Colombia: Finding My Way

"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” – Andre Gide

Today was the first day that I felt like myself; I gained a little courage. I ventured out to find the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus. What better way to see a good amount of the city? I got on at Poblado Park with a couple from Sweden, who thankfully spoke English. I asked if I they'd mind if I toured around them for a bit and they obliged. From Poblado Park, we headed to city center where me made our first stop at Botero Plaza. This plaza is known for the large, plump, bronze sculptures by Colombian artist, Fernando Botero. Both myself and the couple were cautioned not to leave the plaza on our own and I rightfully remembered my chaotic experience the first day. So, as a group, we quickly visited the plaza, being extremely mindful of our things. I got some great shots and we entered back on the bus without any problems. 

The other two main stops we made were at the Botanical Garden and the Mirador Cerro Nutibara, which translates to hilltop view. The botanical garden was a nice change of pace to the busy city. Lots of greenery, but I was hoping for more flowers. During the festival of flowers, there will be orchids and birds. While in the gardens, we came upon a Mayan festival where they were performing various dances. I think that's why I like exploring because you never know when you are going to come upon these unordinary experiences. Just like yesterday, Jorge and I were walking in the park near the Museum of Art and walked upon a guy doing amazing gymnastic stunts on the high bar, accompanied by awesome music. That kind of life really means a lot to me; seeing local people  in their element. 

The views of the city were pretty cool. The lookout gave a panoramic view of Medellín. I'm going to the area again tonight for the night views. 

The bus brought me back to Poblado Park where I decided to walk home. It's about 1 mile or so, up hill. I thought when I left Quito that I was done with hills! The area I walked through was delightful and comfortable and much more my speed. There were plentiful options for food, drinks, and cafes. I stopped in at place and grabbed a "small" hotdog, french fries, and soda, for $3. Small was a joke. It was almost a foot long, covered in delicious toppings! I've yet to finish a meal since I've been here. 

Yesterday, I visited a local market that was full of choices for anything you needed, especially fruits, vegetables, meats and fish. My family introduced me to many exotic fruits, so I enjoyed those as we browsed in search of fruits I didn't know; and there were tons! 

 

 

View from home

 

Market

Juice at market

 

 

Street art near Art Museum

Michelada - mango, beer, salt and lime      

 

 

Colombia: Really? All That Happened?

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” – Neale Donald Walsch

Wow. The last 48 hours have been a blur and cultural explosion. Friday night, Samson and I went down to the Mariscal Sucre area of Quito to have a few drinks before I left time. Even though the night was early, the area was rocking for my standards. It was fun to see the area take on a different persona at night, but it's just not my scene. I like chill, hole in the wall places. 

My alarm clock came way too early Saturday to catch my flight. I made it and my connection without any problems. However, my biggest personal challenge came when I determined that I would take the bus into Medellín. Both Jorge (Iris' nephew) and Samson said it was easy. As I was standing in line at immigration I started to panic about what was to come. I didn't mind that the immigration line was long because it was keeping me in my comfort zone. The time came and the exit doors opened and just like that I was thrust into Colombia. And just as Jorge and Samson said, the bus was that easy.

I made it to Jorge's house and was fondly greeted by his family. I had a glass of water, jumped on the internet to let my family know I made it and then we were off to do a whirlwind tour of the center of town. My mind was blown and I was quickly back in my internal panic mode. I was thankful that I was with Jorge or I probably would have gone back home. I was so overwhelmed with the number of people milling around and those trying to sell you something. I think in the two hours, I saw most every fruit, food and product that could possibly be sold. My favorite part was when we came up to a Brazilian martial arts group performing their art in a plaza. I couldn't stop smiling at each of their interpretations. I loved the community feeling. 

We called it a day and headed back to Jorge's grandma's house, which is where I'm staying. Mariella is such a sweet lady, just as her daughter Iris is. She said her house was my home for as long as I needed and quickly got me food and juice. After I got settled in, I did as I normally did- ask for the wifi password. Bam! She didn't have internet! My panic set in again. Jorge was sweet to take me back to his house so I could let my family know that I'd be off the grid until I figured out a SIM card. 

Today, Jorge, his mom, Olivia (exchange student) and I traveled a few hours away to Guatapé. We climbed up the Guatapé Rock, which was over 700 steps to the peak. We were wiped, but the views were worth it. This little town was fantastic. It was on a set of finger lakes and the buildings were bright and colorful, with architectural uniqueness. After walking around for a while, we went on a boat cruise of on one of the lakes. Across the lake, you could easily see the cruise boat that sank a few weeks ago, tragically killing 7 people.

As we headed back to Medellín, we stopped in another little town named San Antonio. Their main square was full of street vendors selling all kinds of delicious smelling food. We passed through, looking for Postres San Antonio. This place is known for their cheesecakes, having over 30 flavors. I chose the Neapolitan with mora sauce (blackberry) and it was fantastic!  

All in all, these 48 hours have had such highs and lows for me emotionally. I miss my family and friends and I miss knowing my way around. I'll know I'll figure it out and get through it. It's just going to take time.

 

 

Arepas

 

 

Guatapé Rock... over 700 steps to very top

Bandeja Paisa. No, I did not finish it.

Jorge and his mom dancing

Postres San Antonio (cheesecakes)

 

 

 

 

 

Ecuador Travel Video

 

Ecuador: ¡Adiós, Quito!

"A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions."- Oliver Wendell Holmes

It's bittersweet to think that today is my last day in Ecuador. I fly out early tomorrow morning to Medellín, Colombia. When I first got here, I thought there was no way I could give up my life in North Carolina. The first few days were long, hard, and mentally exhausting as I tried to reach navigation perfection as soon as I could. The conveniences I've grown accustomed to were no where to be found. However, after spending almost 2.5 weeks here, I've found people I'd like to stay friends with, parks to explore, and quaint coffee shops to lounge in. I didn't even touch the more extreme areas surrounding Quito that offer tremendous hikes and waterfall repelling; I'll save that for another day. I guess what I'm saying is that I could make a life of it here, assuming I could bring a few people along to make it all that much better. Those hills, though...

My next stop is Medellín; The City of Eternal Spring. Of course, my anxiety level is increasing as the day goes on because I'll be entering new lands to explore and understand. Here in Quito, I know where the secret restrooms are that are free, clean, and have toilet paper. I know where I can pick up wifi to satisfy my yearning to stay connected with the rest of the world and friends at home. I'll have to do that search all over again in Medellín. Everyone that I've passed on this trip, that have visited Medellín, have had almost all positive things to say about the city. I'm nervously excited to push myself again into unknown territory and open myself up to meet more new people. 

Until next time...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ecuador: Shake, Rattle, and Roll

"Traveling tends to magnify all human emotions.” — Peter Hoeg

Traveling solo is a much different experience than traveling with a partner. It makes you put yourself out there in order to get the most out it. In two weeks, I've met some really cool people. By not being my typical "Type-A" traveling self and thus allowing myself to go with the flow, I've allowed myself to take in more authentic experiences and that's what I longed for when thinking about this trip. Yes, I've done the touristy things, but I've also been just me by going out into the wide-world and wandering to see what's around the next corner.

Yesterday's wandering was at Carolina Park. Parque La Carolina is officially my all-time favorite park. I imagined that if I lived close to this park all that I could do, and my face beamed. People were everywhere on a simple Tuesday afternoon. The 135 green acres in the middle of the city was perfect. The park was full of varying levels of playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, soccer fields, a bmx track, skateboard area, paddle boats, and so much more. There were also ecua-volley courts. This game, which was created here in Ecuador, is played in most parks I've walked near and is a variant of volleyball, but it's played 3-on-3 with a soccer ball and a higher net.

Here in Quito,I also experienced my first D-Box Technology movie for only $6. D-Box is a motion generating chair that vibrates, shakes and rattles according to action sequences in the movie. Pair this tech with 3D and it made for an incredible Spider-Man movie. My favorite sequence was when they were fighting in the school buses and the bus hit laid out on its side. When the bus went sliding, you felt every bump in the D-Box seat. Yes, the movie was fantastic but I think considering I was watching the English version, with Spanish subtitles, in a theater full of Ecuadorians, on a random Tuesday night, made it more memorable. 

Today, I lucked out on a walking tour because I was the only participant. So it was me, Emerson, the guide, and Juan Pablo aka "HTM," a prominent street artist venturing down the streets of historic La Floresta. This area is a chic, hippy, cultural haven where you can find all things art. We visited artists, carpenters, and other crafts people. I learned about the history of the area and how it's evolved through time. All along the walk, we passed tons of street art that Emerson and Juan shared stories about. It was really interesting to hear from the artist himself throughout the tour. I could feel his pain, love and passion through his work.