Portrait and Toenails

Here are the photos by Sandrine (see the link to her site on the right hand side of the page to see more of her photos).

This is for her project "Travels and Travelers," for which she's creating diptics of travelers and something representative of their travels. I got the nails done for the trip, so I guess that counts. Sandrine was so drawn to how I have a "classic," put-together style of dressing, but then I had these shiny gold toenails.

I guess that kind of contrast might be representative of the trip--I didn't think Cartagena was really the kind of city that would fit me. I'm not a huge fan of the beach or of the heat, and I didn't think the laid-back South American (and not just South American, but Caribbean) style would really fit with my personality. I've been surprised at how much I really love it here. I'm surprised at how relaxed I feel--not rushed, not bothered by things not following a schedule or going slowly, etc. I've been going to bed early, haven't been thinking about work or grad school...it has been so nice to be here. The perfect break from routine. A good contrast.

Anyway, here are the photos:

As long as we're on the topic of the toenails...while I was getting them done just before I left, I was warned they would attract attention. As I've explained actually a lot, they aren't polish, but a thin sheet of plastic that is heat-sealed to the nail (they're called Minx). I knew I would be running around in sandals while in Colombia, and I just wanted my feet to look nice without having to paint my toenails over and over. When I went to a salon to get them done, there actually weren't a lot of choices for the color/design, but I happen to like gold a lot anyway, so I was happy with that choice.

But my goodness. First I got a very nice picture taken of my toenails (which, if Sandrine's project goes as planned, will one day be included on her photo website and in a book). The little girls in the family where I'm staying look at them and touch them. When I went to the foundation to start the volunteer project, a group of girls called me over--not to ask me about their little assignment or the topic of our presentation, but to ask about my toenails. And then last night a few people, including Sandrine the photographer, arranged to meet to hang out and go salsa dancing. Sandrine had a French friend with her, and when I met the friend, Sandrine introduced me by explaining to the friend, "This is the one with the golden toes."