Awesome Things To Do in Medellin {Colombia}

¡Buenos días! It's been some time since I've shared about travels, so today let's visit Medellin - one of my favorite places in Colombia. Some people are surprised to hear that Colombia has really changed a lot since it's drug and crime ridden past some 20 years ago. When I went in 2011, it was apparent that tourism is really growing and being invested in. And I really did feel pretty darn safe the whole time there. Ten days is not enough time btw, unless you like to hop around really quick or just stay and get to know one place. Anyway, I completely recommend visiting this beautiful and vibrant culture!

Uno. Fería de los Flores. 

The 'flower festival' happens every August. In this big celebration farmers create giant bouquets of their flowers(silletas) and flood through the streets carrying them. I'll let this video capture the feeling.

The whole city really gets decked out for this and you can also find about 7 giant flower sculptures around the city, like the virgen below. Very impressive and colorful!!

Dos. Take the MetroCable. 

This was a really unique experience, partially because of the gondola-like transportation system. At the top you will arrive to a big green forested park, Park Arvi. We took a little walking tour and learned some of the native plants and animals. 

Fun fact: "It was designed to reach some of the least developed suburban areas of Medellín. and is largely considered to be the first Cable Propelled Transit system in South America." (The other is in Caracas but carries passengers to a luxury hotel...a bit different.) 

Tres. Malls.

I'm not really a supermall person. Like, really not. But in Medellín I fell in love with malls. Why? Because of all the amazing(and free) exhibitions and activities they host! We wandered into several malls because at least during August there are lots of things going on. At one we admired a huge collection of bonsai trees, complete with a giant buddha statue. At another mall there were tons of orchids and still another had a showing of birds. It's kind of juxtaposed with nature next to a 'sale' sign, but I like that at least in the midst of all the buy-and-sell is something green :)

Cuatro. Museo de Antioquia. 

Here in the Plaza de Botero, you will find...this museum, yummy foods, a lot of Fernando Boltero sculptures, and a checkered cathedral. A fun place to hang out and a very extensive art museum, with permanent and temporary exhibitions from all time periods. I was fascinated by the Botero and contemporary showcases.  

"I fatten my characters to give them sensuality." -Botero

Cinco. Get a hat!

We both were eye-ing the beautiful woven hats hanging in carts and perched up along sidewalks. So we both decided it was a necessary souvenir, to be stylish in the sun. Don't you think? 

And una más extra: Pablo Escobar Tour. This sounds pretty interesting, visiting significant places and learning about the drug cartels. If only we had more time - we didn't get a chance to do it! 

Now your turn ~ what's a must-do in your own city or from a trip?

Linking up with Expat Diaries 

Do you MeetUp?

Hello lovely beings! I hope you're having a really awesome/relaxing/insert whatever-adjective-you-need- weekend! 

This isn't sponsored post, I just want to express my honest opinion and experience. I love finding amazing resources, so this one has me really excited to share. So, I'm wondering...do you use meetup.com? Have you heard of this thing? 

I'd heard of this online social network awhile ago, probably through friends. Actually, I wouldn't even call it an 'online social network'. It's an online way to get people off-line through events, sharing hobbies and meeting people locally. It's creating communities in our communities! Similar to what Couchsurfing.com used to offer for local communities, MeetUp goes the extra steps.

From their website:

Meetup's mission is to revitalize local community and help people around the world self-organize. Meetup believes that people can change their personal world, or the whole world, by organizing themselves into groups that are powerful enough to make a difference.

Why MeetUp?

Connect based on interest. Have you ever wished you had others to share your favorite hobby with or go on adventures? 

It's zero to low-cost. Sometimes groups charge for participation (some more than others) or an annual fee. This is because it actually costs money to a running a MeetUp group. Generally,  the focus isn't on money, but rather on creating community. 

Variety of groups. You could probably find any type of group you could want. The groups range from photography to tennis, to long backpacking trips, to gaming....Heck if you can't find one you like, create your own!

Transparent. It's pretty much self-run. Organizers post events and dates. Participants RSVP, discuss, organize carpools, etc. So you choose whatever events you'd like to attend from whichever groups you've entered. 

Sync it. I guess this wouldn't be a reason to try it, but it's definitely a perk that MeetUps can export straight into GCalendars or iCal.


To my knowledge it only runs in the US so I wasn't able to try it in Peru. Being in California, I was curious to try it out and see how it worked.

People are people and they're interesting. Throw in some fun activities and it can't go wrong. I've been participating in a few groups: a photography one, radical homemakers, and nature hikes, all close to where I love. It feels really good to be able to meet people through these passions. And it seems like people usually just 'click' from the start.

And after this post and browsing their website more, I'm just smitten with the positivity that beams from them. Yay for this movement in building community and sharing passions! Here's what some MeetUpers have to say:

What are your thoughts? How do you connect with new people?

Trip Tips

Hi friends of the bloggy world and beyond! Happy weekend! Wow I`ve been busy with getting ready and I haven`t shared why...I`m taking a trip this week! Yep, Lisa here currently writing from the south of Peru, Tacna. And tomorrow I hop the border over to Chile for a few days. Its time to renew the visa (aka leave the country and re-enter) soooo its a perfect opportunity for a mini-vacation as well. This explains why I`m a little behind on responding to comments, thanks for understanding. The love is so appreciated :)

Today I wrote a note to one of my English students. See, she`s traveling to the US and is nervous about getting around in a different language. We can all sympathize withthat, right? So I put together a few tips that I always try to remember while traveling. They`re pretty broad and apply more to a general attitude instead of dealing with a language-barrier. But I`d like to think it will be helpful to her, and maybe you - in light of my own trip and other travelers, I thought I`d share here as well.

When traveling, keep these in mind:

* people will help.  There are often people around who are genuine and try to help others. If I need directions or information, talking with lots of locals and getting advice helps a LOT. But, by all means, DO be assertive and be wary of people who may take advantage of you.  

* positivity takes you far.   Maybe it sounds funny to laugh when you miss a flight, right? While something that happens may really suck, its helpful to keep things in perspective. Remember that not everything is in your control, only how you react to things. I practice smiling at the silly things that I could just as easily get frustrated over. But it helps create positive energy instead of feeding that negative ick.  

* plan to entertain.   Travel time can be a lovely opportunity for quality self-time. I love this travel time and usually use it to read, daydream, listen to music, write, maybe nap... 

* try to be prepared...  As someone who isn`t an in-depth planner, I still have learned how important it is to be prepared, especially when traveling. Actually, a lot of things are replacable and can be easily found wherever you may be going. But there`s a few things that are a good idea to put on the ´important list´: list of places and addresses you`re going, contact numbers/emails, copy of passport/ID, (if you use them) bank cards and copies.  Note: don`t leave bank cards in the scanner when making copies. It may lead to worried parents and extra UPS express charges. But that`s another story.)    

*...but be prepared to be flexible.  Along with positivity, flexibility goes a long way. Things change and you may be challenged to adapt or make a compromise. For example, I arrived later than expected and couldn`t do the next leg of my travel until tomorrow. So I stay one extra night in this cool city and go tomorrow. And it`s all good! 

Are there any key travel tips you have to share? Is there one that stands out to you? We`d love to hear :)

Just thought I`d share the sweet dinner deal of the night - sushi (with lettuce?!) and a mini-can of beer. I`m happy :)

Graffiti in Granada

Maybe I haven't mentioned that I was in Spain for a year. A few years back I lived (and studied on the side) in the south of Andalucia. I love Granada and it will always have a piece of my heart (after all, it's where my travel bug was born!). One beautiful thing that changed my perspective (aside from the amazing Alhambra, flamenco, and tapas - oh how I miss those!)was the graffiti.

Many of these pieces weren't just graffiti tags (some were), but skillfully created murals which take time, skill, and passion.

I fell in love with the possibilities of creating a positive use of public space, how dimensions can be transformed...

A local bakery's mural art

I fell in love with the messages and meanings behind the paint, the interactions between the artists...

I fell in love with how the colors play with each other, the visual stimulation, and pure creativity...

I fell in love with the distinctive details and styles of the artists...

And I fell in love with the feelings and emotions that can be evoked.

I see graffiti art as an artistic expression written around the city for the world to admire, question, imagine, challenge, etc. What I really love about it, is what it is not - graffiti is not intended to advertise or gain your approval. It's art that everyone can enjoy and it doesn't cost a thing (aside from it's creation)!

Graffiti was such a huge, new discovery for me when I lived in Spain. It took on a new meaning for me - it's definition was no longer strictly related to gangs or negative parts of society. I saw it's artistic possibility and it was so exciting! But one thing that really bothered me was that this art form was so limited in the US. 

In the past few years, I've seen more and learned more (I even wrote a senior thesis on the subject). As least in large cities, I have seen more artists employed for these types of works (ie. ArtStart in Santa Rosa). Not long ago a friend began a campaign that's directly related to the idea of getting more positive art out in the public realm - what a beautiful thing to see! 
{you can check out what it's about here and donate if you're inspired}

In any capacity, I feel it's so important for people who are in society to express things they want to publicly, not only corporations and advertisers. 

Is street art common where you live? What kind of affect do you think it has?

Off the beaten road in Peru: Choquequirao

A view on our way to the Choquequirao ruins.
Photography by Diane Patterson

I re-found this post that I had on my old blog and decided to re-share it here. Have a stunning weekend, like these beautiful mountains! Thanks to Diane Patterson for the beautiful photography.

It was a last minute trip. My good friend, Diane, invited me. Her and several others were planning a 5 day trek in the mountains to the ruins of Choquequirao (pronounced "cho-kay-kir-ow"). At this time my old high school and tap friend, Megan, was flying in to visit. I picked her up from the airport and threw out the idea. She was down, so we planned to leave the following morning at 5am. 

Setting out from the town of Cachora.

We met the other 5 ladies on a street corner in the dark starry sky of the early morning. We had our hiking and sleeping gear packed, while the food and tents were organized by our "tour". We headed out to the town of Cachora, about 3 hours from Cusco. Upon our arrival at our check-in site, it was lunch time. In the smallish rural farmhouse (with corresponding cuy, or guinea pig, chickens, cats, and dogs) we ate a home-y menù meal (which includes soap and a main dishes of usually rice). Then we were off into the natural beauty of the fields and trees, and later, river and mountains.

We were 6 ladies and 1 young Peruvian guide. We had 2 mules carrying our belongings and camp site, essentially. Venturing out into a huge natural entity, I really had no idea what to expect. For Megan and       myself it was our first real trekking experience (the     whole sha-bang, camping and all). Little did we know   that we would return true mountain women.


Day 1 was an easy easing-into the experience. With beautiful scenery, rare and strange flora, laughing and conversations, the day passed quickly. The slight problem was that we were enjoying so much, taking every picture possible, that we got a bit behind schedule. It was getting dark and we couldn't walk for too long in the dark so we stayed at a campsite which was a bit before our planned site. This meant the following day we would leave early.     


        

Going down the canyon to forge the river in a cage!
Photography by Diane Patterson

Day 2 We wake up about 4am while the sky has not yet awoken. We needed to go as early as possible to cross the river and start the long 5 hour uphill trek to the top of the next mountain. Being out at this time was creepy and beautiful. After several hours of down-hilling it, we approached a rocky area in the canyon. The scenery had dramatically changed from the tree-flower filled areas above. All the way at the bottom of the canyon, we reached the Apurimac River. 

My friend and I soaring across the river.
Photography by Diane Patterson

We crossed in a cage-like structure on a cable, which definitely would be a lawsuit in the US. Since the bridge had been  ashed away when the river flooded, this was how everyone crossed. Someone had to push us as far as possible, while someone on the other side would pull the remainder. If there was no one there to help, I imagine it would be quite a challenge. Then, the uphill trek began. Switchback after switchback. Playing word games and conversing kept my mind distracted from thinking about how difficult the climb was. After 5 tedious, partly agonizing and partly inspiring, hours we made it back up to our campsite on the next mountain. I am proud to say that the thought never crossed my mind that I wouldn't make it. In times like these, positivity is crucial.

We arrived at a little campo (farm) and plopped down ourselves to gaze at the mountains we´d climbed, breathe the fresh air, and admire the chickens and roosters prancing around. Soon lunch was cooked by our great chef and ready for us. Food never tastes so good as after such long and intense activity. We couldn't quite determine if the food really was that good or if it seemed better because of our hunger and exhaustion. We ate happily and relaxed in the evening hours.

Can you spot us on the terraces? 
Photography by Diane Patterson 

Day 3 In the early hours we prepare and set off on a several hour hike to the ruins, which was farther than we imagined. Upon crossing over to the next mountain, again the scenery diverged into a lush and green array of colors. We passed several refreshing waterfalls along the way. Alas we arrived the entrance of the ruins and our first exploration were the gigantic terraces, with great views of the soaring mountains. Then we continued up to the Plaza Principál where we ate lunch and rested. Then off to explore all the areas of the ruins Temples of the Sun and the Moon, workshops, storehouses, terraces for growing medicinal plants, and at the very top the palace of the Inca. Then we hiked down one side of the mountain to find the Sector de las Llamas. There are basically stone constructions that make up 24 llamas in the terraces. When we crossed to a view point, we could see the whole wall. Gorgeous views as the sun played its shadow dance upon the mountains. Visiting the ruins was an all-day event and we returned after nightfall, with our headlights shining the way 


Apparently, the ruins aren't as big as Machu Picchu but it felt even more incredible because of the challenging arrival and because there were so few others. It seemed like a desolate ancient city that we'd discovered.


     
Day 4 We packed up our campsite, filled our water bottles, and headed back down the switchback slope. This time instead of 5 hours, it was only 3 as we could go back much faster. It was nice to walk in the morning, cool and fresh. But we also needed to hurry because in a few hours the sun would be furiously beating upon us. Along the way, we met a couple. The woman had hurt her back and was on the ground, lying there. We stopped to help, gave food and water, made a type of shelter out of the emergency blanket. We were under the impression we could notify someone to help at the base on the canyon, where there was a center. Then we received information that there were no longer radios there and the only way to contact a source of help was in the ruins at the top, about 6 hours away if someone went directly. We wanted to help and were torn about what to do. We said prayers and words of hope for them and had to continue on our way. 

Lots of rare and beautiful plant life.
Photography by Diane Patterson

This became own topic of discussion for the next few miles. We crossed the river and headed up the dusty rocky switchbacks. The sun began taking its midday course, making the incline that much more difficult. After a few hours, seemingly an eternity, we arrived at our rest and lunch site. We rested in the cool shade of the lemon and avocado trees, drenching ourselves in water (and at least myself, tending mosquito wounds). Lunch couldn't have been better. Just a few more hours uphill brought us to the campsite of the first night.

At some point this afternoon we were relayed news of the woman that she was alright, nothing was broken, and she was able to move and continue the walk. I was glad, but still raging about the irresponsibility of the park.

Day 5 Our last day of the journey would be no shorter than the others, but we would return to Cusco triumphant and with a certain bond that would never be broken. We trekked up to the top of the next mountain, to a great viewpoint. Where we took more jumping pictures, to stay true to our theme throughout the trip. Our guide led a little ceremony for the Pachamama (the mother earth) and we took a few moments to meditate in the greatness of the mountain wilderness. On our way to our final destination, Cachora. Again, the scenery changed into a Eucalyptus- and muña-filled forest and I began to recognize where we were, although it looked quite different now.



We had arrived, exuberant in our achievement but exhausted from its difficulty. I savored the feeling of taking off my tight and dusty shoes. Eating lunch was a much needed revival of energy. From here on we would head back to Cusco, and decided to stop at some "hot springs" along the way. They turned out to be somewhat disappointed and were just tepid swimming pools. Car games, a whole lot of singing and laughing, and we were back to the reality of Cusco.

A few tips if you're thinking of trekking Choquequirao:

     ~ I recommend going with a tour agency. Ours was about $200 and included a guide, a cook and all meals, and mules to carry our things.

     ~ Bring poles for climbing, they really came in handy!

     ~ Go in dry season! There are many accidents with rock slides in wet season. 

     ~ It's a good idea to bring a full equipped emergency kit. As of Aug. 2012 the stations weren't well equipped with emergency gear or radio signal, which can be dangerous.

     ~ If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten-road adventure than Machu Picchu and a challenge, I highly recommend this trek. It is sure to be fill with fun and stunning natural views.

Have you ever felt really accomplished for something yourself to do? What keeps you inspired?

Trip Tips: Hidden mountain-jungle gem Quillabamba

A few months ago, a friend and I had planned to take a short weekend trip. The destination we'd planned didn't work out since we didn't bring our passports, so we brainstormed other options. Spur of the moment, we hopped onto a van to Quillabamba, the closest jungle city to Cusco. The van was about 35soles.

At the highest point of the mountains, it was very eery as the fog and cold encircled us. My mom would describe this type of fog as ''thick as split pea soup''. The descent was a dramatic change in climate....

              From split pea soup

to 

                                                                     lush, tropical mountain-jungle.

We finally arrived the city of Quillabamba, after a 6 hour trip (1 hour because the road was closed for construction). I noticed the humidity and huge variety of fruits being sold. We found a hotel that was central and decently priced. Then we wandered around the town.

One thing I immediately noticed and loved was how green it was. Especially, parks and plaza were full of plants and flowers. Also, the abundance of fruits growing. We came to the conclusion that people wouldn't go hungry living in the jungle.

Lotssss of bananas!

The next day we went to explore. We heard there were piscinas (pools) and waterfalls so we headed out of the town to find them. After about 45 minutes of really bumpy roads, we got off where the waterfalls were. A local man pointed us in the direction of the free non-touristy ones. They were breathtaking (and way too cold to go in).

The hidden waterfall we were pointed toward, Huaynapata

After we took pictures and found cool bugs and plants, we met a woman who had a store and lived there. She offered us coffee, bananas, and avocados. Her 'yard' was full of these and she offered to take what we wanted. Across the road, we invested in coconuts and cacao pods.

Stopping for some snacks :)

Then we headed to the little town of Echarate, where we were told the piscinas were.  

Entering Echarate from the backside.

We walked and walked, and met a warm man and his son who were setting out cacao to dry. By the time we got to the top of the hill, we were glad to arrive at the pool. It turned out to be like a community pool and there were lots of families there. Echarate was a nice little town. We found a delicious little restaurant too.

Cacao drying

Coca leaves, sponge-like thing from tree, honey, coffee, pure chocolate

After this short 2 day 
adventure, we stoked up on a few essentials from the jungle and headed back to Cusco. 

>>>The essentials >>>

It was a lovely little trip with good food, nice and helpful people, and lots of beautiful nature. (The only downside was that the mosquitoes think I'm their friend hehe) 

Have you been to a jungle? What's your favorite thing?

Expat to Expat Q + A: Travelin'

Happy weekend! Thanks to Belinda and Bailie who are hosting Expat to Expat link-up we have a new theme for June: travel! And a few of my questions were even added in at the bottom, cool! Here we go...

1.  Which airport would you like to never see again? 
I recall Florida is pretty crazy. My parents just had to go through there with a short layover, but luckily made their next flight. Phew what a relief after running across the airport frantically!

2. What is your travel nightmare? 
Missng a flight is never fun. Or loosing things like bank cards, wallet, or phone.

3. Would you rather stay in a fancy hotel and do less activities or stay in a hostel and do more activities?
Hostels and local activities is way more my style! I like to explore and find the hidden little spots to feel like I know the place.

This hostel was so neat because it was full of hammocks and mosaics.
Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica.

 Also, I love couchsurfing.com and WWOOFing when possible!

The volunteer house at a wonderful farm I worked at in Costa Rica.

4. Do you have any pre-travel rituals?
I usually have a little type of reunion with friends and family. I also try to savor every last luxuries about the states, from baths to homemade food.

5. What is your favorite airline to fly with?
Whichever is the cheapest, which definitely doesn’t equate to top-quality. In Europe: Ryan Air. South America: LAN, TACA.

6. If you could take a trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I’m dying to drive across the US and explore the state parks!

Roadtripping around Washington and Oregon

7.  How do you survive long haul flights?
Books, music, notebook, and a pillow.

8. What is your favorite stamp in your passport and why?
Hmmm…I suppose Chile and Colombia because they’re multi-colored :)

Questions from Lisa at Meanderings, Adventures & Crafty Inspirations (me!)

    1.    What are your top 3 necessary items for travel?
A large scarf: it’s so versatile! It can be a sling bag, a blanket, head-wrap, first aid bandage….the list goes on.
Notebook and pen: to write contacts, notes, and collect little papers in a new place.
The right shoes: I think we know why this one’s important.

 2.    What is your favorite off the beaten track trip in your current home?
This is a tough one, because there’s so many. I loved my trip to Quillabamba and wandering around the non-touristy towns outside of the city, finding waterfalls and all kinds of tropical vegetation! A blog on this trip is comin’ soon.

Thanks for joining and looking forward to seeing everyone else's responses!

Trip Tips: Salineras, Peru

Salt pans, Maras.

Salineras literally means "salt-makers" in Spanish. If you've never seen salt pans before and are in Peru, I really recommend this short day-trip. Here's how I did it and some recommendations. 

While my family was visiting, we did the obvious tourist activity - Machu Picchu. We took the train to Ollantaytambo and found a taxi driver who offered us a  reasonably priced tour to Moray - Salineras - Cusco (100soles or about $40). Apparently, there are quite a few taxi driver tour guides that do this route, as you can see on Leap Local. 

Moray

First we explored the archaeological Inkan terraces of Moray. Moray is an impressive and unique site because of its circular leveled formation, perfected as a farming technique. It was even more awesome because the entrance is only 10 soles and can be bought individual instead of having to buy the entire Tourist Ticket to all the ruins.

The view with all the pans.

Then we headed to Salineras, in the town of Maras. You can also access it on bus from Cusco to Urubamba, getting off at the cross road of Maras. From there, Salineras is down a winding road about 30 minutes and a low taxi fare. The entrance fee is very minimal, about 5 soles.

The salt looks like crystals!

Families in Maras have been maintaining the pans for many years and they date back to Inkan times. Now it is organized by an informal cooperative and whoever would like to can harvest and maintain a salt pan.

Talk about some amazing views ~

There are locals who sell bags of pure Maras salt, which I definitely bought.






It was nice to do a tour so we could learn about the process of the salt and history from a local primary source. You could also do some research (it's easily accessible) and prepare a self-tour. Or there's also bike tours, which would be really fun!