It's Still Life

1 Last week, it was “No Pisar” toilet humour (which doesn’t translate into what you might think it does). This week, we have “Bimbo” bread. You’ll have to excuse my childish sense of humour because I refuse to grow up and be serious.

2 The monkey. I gave this monkey to John (he was 5) when he stepped off the aeroplane from Korea, and I became his mother. He and his monkey were inseparable. Now, John has a 6-year old son, Nico, and the monkey belongs to him. I’m thankful for toys that outlast children.

3 Thankful to discover that it’s never too late to try unfamiliar and amazing food — like Colombian Frijoles Rojos with rice, avocado and a fried egg. I could eat my weight in this delicious meal.

4 I am so grateful for this girl, Luisa (7), and I only wish I could be with her more often. I will-will-will soak up every minute when we are together — and be thankful.

5 Christmas dinner, Colombian style: paella with a spicy aioli. Did I miss turkey? Not a bit of it — not even a leg. I love new traditions that are shared within the family. Thanks for the lovely meal.

6 The beautiful and memorable views of Bogotá from my son’s flat. This photo was taken at midnight on Christmas Eve — at midnight — when I’m told that Jesus was born on that precise moment. I didn’t know it was midnight … it stems from “Misa de Gallo” (Rooster’s Mass) and it’s a belief held by the pious of Colombia.

7 Christmas Eve in Bogotá. People arriving at the church across the street from my son’s flat for “Misa de Gallo” (Rooster’s Mass) at midnight. And Santa Claus doesn’t bring gifts here — the baby Jesus does.

8 A Social Flycatcher: wonderfully unbothered by humans. In local folklore and bird-lore alike, flycatchers are watchers and messengers — creatures of stillness. It felt very right that he chose to sit near me. Very thankful for the moment.

9 Luisa and Santiago at play in the pool — they are all very good swimmers. I’m thankful for that because — I’m not. 

10 I am undyingly thankful for mosquito repellent, and lots of it, because where we are this week, Soacha, Colombia, is hot and humid and f’ing buzzing with mosquitoes and no-see-um-bugs that love to suck me dry. Nico and I seem to be the only ones they want to eat. Did I forget to mention — the crocodiles?

10 & its wee bits: Thankful that I grind my coffee beans rather than use ground coffee. See all the bugs and bits? That’s what you get in ground coffee. But not when you buy whole beans.