DigiSnaxx vol. 4: Then to Now

It's difficult to explain, but also easy ... I'm safe.

This is the first time in my life where I am living somewhere into which I feel that I can safely settle.

The owner's of the place we are renting live in the house directly above us, and a family lives right next to us as well; and everyone is friendly (they appreciate my music, too.)

There is fresh water running nearby; and it's about a 15 minute walk down the mountain, into town.

I'm living with a dear friend and his son; I made an investment about 5 years ago.

The Story

I was looking for two, maybe three, things.

1. The ability to speak Spanish.
2. My biological family.
3. My indigenous roots.

The Spanish was difficult, not gonna lie; but ... Naturally, there is a Facebook group.

One of the caretakers of the group was dating an investigator; and I had my original birth certificate, which had the equivalent of my mother's social security number.

And through this, a phone number was found.

My sister picked up the phone, twice; and hung it up twice.

Then she told my mother, who politely informed her that she did in fact have younger brother.

A week or so later, I met my sister in Bakata/Bogota, and a few weeks after, that my mother flew into the country, and I got to meet her.

That same summer, I also started looking for my indigenous roots.

I found someone; a young woman who claims to hail from the Amazon, and calls herself a princess.

Some of which is difficult to believe, and other parts ... she had a farm in a pretty exclusive area.

She introduced me to two young men, in their late-20s.

One of the young men would eventually tell my current roommate (Melanco) that he had found a gringo whose money they could take.

When I first met Melancoloco, we were visiting his farm.

I saw that he had some books, one of which was a collection of writings by Khalil Gibran.

I asked him about it, he confessed that he found the words profound as well.

We were about to begin making music; as a gringo, I told him that I have a few boundaries with whom I make music with.

One rule being, no using the n-word, unless the person is very clearly a black person ... to some it may seem psychotic that I would have to say such things.

But that's another post, for another time.

Also, no cocaine, or any other powders.

At that time I also met his roommate, Anderson.

Eventually I would live at the farm with them; and eventually I would get kicked out.

And when they moved into town ... eventually I would help pay rent.

I was making an investment ... and it was financial.

And social, and mental and emotional.

It wasn't easy ... and the payoff has yet to bear any financial fruit.

But what it has provided ... is that sense of safety in what would otherwise still be a foreign land.

After being laid off, and finding it in my best interest to leave the country ... I had some place to go ... where I would be safe to grow in a way that is aligned with who, and how, I would like to be, as a human being.

Melanco got a job; a good job.

He has three kids.

Anderson has a job; a good job as well.

He has a child as well.

These men are able to be the type of men that their children need and deserve in their lives; to help guide them on a good and healthy path.

That is the real pay off.

The Business(es)

Tomorrow, or perhaps later today, we'll make arepas.

Someone has bought 100, so 100 we will make; and eventually I'll be making arepas twice per week.

That is the idea.

Just a little side-hustle, extra income; though last night we spoke with a friend who wants to make chorizo.

He has the resume for it; he just needs about $180 to get started – I told him, I'd let him know on Monday, which is when I will know.

Then there are the English classes; the community is existing, and I'm almost keeping consistent.

But it exists and is being utilized; next come adverts for the classes.

Or maybe that is the other payoff ... before Melanco got his current job, he was working for the local city council.

I saw an advert for another English school, but this school is run by non-native English speakers.

That is one advantage I have; I was also an English teacher for a few years, professionally here in Colombia.

And so, this feels like a solid foundation for a business venture.

I've already got the products planned, simple -- private and group lessons.

Economically priced where it is both accessible, and I can pay other gringos to teach classes as we grow.

Melanco is also working with local city councils to do other youth/cultural work, and music; ergo my introduction to help fortify the educational component of this work.

There are a few other ways we're looking to expand the English component, with events and music; and in this manner be able to expand to other local towns; and eventually into the nearby city.

The Farm

This is where I hope to build an off-grid sustainable farm; there is a small river running about 30-40 yards behind it, hydro-electric power, and solar, is the throught.

It's also has two fish ponds, coconut, cocoa, lemon and other fruit trees.

It's about a two-hour drive from where we live; and so accessible.

A laboratory in the jungle, basically.

And that is that ... that's the plan, that's the idea, that's the dream.

That's the investment.

Now you know; that's how a brown indigenous orphan bastard genius, does it.

I've got a script I need to record for YouTube; as well as ideas for a few other scripts to write a record.

Basically just talking-head videos; ooo I actually did get an idea for a music video ... series?

The idea being to put a few videos out at once ... strategery ... jaja.

Anywho, I wanted to at least get something out ... sorry for the delays and inconsistency ... but gosh golly ... I'm trying ... and to a degree achieving, so I won't be too hard on myself.

And I hope you aren't being too hard on yourself either.

peaces,
c.