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!