Colombia was the last stop on our round-the-world adventure, and it did not disappoint. Jen’s friend, Anne, met us in Bogota, and we were all amazed by the modern and colonial parts of the city surrounded by a pretty mountain. The financial district where we stayed even felt a little like Washington, D.C.! We spent a few days at the museums around town, and poking into a few emerald shops along the way. Best of all, Colombia was inexpensive – a nice treat on our budget after costly Brazil.
Next, we flew to touristy but picturesque Cartagena. We loved wandering the colorful streets and old city walls, as well as the fun nightlife in the old city. We also got out of town to see the turquoise waters of Playa Blanca and the beautiful fish in the coral reef near the Rosario Islands. To get there, however, we had to brave a boat ride which involved flying five feet airborne over some rather large waves for about an hour straight, making us wonder we had gotten ourselves into. All a part of the adventure.
Sadly, Anne had to head back to work, so Jon and Jen finished the 9 1/2 month journey on the beaches east of Cartagena. First, we stopped at a surf camp called Costeno Beach, with miles of quiet beach, delicious communal dinners, and a chilled-out vibe. Jon was ecstatic to be able to surf, skateboard, and slack line every day. We spent our days in the hammocks while the waves and the hours rolled on by.
Our final beach stop was a camping trip in Tayrona National Park, where we hiked in to gorgeous turquoise water and big rocks on the shore line. If we didn’t already think we were in paradise, the sand in Tayrona even sparkles with fools gold!
Our very last stop on our trip was a visit with Jon’s college friend, Eric, and his beautiful wife, Kristin, in Baranquilla. They were wonderful hosts and we loved meeting their cute family and eating some great meals with them.
Sadly for Jon and Jen, our journey has come to an end, and we have returned to Denver. We will post one last post with some favorites.
ROUNDABOUT 