Once again, I am back in South America-- this time for a little taste of colombiaaaaaa! I knew I couldn't stay away for long, but I didn't expect I would return so soon.
WOW does it feel good to be back!I have missed the thrill of speaking in spanish, the beat of the salsa music courisng through mi sangre, and the fresh fruit and perfectly ripened avocados sold on the street. It's amazing how right south america feels. The relaxed culture defies everything about my routine and lifestyle at home. The music and the people are something that cannot be found in the United States, no matter how relaxed you are and thats why I love it here.
Our first two days, we spent in Bogota. It is big city filled with nice restaurants and shops, yet it still retains the South American culture with its plazas and street vendors. Since we only had two days in Bogota (which is really all that is needed) we packed in as many touristy sites there were to see. We went to the salt flats, took a gondola ride through the mountains and forest that overlooked the city, went to the gold museum, and ate at some authentic Colombia cuisine. What a surprise: chicken, rice, and potatoes. Interestingly enough, I ate the chicken, rice, and potatoes and enjoyed it! It brought back a lot of memories from Peru and was my South American comfort food. We ended our stay with salsa dancing through the night.
Now, we are here in Cartegena and I think I might cry when it is time to leave. Cartegena is the beach city of Colombia. The town is painted with vibrant yellows, oranges, and blues and the streets are filled with people dancing to colombian music. I have never been to Cuba, but Cartegena is what I would imagine Cuba to be like. It seems like it has a lot of Cuban influence. Last night we went to the havanna club, which seemed very cuban with its live band and dancing. The place was fantastic!
I have so much more to say but limited time. I will update later with pictures of this beautiful place!
