January: Started off the year with dear new friends watching fireworks explode all around me from a rooftop. Started off the year with four months under my belt living in a brand new country. Finished up a two week intensive Spanish immersion course. Made my way to my dream destination, Rio de Janeiro where I … Continue reading A Year I Will Never Forget – 2018
Colombia
Days 11-13: Back to Bogota
I decided I was done with buses and done with hostels for the moment. I checked my budget and figured I could swing a plane ticket from Pereira to Bogota AND a swanky hostel. My tummy still wasn't 100% and I just wanted a few days to recover a bit. La Serrana has a fabulous … Continue reading Days 11-13: Back to Bogota
Day 10 – Salento
Catie and I made a plan to get up fairly early and make our way to the Cocora Valley to hike to the wax palms, the national tree of Colombia. I got up a little later than I anticipated, while Catie met a new friend at breakfast. Our duo quickly became a trio. Catie, Heather, … Continue reading Day 10 – Salento
Days 9 – Salento’s Coffee
My favorite place in Colombia was definitely Salento. Even though it took an entire day to get there and I wasn't feeling very well, Salento really stole my heart. Nestled between Medellin and Bogota, the coffee district is becoming more and more popular with tourists. The mountain view is simply stunning, and there are plenty … Continue reading Days 9 – Salento’s Coffee
Day 8: Travel from Hell (Bogota to Salento)
I had a super early flight from Cartagena to Bogota. I was trying to decide which place to go – San Gil or Salento so Bogota was a better place from which to decide. San Gil was more adventurous, but I really wanted to see the coffee region. As soon as I got into Bogota, … Continue reading Day 8: Travel from Hell (Bogota to Salento)
Day 7 – Cartagena and the Rosario Islands
Rosario Islands So remember that 3am stumbling home to bed part? Probably not the best idea. I had a 5:30am wake-up call at the hostel because I had signed up to tour the Rosario Islands. I got my tired and still slightly drunk ass out of bed, put on my swimsuit and grabbed the sack … Continue reading Day 7 – Cartagena and the Rosario Islands
Day 6: Cartagena
I love a good beach town, and Cartagena did not disappoint. Although criticized for being too touristy, Cartagena is worthy of a trip when traveling through Colombia. But fair warning: you will fall in love with the place. Walking Tours: Every major Colombian city has free walking tours. They highlight the main attractions while providing … Continue reading Day 6: Cartagena
Day 5: Medellin to Cartagena
I woke up really excited. Today was the final for the world cup: France vs. Croatia. Although my friend's love of the underdog win ran through my head for a bit, making Croatia appealing, I was going for France. I was going to watch the game with the Swed at some random bar, but I … Continue reading Day 5: Medellin to Cartagena
Day 4: Medellin
Day I don’t sleep well on vacation. It’s strange, but my already terrible sleep habits become even more exaggerated when I am not in my own bed and instead enduring bunkbeds in a hot and stuffy room. I arose at the crack of dawn. I’m sure the 20 somethings already hate my guts because I … Continue reading Day 4: Medellin
Day 3: Medellin
Night I arrived in Medellin at around 8:00 at night. The flight from Bogota is super short. In fact, if you have some time in Colombia, I recommend taking a bus to Medellin instead. It is super economical and you can do an overnight easily. I was on Vivia Colombia. It was a super cheap … Continue reading Day 3: Medellin
Teach Abroad Coyle 