomes a beautiful light show that you must see!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMrI2cKNWdM 

Rebirth of Colombia National Team

The Rebirth of the Colombian National Soccer Team

Coming into the World Cup 2014 in Brasil, The Colombian Nation Soccer Team was seen as an under dog. Not having been in the World Cup since 1998 many people assumed they would be eliminated in the first round of the preliminaries. With the new coach that was hired in 2012, Jose Pekerman, the team has come to an all time high. Unlike the National Team in the 90's that had involvements with drug lords and were constantly threatened by the drug lords, this team was nothing like those teams. In less 18 months Pekerman was able to bring the Colombian National Team into a group of raw talent and have a golden line up. Colombia went undefeated in Group C and beat Uruguay. The team brought pride and excitement to Colombians all over the world. Although they lost against Brasil in the quarter finals, Colombia did not disappoint the country at all. In fact many wept at the sight of their team bringing triumph to their country. This summer brought Colombians all over the world together and it was a beautiful thing to be a part of. 

Bandeja Paisa

Typical Colombian Plate, Bandeja Paisa/Bandeja Montañera 

This is a probably the most well known plate in Colombia. It usually consists of red beans, rice, ground beef fried egg, chicharron, fried plantains, arepa (a corn patty), a slice of avocado, and occasionally a piece of sausage. This dish is commonly known through out the country and has even made its way to other countries. It typically originated from Medellin, which is where the term Paisa comes from because that is the Paisa Region. There are several variations of this plate and it varies from who ever makes it. If you ever end up in a Colombian restaurant I highly suggest it to anyone. Its a great tasting plate and you won't regret it!

I have created this blog to introduce the Colombian culture to many of you. Many think of Colombia and the thought of drugs and violence often times comes to mind. Huge drug lords such as Pablo Escobar from the 1970's gave that impression of the country to many people, even to this day. There is a lot more to Colombia than its drug related issues and its violence. Colombia has such a strong beautiful culture, such as its food and music, soccer, arts and much more which I hope to show you guys. Enjoy!

Hi! I'm Alexandra.
Although I was not born in Colombia, I recognize my self as a Colombian because my parents were both born there and I was raised as a Colombian. I'm a senior in high school living in Boston. I live in East Boston which is filled with many Colombians which constantly reminds me of the culture I was raised in. It's a great environment to grow up in. I hope you all enjoy my blog.  (: