No, we’re not sisters

Laura and me: definitely not sisters

Laura and me: definitely not sisters

I’ve lost track of how many Colombians have asked if Laura is my sister. It was particularly bad when we went to rural Cajamarca, but it happens here in Medellin too. I guess it’s because we’re both sort of pale. We don’t even have the same colour eyes or hair. I can’t imagine anyone at home ever assuming we are sisters.

It’s not just with Laura either. When I was out the other night a man kept on asking if my friend was my brother. I told him no. Then I told him again. And again. And finally I just agreed that he was indeed my brother.

Picture drawn 29/03/13

‘Gay marriage bill will pass’: Senator Benedetti

(Colombia Reports) Colombian Senator Armando Benedetti on Tuesday said he was optimistic that the gay marriage bill he introduced will pass, despite the chaos surrounding recent debates on the issue.

Benedetti, who introduced the gay marriage bill to Colombia’s Congress, told Colombia Reports that the gay marriage bill, originally introduced in late 2012, will become a reality, clearly unintimidated by the fierce opposition to the bill. Read full story at Colombia Reports

Brotherly Love

Learning

Learning

We went to Cajamarca during Semana Santa to visit Yan and Erick’s family. Cajamarca is a tiny town in a valley surrounded by huge mountains with tonnes of banana trees.

One day we went up the mountain to a freezing cold waterfall. I went into the little pool in my undergarments as I had failed to bring swimming attire with me. It was extremely refreshing although I think I stood under it for a bit too long because I ended up with a headache. It was really powerful.

Erick and Jan’s younger sister and 3-year-old half brother joined us for the waterfall adventure and today’s picture shows a memory that sticks out in my mind. Erick’s brother is quite a character. Either extremely overexcited or throwing a complete wobbly. And very bossy at all times.

On the way down the mountain I carried him for a little while and the whole time he talked loudly in my ear about the many many girlfriends he has. He also kept on pointing at houses and saying he lived there. He even pointed at an old man and claimed it was his uncle. We challenged him to approach the old man, but he changed his mind after some dogs starting barking at him.

This drawing captures the moment very well. I just remember turning around and seeing little brother imitating big brother and looking up at him for approval. A perfect picture.

‘My life is at risk’: Congressman Cepeda

(Colombia Reports) Congressman Ivan Cepeda, a prominent human rights activist, on Thursday claimed his life is at risk after accusing ex-president Alvaro Uribe of paramilitary links.

Cepeda said he receives threats on a daily basis and that his safety is in question after he publicly denounced ties between ex-president Alvaro Uribe and paramilitary groups. Read full story at Colombia Reports

Famous ballet troupe to perform Swan Lake in Bogota

(Colombia Reports) The famous Saint-Petersburg State ballet troupe this April 13 and 14 will thrill dance enthusiasts with a performance of “Swan Lake” on ice in Colombia’s capital of Bogota.

Swan Lake has been adapted by countless ballet companies over its 100-year life time, but this particular production features choreography by the former Marinsky ballet star, Konstantin Rassadin, and will be performed by accomplished ballerinas from the St. Petersburg State Ballet on Ice troupe. Read full story at Colombia Reports

Meet Princess

Marcela's dog Princess

Marcela’s dog Princess

Of the many drawings I have done in my lifetime, I am most proud of this one, purely because it is so true to the reality.

Allow me to introduce Preencess (A.K.A. Princess in a Spanish accent). Princess is Laura’s work colleague Marcela’s dog.

Princess is a fine specimen, but unfortunately one of her eyes had to be replaced with a glass one that gets stuck facing the wrong direction, making the poor darling look a little bonkers.

We love you Preencess!

Picture drawn 16/03/13

Colombian soldier a living lightning rod

(Colombia Reports) The Colombian army has discharged the soldier Alexander Mandon, because he was believed to attract lightning, local media reported on Sunday.

The soldier has been hit 4 times since September 2012. After the first strike, he was simply glad to have survived, however it has now apparently become a regular occurrence for Mandon. Read full story at Colombia Reports