Crazy Cat Lady

 I look back at my first week in Colombia and I smile at all of the things that used to scare me. The one that most quickly pops into my mind is the horror of the Machete Man on my street. Ha! I find it even more comical now because I now know that there are in fact 2 Machete Men and they are incredibly smiley. Before today I was fairly certain that they recognized me. Today I was given assurance that the younger of the 2 not only knows me, but also knows my kitten, Amiguita, as well (or at least that I carry her around sometimes?)

Since I've become a proud mother of a little one, I have taken her several times in her carrier down my street. A few times have been with a destination of the vet and others have been to attend "play dates" at the apartment of the other proud mother of Amiguita's sister. Yes, I know, cats don't need play dates but it makes me feel better about leaving her in my apartment all alone throughout the week while I'm at school.

Anyway, today I got back from a week long "work trip" to another city. While I was gone Amiguita stayed with Emily (the mom of Amiguita's sister). Upon returning to Periera I decided I should probably go collect my cat and her belongings and bring her home. I left my apartment and headed up the street  right towards Machete Man. As I approached him I said the standard "Buenas, como esta?" (good evening, how are you?).

"Muy bien gracias, donde esta el gato?" (I'm well, thank you. Where is your cat?)

Ha! That completely caught me off guard and I responded, "Hace mucho tiempo" (It's been a while) because I didn't understand him and quickly walked right on by.

It didn't click to me what he said until 3 more paces and I'd already responded with some nonsense. At least I didn't tell him what time it was.  I chuckled to myself - this man associates me with my cat. Really? Ha!

Little did he know, I was actually going to pick her up. So off I continued to Emily's, picked up my kitten, stopped and got ice cream, and then headed home. I was thankful that Machete Man was still patrolling our street because as I walked by I held up my cat carrier for him to see my little girl.

"Ah, el gato, ya tiene" (Ahhh, the cat, now you have it)

I just shot him a huge grin, confirmed his statement with "si", and kept on walking. It makes me smile; I'm officially known by the Machete Man as the Crazy Cat Lady...wait, should this make me grieve ? Ha! Who would have thought Colombia would have this effect on me.