Viva Colombia!

So early Saturday morning, I took off out of the fog and headed east. After two connections, customs, passport checks, and mas, I arrived in Medellin, Colombia. The city is built into several mountains in a valley. The major airport is on the other side of the mountain, so you get into a vehicle and then start this long trek up a hill for several miles before emerging into a large sea of lights from all sides of the valley.

I have spent the last two days registering for a Spanish class and getting acclimated to the city. It definitely takes some getting used to. The area of the city where I am staying is undergoing a huge amount of construction and there are cabs, buses, motor scooters, vendors, and people everywhere. It all makes for one big exciting mess. Also similar to San Francisco, even if a street appears to be a direct shot to where you are headed on a map, it does not take into account the hill in the way.

The Colombian people are quite friendly, incredibly good looking, and speak this beautiful amazing Spanish that is close to perfection. When I am speaking with my Mexican friends, I usually understand between 50-70% of what they are saying. With Colombians, that number jumps to at least 80% if not more. The weather here is gorgeous as well. Thus far, I am having a terrific time and the dollar goes a long way here. The food is amazing too; I had a cornmeal pancake type thing this morning hot off the grill and slathered in butter from a street vendor. It was almost the best thing I have ever tasted. It must have had 1000 calories in it, but who really cares? With a cafe con leche to top it off, I was raring to go.

That is the end of my first report from Colombia. I promise a bunch of pictures and future updates soon.

Cuidate.