Flying High

After Christmas we loaded up two vehicles and took a caravan to Medellin, the second largest city in Colombia. I knew this trip would take a few hours but I was in no way prepared for the road trip that was about to ensue. After six hours of winding, two-lane roads and several near death experiences as we passed semi-trucks on these winding, two-lane roads, we finally made it to Medellin.

I got down on my knees, thanked my lucky stars, and kissed the solid ground beneath me.


We stopped at to eat a late lunch once we arrived. After lunch, with my ice cream in tow, Martin asked these military men to pose for a picture with me. I wanted to show you the typical road side scenery. These men are everywhere. Well, not these exact men... but you get the point. I was a little intimidated by their guns even though they couldn't have been more than 16 years old.


Next we went to a huge mall where I was looking forward to shopping 'til I dropped. But Colombia would have none of it. Prices there are outrageously high for clothes that aren't even near the quality of American goods. AND there are absolutely no sales in these stores. None! I pay sticker price for nothing. NOTHING! So this shopping trip was very depressing. All that time and I walked out empty handed. So sad.


The next day was the day we had all been waiting for and the event I have been so excited to tell you all about. We went paragliding! We - as in me, Martin, and Simon. Lucas was too scared! Here is our group getting ready to go!


I thought I'd get one final picture with Lucas.... you know.... just in case. Ha!


Then I got all geared up!


Martin went first so I captured his take off. You just run and run and run until your off the cliff and lifted into the air. I really thought it would be scary but it wasn't at all!


Next was my turn to take flight. I captured some beautiful images of Medellin from above.



Then I turned the camera on myself to get a shot of me and Ulrich, my English speaking guide.


We flew near and almost directly above Martin during our flight.


During the flight, Ulrich's cell phone rang. First of all, the ring tone is like a warning alarm so I thought something was wrong. He told me it was just his phone so I relaxed a bit and told him I didn't think answering that was such a great idea. Well apparently he didn't agree. He answered his cell phone mid-air. I'm not even kidding. You know I had to get this picture.


While in the air I took a little video to let you experience paragliding in Colombia - if only for a few seconds....


And a final picture with Ulrich and his daughter - safely on the ground.


Simon left after Martin and I came down so I was able to capture his flight....




After everyone had returned, I wanted to take advantage of the beautiful backdrop and get some family pictures.

The American Linares Family

The Linares Boys

The Original Linares Family

The New (and Improved...haha!) Linares Family

We stopped for lunch on the way back. This was just a little dive but it had to be the best restaurant we ate at while in Colombia. The portions were huge and so delicious! This was Lucas's plate.... I was in awe over the massive amount of food.***UPDATE: I have had requests to fill you all in on what is on this plate. This is called a 'Plato Tipico'... or typical Colombian food, pretty much. Starting from the top left there is an arepa, carne (steak), papas fritas (french fries), frijoles (beans), arroz con huevos (rice with eggs), and a plantain.... all served up with a Colombiana - Colombian Soda***

But not in enough awe to skip dessert! Strawberries and Cream! Yummm!
Simon enjoyed his meal a little too much. He had a post dinner, post dessert Alka Seltzer. That was probably a good idea. Ha!

On the way back into town we also stopped by this little village that centered around a big Catholic church. Lucas's mom wanted to visit the church.


It really was gorgeous! Paintings covered the walls, arches, and ceilings.


We happened to stop in during a service in which the priest was Christening the babies. It was an interesting site to see for a Southern Baptist girl.


Me being such a big fan of religion... I had to stop in and get my confessions out of the way. Ha.


This is one thing I found odd.... Santa hanging in a cathedral?



We took the long way back to Medellin.... I don't really enjoy taking the scenic routes in Colombia. That generally means very bad and bumpy roads. But at least it provides good scenery. We stopped to take a look at this beautiful lake... though we couldn't figure out how to get down to it.

This was only our first day of activities in Medellin. There was another action packed day to follow. Keep coming back for more! I tell you.... this trip to Colombia was really good for my blog. No more wondering what to write about for a while.... :)

A Tour

I thought since I've been talking about my time in Colombia, I'd give you a better idea of our surroundings. Most of our down time was spent at the farm house.


It is a beautiful house with all the windows and doors opening outside to let the sunlight and warm breezes flow through the house. All the bedrooms are upstairs and downstairs holds the small living room area (though the need for this is minimal since it is so beautiful outside), the dining area, and kitchen. There is also a small living area and bedrooms for the workers on the farm. Currently they have a family with one child living and working here. The man takes care of much of the landscaping, maintenance, and upkeep issues with the house. The woman helps prepare meals and keep the house clean (no easy feat since everything is pretty much open to the outside).


Most of Colombia is set in rolling mountains, hills, and valleys. The farm is located at the top of one of these valleys and the land stretches around and down the hillside. Lucas's father farms many fruit plants on the land and there are always plentiful mangos, oranges, and plantains.

The views from the farm house are awe-inspiring. It is beautiful!

There is a tomato farm below the farm in the valley. The farmers put plastic over the tomatoes to protect them from the sun or lock in their gases or something.

And there is a small pool by day and hot tub by night to help you enjoy the beauty.


Our room at the farm....complete with breathtaking views...

And right outside our bedroom was this lovely hammock. Here is where I sat down with Eclipse and finished Breaking Dawn. I have so much to say about that but I'm sure there is plenty of time for that in the future (like when the DVD comes out on March 21st)!!


This hammock and I shared some special Twilight moments together and I'll always have a special place in my heart for this spot. :)

As part of her Christmas decorations, Lucas's mom put up this gorgeous sign. I loved being included and it helped make Colombia feel a little more like home.


We have a few friends at the farm

Laisa (pronounced 'Liza'), the Guacamaya

Mango, the Rotweiler

Sampras, a German Shepherd, is also a part of the family but while we were there he got away and has not yet been found. Hopefully he has found a good and safe home and is being taken care of.

There is lots to do in the city and so for those nights that we had plans we stayed in their large, city apartment. I don't have pictures of the outside. It is a brick building with a three car garage on the street level. Their home is three levels. The first level contains our guest bedroom and bathroom, the kitchen, the maid's living quarters, the dining area, and a formal living room. The second level contains the master bedroom, his brother's bedrooms, and a casual family room. The third floor is a loft area that serves as an office and has a large balcony outside with beautiful views over the city.

The apartment is directly across from the soccer stadium, home to Once Caldas. There are also lots of concerts and activities here and the stadium is open during the day for citizens to run and walk around the track.




The tennis courts (look at that clay!) are also across the street along with a gymnasium and community center.


You can see the downtown Manizles skyline to the left....


Lucas and his family are very fortunate to be able to enjoy both aspects of Colombian living - the city and farm life. I really enjoy my time in both places. The city is bustling and you can always find something to do here. The farm is relaxing and gives you an opportunity to enjoy time together with the family..... just don't forget the bug spray!

Got Milk?

One day, Simon, Lina, Lucas and I loaded up the car and headed to Panaca. I was told this was like an animal-themed Six Flags without the rides. 'Why else would you go to Six Flags if there are no rides?' I thought. Well, my skepticism faded and we had a great time.

Right off the bat there is a big (lazy) bull at the entrance to meet you. The guys just hopped right on. Me - no, thank you. I'd rather not straddle a bull. Ha!


But I will hold this cute, baby goat. So precious!


The first exhibition of the day was 'las vacas' (or 'the cows'). So I stepped right up for my shot to milk a cow. This was quite an experience. I'll just say that I really felt like I was violating her. Poor cow.
Lucas took full advantage of my milking and DRANK THE MILK!!! Ugh! It was hot and everything. So gross!


Lucas spared some milk for the goats so we poured the milk into one of their bottles and went off on our nurturing ways. Those goats sure are greedy. None of them wanted to share.


We tried to be fair and give to many.....


I don't even have words. Haha! So after feeding time we walked around and looked at all the different bulls living in Panaca. This strange fellow looks oddly familiar...

Next we were off to a show where they explained many different things about some of the animals in Panaca. Much of the show included audience participation. Lucas was picked right off the bat for a little friendly cow milking competitition. Haha!


Simon got called out for a little 'tug of war'. He lost....


And Lina got to ride into the stadium on a bull!

Next, we were off to visit the piggies. I was so excited about this exhibition. I saw a litter of baby pigs that had been born just that morning! We also saw a show with some pig races and got to meet lots of the pigs at Panaca. My favorite part was feeding the pigs.... or should I say pig. Now I understand where the saying 'eats like a pig' comes from. That little piggy swallowed the entire contents of the bottle in less than two gulps and was fighting me for the bottle. He didn't want to let go!!

Lucas, Simon and I bought tickets for the 'Canopy Tour' or zip-line through Panaca. This was such an adventure! I wish we had better photos but the memories are awesome!


When we came off the zip-line there was a military exhibition set up. I jumped at the chance to show you readers their equipment. Much of the equipment here are things they use to hunt the militants deep in the Amazon in the southern part of Colombia (drug lords and guerillas).
Simon really got into it, as well. I would say a little too into it......
The last exhibition of the day was the horse show. Seeing the horses and their talented riders was really amazing. We were enjoying ourselves so much.....until the rain hit. I thought surely this would be the end of the show. But the crazy stunt riders kept right on going!

We had a wonderful day and learned lots about animals. It is definitely something I'll take our kids back to see in the future. They'll probably understand it a little more than I did as I'm sure their Spanish will be much better than mine.


On that note I will have you know that my Spanish improved greatly during my two weeks there. I'm really excited that I was able to pick it back up so easily once I was fully emersed. I need to continue speaking and studying now while it is fresh so that I can improve even more. I would love to speak fluent Spanish one day. But as anyone who knows both English and Spanish can tell you, Spanish is much more difficult to learn than English. Much. I have a long way to go.