Sometimes, life is just so good in Colombia.

Picture: A tree in my neighborhood. In January.

So, I've been living in Colombia for over 9 weeks. Combined with my previous 6 week trip last summer, I'm certainly no local, but I do feel like I'm adapting and settling in well. I have an address and just received my water bill; I can happily say that I am a permanent resident. I just received my fourth paycheck, in fact. It's fun making those millions... of pesos.

The past few days have been lazy, lovely days. The weather has been perfect--night-time thunderstorms, cool mornings, warm afternoons. Blue, gorgeous skies. Palm trees. Flowers blooming. Birds singing. Never a drop of humidity, and always a nice breeze.

On Wednesday, Warren and I went shopping and did a very American thing: we bought a grill and garden plants. We then invited our fellow primary teachers over for a little BBQ and some sangria. Friday evening was spent pleasantly speaking in Spanglish with our boss and some co-workers, and we actually managed to light a charcoal grill without lighter fluid. I must point out, however, that we did all this at the beginning of March. It was somewhere around 85 F outside. Like I said, perfect weather.

Yesterday, we got into a taxi with a driver we'd had a few times before. He was cheerful and talkative, and Warren dove into a conversation about the election with him. As we zoomed passed palm trees and horse-pulled carts loaded with fruit into downtown, I couldn't help but smile.

For all its faults, for all the misery of the past and the poverty of the present, Colombia still brings me so much joy. Even at work, the skies are still blue, the hibiscus grow tall and bright, and one smile from a student somehow makes all the frustration disappear.

I've lived in one other country besides the States: Denmark. I lived there during the fall of 2006, while I was studying abroad. Just as I do here, I lived in a small city, not Copenhagen or even Aarhus. While it might sound odd, in SO many ways the culture of Colombia and the culture of Denmark are very similar. I've tried over and over to explain the similarities, but aside from the obvious ones (modern architecture and decor, environmental concerns, long bus rides), I've never exactly been able to figure out how they compare. The only thing I can come up with is this: In both countries, the people love to have long and delicious conversations with friends over a drink or ten. In Denmark, it's called "hygge". We don't have a word for it in English, but it roughly translates to having a cozy, familiar, relaxed time. In Denmark, this equals good drinks, soft lighting, maybe some music, and definitely excellent conversation... for hours. In Colombia, the participants don't even have to speak the same language, they just have to try to make themselves understood. (I excel at this, by the way... especially after a glass of wine.)

I think this is something that is sorely lacking in American culture. Americans need constant entertainment. We can't even sit five minutes in a restaurant after we've finished our food. No food, no entertainment. Our parties usually center around something: a holiday, costumes, themes, or even sports. It is rare for a small group of friends to get together and just... be. We have to play a game or watch a movie or eat chocolate chip cookies. The Danes and Colombians just sit together and talk. Happily.

Oh yeah, did I mention that Denmark and Colombia consistently rank as two of the happiest countries in the world? Another article...

The U.S. never makes the top ten. Perhaps Americans could learn something from those Viking descendants and the citizens of "the most dangerous country in the world". Something about enjoying each other and relaxing. Something about learning how to stop for a few hours and just be... cozy, together.

Or maybe that's too boring. Perhaps we should just play simulated tennis on a Nintendo Wii.

p.s. I just thought of something else Denmark and Colombia share: both countries have a national liquor that is anise-flavored (like black licorice), akvavit and aguardiente. Hmmm...