The world through my eyes: Made it to Colombia! Touchdown South America

Flying through the Andes to Medellin

I was so excited to land in Colombia... I couldn't believe I was on my way to South America, on the beginning of a four month adventure! The plane was flying through the Andes mountains as it landed and when I got off the plane the air was so fresh and crisp. It was amazing to reunite with Ursula and Anthony from Berkeley at the Airport in Medellin, Colombia. This city is know as the land of eternal spring- it is so green and lush here.

Eating sancocho with Ursula's Family

I never expected to visit Colombia, so I am so happy to have this opportunity to have such a good friend as my tour guide. The only things I have ever heard about Colombia before were about cocaine and violence, which yes there is some violence and drugs but not to the extent to label the country like that. There is violence everywhere- In the three 3 weeks I was in Cleveland I heard countless homicide reports on the local news, but I wouldn't label Cleveland as a whole a violent city. Anyway, her family and house is so welcoming and inviting- I'm so happy to be here right now, especially since I have not stopped eating since I have been here :) I couldn't believe my eyes when I arrived at Ursula's house- she has told me so much about it during all our study breaks and I have seen so many pictures but when I saw it with my own eyes I was blown away. Her house is in the middle of Medellin- a city of 4 million people- but at her house you feel like you are in the middle of the country! There are 7 dogs, 3 cats, some chickens, a pig and about 17 horses (and maybe some other anilmals I haven't found yet). I am in paradise right now. Today I woke up and got to wash the horses- it was so exciting- and tomorrow Ursula is giving me a riding lessons in the morning. Her aunt is a famous vaulting instructor (who will be at the international vaulting competition in September) and the Colombian government actually sends cavalry to come and train at their arena.
Her parents have been so hospitable. I wish I knew Spanish to let them know how happy I am to be here and how much I appreciate them letting me stay (Even though her mom speaks English and German in addition to Spanish). This morning they made Sancocho- a traditional Colombian dish of potatos,plantains, yuca, carrots, corn, avocados, chicken and beef that is stewed for hours... the whole morning the house was filled with the amazing aromas! We ate so well and finished it off with Amaretto and Cointreau.

Medellin from the metrocable

Downtown

After the meal we set out to the city to ride the Metro- one of the most respected parts of the city. Since is was built 20 years ago, it has been maintained and never has graffiti. The metrocables was the craziest part of the day- the cable cars take you across the city up the steep mountainside passes some of the most dangerous parts of the city. The Metro round trip cost 1200 Colomian pesos ($1 = 1,800 Colombian Pesos) and that ticket takes you anywhere in the city, which makes it affordable for anyone to use it- unlike the BART in San Francisco that can cost an arm and a leg if you take it everyday. That public transportation made it extremely easier for members of the communities way up in the mountain side to have easier access to the city (a 20minute commute instead of 2+ hours by bus). Plus, it is the only city that uses this system as Public Transportation so far- how cool is that? Since the construction of the Metrocables there have also been many more schools that have opened and community projects that have commenced, in an area that has been know to have a high prevalence of gang violence. It was so interesting to learn what effects city planning can have on a community and its surrounding neighborhoods.
Tomorrow is my horseback riding lesson at 8am then after that we are off on a road trip to see other parts of the country. I am so excited to be on the first leg of my journey and with such great people. Life is good. Nos Vemos!