Columbus Day

Today was Columbus Day which is known as "El Dia de la Raza," Day of races, or "El Dia de las culturas," the Day of cultures. This is because it's known as the day that the Spanish arrived in the Americas and started to dominate the indigenous people. It's not necessarily viewed in the most positive light. They came over and conquered by the sword and dominated with fear. So, to try to put it in a positive light, they call it either the day of races or the day of cultures because black and european races were introduced during this time.

It's not celebrated here with any dances, festivals, or parades, but it is a national holiday that most all people have off of work and out of school. So, after 25 years of life, I'm getting a day off for Columbus Day. Interesting...

Anyhow, Saturday Josh and I ran our usual errands. We went to the feria, or farmer's market, and Dave and Terri Lee, some Missionary Associates here, told us they were going to take a day trip to Sarchi today and invited us along. Sarchi is a local craft and furniture hotspot that is known for the oxen carts that they used to use to transport rice and coffee before cars where around. So we, along with the Lees, Debbie, a professor from our school and her husband all went off to Sarchi to check out the local crafts and visit the factory where they still make the carts. I took several pictures but just haven't uploaded and edited them yet. They will come...eventually.

I had a headache almost all day so I am going to go lay down and patiently await my appointment with the chiropractor tomorrow which will hopefully help my neck and make me feel a little better!