Medellin, Colombia: A City Thriving

Medellin. It leaves a a mark on you this city, its people – the Paisas. Its size, its reputation, and Netflix shows may scare you off. But I felt safe, because I stayed in El Poblado and I’ve never put myself in compromising situations.

Falling In Love with A Pueblo Named Jardin

I’m sitting at the corner of Café de los Andes listening to Florence’s OST. Finally, the sun and the blue sky came out today. Down at the El Libertador plaza, tables are starting to get occupied. These two old men have been playing chess since 3pm. At another table, an old couple is playing chess as well. Pigeons continue to fly across the middle of the park. Teenagers on the steps of the church playing a board game. All around the plaza people are either drinking coffee, beer, or having their afternoon sweets. The dogs are still on siesta, but I’m sure later on they’ll be running around, some will be jumping playing with the pigeons. The little boys will come to the plaza later on too, to play football or with the dogs. Children will soon be riding their bikes around the town.

Photo Essay: Old Town, Cartagena

I am a very visual person, I made a collage of the places I wanted to see in South America to inspire me and push during the hard days. This is one of it, the Old Town in Cartagena. I am a sucker for charming and colorful towns. However, I was quite disappointed at how commercial and posh it is (good thing I stayed in Getsemani, a more laidback neighborhood). But there’s no denying how beautiful the place is.

A Barrio Called Getsemani

Let me tell you about this small neighborhood or barrio in Cartagena. This charming, yet not without character, place called Getsemani. A previously notorious barrio known for illegal drugs and prostitution. Now it’s one of the most visited area outside the Old Town.

Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador

It was overcast again that morning. It looked like it was going to rain. I, and I’m sure everyone else in our group were hoping that the sky would clear up. Santiago, our guide, even told us that for the past few days it’s been really cold, windy, and cloudy in Cotopaxi.