Today we took a walking tour of Medellin city center. Our tour guide is great -Juan. 36 years old. Lived in NYC and came back to Medellin.

He gave us a fabulous tour and had a story to tell. He told us of the cheerful Colombians who chose to live happy. He shared some of his personal stories of when Medellin had the highest murder rate in the world. He & his step brother were shot when playing soccer one day and his friends did not live. His two uncles who were successful engineers were captured & taken prisoner to the jungle for 1 year. His family paid $400,000 ransom. Their life changed/ they needed to sell their home & move to a lesser neighborhood & rent apartments. And, they survived. After the soccer killings, he suffered from depression and moved to NYC. Stayed in NYC-until he was deported. And has carved out a successful life here.

About the city, you do not see the large accounting firm skyscrapers in downtown Medellin. You see corporate buildings in the suburbs. You do see vibrant & crazy markets. And can buy amazing juices from street vendors for $0.35- and they are happy to sell one to you. …their tap water is safe here. There is an abundance of storefronts selling different foods, fruits, & veggies. …so fresh!

We flew yesterday from Cartagena to Medellin. And what a difference. Cartagena is a hot and steamy tropical Caribbean beach city. Medellin is a sophisticating burgeoning city located in a valley surrounded by mountains. It is a working city and we are staying in an affluent neighborhood.

Colombians, especially those in Medellin. Have been through hell – a war in their town that impacted friends and family. Many saw friends gunned down – while innocently living life. Playing soccer, going to work. They seem to be a resilient people. They are living for today.

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.

Today we moved to Cartagena city center – a UNESCO site and historic gem. The streets are narrow and cobblestone & brick and the area is walled off from the rest of city. The architecture is interesting and the combination of beautifully restored to old & craggy is fun. The tide was high when we arrived – so some streets are flooded. The vibe here is very relaxed. The citizens seem involved & attentive – the pace is relaxed. And yes, we are adjusting.

There are plazas and pocket parks that are enjoyed by all – pigeons included!

We enjoyed music, happy hour, & a stunning sunset on the top of the city wall at a cafe/bar. That was a lovely way to relax.

Yes, I had a coffee at a Juan Valdez cafe- lovely!

And we wandered the streets / dodging the vendors & loving window shopping at the many cute shops.

Cartagena is not for everyone- it is hot & steamy, one needs to keep valuables close, and there is an honest working class charm to this part of the city.

We enjoyed a fabulous dinner at a top notch restaurant. Lovely old architecture- ate under the palm trees, and listened to Mozart. Practiced our Spanish & discussed sports with a very knowledgeable Columbian fan. And the price of our dinner entrees was similar to Five Guys! 😆 Loco! A bonus: watched a gecko scamper around the palm tree!

Music was enjoyable, scenery spectacular!

Yesterday we arrived in Cartagena Columbia – beautiful Caribbean vibe should come to mind. It is a bustling city which we will embrace later today. For the last 2 days we chose to relax at a beach resort – catch up on some rest & reconnect as a family as Jack just joined us after finishing his first semester as a Junior st Colorado Mesa University.

The surrounding area is tropical green & beautiful. Flowers, trees, shrubs & birds everywhere. Pelicans & terns are fishing in waters st the beach. The people who work here are beautiful inside & out!

Meals& food provide interesting choices. Fabulous fresh fruits/yum! Interesting Colombian food- honestly we do not know all – and food we do know is prepared in interesting ways. Many foods are fried- many more prepared like a stew. Rice & grains are ever present. I ordered an appetizer for dinner on my first night & had mango tempura- OMG – it was fabulous. And honestly, I have never er thought this could be dinner.it was accompanied by wonderful steamed vegetables.

We are heading into the UNESCO site in the city today….here comes the hustle & bustle!

We are getting ready for this year’s venture and South America we cannot wait.

The coffee container shop is significant as they were prevalent after the quake.

What a city & story.

An earthquake – the city survives – months of aftershocks – over 3500 in 5 months and the next major quake which claims 185 lives and over 1400 in the central business district.

The city was decimated on do many levels. Their resilience is to be celebrated and honored. Our tour guide described the emotional as well as physical rebuilding that is required.

Yum! Fabulosity!

Beautiful shoreline, rainforests, snorkeling, schools of fish