Running in Circles

Colombia: “I was told our location would be remote, but somehow I didn’t realize that meant no roads! The only place to run was on an unpaved airstrip, located on a plateau. The airstrip ended abruptly with a cliff, and at the bottom of the cliff was a river. We were surrounded by the rain forest.

Basically, I could run around in circles-- up, down and around the airstrip, always finishing were I started. Our host nation provided guards along the airstrip. They were still and silent, avoiding eye contact. Which is not surprising since I speak very little Spanish and they speak very little English. Plus, I am sure they were not thrilled to stand around, watching me run in circles.

Then one day, it started raining as soon as I reached the far end of the strip. The sound was amazing! Slowing down, then standing still, I listened. The sound of millions of raindrops hitting the immense leaves was hypnotic. When the guards saw me stop, the 3 closest guards ran to me, looking concerned.

“Musica bonita” I said pointing at the forest with one hand while tugging at my ear with the other. They nodded and actually smiled. Then I gestured with my arms wide and said “Te quiero Colombia!” – I knew this phrase because these words are woven into the wool bag I bought in Bogota. I wanted to say, “You have a beautiful country,” but that was the best I could manage. Their smiles became broader, then one guard said, “Run good.”

After that “conversation,” my runs were different. The guards acknowledged me with a nod or a small smile. And if it was raining, they would point at the forest, smile, and call out, “Musica bonita!”

Running in circles doesn’t always mean finishing where you started.