Colombia Trip 2014- Part 1

I'm going to try to catch up with our trips from last year. I have a lot of pictures and stories to share. I've been busy at work and the little time that I have left is to spend it with Emma and André. In 2013, exactly on November 20th, I broke my leg. I had to cancel our family trip to my hometown just one week before traveling. I got a refund in the form of travel vouchers valid for one year. We couldn't decide where to go during the year. At first, I was in crutches and recovering. After I got better André got surgery and had 6 weeks of recovery time. Time just flew last year: we just went back to our original travel plans. We would go to Cali, Colombia for 9 days. 

On thanksgiving day, we started our trip to Colombia. This was going to be Emma's first time there and my first time in over 3 years. I was excited and nervous. It didn't help that right after our vacation I was going to travel for work to the North East.  I literally had to catch a flight from Miami to Pennsylvania.  I had to take a suitcase full of work and winter clothes to Colombia and back to the U.S. 

The first issue we encountered on our way there was that I left Emma's diaper bag in the car. My sister took us to the airport with plenty of time. We got the bags out, the stroller, the kid and went to our gate. When we were putting everything through security, I realized what I had done. I forgot the diaper bag in the back seat. Emma's diaper bag was loaded with diapers, food, antibacterial wipes, regular wipes, 1 set of extra clothes, sweater, bottles, milk, sippy cup, toys and everything I wanted to have during the flight. We called my sister and she drove back to the airport. André went (ran) outside to pick it up. He made it in time to come back inside the gate before it was time to board. I really thought that I was going to have a panic attack. In the mean time I went to look for diapers inside the terminal. I found some but they only sell one size (4) and Emma is a size bigger (5). It was not a huge difference but soon after using the smaller size, her pants got wet. I was lucky to have the diaper bag with us again and our additional set of pants saved the day. I'm so relieved that we had time to spare that day. I don't think that we could have survived without her diaper bag. 

The second mistake I did that morning was that I forgot my iPad loaded with apps and movies for Emma at home. I wanted to charge it until the last second and as a result I completely forgot about it. Emma was addicted to YouTube and watching the wheels on the bus was her favorite past time. We were OK during the first flight which was only 30 minutes and at the airports because I had internet. However during the long flight, there was no wi-if available. We made it with books, coloring books and a few apps that I had in my phone. It was hard but we survived the 3 hour flight without an iPad. 

We finally took a break during our layover and had lunch and a Juan Valdez coffee. If I fly in or out of MIA's D concourse I have to have one. I had to buy souvenir pants for Emma because she got her second pair of pants wet and I had no dry clothes with us. It was a Minnie Mouse PJ with shorts instead of pants. Apparently when you can only find shorts in Miami. At least they we're dry. 

I tried to feed Emma some real food during the long travel day. I got her lunch and dinner at La Carreta, a Cuban restaurant located in MIA. Emma didn't want any of it and she just ate fruits and snacks. When we got to Cali our cousin had dinner ready for us. I had never seen Emma eat her dinner so well like she did that day. She was so happy there. She was excited to see motorcycles. I didn't even know that she knew how to say "moto". The first thing that I ate when we arrived at home was a granadilla. This fruit is sweet and is one of my favorites. A trip to Colombia is not complete without my daily granadilla. We went to bed after midnight exhausted and ready to relax for a few days. 

Salento, Colombia

For several years, I wanted to visit Salento. Not Salento, Italy; Salento, Quindio, Colombia. This is a small town in the middle of the Colombian coffee region located 3 hours away from Cali. It was isolated for a long time and as a result, the traditional architecture was preserved. We finally planned a short trip last December while we were in Cali. It took us almost 4 years to get there. Emma was amazing. She didn't cry or complained except almost at the end. We had to improvise her lunch making a quick stop on the road. Luckily, highways are very interesting in Colombia. You drive through the towns and there many things to look around. She got car sick and as a result we had to continue our trip with the windows down. That was all part of the "adventure". 

I fell in love with Salento and with the beautiful mountains around it. After living in Florida for 15 years, I get very excited to see mountains and green landscapes. We had the typical food lunch: trout and a huge green fried plantain. André loves his tostada as you can see below. 

The best part was having a Colombian coffee right in the middle of the mountains where it's produced. The coffee shop was antique and everyone makes you feel welcome. If you want to go, it's on the left side of the church if you are looking  at it from the town's main square or plaza. The barista has been the same for over 20 years and he has pictures to prove. 

Our hotel was only 2 blocks away from the Main Street (5th) and I would recommended it for anyone who wants to go. It's called Salento Real. It's a new building, but it was built to reflect the typical architecture. The rooms are small but comfortable, and the service was incredible. 

There are 3 big reasons to visit Salento and stay a few days: the town, the mirador (overlook) and visiting the Cocora Valley. I will share lots of pictures to share what we did in 2 days. It was enough time to see what we wanted to see, but sadly 4 hours each way is a long way to go and we were too exhausted. I would recommend staying for 2 nights instead of only one night. 

Hola from Cali, Colombia

I'm home. I should just say I'm in my home town. I feel sad to say this, but I feel out of place. Maybe the almost 15 years that I've been living in the US have changed me too much. I feel nostalgic when I say that I'm almost a foreigner in my own land. 

The first thing that we did "wrong" was to sit Emma without a car seat. The airport is outside of the City and the driving speed is higher. She was very excited to see motorcycles. They are everywhere. She is also excited to see taxis and buses. As soon as you drive within City limits, the publicity boards distract you from one add to the next. Ever since we got to the airport it has been like an sensory "explosion". This is something that I used to love and miss. Starting with the huge (single) line at immigration, the very little respect for personal space, the chaotic baggage claim and the welcome parties outside of customs. I really mean it when I say parties! I really thought that someone famous was on the plane. Adding to all of that, we now have a little girl to watch in addition to our bags. Our driver was waiting for us but we couldn't find him. It took us less than 5 minutes to find him but it was already a bit too much. I can just imagine what it would be like for someone who doesn't speak Spanish. 

So many things make me home sick for Colombia that it's hard to decide where my heart belongs. I love the way people treat you, my friends that I've known forever, the food, the tropical fruits, the music everywhere, the convenience of having everything you want delivered to your door, the mountains... I could go on and on. 

When I told Andre that I don't think I can live here again, he was relieved. Not long ago, we said that our goal was to move back to South America. We didn't say if it would be to Quito or Cali or Bogota but we were absolutely sure that we had to move back. Now, I'm not so sure we fit in. 

After this trip, I will have to think about how to balance the person I am today with the one that I want to be. Until that happens I have to say that my real home is where my family is. No matter where we live, as long as I am with them I feel complete. 

Anniversary No.3

Today is my third wedding anniversary. I can't believe that it was only 3 years ago. We have been through so much together that I feel like it has been longer. I am happy to say that our wedding day is still fresh in my memory. Our wedding was probably the best party and one of the best days of my life. Having our friends and family with us was priceless. I will be eternally grateful to all of those that came out of the comfort zone and traveled to Colombia. It really meant the world to us to see everyone dancing, drinking aguardiente and having fun. I wish we could do it again and have everyone travel. I really miss Colombia and my hometown of Cali. I haven't been there since we came back from our wedding. 

Happy anniversary my sweet André. You are the best husband and father I could ever ask for. I love you. We are planning a short trip to celebrate this day. Emma will start paying for a plane ticket in January and I want to take a couple trips before the end of the year to take advantage of her "infant" status. 

If you want to see some old posts about our destination wedding and honeymoon in Hawaii click here and here.

Photocredit: Efeunodos

Colombia: What to eat

It is not a secret that I'm always home sick. I've lived in the United States for 12 years and I still miss Colombia. I love both Countries, but I need to go home often. In the past years, I've trying to go less to Colombia and use my vacation days to travel to new places. However, I miss Colombian food, A LOT. I can get a few items in Tampa and there are several Colombian restaurants, but it is not the same.

Colombian food varies from region to region. In the Atlantic Coast, the typical dish is a fried red snapper with coconut rice and plantains. In Bogota is a soup called ajiaco. I always hated ajiaco, but everyone loves it. From Cali, my hometown, is a soup called Sancocho. In Medellin is a dish called bandeja paisa which is probably the largest meal that you will ever have.

Some of the food that you have to try if you ever go to Colombia include: 

Arepas: Corn flour based cakes. This is a breakfast staple in Colombia. It doesn't have a lot of flavor so don't eat it plain, add butter, salt, and cheese on top. 

Empanadas: Fried corn pastry filled with meat, potato, and vegetables. I like to add lime juice and some spicy sauce. Empanadas are popular all over South America. Each country has their own version. 

Tropical Fruit Juices: There are so many tropical fruits in Colombia that going to the market is always fun because of the variety. My favorite is Lulo a fruit that I can never find it in the United States. Lulo juice is amazing!!! If you go to Cali you need to try a lulada! I like luladas so much that I offered them in the cocktail hour of our wedding (with vodka). In Ecuador, the same fruit is called Naranjilla. Other fruits like maracuya (passion fruit), mandarina (tangerine), mora (blackberry), and mango are always good for juices. They can be made with water or milk. You always have to say "mora en leche" or "mora en agua" to get it the way that you want it. We also have the basic strawberry and orange but PLEASE try something different. 

Coffee: Make sure that you drink lots of coffee while you are in Colombia. We don't drink espresso. Have a tinto (black coffee) or a cafe con leche (coffee with milk). Good brands to bring back home are: Oma, Juan Valdez, Cafe Quindio. Look for the export quality coffees in the supermarket. The same brands sell cheaper ones that are for everyday coffee. They are all good, but if you are carrying it in your luggage get the BEST of the best. You can also buy coffee at the duty free.

Mango Biche:  This is my weakness. A mango biche is a mango that is not ripe yet. It is a little sour and if you add salt and lemon it makes it even better. There is a variety that is called manga which is not always available but I always ask. It is great to have it with aguardiente shots to take away the alcohol taste. Just like peanuts with a drink. I even had mango biche at our wedding. Mango biche is typical in Cali more than in other cities in Colombia.

Plantains: I'm a sweet plantain girl, but the green plantains are also delicious. This is very typical in Cali and the region close to Cali. We call them tostadas. You can eat them alone or put food on top or just some guacamole or sauce. They are thin, fried, crispy, and salty.

One big tostada and one happy husband

There are also several restaurants that you simply can't miss if you go to Colombia. Since I'm homesick I tend to go to the same places over and over. Nothing wrong with trying new places, but I never stay long enough to satisfy my cravings and also see all of the new/hip places. 

Crepes & Waffles: This is a chain restaurant that has great crepes (sweet and salty), waffles (I've never tried them), soups, salads, and huge ice creams for a great price. The fruit juices are very good here. I always order a chicken (pollo), mushroom (champinones), and cheese (queso) crepe and save room for a huge dessert. This has been my favorite restaurant since it openened many years ago. I was lucky to also visit this place in Quito last year. http://crepesywaffles.com/websiteftp/col/espa/

Juan Valdez: Best coffee shops in the world. They are in many Cities in Colombia and around the world. This is the Colombian version of starbucks! http://www.juanvaldez.com/

Juan Valdez, Parque del Cafe, Armenia

Juan Valdez fan! :)

Hamburguesas El Corral: These are the best hamburguers. I never eat a hamburguer except if it is from El Corral. There are everywhere in Colombia and at most malls food courts. http://www.elcorral.com/

Karens Pizza: This was my favorite pizza place growing up and it still is. The crust is thin, the mozzarella cheese is delicious. I always get the ham and cheese pizza very simple but I love it. The samba and petete combinations are also delicious! This is a chain from Cali, but they have 1 restaurant open in Bogota close to Parque de la 93. They deliver if you are staying close from there. 

http://www.karenspizza.net/

Everybody loves Karen's pizza

Ventolini: The best ice cream with brownie that I've ever had is here. This ice cream shop is originally from Cali, but many Cities in Colombia have a Ventolini.

El Arca: Calle 118 #5-03. This is what we call a fusion food restaurant. All dishes are made with a plantain base. I love all of the sweet plantain combinations. Located in Usaquen and if you go on the weekend there is always a long line. Order aborrajados as appetizers, they are made with sweet plantain and cheese. This restaurant is originally from Cali but they have one in Bogota in Usaquen. 

Since most people that go to Colombia, go to Bogota I included in this post some of the places that you can't miss if you ever visit this wonderful City. 

Andres Carne de Res This famous restaurant is located outside of Bogota in the town of Chia. It is a restaurant and also a night club. The decor is extravagant and fun. This place is very popular and it is  ALWAYS packed. Make a reservation or you could wait hours for a table at lunch or never get one a night since most people stay to dance. The transportation to/from Andres can be a challenge for those without a car. Getting there in a taxi is possible but getting out of there will definitely be a challenge. I would recommend that tourist stay in the City and visit Andres D.C. (details below). Phone number: 863-7880 http://www.andrescarnederes.com/

Andres Carne de Res, Chia

Andres D.C.  Calle 82 # 11 - 57 This one is from the same owner as the original Andres. Andres D.C. is located right next to la T and it is part of El retiro shopping mall. It has 5 floors divided into names: hell, purgatory, and heaven. When making a reservation ask for a table in heaven (rooftop) or hell (basement). The menu is huge and everything I've ordered is good. There are a lot of typical colombian dishes in the menu and they are know for their steaks. It is pricey, but it is worth visiting. Foreigner visitors get a special welcome. Make sure that you mention this to your server. A reservation is needed to eat or party here. Try to get there around 7:00 PM to have dinner, and keep the table for partying. The custom when partying is to have a table and order a bottle instead of buying drinks at the bar. Buy a bottle of aguardiente (local alcohol) and dance the night away. Order a Mandarino = vodka with frappe tangerine juice! BEST COCKTAIL EVER.  Reservations number: 863-7880.

Honores de la Casa - for foreigners

Aguardiente Shots!!!

Andres DC 

Outside Andres DC

Bogota Beer Company (BBC): I'm not a beer drinker, but I like to seat in the outdoor tables of the Usaquen, Parque de la 93, and Zona T locations. http://www.bogotabeercompany.com/

After writing this post, I am really homesick and craving every single thing from this list. There are MANY other delicious (and not so delicious) things to try in Colombia. If you ever watched the "No Reservations" episode in Colombia you know what I'm talking about. Anthony is too brave and I can't recommend everything that he had in Colombia. Most foreigners love Colombian food. It is not spicy and we love our carbs! Expect to see at least 2 or 3 in everything that you order.

The Wedding Day - La Hora Loca

One of the main reasons to have the wedding in Colombia was LA HORA LOCA, the crazy hour. This is when a surprise arrives to the party and makes everyone get off their chairs and dance. This the part of the party when you get to meet the other guests. I went to a wedding a few years ago where they had a Carnaval de Barranquilla theme and it was AMAZING!!! They had a live band, about 10 dancers, and it was a great show. I tried doing the same, but aparently it is "out of style" to do the carnival. It was very difficult to find someone that was still doing the Carnival. 

I found a dance academy that recommended that we did a Cali/Salsa themed show. I agreed since I LOVE salsa and Cali is the capital of salsa dancing. It was perfect since most of the guests were from somewhere else. They brought a CD with an hour of music, and got the party that was already good even better. The following pictures were taken by our wedding photgraphers, Valeria and Juan Felipe from efeunodos. They left right after the hora loca arrived. 

I got a lot of masks, glasses, and hats to give to the guests. I got things everywhere, party city, target, and the best place was an online store Oriental Trading.

Andre thought he was a rock star!!!

Here is a video that my mom did of the dancers. It is a little hard to see because the lights were out, but you can see their amazing jumps and salsa steps.

I also got some great shots from my mom, my cousins, my friend Ana, and Andre's brother cameras.

Salsa Dancers

The priest stayed for the party

My dad with one of the dancers

The waiter getting hugs!!

in-laws having a good time

After the show, we had a soup that helped all of us feel better and sober up. Giving soups to drunks guests is something that is used when parties last all night long. It really helps to sober up. The live band played a last set of 45 minutes, and this was when the party started to end. We left at 2:00 AM after about 6 hours of dancing.

Soup time

Soup time at the end of the party

This is the best after a night of heavy drinking