A BAPTISM and a NEW YEAR
The Colombian people are very family-oriented and very religious (at least the ones that I met). Both a baptism AND New Years are totally family celebrations and we were there for both.
Chloe, Mike and Clau's little girl, is now 1 year old, which seems to be the age at which they are normally baptized, not as infants as we Americans seem to do. Last year when Marjorie was here visiting after Chloe's birth she immediately began embroidering her baptismal dress. Hopefully you can get a good look at it in the pictures. We knew that this was going to be a very special event so we took along what we thought were appropriate clothes. Bob even bought a "Tommy Bahama" linen shirt for the occasion! (he looked especially spiffy :>).
The ceremony was held at the Barcha's local Catholic church but the Padre (who seemed to be a personal friend) had come down from Cartegena to officiate. Even though it was conducted entirely in Spanish (of course!!) I was able to understand the general import of his words and I felt completely part of the baptism. The Godparents each spoke and the grandparents (that's me!) were asked to make the sign of the cross on this dear little child's forehead. The parents were each spoken to separately by the Padre with what I believe were instructions and blessings. For me, it was a very moving moment to watch my son standing there in front of him listening so intently to his words (Michael does understand, and speak, a bit of Spanish). Chloe was lowered to the baptismal font where she was finally annointed with God's blessing followed by lots of lots of pictures.
I must point out, however, that right in the middle of this sacred ceremony Uncle ----'s cell phone rang and he answered it! and worse yet, spoke to the person on the other end of the line. And this happened not once, but twice. Just proves that there are inconsiderate people no matter where you go who are not exactly known for their good manners.
I have felt, since I met her, a very special bond with Marjorie. I am now part of that family and they have embraced me. Before we left she took me into a small chapel within the church and prayed with me and for me. I couldn't understand her actual words but in my heart I knew she was asking God to protect me and grant me strength through my ordeals with cancer. If ever I felt a direct connection to God it was then. After that we all went back to Marjorie and Eduardo's and watched the children all run around in circles and enjoyed a light lunch. After all, the kids had all sat still for close to an hour so they were ready to enjoy themselves. A very special day.
Now on to New Year's eve... Contrary to what you may believe, New Year's Eve is not a big bash with friends. It is, once again, a family affair and also has religious undertones. One of the extended family members had cooked a turkey and a ham and Marjorie's cook had prepared some side dishes. Dessert was contributed by one or two other family members. No one actually arrived until around 10:00 p.m. - obviously the ideal day to take an afternoon siesta. Time was spent talking, dancing, and eating - some drinking, but not much, and once again the children were included. At midnight there was the traditional kissing and wishing of Feliz Ano Nuevo. Then we began to see people walking up or down the sidewalk carrying or pulling luggage behind them. Tivi explained that it is an old custom to "take a trip" at New Year's so not to be left out, we went and got our suitcases and joined the "travelers". I don't really know the meaning of this custom - maybe it just signifies that these people would like to take a trip. It was kind of funny though seeing them all dressed up in their high heels (Colombian women love their high heels!) dragging suitcases up and down the neighborhood. It sure beats barfing into a paper bag after ingesting several bottles of Vodka or the drink of choice and nursing a brutal headache the next day.
I need to explain, however, that the big "let it all hang out" celebration in Baranquilla and many other cities and towns in Colombia is CARNIVAL. It begins in earnest four days before Ash Wednesday when an actual edict is read out declaring that everyone must party. And they take this seriously; it sounds to me like every Colombian of sound mind and body dons traditional costumes, grabs their instruments and dances their hearts out for four consecutive days with very little time out for sleep. The Baranquilla Carnival is actually considered on a par with Rio de Janeiro's but without the sex. From what I have been told and what I've read Baranquilla's has more authentic culture (it was declared a "Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO in 2003) than the anything goes attitude of Brazil's. In Baranquilla families who have been participating for generations perform the traditional dances and music while others prepare the spectacular floats for the Grand Parade. And this grand celebration is when the drinks flow freely - really freely, according to my son who has participated,and imbibed (meaning he drank his fair share), in Carnival there.
So there you have it, one more chapter to go which will be mostly about our two day getaway to Cartagena.
Chloe's Baptism
Chloe, Clau, Father ? and Mike
Blessings for Chloe
Marjorie, Eduardo & Nancy
Instructions to the mother (Clau)
Instructions to the father (Mike)
With Mike and my granddaughter Chloe
I love you Chloe
Sweet shot of us
Lovely!
Marjorie & Nancy
I can clap!
Barcha's house - water runns down the wall
The two grandmothers
And a grandfather
Chloe and Alana