Getting used to the "way things are done in Colombia"

A few mornings ago, I got my first mini-lecture. My stomach has been sensitive since I have been here because of the change and the altitude, I think. Anyway, because of this, I have been usually eating minimal breakfasts (a piece of fruit) because it is the most sensitive in the mornings. My mom was not very happy about that and I could tell that she was kind of holding her tongue, but after a few days she finally sat me down and told me "how they do things here in Colombia". She explained that they eat a big breakfast and that fruit is not sufficient. She said that they always drink something like juice, coffee, tea, or milk (they are all so bothered by the fact that I only drink water!) and have eggs, toast, yogurt, or something else besides just fruit. I think it is cute how much she is worried about me, but it's also difficult at the same time because I haven't had anyone worry about what I eat for as long as I can remember!

Today I went and wandered around La Candelaria with Amy. It is the first time I have actually felt relatively unsafe anywhere I have traveled. I am not sure why, because a lot of the places I have been have been worse than here. I think it may be because my dad isn't in the country or anywhere close and I am used to having him there! I felt like the responsible one of our pair, and that was a huge weight on my shoulders. I was the one with the experience traveling abroad and in dirty/sketch places but it was nice to know how to handle myself in that situation I guess.

There are a lot of other little things that I have noticed while being here. Everyone has my hair! It is all so thick and wavy and I feel like I fit in! Haha except mine is blonde but whatever, it was still cool to see other people with it! I have also seen a fair amount of babies and I saw one that looked exactly like Clay! His facial expressions and everything reminded me of Clay, it was really weird. Shoot, I don't remember the other things I noticed. I will try to remember to start writing them down or something!

Anyway, tonight I am supposed to go meet the extended families of my host parents. After that we are all going out dancing, which should be fun, and then I have to take a taxi home. Here, I have to direct the taxi driver where to go, which should be interesting because I really am not quite sure how I am going to manage that! Tomorrow I am supposed to meet Gustavo and co. which I am very, very, very excited about!