07.04.04
Though tired I slept quite poorly and felt desperately unprepared again questioning myself over what i could possibly have to offer people who seemed clearly ten times more dedicated an informed than myself. i dreamed that i made various fuck ups and had to keep waking myself up to reassure myself that it wasn't real. In spite of all i read before i came here i didn't really have clue. Its easy to romanticise political struggle but seeing people living on fuck all and putting their lives in danger simply fighting for basic rights put things in perspective somewhat. its humbling and almost embarresing when I think of my own complaints or self gratification for small actions taken form the comfort of home. everything in context though, i spose theres no point chastising yourself.
In the morning jet lag woke me early and i set about compiling some things to research, or ways i could possibly make myself useful. Luckily Ricardo had a task for me; the translation of power point slideshow explaining a new campaign: “Para que la Universidad viva en Colombia” - So that the University can live in Colombia. Many of the issues such as the effects increased privatisation linked with the General Agreemant on Trade in Srvices (GATS) and problems of elitism are similar to those faced in UK Universities (see www.gatswatch.org). The difference is that while in the UK debate and dissenting opinions about such changes are largely ignored by government, here in Colombia they are met with brutal violence. The former president of the University workers union is missing presumed dead and in the last five years fifty five members of the university community (students and staff) have been killed or disappeared. People are terrified to demonstrate or even voice an opinion critical of government policy in the very institutions where debate and discussion should thrive as part of a functioning democracy.
In the afternoon two friends of Ricardo and Christina, Mauicio and Fernanda came round for a meeting but due to the absence of some others who were supposed to attend it was postponed. Instead we went fro a walk and beer nearby. Stepping out of the door the huge green mountains that sharply define the city limits almost startled me with their imposing presence. I had forgotten how beautiful this city is. We walked slowly down the wide streets of the friendly semi rundown suburban neighbourhood, few cars crowded the roads eclipsed in number by the brightly coloured and lovingly adorned collectivos chugging along packed with people. I am beginning to remember why Joe and I fell in love with Colombia. The people are certainly a big part of it. It is astonishing that in a land where poverty, violence, and death are interwoven into everyday life that people see to be able appreciate the joy of simple existence and pass it on to others through kind action, something which is so illusive in our wealthy and peaceful nation. Perhaps transient nature of life is more real to people, even if subconsciously and that fosters an appreciation of what there is here and now. Equally, perhaps that's bollocks and im just being sentimental. i know that walking around this neighbourhood I feel alot safer than where i lived in barcelona.
In the morning jet lag woke me early and i set about compiling some things to research, or ways i could possibly make myself useful. Luckily Ricardo had a task for me; the translation of power point slideshow explaining a new campaign: “Para que la Universidad viva en Colombia” - So that the University can live in Colombia. Many of the issues such as the effects increased privatisation linked with the General Agreemant on Trade in Srvices (GATS) and problems of elitism are similar to those faced in UK Universities (see www.gatswatch.org). The difference is that while in the UK debate and dissenting opinions about such changes are largely ignored by government, here in Colombia they are met with brutal violence. The former president of the University workers union is missing presumed dead and in the last five years fifty five members of the university community (students and staff) have been killed or disappeared. People are terrified to demonstrate or even voice an opinion critical of government policy in the very institutions where debate and discussion should thrive as part of a functioning democracy.
In the afternoon two friends of Ricardo and Christina, Mauicio and Fernanda came round for a meeting but due to the absence of some others who were supposed to attend it was postponed. Instead we went fro a walk and beer nearby. Stepping out of the door the huge green mountains that sharply define the city limits almost startled me with their imposing presence. I had forgotten how beautiful this city is. We walked slowly down the wide streets of the friendly semi rundown suburban neighbourhood, few cars crowded the roads eclipsed in number by the brightly coloured and lovingly adorned collectivos chugging along packed with people. I am beginning to remember why Joe and I fell in love with Colombia. The people are certainly a big part of it. It is astonishing that in a land where poverty, violence, and death are interwoven into everyday life that people see to be able appreciate the joy of simple existence and pass it on to others through kind action, something which is so illusive in our wealthy and peaceful nation. Perhaps transient nature of life is more real to people, even if subconsciously and that fosters an appreciation of what there is here and now. Equally, perhaps that's bollocks and im just being sentimental. i know that walking around this neighbourhood I feel alot safer than where i lived in barcelona.
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