Homeland

My homeland between two Colombian cities
I was born in Ciénaga-Magdalena, Colombia, but fifteen days later my family moved to Barranquilla. That means my life has been divided between those two places. They are similar but also different at the same time, and they have been shaped to who I am. But in this opportunity, I will focus on Cienaga Magdalena.

But… What do I miss about my homeland?
I really miss the warmth and simplicity of his people. Everybody knows each other there, and it's common to visit someone without any invitation and even you always will be very welcome with open arms. This closer humanity and generosity of the people is the most I really miss about my country.

One of the customs from my homeland
In Ciénaga is the local saying “Where one eat, everybody eat” that's means joins sharing food always as they can, sharing food and company is most important than gift. This reflected a little bit of their lifestyle. These taught me the importance of hospitality and generosity.
Breakfast is the most important food, so they are big! Normally, their breakfast includes fried fish with cooked green banana or yucca roots, or mashed green banana with butter and cheese called ”Cayeye”, Zapote juice with milk or double double coffee.

A magical place of my homeland
Ciénaga is a very special place to me, because it is close to the Caribbean sea. The town with the tropical weather and colorful landscapes gives me calm and relaxing.
But, of course, also I love Barranquilla! This is a big city located one hour away from Cienaga, between Magdalena rivers and the Caribbean Sea. It is very famous for its Carnival which shows their culture and diversity. Its Carnival is the second most important latinoamerican Carnival after Brazil Carnival.
The weather in Barranquilla is warm during the year, about 27 - 38 Degrees, but it is very windy because it is close to the river and sea, especially during December and January.
Growing up between a town and City gives me the best of both worlds: Closer and warmth to the small place and the energy and culture of the big city.

For the end..
Although I live so far from my country, I always keep close to me memories, testers and values of my homeland. Ciénaga y Barranquilla are part of my identity and remind me of the value of family, friends and the community.