The sun is up early – a treat as we approach the equator. It is a bit steamy at 80 degrees – tho not too bad. Locals tell me this is the climate here all year and we all love the breezes from the water – Atlantic here. We are leaving Cartagena this morn & flying to Medellin. The warmth of the air & people is a treat. We have not run into many ‘grumpy monkeys.’ Most people are really nice. And as we head to the airport I am reminded why we take these adventures. The things that we see along the road from the hotel to the airport is very interesting. There are old power lines everywhere, an interesting juxtaposition to the gleaming white towers of the Hyatt & Intercontinental Hotels. And then 5 blocks away, we are in an older neighborhood where the most beautiful avocados are being sold by a vendor on a rickety wood table. A shopkeeper is sweeping the floor outside her tiny shop where she sells a few local food items – a small traditional cafe with 2 tables. Then there is the traffic – remarkably Uncrowded for 7:30a. Our taxi driver is a true pro – we are winding thru traffic like a snake in pursuit of lunch. He is a massive guy – 6’2″ and 250 pounds- all poured into a tiny compact car that fit all 4 of us and allowed us to zig in and zig out of traffic. We stayed in a Hampton Inn last night – a fun place to stay as at breakfast this morn we had a chance to mingle with construction workers, families, and business people. Our free breakfast had the most remarkable fresh fruit & then some local food – I think I ate a golden potato – think sweet potato & a 1″ slice of chorizo–all I would allow myself.
I am writing this at the airport as we head to Medellin. We are leaving the Caribbean vibe for mountains.
Camino Venture 