Date:	Wed, 16 Aug 1995 08:04:45 -1000
From:	djskites@aol.com (Djskites)
Message-Id: <40tbvu$lb8@newsbf02.news.aol.com>
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)
Subject: RE: Colombia for the 4th time.(Reply)

Jtavo writes> Come on Dodd, this has to be your fourth or so posting on
going to
Columbia and you still haven't told us about the Columbians and there
connection with kites!
For example,

>What is the kite design most associated with columbia?

Two mainly, an octagon shaped kite with long tails, and box wing deltas.

>When did the columbians start flying kites and why? (history)

Not really sure, but from what I understand, it started about the same
time as the Colombians exitstance itself, which was from Christopher
Colombus and the Spanish introduction to culture to the South American
Indians.
>What materials do they use for kites?
Anything! Mostly now they use any type of material from paper to mostly
nylon fabrics, and now, Icarex!
>Do the columbians have spiritual connections with there kites?
Yes. I've heard different stories, but mainly kites were used to send
messages to god, or to become closer to him and also to become closer to
him.
>Do they have any kite Gods? (besides you)
Funny John, but because they are Catholic, they only have one god.
>Are there any holidays or festivals that revolve around kites?
Now is the time for kites there, the Celebration de Cometas. It is also as
I understand it to be a celebration of life, but the Colombians are always
celebrating something. 
>Who flys kites today in columbia, the kids, adults or both?
No matter when the season, every time I have been there I see venders at
round abouts with a string from one tree to another with all mostly box
deltas and 8 sided kites hung on them. Where else can you see kites being
sold on the street like that! Families buy these kites and fly them
together. Years ago, the men and boys would go into the country side and
look for materials to make kites like the Yaripa plant for spars. The
whole family would make kites and then go fly them together. 
For the new dual line flyers of Colombia, it is mostly men and boys and a
few women who either buy or make them. I was surprised to see the amount
of Colombians now that do enjoy sport kites.
>Are there any regional differences in kites or philosophy?
Mostly the designes that are put on the kites, but I need to find out more
about that.
What is your role in going to Columbia?
I started off as one of many who have been invited to the international
festivals one year ago. I saw the enthusiasm that they had towards sport
kites, much more than anywhere I have seen! For example, I sold a
Tramontana to a 19 year old boy monday night. He took pictures, he almost
cried over his new prize, he was so excited. This is the same bo;y who
made a great copy of an Aerial and Quadrifoil. I believe Roger Manning was
so impressed with his enthusiasm he gave him a Revolution! I have many
stories about many Colombians that show the same type of excitement
towards sport kites, like the Lawyer in Bucaramunga I delivered the Boat
buggy, Buggy and foils to. He is a like a small child when he gets around
his boat and toys!
My goal has been and will continue to be to introduce as many of these
"kite lovers by culture" to the sport of dual and quad line sport kite
flying.

I hope you get to see their faces for yourself some day John.

Dodd



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Date:	Wed, 16 Aug 1995 15:42:07 -1000
From:	jtavo@aol.com (JTavo)
Message-Id: <40u6pf$1om@newsbf02.news.aol.com>
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)
Subject: RE: Colombia for the 4th time.(Reply)

Thanks Dodd! That was an EXCELLENT post!
I also would love to go. Maybe someday!
Aoxo, John


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