Sometimes, life is just full of delicious surprises. For instance, I fell off a mountain one weekend in August, broke my right ankle and put me out of commission for months.
But… one day, I realized things do happen for a reason. I’ve always wanted to travel the world, write and photograph different cultures in a foreign land and the timing was perfect.
Three months after the accident, I made a personal commitment by downsizing and preparing for the journey.
On New Year’s Day 2013, while lying on the beach in Costa Rica sipping on a rum cocktail in a real coconut with a paper umbrella and writing stories, I’ll think of you-promise.
Zipaquira is an old salt mine that houses a Catholic church nearly 600 feet beneath the surface of the Earth. Considered one of the greatest achievements in Colombian architecture, a sight to behold and well worth the visit.
Zipaquira Salt MineZipaquira Salt Mine
Next stop-Jaime Duque Park. This park is nestled in a small valley outside Bogota with a zoo, amusement park and many sculptures depicting Colombian, Greek and French architecture.
Jaime Duque ParkThe World In Our Hand
I would highly recommend both of these places as points of interest in your next travel to Colombia.
Villa de Leyva is a quaint Colombian town 3 – 1/2 hours from Bogota. The drive to Villa de Leyva was spectacular, as I meandered through smaller towns and in and out of the mountains to reach the destination. The fresh fruit and veggies, bakeries, artist shops, restaurants, desert excursions in search of fossils, the stone streets, clay tile roofs and white washed stucco exteriors is just enough to say: “I want to visit again and again.”
Fresh fruits and veggies
For two days, I was the only gringo in site. On the 2nd day, the Colombian Army was on patrol. Their mission: To put an end to kidnapping, terrorism and extortion in the Country of Colombia. The military encountered were very friendly and as they walked away, I just stood there-wow. Now, although their presence may fear some, this a normal practice in Colombia. The local police are also a big part of giving people a sense of “protection” in Colombia. As we drove for days on end throughout this beautiful and passionate country, there were many police and military just standing on the sides of the roads with their weapons and waving as we passed them by.
Colombian Army On Patrol For Kidnappers, Terrorists And Extortionist
On to another Colombian city…
The food in Colombia is just hard to beat. During this visit to Villa de Leyva, there were several bakeries serving fresh-baked goods that contained chocolate and again – I did not want to leave.
