Flags, Food, Freedom, Fotos...Oh my!!

Today was the Colombian Independence Day. Many Colombians here spent most of it walking the streets to show their support for the hostages being held by FARC and to call for their release. I think that is a valid way to spend Independence Day, focusing on freedom for others. It was really cool for me to see the passion they have here for this subject; there were thousands out walking the streets. They wore white, many having special message bearing T-shirts bought just for this day, they carried flags, they blew whistles, they sang, they walked. I had less time to spend out in the streets than I would have liked to take it all in. However, I was impressed. I hope that these people feel strongly enough about this that it will make them take action steps to create change as well. If this number of people (and this is only is one city, they did this all over the country today) would do something, who knows what could happen. I think it is better than fireworks.

Some different T-Shirt designs
(Red, Yellow, and Blue are the Colombian flag colors)




















From standing on a bridge, this was the view in one direction. That is quite a crowd.














And my favorite shot, looking the other way off the same bridge.

Friday night, four of us guys went out to eat, bidding Cody goodbye. It was a great time and we laughed too much, I think. Wait, that is not possible! Anyway, the cool thing was the restaurant. It is called “Crepes and Waffles”. The food was really good, the ice cream was better, the atmosphere was great and it wasn’t too expensive. However, the cool part for me was the story behind it all. Francisco told me about it, apparently the founder had a vision to help people. It is a Colombian company that started with one store and is now all over the country. Well anyway, all the employees are single mothers. This chain specializes in providing a great work environment for people who are in a difficult position in life, either abandoned, widowed, or something like that. It seems that that is not all, but they help out each employee when they start by giving them a washing machine or something like that to improve their quality of life. Quite a fascinating company, I like it. It might be kind of awkward if I went to try to work there though, so I guess I will stick with Chick fil-A. :)

Us four at Crepes and Waffles. I am apparently about to kick something... ...












Well, until next time,

In Truth,
Stephen