Yes - another story about Lucas being afraid of heights. (Boy, he is gonna love me after reading that.)
From Medellin, our family traveled about two hours to Guatape for another day of adventure. It all started with a horse ride to the park. My very first time to ride a horse! Unfortunately, the ride was on a cobblestone road and I kept thinking I was going to tip over (that saddle was not so secure). So the ride was a little uneasy but it was a fun new thing to try!
When we arrived, I made Lucas pose for a pretty picture.
And then we were faced with the task ahead -El Piedra de Peñol, the world second largest single rock. Look at all those stairs. Oh, my! So we got started right away.
The never ending stairway to the top
A scenic overlook mid-way up
We stopped at a plateau near the top, where they have a little market with fruits and beverages and souvenirs.
And after an hour of climbing, we finally made it to the very top for some breathtaking views!
I made it!
And the boys made it to the top, too!
Look - even little Rafa was with us. ;)
Lucas DID NOT want to go near the edge. I was teasing him a bit here.
Then Simon and I had to drag him over to the edge for a picture.
I love this photo of the Linares men.
And one last photo before our descent
That night we went to see the Christmas lights in Medellin. Every year, they have a massive display of lights (only one feature of many is pictured below).
The display runs right through the middle of downtown along the river. They even suspend lights over the river! It was incredible!
The event was very similar to a Christmas light parade that we have in our city's botanical gardens only much, much grander. I'm talking
huge. Every year they design a new and different theme. After January, the displays will be sold to other cities across South America who wish to have a similar display for their citizens. And the people of Medellin get something new to look forward to every year. How exciting!
We had a great time in Medellin. I guess it was worth the awful (and I do mean
awful) ride there and back (though I'm glad I don't have to take any of those rides for a while).
On my next post about our vacation, I'll show you how we celebrated Christmas and New Years in Colombia!
"I'll miss you, Abuelo y Abuela!"
(donated to a local family)
Then, they proceeded to teach me to how to dance Colombian and then requested that I teach them how to country line dance. Let's just say that it was a good thing I already had a few in me for that.
(Here is a picture of Martin in his pajamas. I didn't get one of just him standing there so this is him opening presents. This particular present was from Rafa. It is Martin's favorite cereal from the U.S.)
We got Simon a bottle of Watermelon Smirnoff because apparently they don't have that flavor in Colombia and it is one of his favorites....
We gave Lina a 'Coach' purse ;)
His parents opening their gifts from my grandparents....
This was my favorite present of the night. Lucas's mom had been asking me if she could buy my purse like this. I kept telling her that I would think about it but that it was special because it was a present from Lucas. I didn't want to let on that she would be getting the exact same purse for Christmas. She was so excited!
My parents gave Lucas's mom a makeup bag and a tote with places to put pictures. She filled the tote with pictures of us and then stuck more pictures of the two of us inside the bag. Lucas's mom was flipping through the pictures and asking about each one. I think this was her favorite present.
Here is one of the much talked about canvas pictures.... They turned out beautifully.
Lucas got a duffel bag from Martin. (Thank you, Martin. I know you say you don't read my blog you just look through the pictures every once in a while. But if you happen to read this part around the photo of your gift he is loving having his own bag to use for travel instead of using mine. And he is traveling all the time!)
I'm modeling this beautiful necklace that I got from Martin. I don't even get jewelry from Lucas. Kudos, Martin!
(Notice my ever-so-feminine Colombian poncho? I love that thing. Wish I could wear it here without looking silly.)
When we arrived, I made Lucas pose for a pretty picture.
The display runs right through the middle of downtown along the river. They even suspend lights over the river! It was incredible!
