When I first arrived in Barranquilla, life was completely different than what I had experienced in the U.S. I did not know much about getting around the city, and I did not have access to an oven where I was first living. Moreover, I did not have reliable running water or plumbing. It is difficult to go about finding housing in a foreign country. However, I reached out to a host family in Barranquilla, and they had a room available for rent. Ever since I moved in with this family, my life has been way better. I’m learning so much more about the local culture than I would have living on my own in an apartment. I spend a lot of time with the family and we have lots of fun together!
I learned that access to running water seems to be an issue throughout all of Barranquilla. It often goes out, usually at night, but sometimes during the day as well. I keep back-up buckets of water so that when the water gives out, I can still shower and brush my teeth.
There are several aspects that I love about the Barranquillero culture. In general, people are a lot friendlier and happier here in Barranquilla than in New Jersey, and many people in the community know each other. The owners of the corner stores near me know me by name and the family I live with.
