Life on the farm and other things....

Hello all!
So, back in September I applied for a membership with WWOOF Independents. And now, in January here I am working on a farm in the South West corner of Colombia. I am in this really beautiful place called San Augustín, and have been here for a few days now. I was staying at this really awesome hostel on top of one of the hills here, called Casa de Francois, owned by this great French guy. There, I ran into some Canadian friends we had met in Cali, and had a pretty relaxing time. One day I rode horses with a group of Swiss people to visit some archeological sights around the area, and another day I got a little lost and found on this hike down to an amazing waterfall. And NOW, I am two days into my volunteer work on this Refugio Ecologico del Sol Naciente.
Yesterday I started working on general maintenance things with clearing weeds and such, and continued the same today. I met a new friend, too. He came by to say hello to Flor, the owner (who is super nice)and he ended up staying to work and chat. Throughout the day, we worked and took leisurly breaks to share some organic Colombian product, and look out over the vista of the canyon created by the río Magdelena. So beautiful...
I was working again, and went to pick up this pile of sticks, branches and tropical (but dead) leaves, and- OH! There were these big RED Ants crawling all over them, and me! AH¡! so, I promptly dropped the pile, and continued working in another place. At the hostel/farm where I am now staying were two Spanish people, and the guy made me a bracelet out of Blue, Red and Yellow thread (the colors of the Colombian flag) which I love. The lady Flor, who owns the place has two daughters who are really nice. One is probably 12 or so, and is really cute, and the other is 2 and, although loud, cute as well. I have managed to pick up some good books, and have been reading a lot more in Spanish. Around the dinner table last night I realized that I was the only person there who spoke English. And in my travels, that is the first time that has happened. There isnt anyone near me who speaks my native language. Its kind of cool, and kind of isolating. I cant just get online, or start a conversation with someone else in the language I know better. But, all is good. Its more like survival now. I kind of Have to understand everything, and be understood. Especially when Flor is telling me how and what to do for work.
Damn, I always feel like I have so much to say here, but then sometimes when I start writing I feel like I loose the good stuff in mundane words.... o well, así es la vida, no???
But really, life is pretty dan good. Sometimes, I´ll be spacing out in my thoughts, and then I´ll snap back into this life and be like ¨Holy shit, I am IN COLOMBIA! wow, life rules...¨and thats it, back to my thought world...
So, I think about all of my friends, and family. Especially when asked about them all the time! The Colombians love to know about your family, friends and past lovers. Its.... great... On the bus ride over here, I got asked if I had a husband like 5 times. And If I said yes (which I eventually did), the next question was, Why isnt he Colombian? Is he here? Why isnt it me? ha, so, thats nice.... :/
I guess a French guy is coming today to help out on the farm, so we´ll see how that goes! I´ll try to stay updated and keep thinking of more good thoughts.
Thinking of ALL of you! Much love...
Celine
chau chau